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Next bike for my 5'2" wife - light weight dirt oriented long distance capable Next bike for my 5'2" wife - light weight dirt oriented long distance capable
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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 Lois Pryce, schoolkids in Algeria

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Photo of Lois Pryce, UK
and schoolkids in Algeria



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  #1  
Old 10 Nov 2015
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I dont know your budget, but dont write off the CRFL. They are super reliable, easy to ride, low/no vibration, 6 gears, fuel injection, 337 watt alternator and more horsepower dan the xt.
Easy to lower with a kouba link.
A lot off bike for the money.

We are traveling around the world on two of these bikes for the last two years/76000 km without problems.


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  #2  
Old 10 Nov 2015
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Petrus View Post
I dont know your budget, but dont write off the CRFL. They are super reliable, easy to ride, low/no vibration, 6 gears, fuel injection, 337 watt alternator and more horsepower dan the xt.
Easy to lower with a kouba link.
A lot off bike for the money.

We are traveling around the world on two of these bikes for the last two years/76000 km without problems.


Amsterdam to anywhere
Wow the water is even muddier now, Thanks Petrus, the modern benefits of a WR and 2" lower seat height. I see you are/were in Alberta recently, let us know if you make it to Vancouver , we live in Squamish, 40min on the way to Whistler if you would like to stop in and need a shower and a bed.

I think what we need to do is set up a day and see all these bikes at once and ask folks if TK can give them a quick ride. This so far has been super enlightening and made me look at other bikes that I did not before.
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  #3  
Old 10 Nov 2015
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Petrus View Post
I dont know your budget, but dont write off the CRFL. They are super reliable, easy to ride, low/no vibration, 6 gears, fuel injection, 337 watt alternator and more horsepower dan the xt.
Easy to lower with a kouba link.
A lot off bike for the money.

We are traveling around the world on two of these bikes for the last two years/76000 km without problems.


Amsterdam to anywhere
Glad you chimed in ... and corrected what I said about the CRF250L. Really good to know it puts out 337 Watts! This is BIG is you plan to run elec. gear or accessories. I assumed it would be around 200 like so many other Dual Sport bikes. Pretty sure the DRZ400SM only puts out 200 Watts, not sure about WR250R.

Your ride is a great test and proof how tough the new little Honda is over the long run. Great report!
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  #4  
Old 10 Nov 2015
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For sure - Honda may have sold a couple of bikes because of that endorsement. I am in the process of cleaning up our other bikes for sale and likely wont buy anything till the new year but will be sure to continue the dialogue and keep you all posted

From my research the DRZ/dr600 output 200w, the WR250R 350W - I guess they upsize them for the fuel injection
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  #5  
Old 12 Dec 2015
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Calling Doctor Zee...
Another vote for the XT250 (Serow) here - ideally the latest EFi version - that really would be pretty much ready to go out of the crate.

Personally though, if you do want appreciably more power (than the Sherpa - which is similar to the XT to be honest) for longer highway stretches, I think the DRZ400SM with a set of 17" TKC80 tyres and a lowering link on the rear would be near perfect for a shorter rider. A similarly short friend of mine had one set-up like that and it was damn near unstoppable.


photo. I think the tyres are Avon Distanza SMs here, but it shows the height well.

Plenty of aftermarket (comfy) seat options and larger tanks if required - although I'd try and keep it as simple as possible, and certainly leave things like electric heated clothing at home...

Ultimately it also means you'd both be happy on effectively the same bike, which makes a lot of sense for an extended trip?

Hope that helps...

Jx
Last edited by JMo (& piglet); 28 Dec 2015 at 21:28.
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  #6  
Old 30 Dec 2015
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Update
After endless deliberation we purchased a 2015 CRF250l for her last night w 500kms on the odo, brand new really.

After I lower it I am confident this is a good choice. Thanks to all who chimed in, especially Petrus without whome we may well have overlooked this bike.

I on the other hand let my ego have a vote and bought a 2012 KTM 690. Coming off an f800gs the gnarly stuff is going to be soooo much more enjoyable.
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