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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 Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



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  #16  
Old 10 Aug 2022
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I chose to go with the yamaha tw200. Like PO I'm a small person at 1,68, around 50kg. Lowest seat height and weights only 260 lbs after taking off rear foot pegs and swap the battery for a lithuim battery.

My TW goes up to 115 quickly, then slowly to 120k/h on the speedo. Someone heavier like 75 kg, top speed 105 to 110 k/h.

One has to rejet, and drop five teeth on the rear sproket from 50 to 45, this lowers the RPM around 800 rpm at 100k/h.

It doesn't break down and it's very easy to work on.
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  #17  
Old 10 Aug 2022
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The only problem with the TW is the rear tire choices, here in Europe you can't easily get away with mounting ATV tires.

It's a pity there aren't more decent quality small bike choices, here the Rieju Tangos & MRTs are a really good choice but they don't have a big support network outside of Spain.
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  #18  
Old 10 Aug 2022
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Top speed only matters when you are trying to get somewhere in a hurry. I remember crossing Spain, over 1000km from Santander to Algeciras, keeping the speed to 100 kph so my knobblies would be intact for Morocco. It probably only took two hours longer than travelling at the legal limit.

250cc is a lovely size of motorbike but it took a hit all those years ago when the learner limit was lowered to 125cc. I have a neighbour who uses a 125cc on the trails in Spain but he says it is positively dangerous on steep hill trails as it can't produce the power needed.
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  #19  
Old 10 Aug 2022
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Yes .. 250 cc is the sweet spot for an off road bike . and around 25 hp
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  #20  
Old 11 Aug 2022
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Cullis View Post
... I have a neighbour who uses a 125cc on the trails in Spain but he says it is positively dangerous on steep hill trails as it can't produce the power needed.
Depends on the definition of steep, I've taken a Tango (with a whopping 9hp) up some stuff that people on Enduro bikes struggle with because they're just spinning their tires on the loose rocks ... you can't get up a step more than 12" or so though, because it doesn't have enough power to lift the front wheel at short notice
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  #21  
Old 11 Aug 2022
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A lot of power is only useful offroad if you know how to use it. It can quickly get you into trouble.

Having more power certainly helps when you're in tricky stuff and you can't find the right gear etc. The abilty to keep chugging and keeping momentum on a rough trail is important.

If you're spinning your wheels then you need to learn to slip your clutch. It's the first rule of trail riding after not falling off. So okay, it's the second It's not an easy skill to learn. I struggle with it.

Steep hills !! Power. Yes please. You don't want to run out of ooomph half way up a steep climb. You can't easily change down a gear as you will loose momentum. Then over you go.
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