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Thoughts on small bikes (200cc) in the USA Thoughts on small bikes (200cc) in the USA
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Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #16  
Old 24 Mar 2016
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Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Central/Northern New York USA
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Too little bike, too big a road
If you want to avoid highways and stick to secondary roads you'll be fine on a DR200. On the highways, you'll end up a bumper sticker/hood ornament on some large truck (road speeds of 125-140km are not uncommon). DR 200 are relatively rare here but the 350 is fairly common as is the infinitely preferable (for American roads) DR650. In the southwestern states there is a lot of nothing between towns so a reasonable range is necessary. The U.S. is also a large place (LA to Colorado is a similar distance as Ireland to Turkey). Many states have tourist information booths at the border. Depending on the state, you can get free maps, brochures for popular attractions, and, best of all, magazine sized books of motels with coupons so you can save a lot when you aren't camping. Good luck, you will do what you have the will to do, so if a 200 is the bike for you, then go for it and have fun. Watch out for tumbleweeds...they can swat you clear off the road.
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  #17  
Old 15 Apr 2016
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posts: 91
I travel on a 250, it's a little larger. I agree that in the west and southwest, you will struggle to manage the speed limit and just about everyone who can is traveling well over - but on smaller roads there isn't as much traffic and I just let them pass me.

One thing I will pass on is fuel range. In most of the USA it's a non-issue, but out west (in the USA and Canada), 150 miles is a hard minimum for range. 200 would be better, but less than 150 and you are going to run into a lot of places where you can't reach the next fuel. Since you can also run into some impressive winds and really awesome dirty roads, even 150 as a basic, nice roads nothing goes wrong average can be a problem. That means the DR will probably need a larger tank.

My 'old' 250 is a street bike to get around that problem. Small and light enough for off-road but a large enough stock tank. This year I am playing with an RX3. I have managed to run it out of fuel once already and I wasn't even west of the Mississippi.
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  #18  
Old 15 Apr 2016
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Location: california
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I agree, 150 mile limit on range. Remember, in the wide open West, gas stations close up early, some close on Sunday and on smaller, rural roads there are fewer gas stations in general.

If only 150 mile range, you'll need to pack a Roto Pack spare tank or similar and plan fuel stops with care in rural areas or remote highways. Watch your mirrors on the Interstates as many travel at 90 mph. (this is no joke)

If the RX3 the new BMW 310?
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  #19  
Old 15 Apr 2016
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post

If the RX3 the new BMW 310?

CSC's 250cc ADV bike -

CSC MOTORCYCLES - RX3 Cyclone 250cc Adventure Touring Motorcycle



(I have a white 2015 one - not a fan of the orange to be honest)
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