Hi, all. I hope everyone is having a good start to the new year. It is winter, so I am hoping people feel like talking bikes while they wait for riding season! I am looking for some real-world experience with some trail bikes. A few medical issues have kept me off the trails for a number of years, but now I want to work my way back in. With a few attempts this summer, I quickly realized that my confidence has really dropped and I need to build my skills back up. First, I was thinking a green-plated bike, but I have gone that route in the past and quickly learned that not being permitted to use various road allowances took some of the fun away. I know I could spend all day in the Ganny (I am in Lindsay, so this is close by), but I want to attend a few events as well and a blue-plate is needed for many. The issue is that I have a 30” inseam (groan). I normally don’t mind having just the balls of my feet touching, but I would rather a bit lower than that while I am trying to get back into riding (to avoid those slow-speed falls that seem to happen to me quite often). I weight about 225 lbs without gear, but I am working on bring that value down. Do you think an XT250 would do the trick? I know it is fairly heavy, but it is lower than most DS bikes and sounds to be mild mannered. Am I too heavy for that bike? I am not an aggressive rider, and I prefer tractoring around as compared to going fast in the trails. I won’t be using it on the highway, as I have a Vstrom 650 for that. Any other trail bikes that may fit what I am looking for? I know a 250 may get a bit boring after some time, but I am not looking for a “forever” bike. I have two kids starting university in the Fall, so the toy budget needs to be sacrificed. A European bike may come after the education bills have been paid! I just want to get back out there without scaring myself too badly and then upgrade as needed. Thank you kindly for your ideas and help.
09+ KLX 250. Cheaper than an XT250 used and 10 times the bike. The 09+ is shorter than the previous gen. I have the same inseam as you and it fits me just fine. The H0nda 250 will probably fit you too but it's not nearly as good a bike as the Kawi and more expensive.
The Honda CRF 250L might appeal to you. It's lower than the other big 3 Japanese 250 dual sports, it's the least expensive and it's powerband is just right for tractoring. I've been riding 250 dual sports (Super Sherpa, Husky TE, WR250R) since I started riding about 10 years ago and I've never gotten bored. But I'm no racer, I just like exploring!
Or, you could purchase one of the street legal dirt bikes from KTM, Husky, or Beta and have it lowered. I have went the lowering route on my last six new motorcycles since 2007. I have had this done by Joe Skidd, Trenton and Robby Lang, London, but many other suspension shops in Ontario can do the job properly. Closest to you might be John Sharrard at Accellerated Technologies. Lowering a motorcycle not only makes it easier to reach the ground but more importantly, it lowers the CG and makes it so much easier to recover from those 'Oh ****' moments when a motorcycle is leaned too far off-center. Warren T.
I thought I heard that some of the 2009 KLX250s (and maybe later) had some issues with the fuel injection. Probably not a huge issue and fixable if I am remember correctly. Certainly something to keep an eye open for in the classifieds. "Exploring" would best fit my riding style as well. I just like getting out there, and don't want to be struggling. I used to have lots of fun on my KLR, but struggle I did! The Honda is certainly a contender. Maybe it will end up being whichever is available and a good deal. Trust me, that would be the route I would go with if I could afford it. If I can grab a used bike for about $3500 or less, it would be ideal. Again, my twins going to university this fall has made me rethink the way I spend money. Stupid education! Thanks for the suggestions. They are much appreciated.
The klx250 just got its fuel injection in 2018. I think if you stick to a used Wr250r, Crf250l or the klx250 you will be satisfied for a few years. You will not lose much on the bike either when you turn around to sell it. I had the opportunity to use a Crf250l a couple years ago and managed to put over 1000 km on the bike. I really liked it ... so much that I acquired one recently. I think the 250 class bike is really all you need. Power is fun, but I find that the ride can be just as much fun without the power.
Ah, I am obviously thinking of a different bike, Kevin. My bad. I do think I would be happy with the 250 at this point. Who knows about the future, but I have to concentrate on the now. The sad thing is that I had picked up a 2007 KLX250 a few years back, but I wasn't able to ride due to my arm issues. Funny how things work. Basically, I will keep an eye out for a half decent used 250. I think a good deal of any flavour would do the trick as I get back into it. It is the little 2 stroke bike that you used when we did the P to D (seems so many years ago now) that keeps me thinking about a smaller bike. I was envious of you when I was trying to push my way through all the mud while on my KLR! Good times! Thanks for the help.
I bought my 2010 KLX 250 brand new, I'm still riding it today and I still enjoy it just as much. I'm over 200 pounds and with minor modifications (gearing, filter and jet kit, and knobbies) it has gone everywhere I've ever asked it to. I've had about 11,000 kilometers on it relatively trouble free.
Did you need to re-spring it, Dean? I don't intend to make it an MX bike, but I don't want to compress my spine when I hit bumps either!
I never re sprung it, I had to wind up the rear spring. The front is a bit mushy but I'm no superstar rider so it works for me. I've only bottomed it out a couple times. I find it more annoying on the street because it dives a lot on hard stops.
I had a similar internal debate a couple of years ago. Small kids= small toy budget. I have been really happy with my 07 klx. I bought it with a 300 top end , pumper carb and exhaust already on it. It's no rocket ship but I have fun with it. I may be wrong but I think that the klx is the easiest and cheapest of the 250 group to get any power upgrades for it if you choose to go that route down the road. I use mine for everything from multiple day rides to playing in single track. Great little bike!
Yes, I like the aftermarket support and the mods that are available. Lots of people with the successful 351 upgrade as well.
Although tempting, I think I would be better off sticking with electric start for now. Is yours the S or off-road model?
Total understand, the e start is the way to go. Its the off road edition in perfect condition. Good luck with your search. Jeff
Thanks for the offer, Jeff. If my youngest was a bit taller, I may have considered it (he is young and can kick all day!). Good luck with the sale. It shouldn't take you too long to get some bites on it.
Thanks, it's all good. I am under no pressure to sell it, no one rides it kinda a shame it's a good old bush tank.lol
You're not wrong. It's the easy button in the 250 category and the suspension is miles better than the Honda.
I will be keeping an eye out for a KLX, but certainly won't say "no" if I see a good deal on something else such as the Honda. A number of bikes can be currently found on kijiji, but I am not sure if they are good deals. It seems that $3000 seems to be an average to low price on bikes that are 8 to 10 years old. Seems a bit high when comparing to the price new, but I guess that is what they are going for. Anyway, I will keep an eye out and see what comes up. Thanks again for all the comments. It is much appreciated. Peter
Be patient. I think I paid around $3200 for mine and it had a good bit of work done to it. I find that Kijiji has raised the prices of used bikes slowly over the last couple of years. Be patient there are deals out there to be had!