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.

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John
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