Getting started

[Jhock]

Ok I Am sure this has been asked before but here goes...

I am very interested in getting into green lane/off road riding.

I have done it a few times before but only on the GS, whilst that is fun it's a bit scary and bloody heavy to pick up.

I have a budget of about £2K to get hold of a bike.

I have looked a various things but something in the 250 to 400 range looks about right, I am thinking I would like To stick to 4 stroke. I am drawn towards something like a DRZ400 at least then it has some road going ability and can be ridden to events, like the hog roast.

So any thoughts would be welcome, I know every one will have their own take on what to get but I have got start somewhere!

 

[Giles]

I think a DRZ would make an ideal start. Put aside some of your budget for clothes. you don't have to spend a fortune but decent boots are a must, and I personally don't off road without a mesh body-armour suit on.

Enjoy!! I love it - it's a real stress buster ...

 

[Jhock]

I think a DRZ would make an ideal start. Put aside some of your budget for clothes. you don't have to spend a fortune but decent boots are a must, and I personally don't off road without a mesh body-armour suit on.

Enjoy!! I love it - it's a real stress buster ...

Thanks Giles, I had put aside a some for gear, helmet, boots armour.

This isthe trouble with Internet research, I read on the trail riders fellowship an article about the DRZ400 v's 250 type machines, said the DRZ was to heavy, etc but coming from GS it will seem like a mountain bike!

Where is the best place to look for trail bikes? Lots on auto trader but seem to be lots on money?

 

[Wreford Miles]

Search enduronews on google for bikes...

Hertfordshire is not the most technical county so a DRZ is fine in fact in the summer a big GS with TKCs is a nice way to do them.

If you're not going to trailer your bike further afield I'd say stay with bigger bikes so that you can ride to other areas

 

[Possu]

I also think a DRZ is a great choice but note that the DRZ400S is more road orientated than the DRZ400E which is taller, noisier, more powerful, lighter, has aplastic tank as standard, comes without pillion pegs, has a shorter subframe not suited to luggage, has a basic analogue speedo compared to the 400S digital version and has a more responsive flatslide carb.

 

[Jhock]

Well I have taken the plunge and bought a DRZ400S, I think I did OK, 2004 6800 miles, full history, £1500.

Pick it up next next Saturday, cant wait, I am going out tomorrow to get some gear, all stuff is road based. So helmet, boots and armour vest. Not going to spend a fortune but I want the right gear.

I think if for some reason I dont get on with it, I wont loose out if I sell it on.