a proper overland bike for a very short rider
 

I'm trying to solve this puzzle for my wife, she is 5'0 ! She has riding experience, but solely on paved roads, and overland experience as a pillion.

The challenge is, as I believe we all agree, that overland traveling requires certain qualities for the bike, such as engine reliability and not-too-often service intervals. For example changing oil every 40 hours does not qualify, nor having to check valves every week, on a journey that will last for 5-6 months. Such frequent work becomes a burden after a while.

We totally understand that ground clearance will suffer, a lot, there is no question about that, but there is also no way to do the job without significant lowering. It's a compromise we will have to accept.

So far, after examining various options, we are leaning towards the CRF250 L.

Other options:
the WR250R, it will require much much more lowering and I'm not sure how that will affect the geometry and the handling of it. Plus, with a pricetag of 7,5k euros, it's too much.
the klx250: not bad, but I feel that compared to the little honda, the latter is better.

Opinions about other bikes ?? suggestions? which model is out there that meets the criteria for overlanding and can be ... adjusted to an extra-shortypants rider?

I would also like to add, that when it comes to choosing between an old air cooled and carb fueled bike, or a liquid cooled, FI bike, I will definetely choose the modern option. I'm not a fan of the old mantra that carbs are the ideal way to go. Hence, the preference for a CRF250L over lets say an XR250.

Hi There,

have you considered the Yamaha XT250 Serow?

Brilliant little bike, light, low, simple design, mega reliable and really easy to work on.

Regards

Reggie

Serow would be a great choice, readily available in the UK and much lighter than the CRF250L:

definitely consider the Yamaha XT250, probably the most reliable longest lasting 250 around, I sold my TTR 250 with 75,000 kms on the clock, great engine, Im not sure about the UK model but in Canada they are fuel injected now.

You can lower the CRFL with a kouba link ( dont know how much).
and buy your wife a pair of Daytona ladystar GTX boots. They come with a special inlay wich make her 2 cm higher.
We are currently traveling through Africa on two CRF250L's and had no problems in 8 months and 25000 km( hope I dont jinx it now...)

Even if you go for the Serow, consider the Daytona's, they are worth every penny.


www.amsterdamtoanywhere.nl

Yes, we have considered the Serrow and the XT250. They are truly reliable machines. But as I said in the original post, we prefer FI. We would like to eliminate all options for FI-fueled bikes, before settling for a carb fed bike. Unfortunately, an FI version of the XT250 is not imported in my country.

Hello Petrus,
I have been following your blog since Libya :)

I know about the kouba link and I believe it will do the job for the CRF. I just want to continue my research a little more, maybe there are options or ideas that I am missing.
Thanks for the tip for the daytona boots !

Have you looked at the suzuki rv200 van van? I hear its pretty reliable and one of the comfiest bikes out there!! and great for riders of all heights! The only thing is that the 200 variant is pretty rare here in the UK but most parts are in common with the 125 model :P I might be in completely the wrong ballpark here but well it might be of interest to you :)

Zeph

Steph Jeavons - a woman from Wales are currently riding around the world on a Honda Crf 250L. She is member here on the HUBB and also have a blog and a FB side. I dont know her height and if she has lowered the bike but so far I belive she and her bike has done extremely well. She has just been to the highest roads in the world in the indian Himalayas and the bike was doing very well.

I have puttered along in northern Thailand on a Crf and I just love that bike. Its so versatile and easy to ride that its just pure fun to ride it. It could have done with a better seat and a bigger gas tank though. But it can be arranged with aftermarket parts.

I have also been riding the Kawa Klx 250 but the Crf are much better in all aspects of it.