|
16 Aug 2005
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: London / IOW
Posts: 486
|
|
XR250
Has anyone used the XR250 for overland travel? I assume the smaller engine is more highly-stressed. I am considering using an ex-military 250 (low mileage 1998 bike, huge tank as standard, think reinforced frame too) for a trip to Dakar this winter. Alternatives are an XR400R and an old Dommie. Thoughts? Plan would be to travel very light indeed - courier bag plus t'tech topbox only, Mich Desert tyres. Not hardcore overlanding, more exploring the Atlas and playing in the sand really. Thanks!
------------------
=-=-= ON THE EDGE! =-=-=
My XR650L Pan-Med Expedition Site!
|
17 Aug 2005
|
|
Slacker supreme
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Sacramento, California
Posts: 410
|
|
It's a good sized bike and more reliable than my Ducati 250cc. I had no problems about speed, because I tended to look around a lot more than I do locally.
------------------
Random attempts have
been made at RTW on
a '65 Ducati 250cc
|
17 Aug 2005
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2001
Posts: 99
|
|
I used one for a 2 month tour of west europe back in 1987. Did about 8000km and loved it. Rear shock seal blew but other than that it ran realy well, just had to rev it more than my mate on an XT600. Went with a smaller rear sprocket on the rear and a choice of 2 for the front ( motorway cruise and dirt). Only spent a few days at 120kmh on the big roads but it handled it without problems.
Also seen a couple used as RTW tourers, they work well (Iran and Mali).
And now the opinion... would much prefer the 400 for playing in sand and the dommie for roads. The 250 I would prefer for the general touristy stuff and fun of it. Sounds like a bargain with the ex army one, that would be for me, sadle up and go..
Andy
|
17 Aug 2005
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: London / IOW
Posts: 486
|
|
Thanks for replies. I got some hi-res pics of the ex-military ones. Bad news. Even at 4000km they have ripped seats, the olive drab looks terrible and they even have bits missing! I think it's either going to be a stripped-down Dommie or an ex-Rallye Raid XR400R.
Cheers!
------------------
=-=-= ON THE EDGE! =-=-=
My XR650L Pan-Med Expedition Site!
|
18 Aug 2005
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2001
Posts: 99
|
|
Hey POB,
You have got my interest going on these things, could you send me the pictures, info on where to get them and what price they are asking. I will send an email...
Buying ex-military stuff, I dont know who to believe. Some say the vehicles are very well maintained and others seem to think they are abused to an early death.
Andy
|
18 Aug 2005
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: London / IOW
Posts: 486
|
|
Andy- check out the pics and make your mind up - you have mail.
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
ALL Dates subject to change.
2025 Confirmed Events:
- Virginia: April 24-27 2025
- Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
- Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
- CanWest: July 10-13 2025
- Switzerland: Date TBC
- Ecuador: Date TBC
- Romania: Date TBC
- Austria: Sept. 11-15
- California: September 18-21
- France: September 19-21 2025
- Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025
Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!
Questions about an event? Ask here
See all event details
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|