The Daily Chat w/motor & Vintage

[Carnie]

Spring/summer is coming around And I like to go on camping expeditions. Only this year, I am wanting a small dual sport to really get out and experience nature. I have seen a few KLR 250s on CL recently. What are your guys views on them and what else would you recommend? Looking for something cheap but reliable. Don't mind age.

[motormike]

I have no experience with KLR's, but like them...250 for me...650 is massive. Owned KLX 250 SF'09, but it takes about $3K to get into one, GREAT bike...way better than KLR by others opinion. Yamaha TW 200 is one to consider. The dual-sport category went through a slow period, so much of the used stuff is now vintage, or late model.

[eliteguy50]

The klr is a good bike and has more clearance. I prefer the tw for camping. It has the lower seat height and wider tires which offer more stability in tight muddy sections or when low impact is important. The klr has a larger after market for camping accessories like bags or packs.

[Carnie]

I have looked at the 650s and those are just way too big without a pretty nice lowering kit. I am a pretty small guy. I have looked at the KLX as well and it looks like a solid bike, just a bit too pricey. Havent looked too much into the tw. I will have to check it out. From what I have seen though, most yamahas are pretty pricey as well. I want to be able to make it a pack mule to an extent as well so the KLR 250 seems to be coming out on top so far. Thanks for the replies!

[eliteguy50]

CT90 or CT110 are also great options. Drop the transfer to low and the gearbox in 1st, it is literally a pack mule. You can walk along side it holding the throttle.

[motormike]

Here's the new street bike. 1983 Honda VT 500 FT Ascot. Decided to replace the CM 450 and I may regret it. Nevertheless, I REALLY like this bike design and I have owned 2 of these before. Makes a good little town sprinter. No fat chics.

Ascot.jpg (47.85 KiB) Viewed 5922 times

Here's the CM 450 selling...looking for $1500-$1600...only 9k miles ...new tires

[eliteguy50]

Anyone familiar with the Derbi DRD 50 aka SM 50?

[ragtop89]

Would you take payments Mike..

[eliteguy50]

Thinking about getting an express sr. Any suggestions on what to look for?

[motormike]

I would imagine an airbox would be hard to find...you're gonna be pretty limited on used parts.

[motormike]

Blake Young winning at Road Atlanta...after falling off his bike and causing red flag. Josh Hayes rode up to Young and "bowed in worship"
Now staying tuned to SPEED for Supercross at Seattle. I will watch tonight in protest cause Villapoto is so dominant,(and the championship is sewed up) I have lost interest. Reed still out, but Dungey returning.

[eliteguy50]

What is up with Reed and Stewart? They can't seem to finish a season. But were both so promising.

[eliteguy50]

Mike- have you ever ridden the modern 450 bikes?

[eliteguy50]

BTW, the express SR turns out to basically be an nu50 engine.

[motormike]

Mike- have you ever ridden the modern 450 bikes?

Not the 450, no.
I did have a 2009 Kaw KLX 250 SF for a few months until it was stolen. Insurance paid off. Bike never has turned up. That bike was amazing !!...pretty dang tall, got used to it...can't imagine how I could have handled a 450.. I never replaced because my off-roading days are over, and the seats are like rock.