Hi Ladies!

I'm going on a trip around Mongolia this summer. I am in the process of acquiring a bike. I have decided to rent because it appears to be the most practical option for a two month long trip around one country.

I have listed the bikes I have to choose from. I was hoping I could get your input on which bike would serve me based on my height, weight, luggage amount, and type of riding (unpaved roads/some offroading).

I am 5'7" and I weigh 135 pounds. I will be carrying a moderate amount of gear (tent, water, gasoline, clothing, etc).

Suzuki DR650
Yamaha XT250
Yamaha WR250
KTM 450EXC

Thanks,
Jane

Hi Jane,
There is a similar question on advrider with a potentially useful answer, not the one I gave though.

Thanks, Mark.

Could you send a link and tell me what your opinion was on the matter?

Oops, I copied the link and forgot to paste it, here it is


Mongolia? - ADVrider

Janeo,

It's tough to answer your question without more info. How much riding experience do you have? Are you handy with a wrench?

Personally I suggest that unless you have a lot of riding experience, you should rule out the Suzuki and the KTM. They are bigger and more powerful than you need in Mongolia.

I'm not familiar with the two Yamahas, but at least they are in the 250 range. The problem is that even for 250s, enduro-style bikes can be rather tall, and with your height you might not be able to touch the ground--no problem if you're experienced, but maybe scary if not (especially on muddy, rutted roads...).

You might consider the Chinese bikes. Near the black market in Ulan Baator there are rows of bike shops, full of Chinese bikes...I probably have some pictures somewhere. I don't know how hard it would be to buy one, but economically you're probably better off buying one of these than renting. Another plus is that everyone, and I mean everyone, and their brother in Mongolia rides these things, so you should be able to get it fixed if (when?) if breaks down.

Of course one of the Chinese bikes might not be as comfortable as a KTM, etc., but if you're there for two months hopefully you won't be forced to travel very far or fast...

Those are ALL nice bikes! I can't believe you can rent those in Mongolia! Wow! Things are changing fast I guess!

The two Yamaha's would be the way to go, IMO. The WR is the better bike but it may be TOO TALL for you?? The XT is more a dual sport and a bit lower down, easier to manage ... and after all Lois rode one across Africa!

I would not send those rental guys any money up front as deposit. Better to just show up IN PERSON and be prepared to do some serious bargaining for a day or two. Get the best bike you can. I'd love to hear if they actually have those bikes ON HAND ... when you get there. I somehow doubt it.

Two months rental is HUGE income for these guys ... so use that lever to get the best deal and be sure to pit one dealer against his competitor ... and SMILE! to get best deal. (or basically ... to survive and not get screwed )

As mentioned, seems Chinese bikes are everywhere ... and I'm guessing would be A LOT cheaper to rent? (or buy?) the Japanese bikes I'd bet are absurdly expensive for rental. But up to you what you want to spend.
I'd go Chinese and be happy!

I hope you're not riding solo? Hook up with a small group or tour for a first time tour. Have Fun, ride safe!

Thank you for the replies everyone!

I own an XT250 and my feet sit flat on the ground with my boots on. I don't have it set up for long trips (ie no luggage or racks), and I haven't been offroading with it yet. I wanted to see how the XT250 worked out for travelers on longer trips.

Motoreiter, I am not super experienced. I began riding just over a year ago and I wasn't sure if I should consider a larger bike. I thought maybe a larger bike would be better for dealing with luggage? Thanks for the help
I was leaning toward a smaller engine bike. Also, the travel pace will be comfortable. My companion and I have allowed ourselves a lot of time to get from place to place.

Mollydog, one rental agency is called Drive Mongolia and it is run by Chinzo Chuluunbaatar. I found him on the web and he was also recommended to me by an expat on the Hubb named Pete. Chinzo rents XT250's and DR650's. He used to have WR450's, but he said he sold them because they ran a high rpm and there were frequent problems with the gear box and engine. Not sure if that's just specific to his bikes though.

The other agency is UK run and does guided tours. They are selling KTM 450 EXC's and a Yamaha WR250. I asked them if I could rent one of the for sale bikes to avoid the headache of buying and selling. We've been working out a deal for renting a WR250. The agency appears to be legitimate and the bike appears to be very well maintained. I think I'd prefer a Japanese bike to a Chinese one. I have heard the Japanese bikes are more robust.
Thanks for all of the renting info/advice! I will be cautious with my cash!

Thus far, it sounds like either Yamaha would be suitable. I know the XT is more basic and the WR has a kick ass engine and suspension. Basic isn't a bad thing though and I've really enjoyed my XT I have at home.

I still need to read Mark's thread.

As for travel companions, I am traveling with my boyfriend. He has done a few big trips and he is on the Hubb as well :]

Everyone, thank you so much for your input! I love hearing others' experiences. I'm really excited about the trip!

This is excellent! BIG UPS for doing this trip!
Sounds like you two have your ducks in a row. Hope it all works out well!

If you can flat foot your XT then I'm thinking the WR may be OK for you. Go to a Yam dealer in your area and have a sit. Do the same with the DR650.

Problem with BOTH of the 250's is lack of luggage carrying ability ... unless they are previously set up for that?? If so ... them ALL GOOD, go with the 250 (either one!)

The WR indeed has much better suspension and quite an impressive motor. I don't own one ... but have test ridden one for an hour off road ... it was very good!

I own a DR650 and it's a great travel bike ... but may be just a bit heavy for you? But it is great for carrying luggage and is great on fast, well packed roads and can easily cruise at 70 mph ... or more .... all day.

I love my DR and ride it off road. But I have a few years experience riding enduros and such.

If the route is not technical, then I would go with the DR650 if you can get your feet down. It's not very tall ... the WR250 is taller in fact.
But the DR heavier ... get help to pick it up.

As the guys have mentioned, Id definitely turn up in person and haggle for a fair deal, you may find the DR a bit heavy, if you are travelling light the 250's will be more fun and the XT250 is a good bike as Im sure you are aware as you own one, at the end of the day you are better off on what you feel the most comfortable on.
Also take into consideration the rain situation when you are there, most rainfall around UB is in June, July, August, so make sure whatever bike you rent has some decent tyres, if theres a lot of rain the tracks will be slick - much easier to handle a smaller bike with less power in those conditions - and easier to pick it up all day.


The other advantage is as you already have the XT250 (presuming the rental is a similar year) then you can set up your luggage system at home and transfer it straight to the rental (if it does not come with any luggage)


Remember that there is NOTHING faster than a rented motorbike

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Cheers
Grif

'11 KTM 450 EXC
'09 Suzuki DR650
'00 Discovery Series 2 V8
'95 Defender 90 300 Tdi Overlander
http://gipperstravels.blogspot.ca

Thank you, Gipper! Very helpful :]

My wife rides an F650gs here in Australia, but as we travel around the world she rides an XT250 and would not swap it for anything, and its has been bomb proof as well.

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....rather Die Living.....than Live Dying !
www.globetrekkers.net.au

Thanks for the info everyone! Very helpful.

I ended up choosing the XT250 after all! It sounds super reliable (and it has been in my experiences with it as well) and I'm more comfortable with its seat height.

I'm excited to get going!

Hi! Jane,
Me and 7 others from Malaysia will be riding Mongolia this mid Summer (starting 13 Aug till ....). We are renting the Chinese made bike Mustang 150. The bike is light and commonly used by the local, so I bet any small workshop can handle any mechanical problems.
See you on the road. Safe Ride always.


Amzah

Hi everyone,

i'm going to Mongolia (hope this is the right thread) ad a friend of mine who lives there find this bike for me 2015-2016-yamaha-xt250, could you please give me an advice about it? I only heard good stuff about this model, but maybe here is someone that try it and could tell me something more? I'm going to have a backpack with me, aprox. 30kg.
Thanks everyone!