Older (70s-80s) enduros?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,206
Likes: 0
From: Ithaca, NY, USA
Older (70s-80s) enduros?
Some of you may remember me making a thread inquiring about Chinese made dual sport motorcycles. While that is still an option, the more I read about the minor stuff that breaks on brand new Lifans and Zongshens, the less I like the idea.
Another option that might even be more budget friendly is an older Japanese dual sport. This ranges from 70s 250cc 2 strokes such as the Suzuki TS250 and the Yamaha DT250, all the way up to 80s big bore Yamaha XT600s and Honda XR600s. Does anybody have any experience with old Japanese dual sports? Can you guide me in any particular direction? I've never even ridden a 2 stroke bike, is there a lot of hassle with decarbonization of the head and exhaust and fouling plugs? Can they get semi-decent fuel economy?
I was considering saving up and upgrading to a sportier, newer street-only motorcycle, but my last 2 rides on backroads around here had me bombing down gravel roads and pot-holed 2 lanes used primarlity by famers. My XS500 does OK on these roads, but suspension travel is very limtied and it is very heavy. I'd also like something with more ground clearance so I can maybe even do some light trail riding.
TIA
Another option that might even be more budget friendly is an older Japanese dual sport. This ranges from 70s 250cc 2 strokes such as the Suzuki TS250 and the Yamaha DT250, all the way up to 80s big bore Yamaha XT600s and Honda XR600s. Does anybody have any experience with old Japanese dual sports? Can you guide me in any particular direction? I've never even ridden a 2 stroke bike, is there a lot of hassle with decarbonization of the head and exhaust and fouling plugs? Can they get semi-decent fuel economy?
I was considering saving up and upgrading to a sportier, newer street-only motorcycle, but my last 2 rides on backroads around here had me bombing down gravel roads and pot-holed 2 lanes used primarlity by famers. My XS500 does OK on these roads, but suspension travel is very limtied and it is very heavy. I'd also like something with more ground clearance so I can maybe even do some light trail riding.
TIA
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 548
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
Re: (CivicWagonRUS)
Any of the 250+cc Honda XR's should be reliable and cheap to rebuild.
The Kawasaki KLR650 is another option, the older models are lighter then the newest one.
Yamaha has the TW200 which has not changed at all I think in its whole run. 12hp 200CC air-cooled single. It can go 65mph tops, bombs thru most anything with the huge tire in the rear. It is possible to mount an ATV tire on the rear if you get a chain with more links.
With these older thumpers you have to watch out for **** falling off while riding them. Loctite is your friend. I do not recommend 2-strokes no matter how cool I think they are though.
I would opt for a new thumper if I were you. KLX250s, Yamaha WR250R, XT250, Honda CRF230L. 6th gear is a plus with the newer dual sports. Too bad the DRZ lacks a 6th gear.
The Kawasaki KLR650 is another option, the older models are lighter then the newest one.
Yamaha has the TW200 which has not changed at all I think in its whole run. 12hp 200CC air-cooled single. It can go 65mph tops, bombs thru most anything with the huge tire in the rear. It is possible to mount an ATV tire on the rear if you get a chain with more links.
With these older thumpers you have to watch out for **** falling off while riding them. Loctite is your friend. I do not recommend 2-strokes no matter how cool I think they are though.
I would opt for a new thumper if I were you. KLX250s, Yamaha WR250R, XT250, Honda CRF230L. 6th gear is a plus with the newer dual sports. Too bad the DRZ lacks a 6th gear.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,206
Likes: 0
From: Ithaca, NY, USA
Re: (Fenrir51)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Fenrir51 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Any of the 250+cc Honda XR's should be reliable and cheap to rebuild.
The Kawasaki KLR650 is another option, the older models are lighter then the newest one.
Yamaha has the TW200 which has not changed at all I think in its whole run. 12hp 200CC air-cooled single. It can go 65mph tops, bombs thru most anything with the huge tire in the rear. It is possible to mount an ATV tire on the rear if you get a chain with more links.
With these older thumpers you have to watch out for **** falling off while riding them. Loctite is your friend. I do not recommend 2-strokes no matter how cool I think they are though.
I would opt for a new thumper if I were you. KLX250s, Yamaha WR250R, XT250, Honda CRF230L. 6th gear is a plus with the newer dual sports. Too bad the DRZ lacks a 6th gear.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Ehh, all of those new bikes you listed cost over $3k. I'm working with a budget of around a grand. Thanks for the advice though.
The Kawasaki KLR650 is another option, the older models are lighter then the newest one.
Yamaha has the TW200 which has not changed at all I think in its whole run. 12hp 200CC air-cooled single. It can go 65mph tops, bombs thru most anything with the huge tire in the rear. It is possible to mount an ATV tire on the rear if you get a chain with more links.
With these older thumpers you have to watch out for **** falling off while riding them. Loctite is your friend. I do not recommend 2-strokes no matter how cool I think they are though.
I would opt for a new thumper if I were you. KLX250s, Yamaha WR250R, XT250, Honda CRF230L. 6th gear is a plus with the newer dual sports. Too bad the DRZ lacks a 6th gear.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Ehh, all of those new bikes you listed cost over $3k. I'm working with a budget of around a grand. Thanks for the advice though.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
