New(ish) Green laner?

[spm0912]

OK, I've joined the TRF, all I need now is a bike! Trouble is I may want it to do too much. Looking for something that is manoeuvrable on the lanes but comfortable and powerful enough to be able to ride there in the first place. I also need it for those dodgy winter commutes when I don't want to risk my GS on shitty roads.

Now I know you're gonna shout in unison DRZ 400E! But I really don't want someones old, thrashed bag of nails and as I understand it although it's still showing on Suzuki GBs website you can't buy them new anymore.

Everything else seems to be motocross orientated and whilst I love their looks not sure I want to be changing the oil after every ride?

I've trawled the web and really can't see anything that fits what I want/need.

Subjective I know, but any recommendations please?

 

[Timolgra]

A new drz400

 

[spm0912]

A new drz400

My local Suzuki dealer says they're not importing them this year.

Do you know different?

 

[Nasty1]

WR250R not sure you would want to winter commute on knobblies though.

Cheers

Adie

 

[DollyRocket]

KTM 690E (or R) (about 2 - 3 years old now)
KTM 640 LC4 (older - 690 displaced this unit, but based on same engine)
Husky 630 (new)
BMW Xchallenge

 

[Timolgra]

My local Suzuki dealer says they're not importing them this year.

Do you know different?

I heard they're available this year, they were last year and you did say new(ish)

I think you need to give a bit more info such as budget etc.

 

[spm0912]

I rode a KTM 690E on an off road day I did with Desert Rose, great bike, but too focussed for what I want (and too big).

Ive got a XT660Z Tenere which I've green laned in the dry and I took it to the HUMM last year but it's also too big, especially on the slippery, clay slicked lanes near to me. It's also very similar to the F8GS I own so it makes more sense to me to get a smaller, lighter more off road biased bike.

I've been a little confused by all the different model varieties and missed the WR250(R) which looks like it might fit the bill, though I'm concerned it might be a bit small for my 15 stone!

My budget is what I can get for my Ten plus a grand so a new WR is a possibility. I like the look of the new KTM 350 freeride but it's a bit pricey and at 50+ not sure I need a bike to leap about the forests in (KTM promotional video.)!

I'll give another Suzuki dealer a ring tomorrow, it seems that some dealers can't be bothered to get them in, which seems strange in this current economic climate.

Thanks for all the input

 

[Timpo]

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2951366

 

[Nasty1]

You should be able to test ride a WR250R and any big yam dealers and get an idea on power etc and may take your tenere in exchange.

 

[MarkShelley]

I weigh 13 1/2 stone and my VERY cheap KLR250 will happily sit at 60mph on commutes (it will go faster of course, but 60 is a comfy cruising speed). I have a spare set of wheels with knobblies. It has managed every green lane I have been on so far which includes some VERY sticky lanes in the Fens. Its only downside is that it is kickstart only. For the sort of speeds that TRF groups are supposed to travel at it can do the job fine.
I had a go on a mates KTM recently and it was much easier to ride and a darned site more comfortable over ruts however that also means you need to go faster to make it earn its relative expensive living.
Part of me wants something more focussed, but another part says the additional cost is not worth it.
Deep down I think a bike that you purposefully ride to get covered in shite and drop occasionally should not be one that costs a load of wedge,

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Nice bikes, Mark

 

[spm0912]

Part of me wants something more focussed, but another part says the additional cost is not worth it.
Deep down I think a bike that you purposefully ride to get covered in shite and drop occasionally should not be one that costs a load of wedge,

My head has been telling me this for some time....

Trouble is I never buy a bike using my head, though the WR250 has a claimed 79mpg.

 

[ridersofthelosttrail]

Hi
I run a guided off road trail tour company and use 4 x DRZ 400 E's as our trail bikes. They are brilliant. I bought about the last one from the Uk last year. There was a meeting with Suzuki UK and the few dealers that still sold the DRZ's in the UK. It seems everyone wants more race orientated bikes, and not classics like the DRZ. Hence Suzuki UK deciding to stop importing them.
I have numerous riders come through our business, often those who own very race biased bikes. Without fail, they all leave with a smile on their faces, and have a fondness of these bikes.
The sad thing is, that most riders don't even get half of the capability of a more tuned race bike. The bike will nearly always be better than the rider.
So, why do my clients like the DRZ's..........................
Firstly, and more importantly for me as the owner, these bikes are built like tanks. They offer loads of low to mid range grunt, but deliver the power gently. The handling and turning characteristics are brilliant, and the suspension will handle absolutely everything.
If you are looking for a bike to green lane on, and commute then this bike is the one. It has a decent range, and the maintenance schedules are practical
However, I ride a Honda CRF 450 X. The maintenance level is higher, but with different gearing, this would be a good bet. Just remember that there isn't a perfect tyre for both jobs.
I wouldn't opt for any bike less than 400 cc if you want to do road work on it.
Good Luck.

 

[Pacific]

SPM0912 - I'm in a similar position to you, but my green laner selection is on the back burner while I build a garage first.

I like the look of the new Honda CRF250L - shown in MCN this week and supposed to be coming to the UK soon. Looks like it will make a friendly green laner...price expected to be approx £4000 new, seems like good value.

Photos on visordown here and video here.

Mark

 

[jimbo]

Personalluy I would use a brand new bike on green lanes, bound to drop it few times - I know I did when I had my drz

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

Surely you want an old snotter to learn the art of crashing on? Once you have ceased exiting left into the scenery 10 times per rideout then you could consider buying something a bit newer

 

[Pacific]

Nice 'n' Fat. Yes, I've done some time on an old snotter, an XR250 with kickstart only. I want to fall off something newer next, that's easier to restart ;-)

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Nice 'n' Fat. Yes, I've done some time on an old snotter, an XR250 with kickstart only. I want to fall off something newer next, that's easier to restart ;-)

Set the bike up right, first kick every time......hot or cold

Perhaps you've lost the art of kickstarting a bike

Kickstarting a bike is fun in winter, keeps you warm

 

[Willbrown]

For whats its worth I am in much the same boat - bought myself a new (two year old - been sat in the dealers so the price was nicely discounted) Kawasaki KLX250S. No idea how it compares to other dual purpose bikes in reality but suits me - i.e. its green and looks about right to my {aging} eyes. These bikes do not seem popular in the UK ~ although the latest TF mag has an article, but in the US and Canada they seem to be liked as a usuable dual purpose machine.

Oh and its small enough to pick up easily ~ my GS is bit on the heavy / expensive side.

I have added some Acerbis hand guards, took off the peg rubbers, and swopped the mirrors for a foldy down one. Also, put some heavy duty slime tyre sealant in the tyres and been exploring the public highway / green lanes around Lancs/North Yorks, wish i'd done this years ago, but better late than never.

I wanted to add a coulple of pics but not sure how this is done.

 

[rudiemoto]

+1 klr 250

this was bro's bike

my greenlane fun
ccm604
mt500
gsa1150
gsa1200

all crap compared to my dr350 king off cheap fun
jonnywave's wife has it
£1300 = drz400e cant go wrong