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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ม.ค. 2014
- What's better for me, a 650 or a 200? KLR, DRZ, or XT? I get asked these questions all the time. The size and weight of a bike matters far more than power to intermediate trail riders like myself when it comes to riding on or off road. It goes without saying that a larger bike means more stability on the highway, and a smaller bike will be a lot more manageable on the dirt. The most important thing is to find the ratio of road-to-dirt that you plan on doing, and get a bike that most closely fits that ratio.
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I'm a backpacker/camper and have been recently interested in dual sport (again) despite having not ridden a day in my life. However, I just wanted to say thank you for picking up the trash. My buddy and I do the same thing when we go backpacking through the woods and we hike out any trash we find. We're always like, "Damn kids!", but I'm sure it's adults too.
I'm 70 yrs old and 225 lbs these days. A couple years ago I was touring the Andes and Amazon in Ecuador on a KLR 650. It was great on the highways and ALMOST ok on 500 yr old rutted and sunken oxcart and llama trails. But the kicker was dropping the bike with the 5.8 gallon tank completely full and about 75 lbs of gear tied on the rear. I couldn't get it back up until a 16 yr old kid from the village came out and helped. My rule now is under 300 lbs street legal for off road bikes. WR250, WR450, CRF450 are all good.
Yes it is great to have a light bike for riding off-road :) I did love my old WR450F but every ride I tried on small gravel roads I was thinking this is to big, heavy and to much power to quick. Was considering a 300 2 stroke or 250 4 stroke. After trying a 2017 KTM 300 2 stoke and found it lacking in power compared to my old WR450 I ended up with a brand new 2019 KTM 500 EXC F and I did not regret that this far, the urge for a smaller bike is now gone :) The KTM 500 feels more like a 250 2 stroke but it has much more power, but the power is much more easy to control then on my old WR450 and it is 6kg lighter :) Only problem is the service intervals, but I don`t ride much so I can manage but for someone riding long trips it might be a problem...
Here in Norway KTMs in general cost less then the Japanese bikes. Also the EXC 500 F cost 30% less then the Yamaha WR450F here because of less tax for getting plates on it (KTM have only 1/3rd of full HP if you don`t remove the restrictions they come with and that makes for much less to pay tax here).
I’m looking at the Yamaha TW 200, and adding a single wheel trailer on the back of it for my gear. I don’t need a rocket out the gate to get me somewhere anymore. All I need is, a light smooth riding bike to get me there... eventually.
10/10 for picking up the litter! Much respect for something you didn't have to do..
When the video is at 5:30, thank you for doing that you maybe realize the impact that one bottle of fluid makes
John Smith Thanks man. I figure if everybody picked up a tiny bit of trash when out on the trail, a whole lot of cleaning could be done. th-cam.com/video/zFAMaXnw83k/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for picking up that bottle !!! To keep our world beautiful, is such a gift...
I remember watching this vid when you posted it, and it contributed heavily to my recent purchase of a shiny new CRF250L. It may be considered heavy for a 250 dual sport, but you're right - it's so easy to ride, and compared to my 800GS it's a mountain bike lol.
I'm about to go on a long offroad trip with some young super-fit guys, and maybe it will help me keep up! Or at least not have to turn around and go back like last time - that sucked for everybody. Just wanted to thank you for the advice, people really do listen to your opinions.
Peter Jowett Thanks Peter! Yeah you said it so well... smaller bikes really do feel like mountain bikes compared to the big hosses. It's like cheating! :D
Thank you.
I've been saying that very same thing for years.....and being 80 dirt and 20 street myself....love the light bikes.
EveRide thanks so much for your videos. You were the first motovlogger I stumbled upon and have since started watching others. But yours are by far my favorite. I like that you're just an everyday guy, a family man and humble. Also thanks so much for keeping the trails clean. I hate how some people trash our lands. We need to keep them pristine.
Ditto that Bro!
xt250 is a great bike. Light n nimble....
5:49... Tdub shout out! 😁 love it!
Recently picked one up... they are so much damn fun
Thanks for the advice. I really appreciate you picking up the litter too. Most people would have just left it there.
Another great video.
Thanks for putting out content thats fun to watch & easy to listen to.
One of the most informative videos thanks
Hey. Thank you. That was really meaningful advice. Cheers.
+balisticsquirel Thanks! Glad it may have helped :)
so glad you mentioned the tw200. i love mine!
I was going between a DRZ 400 S or a TW200 but I want to do some crazy steep trails and tight slow twisty stuff. I pick up my TW200 tomorrow. I think I made the right choice after sitting on one at the dealership the other day. Those other bikes are so freaking huge and tall. As my first bike the TW is less intimidating.
I have been riding my TW200 for 25 years. Most dependable bike I have ever owned. Goes anywhere. Except down the roads around here where 65mph is required.
Thanks! You just helped me decide which bike to get. A 104 kilo KTM 250 XCF-W.
Did you get that bike and are you happy with it? I Have a 2019 KTM 500 EXC F myself and it is only a few kg more heavy and I love that gentle beast :) The KTM 500 feel much lighter then my old Yamaha WR450F and has more power that is much more easy to control then on the WR450F that used to stall very often, the KTM have not stalled even once yet :)
Tyler this helped me out the most. Thank you.
I have a 2008 yamaha xt 250 and it's a cool bike for me. The only thing I would change is the low gearing for off road use. But I got a smaller tooth sprocket for the front and that's supposed to give the bike more torque than the normal sprocket. Other than that great bike for a dual sport
jamen brooks Ah yes the XT250 was a top contender in my buying choices a little while back. Those bikes are bulletproof!
nice video!!! and it helped me out a lot... also thanks from cleaning up after other so we still have trails to use in the future.
Well said and sweet little trail. Ride safe.
Man, I am lovin' the new intro!! Awesome stuff eveRide :D Love the trail clean up too!! I bet that little 230 is a blast to ride! I would def like to try that trail, it loos fun :D
I am just waiting for that phone call that says, "Hey Ty, I'm in Utah and ready to ride!" We're only a state away, bruddah!
I got a CRF250L because I am holder! Love it! Will fix what I broke today tomorrow and keep on riding!
one thing I have learned from my trials riding days is that momentum is everything. I use this to my advantage when dualsporting. Carry some speed people! also stand up on the pegs and squeeze the bike with your thighs when ring through the tough stuff. Use your knees as suspension. Dont be afraid to let the bike move around underneath you.
jeff ferguson YES! Excellent tips! I tend to be very "loose kneed" when I ride, and when I remember to get my knees onto the tank things get much better. :)
So True! You are right on the money. I love the Intro btw.
Enjoyed the vid thumbs up for leaving the trail cleaner then you left it !
Nice video! I hope the kickstarter is going well, liked and shared! glad you still got this awesome outro. Don't ever change that!
Whaddoyou mean we not gonna do the show no mo? ;)
Could you do more videos ADV riding with guys, who own bigger ADV bikes like the Africa twin, KTM 1190, and FG800? It'd be great to see how those bikes handle these great trails you're always riding.
I 100% agree with your statement in your vid. Im an older guy (42) and i went with the WR250R because i want a bike that is street legal and super agile in the dirt.
very sage advice, o learned one. i kneel at the fount of your knowledge!
Pffff.... I've been doing it the wrong way for so long, when I started doing things the right way the difference was so huge! I'm still a noob and you know it! Are you gonna do some tips videos soon? You would have a rapt audience. I've got your latest all queued up and ready to go... just gotta wait for lunch break :)
Thank you! Very good explanation. I bought a CRF250L in May of this year. Been watching your videos, and training. Really wanting to hit the dirt and the road a lot more. Then last Wednesday, my bike got stolen.... Sooo, now I'm waiting to see if it gets recovered or if I need to buy something else, or get another 250L. It is a little weak for street, and a tad heavy off road, but a load of fun!!
Thank you for picking that up.
Absolutely agree, my friend has traded his dr650 for a drz250 to use off road on farm rides, but is also considering a new T7 for touring with shingle road and limited off road capability
I agree, I share the same opinion on bike size. good video!! I just picked up a China 250 Enduro for 90% trail riding. . added to my collection of bikes.
+William Chuisano Awesome! You'll have to let me know how that stuff goes!
Will do, It IS Chinese, but it's OK. I have a build and review on my MotoCheez youtube account if you're interested.
thanks for this man i will be geting a 250 enduro bike soon
Very informative, really good job of explaining this!
Thanks! Other videos like this will be upcoming. Hopefully they are helpful as well.
My favorite bike was a bmw gs650 i had which i wish i never sold.... but at this moment all i got is a little chinese Aprissa all land 150cc. I drive her too work and back daily, on n off curbs, plus trail riding.. and im really starting too love this little bike.
Amazing to see that scenery, greetings from the UK!
Thanks! Hopefully someday I'll get over there to see all the beauty in the Kingdom.
eveRide You're welcome to come, but I'm not sure we can match that landscape!
Nice video and info. Makes me want to go riding, right now! Anyway, I agree with you here. When I was in Silverton, Co., we rode up engineer's pass. I have a DRZ400S, which, by the way, is an awesome bike! When we reached the last steep up hill pull, I watched a guy on an old XR200, similar to the one you're on, go straight up that stuff, no problem. And we are talking serious altitude, right at 14k feet. That little bike was amazing how well it took that super steep hill with loose rocks. Of course, my DRZ did it too, without any drama. The next day we rode (on the highways) to Buena Vista, Co. and rode Antero trail, another fantastic climb to over 14k. But, it is a lot more rugged than Engineer's pass. Once again, the DRZ took it in stride with no issues whatsoever.
i get asked this all the time too .... ill be sure to send em your way .... great explanation.
It's funny how people think that it's about power, when for beginner or intermediate riders I think it's more about weight. These trails would be cupcakes on a Trail 50 :D
eveRide the trail rides i did this fall on the crf250l's was perfect .... it would be a pain in the ass on my dr650.
eveRide see for me i have never riden a motorcycle or dirt bike but ive been doin my research and im like at 98% goin for a yamaha wr250r see like i say i dont need a bike that can go 200mph all i really need is a bike that i can use to go places hence the 70mpg but i also want one that i can take off road and have fun and another thing is i never worked on a moto so another reason y the yamaha is a great fit for me is i dont have to modifie it and ive been watching alot of youtube vids like ++ab and ridevictoria and they both love there yamahas idk from the research that i done the yamaha fits me best :) but i do like the vids and ty for the information bc im 5'11" and i weigh 250lbs
Nice video! One of the issues with smaller bikes like the KLX 250 and CRF 250 L is the tank capacity. While they may brag of 80 mpg plus, on even relatively short hauls on the freeways, I have never experienced anything near this. A buzzing small bike eats fuel. One of the best bikes I have owned, I live in Vietnam at the moment, was a pretty clapped out Sherpa 250 with a modified pipe. I managed to get a 4 gallon tank on it and this was a key to happiness. Low, easy to ride, no need for traction control as I could barely get the thing to spin the wheel and it had a great range. It reminded me of the Yamaha YBR 125 I rode in the Andes in Peru. When I was there, I kept running in to the same guys at different hostels on the way and a couple of them, a novice on a heavily modified KLR 650 and another on a big KTM said that I was like a bad penny... And, the fact that I have a lot of experience, including motocross racing, allowed me to ring out the little guy in places where caution was their word. (Not saying I am fast but I am good enough to get the most out of a smaller steed but not that competent that I could say the same thing were I to ride a big beemer or KTM.) Sure, there were times I wished I was on a light and fast MXer and, truth be told, I probably wouldn't be here to tell the tale were that wish to have become true. And...I did not envy the folks on the big bikes. They seemed very impressive while they were parked at some of the biker hostels but I couldn't be bothered. My racing days are well in the past. I like cruising from place to place and enjoying the scenery.
you inspired me to finalize a trade for a Yamaha ttr250. thanks for the kick ass videos!
good y on you for picking up the litter! light bikes rock. i have a ag100 among others and it can definitely get easily to places that my bigger big take much more work… but comfortable, jumpable, road capable its not although its factory with lights and blinkers. its a issue of horses for courses, and jockeys. cheers great vid.
Wow, 6 years! SO, I had a Triumph Tiger 1200 ADV bike for a while. Great bike for highway and maybe some fire roads. The dirt biker in me did get me into trouble trying to find adventure way off the highway and I ended up dropping the bike a couple times. A 500lb bike is no fun to lift...especially when solo a ways off the beaten path. So, I am now on a Husky 701 Enduro. WOW...what a BIKE! It is 'heavy' enough and powerful enough to get me down the highway comfortably. It is also pretty dang good on the trails. So, it is exactly what I wanted. A bike that can get me down the road to explore those jeep trails that are disappear into the Colorado Rocky Mtns.
YOu're a very kind person. Good luck on future rides. May the force be with you hahaah
Beautiful video man, thanks! I'm thinking of doing 90 road/ 10 off-road and I'm a shorter rider 5'5" so the honda cb500x is the right one for me. I was stuck between that bike and the yamaha xt250
I ride a KLX250s and it's just great, small, flicks around corners and is wonderful for off road plus it can hit 70(mph) in good time.
My son had moved up to a CRF230 from a TTR125le and he could never get used to it but he was kind of too big for the 125 and too small for the 230. I say on the dirt low end grunt , light weight, good suspension, and low seat height are all evenly important. That is why I went for the KLX351s. I have had the 640e, DRZ400s, CRF230, WR250r, WR250f, 400exc, and 450exc. I like the KLX351 best!
So true there, sir! I think everybody has their ideal bike... and there's no problem in going through a few of them to find what works for you. Nothing like a great ride on a bike that seems tailor made for you! :)
I have a Honda CRF 230F nicknamed "The Goat" because I have been able to go over obstacles in single track that other much more powerful bikes had issues with. It's not flashy or fast but it's easy to ride.
Legend mate definitely helped me make that choice
I just got a 2016 Yamaha xt250 and I cruise nicely at 60-65 on the freeway with power to spare. I'm mostly lane splitting traffic so its the perfect bike for me for those rush hours
+Michael Reyes Everyone overlooks the XTs but they are a very nice enduro style bike! I have a '92 XT350 and that thing has no problem in the dirt or the highway!
+Octometh true! I wonder why? maybe cuz they only make 250 now? I wish they made a 350 still but I'm loving my 250! averaging 74 MPGs too :)
Michael Reyes Yeah!
I think the WR250R tends to overshadow it. I have a '15 XT250 and I love it!
The WR250R is a good choice too for more off-road work and I would also suggest for those who really want trails and minimal highway, a 2008 or newer KTM 450EXC. Neither of those bikes are really in the DCAM category, but very good options.
If I had the means and wasn't blessed with the Widow, I'd be saving for a 250R for sure.
thanks for the info
i need to get one soon
I really enjoyed this one.
Excellent video! I might just go with a little XT-225....
Great video!
wr250r 2016 model is a good all rounder a little bit tall but pretty balanced for stock.
Nice new intro!
A crf, no matter how economical, is going to be pretty ordinary on the highway. But you're spot on. Get a bike to suit its intended use.
Man I'm tempted to ride the CRF to work with the mileage it gets. I don't have to get on any freeways, just 35-45mph speed limits.
Thanks for picking up the litter! Wished more people would.
davi200 Yeah man a big motorcycling can make a big difference when it comes to cleaning up the trails. o#o Clean, Beautiful, and Open for Adventure [mv]{
This actually helps me a lot! I currently ride a 2012 yamaha FZ6R and love the street. But I started riding motorcycles when I was 10, on a little yamaha YZ80. I loved riding dirtbikes and I wanted to get back on one but still ride it on the street if I wanted to. Several friends say I should go bigger with the KLR but I live in southern California, and I'm very close a very Hilly and mountainous area. I figured something along the lines of a WR 250 or 450. Now I am very rusty at riding dirtbikes seeing how it's been about 8 years since I took a trail with some old family friends. I was thinking I'd do about 50/50 and this answered my question perfectly. Thank you much good sir for this video!
Ah man glad to help! Yeah the KLR is a fantastic bike, but may be a bit too big for jamming through the hills. I am a huge fan of the Yamaha bikes, and will probably end up with a 250r someday. I enjoy the power of a bigger bike, but being able to whip a bike around on a trail is a great feeling :)
All I know is once I do get myself one of those bikes, It'll be whipping my butt into shape! Watching your videos makes me breathe heavily!
***** Yeah it's a lot of exercise, that's for sure. I'm just learning some tips to make the bike do a little more of the works so I can ride more. I used to get exhausted and now I can go for a bit longer. It's interesting to see what a few positioning techniques can do to make it a less tiresome ride. Even so, it's the best kind of workout!
I agree! I remember tearing up hills and valleys with friends and being exhausted as a teenager. I can only imagine how much I'll get beat up after being off the dirt for a good 8-9 years!
eveRide ADV That would make an interesting video - demo the tips you've learned to ride smarter :)
Anyone looking for a smaller bike in the used market should not overlook the XT225. 240 lbs dry, very useful 6-speed transmission, easy to maintain bullet-proof engine with loads of low-end torque for hilly trails, cruises all day on smaller highways at 60mph and 70-80 MPG. Definitely not a freeway bike, but it more than makes up for it off-road.
My wife's ride is an XT 225 because she can put her feet on the ground. I'm 6'2" and sometimes have trouble touching down with my DRZ. I haven't ridden one yet, but I keep wondering about a WR250 for me. Top highway speeds where we live are only 65 and most of the paved roads max out at 45. So I don't need a lot of speed. I put 2500 miles on a KLR in Ecuador and I really don't want that much weight off road again. BTW, the best mod I put on my VStrom 650 was a set of Michelin Pilot tires. That was the best touring bike I ever had but a completely worthless pig off road or even on a dirt road. But 18,000 miles of dreamboat tourer in 4 years. Seriously, I enjoyed it more than my BMW R69S that I put 70,000 miles on in the 1960s. But back to smaller bikes, a street legal 200 to 250 cc bike was enough for me off road in the 60s, like the Bultaco, Maico or CZ, so it should be plenty today.
My 2019 KTM 500 EXC F has the same dry weight but it is a very tall bike and I can only get my toes on the ground... I used to have a WR450F and I loved that bike but I always felt it was to heavy and to hard to control when going off-road. Was thinking I would be more happy on a WR250 until I got the KTM 500 :). The KTM 500 is a gentle beast :) More easy to control the power and lighter then my old WR450 but with more power all over the rpm range, also the KTM 500 did cost 30% less then the WR450 with plates here in Norway. Only problem is the service intervals is double as often then the WR450 but on the bright side it is more easy to do them on the KTM :)
great vid, great thoughts, and great to see you doing your part!!! Ive recently started to do the same when I'm out
Maaaan this was a very informative video, thank you for posting!
No problem TTG! By the way I am SO sorry for such a late reply regarding your sticker email! When I get my feet on the ground I'll definitely get back... things are just a bit nutty right now with the move and with work.
No worries homie! Take care!
You're too right about the huge factor of size and especially weight for dual sport motorcycling and adventure bikes as well. We could all tell stories about dropping a bike or somehow being stuck fighting a heavy bike in some circumstance that you wish weighed a lot less at the time. A zillion years ago in Northern Thailand I rode/side-slid a Honda 250 Paris/Dakar 4 stroke down a steep descent through fairly deep grass thinking to cross that nice shallow river far down in the distance and take a wonderful short cut to up near the Thai/Burma Mekong river border. What I couldn't see from way up there that the little shallow river was actually tight along a bit of a cliff. Ok, so launch into the river onto the back wheel and just cross it. Except that the grass was too slippery to get enough traction to wheelie at all and jump, just tried and kept spinning out period and there was no place and no way I explored everywhere, all options and it would always mean headlong boingo into the river on the fork. Damn. So now to get back up the very high climb. Big problem. Switchback switchback and more switchback on wet grass far to steep to ride up meanwhile the day got ever more boiling hot. Impossible on the very steep to ride a switchback, you had to lay the bike down and somehow flip/lift it highside to get another switchback ascent angle, often losing elevation. Weight is nasty. I hate riding on freeways anyhow which is what Winnebago motorcycles are good for. From years in Asia and Africa I like light weight, even when it comes to stashing the bike away at night in a safe place, maybe back in and under some assorted steps etc etc. Then there's loading on off boats and ferries, heavy really sucks then. Another big factor not often mentioned is that heavy bikes gone unruly do heavy duty injuries and are easier to lose it in the first place in a hairy situation. I love riding in difficult unpredictable situations in places I've never been before and don't know exactly what's ahead. Light weight is a very big deal in my view, Harley weight category bikes are good for coffee shop trips with obnoxious mufflers. 1100 cc Winnebagos ... just can't stand 'em, really dislike those bikes in the real world. I like the lightest bikes with some power and good suspension, just as you said with the 230 crf. A built WR250R is likely my next bike, can't wait to see what the new Yamaha T7 will turn out to be. I like KTMs when all is well, they are light, handle great, nice power but in Asia at least, they break and need something nobody has now but will will be available quickly if shipped from blah blah blah.
Another awesome video mate and well done for keeping your trails clean. It drives me nuts when I see litter out in the bush. We have a lot of it over here unfortunately. Great comparisons there. That is why I chose my V-Strom, as I figured I would be touring mostly on bitumen but did not want to have to turn around if I came across a dirt road. I would love to do some riding like you are doing, but I know that I am not big enough and strong enough to wrestle the Strom in that sort of terrain. I am aiming to take it more offroad this year though, so stay tuned! ;-)
Ah man I'd love to see how a Strom fares on a bit of nasty dirt! Would you do a review on the Strom? That would be epic!
eveRide I think the V-Strom fares quite well off road, it definitely does really well with the less knarly stuff, but I have seen videos from pro riders where they have done some amazing things with the bike, way beyond my capabilities. I have had a few people ask me for a review of the Strom, so I will do it soon.
I am not an experienced dirt rider so I cannot give anyone to much advice on how it goes there, but I am going to get more dirt oriented tyres very soon and start exploring the bush a bit more.
Great information brother!! Love the intro!!
Damon you know that your intro is one of the best, right? The music, the stills, the shots.... it just gets me pumped up. Speaking of which... when will we see another upload from the true masta? All this stuff came from you, by the way. If you did a riding tips series it would be huge.
My man....Got a lot on the plate right now, I'll let you know, I need a few moments for another shot before I can get a vid together. I'm lovin' watchin' yours though!!
That trail looks SWEET!!
Rocky Taylor Oh man soooo many good trails out here!
I live in central Saskatchewan and I do 50/50 dirt and road and I love my little Yamaha XT 225. It gets 80+ miles to the gallon and never breaks down.
Greg Wiens Those things are bulletproof, too! I love those bikes :D
Thank you
I finally got my first bike. I ended up with a baby KLR 250. 6 speed gear box and 28 horsepower. $1500 and it only had 3300 miles on it. The only downside is it's kickstart only.
Donald Heine funny to me that’s a good thing. I hate having electric starter only I’ll take an old kicker first. Less to go wrong and generally less weight. As far as both go I tend to kick start bikes before I touch the start button
That is some great advice.
Thanks! Glad to help. Really it just comes down to the kind of riding you really want to do.
I had a crf230L and it was perfect.
I for one vote for the (Toad Whisperer) TW200 ;)
This is why I bought a crf300l after only having an xr650l. Both are great for different things
I’m in my early 60s. Rode 250 dirt bikes in the 70s. Started again on DRZ400 6 months ago. Though I felt in poor shape and the bike felt tall heavy and awkward, after 2k miles of street/dirt we both feel a lot better. Off road, i think a 250 is best as lightness is something fundamental and freeing to ride. But the need to have some capabilities in traffic dictate at least a 400 to me, in my area, etc.
I ride a CRF230L. It’s unstoppable off-road and good for rural roads. It’ll do freeway speeds but it’s a stressful experience lol.
Great video! As a CRF230F rider, I agree with it all. On tight technical trails its only limitation is its rider, and on sweeping dirt roads the it can run with Austrian 450s if need be. Light bikes are simply amazing in my experience and opinion, could ride it my whole life. Thanks for a wholesome answer.
Thanks! Yeah... I'm all about the smaller bikes now. I think one day, if I ever have money, I'll have a more touring-oriented bike like a DL 1000. If the Widow ever dies I'm going to go smaller.
Wow loving that intro :)
Great advice on a very good trail.
Very good video
Thumbs up
Thanks Hugo! (I think I remember seeing that your real name was Hugo, correct me if I'm wrong, sir! :)
eveRide no you are correct :)
You are right...lighter is better in dirt... I am missing a 250cc Honda that my son just to have..... :( but then I do 80/20 so the KLR is fine... Great vid man... As always
Yeah man the KLR can go any of these places, it just takes a boss to ride it! I have no doubt you could do this on your KLR.
I’m looking at the Yamaha TW 200, and adding a single wheel trailer on the back of it for my gear. I don’t need a rocket out the gate to get me somewhere anymore. All I need is, a light smooth riding bike to get me there... eventually.
Nice job spotting that bottle. Some day I'd like to get a Klx 250. Some times a smaller bike is better
999silver Moto Very true! I might end up with a 250 someday... or even smaller. Perhaps an electric bike? I have no idea... there's just so much variety and flavor!
fyi to all, im 68 and love trails like this on my 15yr old Honda Rancher 350.. I look for trails like this.. cant wait to get my CSC RX3 ;-)
Ya I tried the drz 400 was not for me on the trails for me ended up with klx 250 little week but was way easier and comfortable for me would really like to get my hands on wr250r
Excellent Analysis go team red 😁
Yup you nailed it. I have owned most of the bikes you mentioned. While I put the V Strom where most people who own them wouldn't It's a heavy burden and would not go where you just went. The CRF250L I have is a work in progress but is a surprising little bike just like the CRF230 for the money. Sorry I prattle on...
As a guy with a nice range of offroad-capable bikes, you are the authority on this topic! Prattle away! :D
What a beautiful place!! I'd love to get into dual sport but I don't know if there is anything here in the bay area.
Awesome videos!
Definitely check out thumpertalk and ADV rider for ride reports near the Bay Area. There's gotta be something up there in that beautiful part of the world!
Great vid, i couldnt have stated it better. I own a dr125, a wr400, a drz400 and a dr650...and smaller is better for offroad unless you are competing. Same as for commuting, including the freeway unless if your ego is too big to follow the speed limit.
Haha man so true! I really don't like the freeway anyway... even at or below the speed limit. Too much buffetting for me. If I'm going somewhere, I usually try to make it on the dirt.
Glad I found this video. Was wondering what to consider for a second bike for all the dirt trails around here. Now I know. Will now be looking for a 250 and forget the 650 KLR. Honda or Yamaha since the KLR 250 still has a carb and is cold blooded. I have my Ninja for the street when I want to do some lightweight touring. Thanks for your effort. Ride looked fun. Oh yeah, I am 77. :-)
OOOOO We got a badass in the house!
Safe travels man :D
When are you going to do a review on the crf250l and how it compared to a Drz? Love your reviews, keep em coming!
Wow time flies
I've seen some questions below and think I can offer a little bit of helpful advice. I'm about 300lbs and 6'3. Anything smaller then the DRZ would leave me pushing on really steep hill climbs. I knew that I wanted a more dirt then street bike, but I also knew that I would be riding on road a bunch too. Low end climbing power being more important then speed, but speed a close second. I've come to love my Xena though at times I wish she was a tad lighter and didn't have a cinder block as a seat.
Ps. I love the shiny new into man! Looks killer!
ColoradoDualSport Thanks sir! Also, it's not a cinder block seat, it's a splintery board with nails sticking out of it ;) I'd suggest looking into Seat Concepts... seriously poofy stuff!
I would love to see theses trails done a lot faster.
I’m 6’1 200lbs, gnna pick up a shiny new klx230, you only need power for highway use, 1st gear on every bike is more than enough power for anyone on the trails!
the tune makes a huge deal on the mileage. my wife has a '07 gz250. when she first got it, it did hover in the 70mpg range. since, i've had to pull the carb and clean it out a few times. i've also have to remove the cover and adjust the pilot screw. her mileage now hovers closer to 60mpg.... but it still beats the 43 that i just got on my oil burning KLR. lol. those GZ's run notoriously lean for many (fed) reasons.
After watching this it reinforces my choice of a KLR. I originally wanted a WR250R or 450F but since most of my time will be spent on road and ranch trails the KLR feels like a better choice.
+RedDragon1260 A great choice indeed!
I love my big bore YZ400F woods weapon! I couldn't imagine riding anything smaller. If weight was an issue witch it can be, I would totally rock a YZ250 two stroke. Too bad I could never get one street legal here in MA...
You need to move to a cool state with guns and radicals and open land and stuff. UTAH! Honestly, most of the time I really doubt if anybody cared if the Widow was even street legal.
I sold my crf450x that i plated. I’m looking at the wr250r now. It’s so cheap, not much maintenance and crazy reliable. I think it will help me to just ride mellow too. Hahaha. Just a chill bike that I can ride to work on too
Good way to answer the question.
It's a bit of a cop out, but I find that a lot of questions in life can be answers with, "It depends." :)
eveRide so true.
Yep so true I love my klx250s it goes just about anywhere except submarining cant go underwater can go through though its lite n once rejetted aftermarket exhaust n air filter the 250s really open up n have alot of power its amazing like a whole new bike n will beat must big bikes on jump n low end just not on top end I smoke my brothers 05 ktm 950sm on jump but once we hit 80mph he leaves me in the dust
So true Jacob... the KTM is nice for over 80, but I'd rather have lots of fun in the dirt than go 80 anyway :) I think you have the right idea :D
Add a 52 tooth rear sprocket to the back of the KLR,spoon on a gnarly knobbie and watch it root through all that stuff,its a lot to do with set up,the top speed will drop but it will pull through all you can reasonably throw at it.