Not sure of you are interested but another version of the DR250 is the SH model, which has handlebar mounted adjustable front and rear suspension. May be added complexity but I found it brilliant as you can build confidence on the low setting and then raise it up as required.

I've even got one thats going to be for sale in the next couple of weeks with a fresh MOT.

Reasonable comfy seat and pillion pegs so the sub frame may be strong enough for some light luggage.

Adjustably small and nimble, only selling as I want to buy an enduro bike to go racing.

Go on you, know you want to....


38

Thanks guys for the info and explanations!!!
Dave, I have PM'd you about the DR -definitely interested, and thanks for your time to explain the concepts/speccy things in your thread!
After all this, I fear that a spreadsheet of bikes and pros and cons maybe the only way forward for me!
Cheers
Char

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Don't be scared your life may end,
Be scared that it may never begin.......

Follow your heart and your gut.

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Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!

Charlotte glad to see you're getting good advice - I think most of us really just want to ask if we can be your pillion... joke!

Once you are riding, contact TFL who offer knock-down prices on rider training, 3 hour lesson with them will keep you alive much longer, which is definitely a good thing. I still have to formalise my UK licence but will be going in for a course when I do.

btw thanks to those who commented on the tank range.

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The Road To Rio - Locokiwi

Well..... "mi pillion seat est su pillion seat"!
Off road experience is a must, and once I have purchased the baby (I have had enough of trying by F650ST off road with road tyres on! ha ha!) I will be off to Wales (not to BMW) to get in some mud, stone and water action!
Patrick, indeed, test riding is far more important than a spreadsheet - I think I just got bogged down in all the figures and techno speak - wise words - if it was all heart, I think I would try and get hold of an XL, because I absolutely loved riding that sweetie in Cambodia, ladened up and covering plenty of miles on different terrain.
I think I am about to purchase a DR350 - and I'll see how long it takes me to decide that it isnt the one either.....
Thanks to all!

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Don't be scared your life may end,
Be scared that it may never begin.......

I have access to a decent workspace and tools and a few guys who have better mechanical knowledge than me who've travelled further than me... and less scars than me. It's in London but if ever you feel like popping down before you leave- my friends aren't condescending and put up with my dubious knowledge! Just use the 'send an email link' in HUBB

I don't have a pillion seat or even a bike at the moment but am saving up and hopefully this summer will be back on two wheels.

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The Road To Rio - Locokiwi

Charlotte,

I know I will be getting GRIEF from other die-hards out there... but here goes...

I will admit right up front that I am (1) a Honda fanatic (having ridden almost everything off-road) and (2) I am 6'3". Lots of things to think about when choosing a RTW bike besides sixe, weight, power, etc....

I owned and raced an XR250 for many years, recently have an XR650L in Peru (yes, it is a bit head-heavy in the soft stuff) and an XR400 in the states, but when I took a small 10,000 km trip in SA (Peru/Brazil/Bolivia) with my 17 yr old son, Around the Block 2007 | we chose the Honda XR250 Tornado. It is Brazilian made and parts available EVERYWFHERE south of the US border.

I know that may not apply to your RTW trip, but the reason was: (1) both on same bikes (2) parts everywhere (3) Did not draw too much attention. (4) good gas mileage

I prefer a bigger bike... but there are other details in the choice..

So, to sum it up: Go with the XR250. It is the most known (and common in most respects) of all the 250's in the world. (here comes the GRIEF !!) It has the best record for durability of the 250's. It is plush enough (and light enough) for the rough stuff, but can cruise too.

If you get a new one, change out for the old style seat, the new narrow ones will kill you on a long trip. And when possible, travel light! Ditch the panniers and the camping gear and stay with folk or cheap hostels, a small soft pack on a rear rack and small backpack strapped on the tank... is really all you need.

If you are in SA summer 2009, 12 of us (guys and gals) will be doing Peru for 35 days on dirt bikes...

Toby (charapa) Around the Block 2007 |

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http://www.aroundtheblockmotoadventures.com/
'We build the bike (in Peru) for your Epic Ride of South America.'