Hi guys,

Long story, but essentially looking for a small Dual Sport bike, 125cc. These seem hard to find in the USA, bit small.....something like a Honda XL125/XR125, Yamaha XT125, Kawasaki KLX125, Suzuki DR125....

Preferably not a hundred years old. c2005

Can they be bought...smallest bikes seem to be the 200's or 250's in the US...I know I'm being picky, fuel economy you see....

Would appreciate any info.

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Most name brand motorcycles are not available in the 125cc size in the US in early years. Unless you are willing to ride a 70's-80's era bike, you woll have to keep a look out for 200cc, 225cc, 250cc, as these are more common.

A good website for looking for used motorcycles, available for private sale in the US, is CRAIGSLOOK.COM

suzuki DR200's are very easy to find, as are yamaha xt225's, yamaha tw200's, and Kawasaki KLR250s.

You are going to be hard pressed to find a late model enduro bike less then 200-250cc's

--Alex

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Thanks Alex!

Don't really fancy the 70's-80's bikes! I'm flexible, but not down with the retro pinks and luminous yellows.

DR200 it is....just regular yellow I think?

Thanks again for taking time to write!
Nick

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Why not? there are allot of honda and others that are still in great condition for under 2 grand. Here where I live there an xl500 for 79 with 4000 miles for that price. if you re just riding around for 5 months consider one of new clone bikes that are around the same price new. It's not like you care if it falls a part after a year or more. You might consider looking to Mexico for small 125cc brand name bikes. There are still sold there. At least one old guy bought a 125 cc there and road it down through south America. They run 1500 to 2300 usa funds. Also if speed doesn't matter consider the old ct110 or 90. It fits the bill. still in production so part aren't a problem. More then one has gone long trips but 45 mph is the top speed. If you didn't say I off road I say just find a 125 to 250 cc scooter. I don't know if you can bring these bikes in . the only one new brand name bike might be a dr200 or 400. We just don't get the bike over here that are sold else were. Dam it.
Honda Motos | CG150 TITAN ESD
Honda Motos | CG 125 CARGO
Honda Motos | CGL 125 TOOL
simongandolfi the guy whom road the 125cc bike.
Google Translate
[url=http://www.suzuki.com.mx/motos/Trabajo/index.html]Suzuki Motor de M

here is a claglist search engine. http://craiglook.com/

Great stuff! Thanks very much!

I certainly be thinking about these little motors, though the DR200 is looking pretty good. I've been using a Yamaha YBR125 and the fuel economy is just so good that I'm reluctant to go to too big an engine for fear of my money fading quicker. I was doing 50km/litre (over 120miles per/gallon?). But the later DR200 seem pretty good too.

Thanks for the info!

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Klaus-1

Do you intend to ride this bike across the USA?

It's kinda small for the interstates here, but there's plenty of other roads to travel on.

This link has some GPS tracks used by bicycle riders. These routes are often less traveled and scenic when not going though large cities. The files contain way points for camping, hotels, B&B's, librarys and more along each route. Their FREE! You may have to work with them a little to get the most out of them.

Bicycle Routes, Bike Trails, & Maps - Adventure Cycling Association

http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes/RouteNetwork.pdf

daryl

Thanks Daryl!

Yeah, I'll be riding it. These routes look fantastic though, thanks. Interstates are doable generally doable, but not much fun because of lack of speed. Riding in Germany was a bit of a problem for example. But actually the smaller roads are better anyway right?! so these will be great ) Thansk for the thought!

Also, I've now got a reasonable shipping quote to Canada, so perhaps I'll start there, from Vancouver and with my own bike (a 125cc ) If I can find a crate I can save a packet too....and I think I might have one....I just need t oget it to my apartment in Northern South Korea.....'

Thansk again!

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most dealer throw them away here. hope it's the same over there and you can find one for free.

Hey Nick - a 125 can 'do' N. America, no problem (of course) .. but you already know this. Check out Nathan's advrider.com RR (Sydney, Aus ~~> Yorkshire) for evidence.

Really nice blog layout btw, I like it ..

Cheers - and good luck.

KEITH

.

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Right Way Round ...

If you're worried about gas money ... why ship your own bike over? Big Money lost! Probably $1000 usd or so? Crates are free in USA ... its the air freight that cost the money.

BTW, 125cc bikes are not freeway/interstate legal in many US states. I think 250cc is the lower limit. Remember: many states have 75 mph speed limits .... but everyone drives much faster than that. Like 85 mph. Even big trucks.

To survive and be safe, you need to be able to cruise at about 70 mph ... and even then you need to watch your mirror (like the Autobahn!) Of course you can stay to small roads but at some point, It is sure you will have to use Freeway or Interstate, so be careful there. Our drivers are much worse than your well trained drivers in Germany!

Also, don't forget, fuel in the USA is dirt cheap. Under $3.00 a gallon most places. How does that compare to Germany?

Lots of good 250cc bikes out there. Look around: Honda Nighthawk 250 or
twin 400, GS500 Suzuki, Ninja 250 or 500, Yamaha Twin Star, many more and Scooters too. Most will get at least 50 miles per gallon or MORE.

Shop around on Craig's list in San Francisco Bay Area. Lots of good deals on many different bikes. Changes constantly. Keep checking, you can find something good and cheap that is cheap to run.
SF bay area motorcycles/scooters classifieds - craigslist
Potatoes are cheap too. And Sardines.

Have fun!

I like the story of Dot the moped )

You're darn right about the fuel / shipping cost argument. But, if I can find a way to stick with my bike then I'd prefer that, one get's attached you know!

Plus of course I actually have to buy the bike and after going roudn the whole of S.America I assume the worst; that it'll be not worth much on it's return. That said....

I shipped in the end.... $1000(!) though the paperwork is annoying and makes me wonder if I should have. Plus I'll have to ship it back out and do it all again....

But my end decision came down more to wanting to stick with the same bike on the trip and then be able to look at it when I am old and reminisce!

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