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- Опубликовано: 8 сен 2024
- 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).
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. ruclips.net/video/zFAMaXnw83k/видео.html
xt250 is a great bike. Light n nimble....
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
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!
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. :)
Thank you.
I've been saying that very same thing for years.....and being 80 dirt and 20 street myself....love the light bikes.
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 :)
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.
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!
Thanks for the advice. I really appreciate you picking up the litter too. Most people would have just left it there.
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 :)
5:49... Tdub shout out! 😁 love it!
Recently picked one up... they are so much damn fun
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.
Hey. Thank you. That was really meaningful advice. Cheers.
+balisticsquirel Thanks! Glad it may have helped :)
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!
I got a CRF250L because I am holder! Love it! Will fix what I broke today tomorrow and keep on riding!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 been saving up for a long time and I am buying next year when I am 16 a Honda crf250l
+Trent Greninger Awesome! I hope you love it!
klr its better?
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
wr250r 2016 model is a good all rounder a little bit tall but pretty balanced for stock.
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]{
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 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.
The CRF230 is one of my all time favorite bikes. Super reliable, low maintenance, affordable, and fun to ride.
I REALLY dig the CRF, but earlier in the day when I shot this, I was thrashing it through some whoops and felt I was really pushing the suspension. No bottom-outs or anything like that, but that was the only problem I've had with it. It's rock solid!
eveRide The suspension is definitely lacking, but that is the weak point on a lot of economy trail bikes.
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!
2006 ktm 640 adventure is what I ride now. For me it is the best of all world's. Powerful, lite enough, suspension is awesome, Tall enough. Seat could be nicer for long distance but easy to change that, but I have also been riding dirt and street for well over 20 years. Bottom line get a bike and ride. Lol
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 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.
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
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 :)
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
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.
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
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.
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!
do you have an opinion on the Honda Transalp 600 for this kind of riding?
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.
I ride similar places but here in the philippines. I chose the XT250 super light weight no rad bullet proof. Im 6'8" 240 only mods skid plate bark busters and heavy springs. Dont need the high speed anymore at 57 I love my billy goat...m
I have now a 2019 KTM 500 EXC F and it is about same weigh as the XT250. I did try look for bikes in that weight range and somehow overlooked the XT250 and all I could find was bikes that was about 50% more heavy... I am very happy with the KTM 500 as it has lot of power that is easy to control and it is generally more easy to ride compared to my old Yamaha WR450. It would have been nice to have a light bike that don`t need maintenance every 10 to 30 hours of riding but that is what you get on a light 60HP competition enduro bike :) If I get trouble with my KTM I might sell it and go for the XT250 even if I for sure will miss that power on that gentle beast...
For me, it's 2009 XR650L. Smog equipment removal kit, 41mm carb, FMF full exhaust, modified airbox, moose racing bars, MSR shift lever.
Nothing compares to dual sports.
BloodstainedSinner You are very right, sir! I need to test ride an XR one of these days, I keep hearing amazing things about them!
first off, great video, and you make a lot of good points, however, concerning bike size, there are a few points you've missed. We "old guys", are generally not 160 - 180 lbs anymore. Quite a few of us are in the 220 - 240 lb range. Now we're talking about a very important factor in motorcycle size selection; "power to weight ratio". While a 250 might do "ok" or "fairly well" for someone 220 lbs and up, when someone that weight on a 250 gets into the "knarly" parts of trails, they may find that the 250 doesn't have the power to weight they need to get past the obstacle, or they might need to annihilate the clutch to do so. However, something I think a lot of people overlook is "what if something goes wrong, and the bike quits and won't restart, and you're way out in the boondocks? If you had a 250, there's a decent chance you could push the bike back to civilization. If you had a 450 or larger, more than likely it would be WAY too heavy to push all the way back through the nasty terrain.
Good info. Thanks for that insight.
+fukthegoog
lol! My first bike was a '79 Honda 185XL 4stroke Dual Sport. The reason I say all of this, I had a 2013 Honda 250 Rebel, (different motorcycle entirely, I know, but similar engine size.) I weigh 228, and I had to run wide open throttle on my Rebel just to maintain 65 - 70mph on the freeway. This is what makes me skeptical about the 250 sized bikes.
+fukthegoog
Meh, I like both.
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 ;-)
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.
so glad you mentioned the tw200. i love mine!
Man, I thought I was the only one that stops to pick up trash haha. Happy trails
Thanks Cristian! Let's keep up the good work. These trails are too beautiful to let people trash them. :)
I prefer the other option. Two bikes.
I take the M1200R out, if I want to rip on the streets.
I take the 250L out, if I want to go do some trail riding (and don't have to trailer it to do so!)
Top of 2nd gear on an XR250r or crf 230 and you will conquer all. You need a check up from the neck up if you want to take anything over a 400 up that run. And if you want to ride a versus or v strom you need a straight jacket and a padded room
Tyler this helped me out the most. Thank you.
If you care about long lasting and design Yamaha Brand is the one should choose like WR 250R. Kawasaki, Honda, Suzuki brand make good bikes too but need more attentions. You will need to repair more often than Yamaha brand motorcycles. Especially, you will notice when the bikes get older.
+Khai pi That may be true.. I own a Yamaha, Kawi, and Suzuki from 1994 to 2004 and all of them have been absolutely rock solid for me.
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 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.
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!
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.
eveRide ADV,
I really enjoy your videos and subscribed your channel, and I find this video to be both helpful and informative. That being said, I do want to add a small correction.
The CRF230F and the CRF250L are very different machines, and for those out there who are looking for a good dual sport, DO NOT expect the CRF250L to be a faster version of the CRF230F. They are two very different machines. The CRF230F weighs around 255 lbs wet, with a dual sport conversion. The CRF250L weighs 320 lbs wet, making it even heavier than a DRZ400. Having ridden both I can say that the CRF230F is MUCH more capable offroad than a CRF250L. Meanwhile the CRF250L is much more comfortable/capable on road than the CRF230F.
Again I mean no disrespect. Keep up the good work, and adventure on!
aircooled ADV Great words, there! I hadn't ridden a 250L at this point, but I had heard that they're quite heavy/underpowered. When I rode Neil's in... 's CRF250L I was shocked... it felt like it had just as much power as my DRZ! But then again, it had been modded quite a bit... and it had a lot of luggage on it so I was making the judgement on how it handled with so much weight. I wish I would have jumped on it without all the luggage on it!
If you ride an unmodded CRF250L you will find that it is still quite capable on the highway. While s smidge less powerful than the DRZ400, it is smooth and revs very freely due to its dual cam engine which is essentially the same as in the Honda CBR250R sportbike, just tuned for dirt application. Note it's single radiator. While this allows the CRF250L to have excellent highway characteristics, it adds weight to the bike. Honda's dirt line utilizes single cam engines. Anyway thanks for getting back to my comment, your videos are excellent! And I'm actually moving to Utah from Western WA in a few months so I'll have to check out some of the places you ride!
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!!
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.
Enjoyed the vid thumbs up for leaving the trail cleaner then you left it !
YOu're a very kind person. Good luck on future rides. May the force be with you hahaah
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
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.
If you lug the engine and sit on it like a sack of wet rags then only the bike matters, you're cargo.
If you stand in proper posture, use weight shifting, peg weighting, pre loading, keep the revs up and finger that clutch something fancy, that ride is nothing for a klr.
I know it sounds crazy but the klr is about 90% more capable than anyone really rides them. With the big front rotor, progressive suspension, and the stock front fairing replaced with a light kit it goes from pig to wild boar.
With a big bike you've got to commit to moves more and change your pre load timing, keep the revs up where real power is and work that clutch. I can bunnyhop on my empty klr and do trials moves like bump ups to rear wheel on rocks and over logs. It's not ideal, it's hard and takes inordinate skill and understanding that most riders will never approach, but if you work towards that level of skill mindfully the personal rewards are much greater. You'll need to ride several different bikes to get that skill, like a 50-100cc pit bike, a 125-250cc or trials bike, and then the fat thumper you want to do naughty things with.
It is very important to have the "right" bike when you are a beginner. Wrong bike for you and your riding and it can take lot longer to learn then on the right bike... I used to have a Yamaha WR450F and loved that bike :) But after I got a 2019 KTM 500 EXC I learned more in one month on the KTM then the 4 previous years on the WR450, the KTM is much more easy to handle as it is lighter with power that is much more easy to control even if it has more power at all RPMs.
Excellent video! I might just go with a little XT-225....
I am 65 and the youngest guy in my group. The other guys have bikes from 650cc and up. Where we ride in the mountains we are usually ona dirt forest road for several miles and they tear that up. When we get to the ATV and single track and things get tight or loose or techical those big bikes wear them out in a hurry. They dump them a lot and picking one of those beasts up is a two man job. I ride a YZ125 that I can pickup with one hand. Full of fluids and 30 poundsof camping gear and food for 3 days it weighs 237 pounds. It technical terrain up without eating ME:) Ya, I can't keep up on the dirt roads but it doesn't bother me if they have to wait on me a bit. Once we get on-trail I am waiting for them and picking up their bikes the rest of the day.
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.
Another great video.
Thanks for putting out content thats fun to watch & easy to listen to.
do a XR650L review..maybe vs DR650S
I understand this is intended for newer riders but the drz would tear that stuff up. For me the DR650 works well over the nastiest terrain and is the right bike but I started riding in 73 and one rode whatever one had. Besides what type of riding one wants to do balance and skill really is what determines what bike is best. With balance a bikes weight becomes less important, having the torque and power of the dr trumps the weight issue in many climbs and such. If one wants or can truck their bike to a ride than a smaller bike obviously would be less effort to ride but if one has 50-whatever miles to ride to the dirt than for an experienced rider the bigger bikes like you already stated are better with the weight stability.
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.
If you're looking for a good bike for offroad get a husky TE150 or a TE250. A little more money but way more fun and it'll conquer anything offroad you throw at it
Should have a crack at the KTM Freeride..smaller bike, almost a trials bike. I'd love to hear your thoughts on it
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!
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? ;)
I am yet to find ANY terrain that my KTM 690 Enduro R cannot conquer, even on dual sport Pirelli's! :)
So True! You are right on the money. I love the Intro btw.
nice vid :) totally agree. my xr 400 imo is as close as you will get to ticking all the boxes, bullet proof, good mpg, light enough, good low end power, highway capable, no radiators to smash, easy for parts, only thing it could use sometimes is an electric start! but then that adds more weight and maybe a loss in somereliability :)
NzJohny Ah man there are SO many times I wish I had a kick start. E start is magic, but man... sometimes when I'm out in the middle of the desert it's nice to have a little backup!
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 :)
I have owned both the KLR 650, and currently a DRZ 400S. My riding style and commute the DRZ 400S hands down bro. PS I am 48 years old...
Ah yes! The DRZ is easily the choice for me. I do like the KLR's legs and relative comfort on the longer trips, but the DRZ in the dirt is far better, while still being tolerable on any road.
you inspired me to finalize a trade for a Yamaha ttr250. thanks for the kick ass videos!
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!
Excellent Analysis go team red 😁
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.
One of the most informative videos thanks
Xt250!!! Suspension can be a problem for more than leisurely riding but man i makes for a cushy soft ride wich lets you ride for days without the pain of a hard core dirt bike. So i have another bike for when I desire some performance but i can't get rid of my xt250 its just so easy and relaxing to ride. Ps, im 5'8" 158.2 lbs.
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
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'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 have been riding for well over 50 yr and do off road but take it easy and also a lot of mix between off road and road, and to be the best all round bike is the DR 650 It dose almost every thing very good. it is great fun on the windy roads great on gravel and dirt roads. good on off roads at proper speeds, and good on the highway, what more do you meed. I had a KLR as well as the DR 650 and found the DR 650 much better off road and not much difference on road. yes the KLR dose have more wind protection but to me one of the great things about riding is the feel of the wind on your chest, where most people go wrong is the hold there self up with there arms that is all wrong and tiring. Use your gut muscles to hold you up and you can ride for hours into the winds with no problem. The only draw back of the DR 650 is the little gas tank, so on my new one I am putting a 5.3 gal on to solve that problem, also you get great miles per gal on the DR 650.
Honestly the best dual sport bike they make right now is either the KTM 350 EXC or the 500 EXC. There is really no contest between other bikes. By best I mean is the most capable off road motorcycle that is also street legal. The downside is they are expensive, very expensive. They are enduro bikes from the factory meaning they are "the bikes" for off road terrain.
There are a lot of factors that go into what makes the "best" for any given individual. Budget, maintenance schedule, reliability, even size, weight, and height. For a lot of people KTM is best. I'll never one because I'm too poor, and I'm not a very good mechanic.
@@eveRide I am a horrible mechanic but I have found my 2019 KTM 500 EXC F is much more easy to work on then my old Yamaha WR450. But it sure would be nice to have a bike that don`t need oil change every 10 to 30 hours and other meitancence 3 - 5 times more other then "normal" bikes without gaining 50% weight.... If my KTM start giving me trouble I might go for a XT250 even if it will probably bore me to death in comparison lol :)
Its all about balance for me, my klx250sf was fine for a while but soon you just need a little more. I put jn the 351 and it runs slightly faster than a stock drz400, which is about perfect for a 300lb bike
A 351 at 300lbs sounds perrrrrfect! Maneuverable with the power!