Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
changing from 200cc dual-sport? changing from 200cc dual-sport?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
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



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 3 Mar 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: South Africa
Posts: 28
changing from 200cc dual-sport?
In South Africa, I have a 2004 Honda CTX200B(ushlander), an agricultural bike (dual sport). Top speed standard was about 100 kmph (60mph) on flats, but I changed sprockets, adding a tooth in front and dropping two in back. Now I’m up to about 110 on flats, 100 going up hills (sometimes as low as 90...), and 120+ going down hills. So, the question: am I going to kill this engine by riding it this way for 3 years/34,000 km (20,000 miles)? I’m wide open about half the time—the rest I’m on dirt or curves or slower speed limits.

(FYI, I’d like to keep this bike, since my wife rides, too, and likes it, and I already have it. The bike market here is weird—everything holds value for a long time. I’d like a slightly bigger dual-sport, even up to the 650s, but prices are too high here. This was US$2500 barely broken in, and a good condition KLR with 15,000 miles is $4200. I’d like something with a bigger tank—this one is only 8.5L/2.2gal.—in addition to higher speeds. Or I could go for a 250 road bike, standard style, to get slightly higher speeds, though I like how tough this machine is…Sigh.)



Adam
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 3 Mar 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
Buy a used 650 from LeCap. Maybe you can get a deal. Or buy from a traveller passing through, selling off the bike and flying home. Seems quite a few do this.
No idea about paper work in S. A.

That Honda will go a long time wide open but not forever. I'd keep it for local
riding and dirt. Get something bigger for speeds 60 or over.

If used prices are so high maybe buying new is a better bet? Treat yourself!
You deserve it!

Patrick
Patrick has it I think. Whenever I have an insoluble problem I like to turn it on its head, often then the solution becomes obvious. Sometime sof course you end up somewhat askew It is also a good way to test the truth of some 'rule of thumb' there are many false ones which only work in a very limited set of circumstances. The new bike route seems good to me, the same of second hand prices holding up is true here in France also. Problem is though they sting on new bikes But as you like your Honda, i would stick with it, if just for your wife's sake.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 4 Mar 2007
Moderator, Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Lancashire England
Posts: 313
Hi There,

I have a Yamaha XT250 Serow and have covered 33,000kms in the last 16 months.

I usually cruise at about 90 to 95 kph and still manage to get around 90mpg.

So I reckon you should just reduce your speed by about 10kph and keep running your current bike.

I hope to get at least 100,000kms out of mine.

By the way, the only things I've replaced are oil, filters, plugs, tyres, brake pads, so it's cheap motoring!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 8 Mar 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: South Africa
Posts: 28
advice now please! to a DR200???
Latest development--found a Suzuki DR200, fewer kms on it, same year, but the DR has 20bhp vs 14.5 on power and 18Nm v 15.2 on torque, and it's 22 lbs lighter, with a 13 L tank vs 8.5, and rear pegs to take a pillion in a pinch. Gotta decide ASAP to go the 4 hour drive or not to get it this weekend. Worth the switch? Pretty much decided the KLR is still a little too steep, but maybe...Right now the decision is to switch to another 200 or not. Please let me know your thoughts!

Adam
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 8 Mar 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: South Africa
Posts: 28
more on Honda 200 vs DR200
Oh, and asking prices is the same that I paid for the Honda, with 2 tires and helmets included and he might drop the price for me. Drawbacks to the DR are 1--have to go get it, 2--doesn't have racks, but I suspect I could get them made up pretty cheap here 3--just put on new rubber and some work on the CTX for US$300. (And when I bought my Honda, the same day there was a DR there for US$300 more and I've always kicked myself for not taking that instead...) 4--there's the hassle of paperwork here, though it should be manageable... I think I'll be able to get about what I paid for the Honda when I sell it.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
dual sport outfitter Denver unclef North America 0 18 Jun 2004 06:28
Dual Sport tires- what to get? DE mark Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 4 18 Apr 2004 02:15
xr250r dual sport dakar200 Honda Tech 0 9 Feb 2004 03:38
Dual sport around Prince George BC Mercenary Route Planning 3 16 Dec 2003 23:47
Which is the common dual sport in Africa? Poa Which Bike? 5 31 Jan 2003 06:03

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

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. 11-14
  • 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

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

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.

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!



Five books by Graham Field!

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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.

Susan and Grant Johnson 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.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 20:42.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top