Yes good idea to have a go on a smaller bike. Do you want to know the reasons? To me they stand out on there own.


Fall over, easer to pick up.
A big hand full is not going to get you into a world of trouble.
Light to move round.


And at the end of the day, you can either sell it on. Or have the odd play day's. Go for it.
John933

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To buy petrol in Europe. Pull up at station. Wait. Get out a 20 Euro note, then ask someone to fill up the bike. Give person money. Ride away. Simple.

You're on the right track. Since you have a SHORT riding season in Canada, I would think about doing a Baja ride once you get some basic experience and develop some skills.

There are several good Baja tour companies to choose, or you could arrange your own ride. You pay a premium for a guided tour but everything is covered.

You fly into San Diego, they pick you up, drive you into Mexico, hop on bikes and GO. Your luggage is taken in Van to hotels, so you carry next to nothing.
Medi-vac provided if required.

Good bikes to choose from, mostly CRF250X or similar. Some DRZ400's, some XR400's. Haines is most popular, but look into ALL of them, get best deal you can.

They may provide "Novice" tours and group you in with riders of similar skill level, even provide tips and notes on riding technique. All the guides are great riders ... and most very wise. (I've met and ridden with a few)

You will improve very rapidly in Baja under their guidance.

Here is the scene at Mike's Sky Rancho in Northern Baja at days end. The Haines company was there with 3 tours ... about 50 bikes in all. Big party!

This is a BIG deal. Guys arrive in Baja from all over USA/Canada to ride this amazing land. It is spectacular.



Typical Baja riding, most easy sandy tracks.

Fun Beach riding too ... Temps in Winter range from 65F up to 80F further South.


My group shown here were on our own. We know the routes. The tour guys know all the routes too and can plan a route based on skill level of the group.
Not cheap but very much worth it, IMHO.

Yeah Baja was fun I circumnavigated it with 3 others on KLR's for a month almost 16 years ago...