I have a DR650 which is a great adventure bike, but when I hit some of those sandy tracks we have in the south west of WA, I'm struggling with the weight, and feel like I need a smaller bike (I'll be keeping the DR). Lots of people have good things to say about the WR250F, but what about the TTR250? The 4 grand saved will buy a lot of goodies! Or something else? Opinions please. Bike must be road legal. I am an old fart, so not looking for a missile.
I had a DR650, got replaced by KTM530....not a missile (unless you twist hard) but gear selection is easy in the rough stuff 1st or 2nd does it all and can still cruise comfortably at 110.
+1 I would go that option as well. The "R" model much more powerfull than the ttr, not quite as powerfull as the "F" but a lot smoother at highway speeds and much longer service intervals. Think of it as a modern TTR, with water cooling, better suspension etc. Cheers Scotty
I had discounted the R as I am keeping the DR650 as my "adventure" bike. It seems to me that the R is in the same category as the DR, whereas the F is more enduro focused. Correct me if I am wrong. Scotty - are you saying the R & F have different service intervals?
F model is designed as a competition engine (high performance = more stress on components), R is designed as a dual purpose engine. The F requires very regular oil changes and regular checking of the valve clearances. The R is more like a road bike as far as servicing goes. If you were discounting the R model because it is similar design purpose to the DR650, then you should definately not be considering the TTR. The TTr is old school technology (not that there is anything wrong with that ) and is basically a 250cc equivilent of the DR650. All of them are good bikes, it just depends on what you want to use it for. If you are doing any more than 20k's of bitumen at a time you wont want to be on the F, but it will be a shitload more fun in the bush.
Seeing as you said that you don't want a missile, the ttr250 is seriously good value for money. A bit old tech but they go alright and are just about bullet proof.
OK - I think I have ruled out the WR250F (too hard core for my needs), but I'm adding the KLX250S into the mix. To my mind the KLX sits somewhere between the TTR250 and WR250R, but price wise it beats them both! Whaddyareckon?
Yep - you already know the spares-guy at your Suzuki dealer , so don't discount either the DR250 - or even the DR400 - which could probably do the job of both a 650 and a 250. No, I don't own either, but I have threemates - one with a DR650, one with a 400 and the other with a 250 - and they all love 'em. And assuming the '1957' is your DOB and not the year you got your licence - you're younger 'n me... and I ain't no old fart!
DRZ250 or TTR250. KLX looks more modern with water cooling etc, but is heavier, steel tank etc.. and from what I have heard, doesnt handle as well as the other two. (my opinion only...what is good for me may not be good for you!!!!) Should have mentioned the drz before. My brother who is new to motorcycling is looking at getting a bike to commute to work on and also the odd trail ride. We are trying to find a drz for him.
Lots of KLX's being used as mustering bikes these days, better cooling. TTR's were bad for electrics, don't know what there like now, DRZ 400 would be worth a look.
In their day the KLX250 was the hot ticket. Still a good bike and highly under rated. A plastic tank off the old KLX250R will fit if you don't like steel. I own a KLX250R and have owned a KLX300. Both great bikes for what they are. I have owned a WR250F. I cleaned up a lot of 450's and 520's on that little bike. But you had to keep it on the pipe and it lacked a bit down low. The KLX will be a bit similar.
You say you're struggling with weight in sandy conditions? Ever thought of a 2-stroke? You don't say whether you are carrying a ton of gear as well, but if it's just a backpack then a KTM 300 would make life a lot simpler in the sand, and it has loads of grunt and likes to be short-shifted, but will rip your arms out if asked to do so.Weighs 103 kg's with electric start. Just thinking outside the square.
I have a like new KTM 200EXC 2 stroke for sale in the flea market for $5000 it will blow away any of the bikes listed except for maybe the 450's and the 530. It has a steering damper as well which you will find fantastic in our WA sand. It is about the lightest, nimblest bike you are going to find and the power will amaze you if you aren't used to two strokes. I would say the 300 is more than it sounds like you need and is more of an expert enduro bike I reckon. Failing being interested in my KTM, I reckon it sounds like you need the WR250R at the top of your list. The TTR250 second and the KLX third. The TTR is a very capable bike and although old school tech, it will blow away the klx and dr250 in every category except looks maybe! The WR250R is a extremely impressive bike, a few of my mates have them and it is an awesome piece of kit, long service intervals, good suspension, excellent motor, very capable off road, nothing on the market even comes close as far as dual sport bikes and it is not that far off a Wr250f once you put an aftermaket pipe on it.
Had a look at the KLX yesterday - it doesn't do it for me. The WR250R - great, but too expensive. TTR250 - ticks all my boxes, 7.5K ride away. But wait, what about the DRZ400E? Only 7kg heavier than the TTR, liquid cooling, 49mm forks, showa on the rear, flat slide carb all for 8K ride away (2009 model). Minuses for the DRZ are - only 5 speed, its not a yamaha. And I'm not sure that its that much different to my DR650 - no point in having 2 bikes that are nearly identical (but it is 30kg lighter). Decisions, decisions...:eek1
Yeah get the TTR, great little bike just uncork it and you won`t be sorry. Ok I may be a little bias, I have a 250 & 600 TTR so life is good haha. But seriously, the the TTR two fiddie is a great little bike with a big heart. I know a few blokes that have them and all are keepers.
Hey Toad. I have a WR250r, fitted with the complete Ralle Moto,Safari,B&B,Staintune and Zeta catalogues. It hauls some serious ass, and has all the Original stuff to boot. Approx 4000 easy kms PM me if interested, then I can buy the Rhino's bike, for a more hard focused thrasher