2 replies to this topic

[mxfever090 TT Newbie]

Newbe here.  First post actually.  Been on here reading many many times but now I need some help from you all.

I've sold my Harley.  It's just impractical at this point in my life and now am looking for a Dual Sport.

Probably 85% of the time the bike will be street ridden.  Communting to work in the summer.  I don't want anything that is going to take maintenance every weekend and reliability will be a big factor because it will see 4 - 5 k a summer.  It will probably see trails half a dozen times a year and weekend gravel pit outings with locals.

I've been looking at the 250's for a few reasons.  I'm not racing, I'm getting old and I want great gas mileage.

My focus has been in order

1: CRF250L
2: KLX250S
3: WR250R

CRF is currently at the top because I've been a Honda guy for 20+ years.  In fact have owned my 250R Fourtrax for 20 years this summer.  As well as a Foreman 450 and an XR100 that my wife rides.  Honda without a doubt has a reputation for reliability.  The price tag is also most attractive at right around $5k

The KLX is second because of price.  It has more suspension travel and higher ground clearance than the Honda.  But I've never owned a Kawasaki.  Not opposed to it though.

The WR is last because of $$$$.  I have a YZF426 (some youngsters will be thinking "what the hell is that?") that I bought new in 2000 and it's been a great bike.  Heavier than a dead horse but it has never given me a problem.  But I'm wondering what the added $$$ is for with the WR.  I noticed the compression ration is highest with the WR so is the engine going to need attention sooner than the others?

I really don't want to spend over $6000

So...... tell me what you think. Many thanks in advance!

[I6CJ7 TT Bronze Member]

Well if you're a honda man,  i think your best bet would be either an xr250r or xr400 if you plan to hit the trails,  and if you're a big man maybe checkout an xr650r they are a beast! Especially a street legal one,  but the (L)  version is a pig..  Try Craigslist for one of the XR's thats already been dualsported.  The new crf250l is an absolute pig in terms of weight for being a 250, underpowered, and i think it is, or is near 300lbs, the XR's are extremely reliable,  and take almost zero maintenance.  If you want electric start maybe a drz400, i don't know alot about suzuki but,  they are good bikes.

[mxfever090 TT Newbie]

I6CJ7, on 19 June 2013 - 10:27 AM, said:

Well if you're a honda man,  i think your best bet would be either an xr250r or xr400 if you plan to hit the trails,  and if you're a big man maybe checkout an xr650r they are a beast! Especially a street legal one,  but the (L)  version is a pig..  Try Craigslist for one of the XR's thats already been dualsported.  The new crf250l is an absolute pig in terms of weight for being a 250, underpowered, and i think it is, or is near 300lbs, the XR's are extremely reliable,  and take almost zero maintenance.  If you want electric start maybe a drz400, i don't know alot about suzuki but,  they are good bikes.

Thanks for the input!  I forgot to mention my size.  I'm 5'11" 160 lbs.

I've been researching the bikes for a few weeks now.  The most common complaint I see about the Honda is the lack of power.  People say that they uncork the exhaust and slap on a tuner it wakes them up.  I haven't seen anything about the KLX.  If it's peppy right out of the box then the price difference is justified.