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Which bike should I buy? Which bike should I buy?
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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 Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 23 Nov 2009
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Which bike should I buy?
I have just moved to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand, where I am surrounded by mountains, perfect for some off-road riding. That said, I am new to riding off-road, so there are lots of things to learn - not least of which is the best bike to buy. The choice of second-hand bikes is not great, but I have seen a few, namely a Honda XR 250cc, a Honda XR 400cc, a Yamaha XT Artesia 400cc and some new Kawasaki KLXs (made in Thailand).

The prices do differ greatly, but if I could get an idea of which ones would suit my purposes best and whether there is anything I need to know about any of these models (for example I am struggling to find much info about the Artesia), then I should be able to work it out from there.

Many thanks in advance.

Tom
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  #2  
Old 23 Nov 2009
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Hey Tom, its all about which bike is right for you. Personally I would go with Honda as I'm familiar with them, but have a look and a go of some bikes and see which one you like. Generally speaking if its got decent ground clearence and knobbly tyres it will do for rough terrain.

Also think about the availablility of spare parts. Is there a riding club local to you that might let you have a go on some routes with a borrowed bike?

Hope this helps

Tom
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  #3  
Old 23 Nov 2009
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Location: Pretoria South Africa
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Hey man
Like tommysmithfromleeds said its about what feels best for you.
I would go for the XR400. If you go for the smaller bike you will end up buying a bigger one on a years time. I know you said you are new to offroad and you might feel like the 400 is to big but even the 250cc can be overpowering if it gets into the powerband. Just remember the throttle isn't a on and of switch. So as long as you dont yank it you should do fine with the bigger one intill you are more at home on the bike.
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  #4  
Old 23 Nov 2009
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I second the XR.

I didn't like it as a travel bike, but as an off-roader, it really inspired confidence: especially for a nocive like me. It's very light, plenty of punch without being intimidating, reliable and simple to work, too.

Plus it's nicely put together!
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  #5  
Old 24 Nov 2009
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Location: Eumundi, AUS
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I third that. XR4's are great bush bikes. Bulletproof and hold their value
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  #6  
Old 24 Nov 2009
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Appreciate the advice
Thanks for the advice, it is much appreciated. As it happens, the XR400 was the one I liked the look of the most. The only problem with it is the price (almost £4.5k). Thailand is NOT cheap for scramblers! I'll keep looking for a bit longer and make a decision from there. Any more advice would still be useful, but thanks again to the responses so far.
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