CBF250 for Oz->UK. Am I mad?

[hsinclai]

Hey all,

I've searched the forums and I don't think I've seen this one mentioned before. I currently own and ride a 2004 BMW F650GS, but it's too heavy for me to consider for an extended solo trip like this. I've put serious consideration into the Suzuki DRZ400, but they're quite expensive used in the UK, plus all the mods that would need to get it RTW ready puts me off, as well as the Honda NX400 Falcon, which seems nearly perfect, except for potential difficulties getting parts.

I probably would have never considered this bike at all, until I recently ran into a guy who rode a very similar bike (Yamaha 250 Phaser) from China to Switzerland, so obviously it can be done - but communication barriers prevented me from asking much about how he got on with it.

Pros:
- Cheap as chips
- Light (151kg wet)
- Easy to get parts & accessories
- Seemingly indestructible
- Great fuel economy and range (up to 300 miles reported)
- Long (8000mi) service interval

Cons:
- Not for serious off road (no bash plate, low exhaust, etc)
- Rear drum brake
- Non adjustable suspension, but I'm only 55kg and pack light, so may not be a problem?
- Not a speed demon (seems to top out at 65mph)
- Doesn't "look" like something you'd take on this kind of trip



Thanks!