Enduro as only bike in north London

[Parm]

I've been thinking about getting a used road registered enduro bike as my only bike. I've been without a bike for about 5 years now, having devoted my time to University and subsequently work instead. (Sold my bike when I needed more money for beer at uni...)

Anyway, I used to do a lot of off road riding back home in Sweden. But now I live in north London (Finsbury park), and as such I don't exactly have interesting dirt right at my door step.

Is it silly to want to have an enduro bike as the only bike when living in London?

Having not spend much time outside of the city in my one year+ stay so far, I'm at a loss on how far outside of the city I have to venture to find some quality riding areas. Gravel roads, dirt tracks, trails, that sort of thing.

Are there places you can easily get to for a day trip? Or will I have to make it weekend trips? Obviously, how far away these places are place a direct role in what type of bike to use. Hours on the motorway might not be so much fun on a race oriented enduro bike. Should I play it safe and go for used DRZ 400 or something similar?

Ideally I would, in the future, want to use the bike to enter a few hare scrambles and maybe the odd enduro rally. I just need to get used to being on a bike off road again first...

So, to sum up. Has anyone any experience in using an enduro bike to go to the trails from a supposed home in central London?

Sorry, that ran a bit long. My thanks for anyone that managed to read this far, and maybe even offer some insights in reply.

 

[Greg Masters]

I had a DR-Z 400 for both commuting and for trail riding.

Buy two sets of wheels/discs/sprocket - one with road tyres, one with knobblies - it takes about 20 minutes to change the pair.

Greg

 

[Phil Reynolds]

Parm, as an ex North Londoner, I would strongly advise that unless you've got somewhere very safe to keep the bike under lock and key, I would forget owning a dirt bike whilst living in the area. Dirt bikes are sought after by thieving scum at the best of times, but in London your chances of losing it are far greater.

Phil

 

[Parm]

Parm, as an ex North Londoner, I would strongly advise that unless you've got somewhere very safe to keep the bike under lock and key, I would forget owning a dirt bike whilst living in the area. Dirt bikes are sought after by thieving scum at the best of times, but in London your chances of losing it are far greater.

Phil

Yeah, I suspected as much. But I want a bike now, not whenever I move next. I'll simply have to work at making it as secure as possible when parked.

 

[metropolis2k]

I've been thinking of doing a similar thing but decided that if I bought a supermoto or dirt bike it'd be nicked within half an hour of me arriving in London. I figure something big and ugly would be better... so I'm looking for a V-Strom!

 

[Parm]

I've been thinking of doing a similar thing but decided that if I bought a supermoto or dirt bike it'd be nicked within half an hour of me arriving in London. I figure something big and ugly would be better... so I'm looking for a V-Strom!

Haha, maybe I should get a Goldwing then...

 

[Parm]

I can't seem to have my mind set one one bike for more than a day or two. I keep changing my mind all of the time. I obviously need several bikes. Alas, I cannot afford that yet...

Right now I'm thinking, maybe it's not a bad idea to get a dual sport version of the Husqvarna TE610, preferably '06 or newer. But I'm not quite sure what they can be bought for today, can't find any current adds that would give an indication of price. Anyone have an idea of what they can be bought for?

 

[metropolis2k]

I can't seem to have my mind set one one bike for more than a day or two. I keep changing my mind all of the time. I obviously need several bikes. Alas, I cannot afford that yet...

Right now I'm thinking, maybe it's not a bad idea to get a dual sport version of the Husqvarna TE610, preferably '06 or newer. But I'm not quite sure what they can be bought for today, can't find any current adds that would give an indication of price. Anyone have an idea of what they can be bought for?

I'm the same mate but starting to settle on the V-Strom.

I'd be worried the TE610 would be a target for theives. Have you checked Autotrader.co.uk for prices? Otherwise you could try www.parkers.co.uk and see if there is a recommended price bracket there.

 

[er-minio]

I'm the same mate but starting to settle on the V-Strom.

second/third hand battered 1100GS. No one will nick it

 

[lolly]

you can rent a garage!

 

[metropolis2k]

second/third hand battered 1100GS. No one will nick it

Except for you when your bike becomes so dirty the wheels won't even turn

 

[WindyChuffer]

As it sounds like you need just one bike, I would suggest going for a bigger enduro bike, such as the KTM 690 Enduro R (the R version not the other one) or the BMW 650 X Challenge.

Both have ignition keys, steering locks and decent service intervals (6000 miles on the BMW. Being a bit heavier they are harder to lift / move etc.

Both bikes are fantastic on the trails, and can be ridden to/from off road rides and are both a hoot around town. Sure they are a bit heavier than the 450's, but for green laning so what. You don't really feel the extra weight.

Wouldnt bother with two sets of wheels - just use knobblies.

PS - recently got a G650X Challenge myself...a Jan '09 bike, two hundred miles, £3,700 from a BWM main dealer .

 

[Hustler]

Full on enduro bike will also need a lot of maintenance, probably.
For adverts try TBM monthly magazine, or Bob Mullins site http://www.enduro.freeserve.co.uk/ which will also list a lot of the events.