Smaller Dual Sports

[mf01]

I've been into sportbikes in the past. I had a Ninja 250 and CBR 929RR. I've also ridden my buddies DRZ250. I want to get back into bikes, but not be as risky. Know I'd like to get something Dual, but I want it to be more of a toy. I was thinking something like the XT225 or KLR(x)250. Does anyone have any experience with them? I'd prefer them for their lower seat height and lower weight. Also I don't plan to cruise on any interstates. Thanks.

[dbdolan]

I've been into sportbikes in the past. I had a Ninja 250 and CBR 929RR. I've also ridden my buddies DRZ250. I want to get back into bikes, but not be as risky. Know I'd like to get something Dual, but I want it to be more of a toy. I was thinking something like the XT225 or KLR(x)250. Does anyone have any experience with them? I'd prefer them for their lower seat height and lower weight. Also I don't plan to cruise on any interstates. Thanks.
You might also look at the Kawasaki Super Sherpa, it has the magic button. I think the KLR 250 is kick start. Or you might as well get the DRZ 400 cause after riding the 250's you will want more.:rider:

[mf01]

What's the seat height like on the DRZ400S? I've been researching and it looks like the XT225 is better than the KLR250 and it has a lower seat height. I'm used to a sportbike seat of 32-33" and when I sat on the KLR650 it felt uncomfortable for city streets.

[dbdolan]

What's the seat height like on the DRZ400S? I've been researching and it looks like the XT225 is better than the KLR250 and it has a lower seat height. I'm used to a sportbike seat of 32-33" and when I sat on the KLR650 it felt uncomfortable for city streets.
The drz 400s specs say 36.8" seat height, although you want to ask GeorgiaPeach she has one and lowered it.

[whiteoak]

I just got rid of an '05 XT-225. I rode it for 15 months and put 11K miles on it. Used it mainly to commute to work but used it some on the dirt. The only problem that I had with it was that it was hard to start, even from day one. I started turning the gas off when I put the bike up for the day. As long as I did that it started right up flawlessly. That bike did everything that I asked of it..,.and more.

[Richard_]

My uncle has a Kawasaki Super Sherpa (250cc dual sport thumper) that I've ridden several times and that he rides often. Most recently my buddy rode it on the primitive River Road in Big Bend. It's a great little bike, and yes, it has the magic button (aka electric starter). The Sherpa has been discontinued but you can find used ones around.

[Sleepy Weasel]

Last I heard the Sherpa had not been discontinued, but they haven't sold them here in the US since 2003 or so. They continue to sell them in Canada, Asia, etc. so that means that if you can find a used Sherpa, you'll have no problem getting parts.

They're a great handling little bike, capable of 70mph if the air is cold enough and you don't have a headwind. After I got one, I rode it about a month to get the feel of it then retook the MSF advanced course on it. That figure 8 box that was so scary on a Rebel in the BRC was a piece of cake, clearing the sides by 3 feet, and that was going through it fast. My dad, who had wrecked 3 bikes before I was born, was surprised to see me do a u-turn in his driveway without touching the lawn. Of course any of the little DS bikes will do that.

The XT225 has a little lower seat height if you prefer it, and I think it's a little lighter than the Sherpa. The KLR250 is a kickstart only, which is one reason I looked for a Sherpa. The new KLX250 has the magic button, but only a 1.9 gallon tank. They also managed to make it heavier than the Sherpa, maybe because it's liquid cooled?

[mf01]

The only problem that I had with it was that it was hard to start, even from day one. I started turning the gas off when I put the bike up for the day. As long as I did that it started right up flawlessly. That bike did everything that I asked of it..,.and more.
I've heard about the starting problem. It's an emissions thing. If you pull the pilot screw out three turns it fixes the problem. The bike runs too lean until it gets warm.

[ColGoodnight]

Lifan LF200GY - $1800 (1)
MZ 125SX - $2999
Yamaha TW200 - $3749
Suzuki DR200SE - $3949
Yamaha XT225 - $4149
Kawasaki KLX250S - $4699
Husqvarna TE250 - $6399

HTH,
Tom

(1) Street price; I can't find a published MSRP.

[alphadog]

I just sold my '96 XT225 for $1300, 8500 mi., exc.shape. Had it 8 yrs., loved it, thought I'd never sell it (bought a KTM Supermoto, lost interest in the Yamaha). Used it for county rds mainly. It is a little underpowered, but definitely a fun machine. Look for a used one, you might get a good deal. Mine came from an auction originally. They have been around forever and are fairly bulletproof.

[Jack Giesecke]

I've got a relatively new, 04 Diamo 200 I really like. The new ones have upside down forks which adds some bling I guess, but seems rather stupid on a price point Chinese dirt bike. :lol: I bought six of these and sold five of 'em, was getting 1500 for 'em. Diamo listed 'em at $1700, but the new ones at the motorcycle show I noticed were something like $2200 MSRP. You're starting to get close to Sherpa prices at that.

I've put about 8 tanks of gas through mine around town, neat little bike. I have it and a 150cc TTR clone left, would sell one of 'em, but I wanna keep one. I sorta like the Diamo, though, for the luggage rack. I can use it down on my place to haul feed to my feeder and such. It sits taller with larger tires, too, than the TTR clone, but the TTR clone is more fun to ride on trails and jumps and such. I'd sell either the Diamo or the TTR clone for $1200. I know I could sell one fast if I stuck it in the paper, but I've sorta been hanging on to 'em and figuring I'd sell one if the opportunity arose. Really like to keep that Diamo, though.

You can see 'em at http://www.diamousa.com . They've got pretty much an XR200 motor with electric start. You buy one from Diamo, you get an MSO with it to take to the court house. Every one I've sold has been titled with no problems, but I've had to go get Diamo guys to sign the MSO for the title transfer because I never got a dealer's license. I was buying 'em 3 at a time to get dealer pricing. But, I've got other irons in the fire right now, no time to mess with that.

http://www.diamousa.com/images/left-motos-dirt-LS200.jpg

I also sold a Lifan 150 for 1699. I wasn't getting the deal on Lifans cause shipping was out of Tennessee. That bike and the Diamos are almost identical. They probably source from the same factory in China is my guess. So far, all the ones I've sold are going strong, getting good feed back from customers that I talk to. Parts are as close as Sugar Land. They have a dealer network which I am one, but I suspect most don't stock any parts, just order and you can do that direct or if you live close enough to the warehouse in Sugar Land, you can just drive over there.

[mf01]

That's a good option, but I don't know if I want to go with something that's not real common. I don't really want it to break down out in the middle of nowhere or have trouble finding parts.

I'm going to look at an XT225 tonight. I'm still a little worried about buying something with a smaller engine. I'd like to check out a Sherpa, but they're hard to find.

[bronco78]

The drz 400s specs say 36.8" seat height, although you want to ask GeorgiaPeach she has one and lowered it.Yup, 36" or so. It can be lowered... But like any other bike,, you have trade offs.

Lower Gel seat -1" Not overly comfortable... on a dirt bike,, not a big deal,, as your standing most of the time.. On a DS or street ridden bike. .. it's not a lot of fun.

Suspension lowering links -.75 ~1.75" depending on your choice. the -.75" link can be used on a hard ridden dirt bike with appropriate suspension changes. It's will have some issues not found on the stock linked suspension.. But is very doable. the -1" or -1.75" link is a real compromise in suspension action, and ground clearance.

The front can be lowered up to .5" with stock 7/8 bars... at bit more if you add bar risers.. BUT…... You will have to do internal modifications for more then that.. both to shorten, and limit up travel.. Having the tire hit the inside of the fender makes for some interesting handling.

I’m 5’6” and ride a DRZ450, gel seat, Kouba link DRZ1 (.75”) I can touch the ground with both feet no problem.

[mf01]

Well I got an '05 XT225. I'm happy with it so far. I just wanted a weekend toy anyways. I like how light and easy it is to move around. I've cruised on it at 60 without any problems. I haven't had a need to go faster yet. If there is anyone with something comparable that wants to ride (I don't want to hold people back), PM me and I'm up for it. Here's some pics:http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c333/mfifield/IM001428.jpghttp://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c333/mfifield/IM001425.jpghttp://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c333/mfifield/IM001420.jpg

[WoodButcher]

Congrats on the new bike. I'm up in NW Austin...way NW, basically Round Rock. I don't get out much on the street with my DRZ, but when I do it's not fast. I'm not liking my current tire setup for street riding. What part of town are you in?

I'm going to do some offroad riding next weekend (march 4th) if you are interested. There will be some folks that are new to the dirt along. Also it is a great group of guys. It's part of a church ministry a couple of guys are getting started. Yep, that's right. A dirt bike ministry.

[mf01]

I use to live up North (183 and Anderson Mill), now I'm in the south Austin area (Slaughter Lane). I don't plan on doing too much street riding. I got the bike more for trail and adventure riding.

I've done some dirt riding with my friends out in Arizona on their DRZ250's, but I'm definitely a beginner in that area. I'm up for some offroad riding sometime. Where are you going to ride at? I'd go if its not too far away.

[WoodButcher]

I PM'd you with more info.

[Jack Giesecke]

I'd ride, but I'm a ways from Austin.

[DaveC]

http://www.pepboys.com/images/transportation/dirt-mini_bikes/9274819_des.jpg
How about a 125 for just over a $1000, got a Pep Boys (http://www.pepboys.com/transportation/dirtbike-minibike/9274819_06073-db.html)?
Cheap, full size but small, it is a copy of a Japanese motor.

[DaveC]

You can see 'em at http://www.diamousa.com .

http://www.diamousa.com/images/left-motos-dirt-LS200.jpg

just order and you can do that direct or if you live close enough to the warehouse in Sugar Land, you can just drive over there.

Do you need a shop to be a "dealer"? I sure would like to open a "dealership" but alas I haven't the first clue as to cost and paper work. Enlighten us of turner of wrenches.

[Jack Giesecke]

Do you need a shop to be a "dealer"? I sure would like to open a "dealership" but alas I haven't the first clue as to cost and paper work. Enlighten us of turner of wrenches.

Well, call 'em and tell 'em you're setting up a dealership or something and you'll get the dealer pricing. You have to guy three at a time to get the best deal. I got the "Authorized Service" thing by just telling 'em I was wrenching bikes here. :lol2: Not a big problem, don't even have a dealer's license to do the paper work. I've been sending the MSOs back to them to get signed along with a title transfer app to do the paperwork, or in one case ran up to Sugar Land to get it done. The tital transfer stuff would be a lot easier with a dealer license, but you have to have an office separate from your home with a land telephone, cell numbers don't count, to get a dealer's license and they inspect on occasion. I didn't have the facility nor did I want to build an office. I could have run a land line into my shop, but they said I had to have a desk and I didn't wanna do that, either.

The scooters would sell in a big city, not down here. I sold a total of five of the DPs, made a little money, paid for the one I have at least. :trust: But, it's not a big market for small bikes down here except for kids. I sold three of 'em when gas was up at 3 bucks a gallon go guys that were driving 1 tons, one guy a 7 mpg suburban, and were all panicing. :lol2: I've done my part for gasoline conservation I guess. I've had NO complaints on the bikes, either, good little motorcycles. One thing I've learned to do, though, is go down to Auto Zone and buy a $3 flasher to replace the stock flasher with. The stock one beeps which is irritating, but it's cheesy as heck and will fry sooner or later. the electrics are simple, that's fortunate, because they're about the cheesiest thing in the bikes construction. The little engines are fantastic!

When I bought mine, the dealer on these things was $1200, the MSRP was under 1700. I was selling 'em for 1500. BUT, that's gone way up. I haven't checked on the dealer price now, but the MSRP on 'em is up to 2100+!:eek2: So, I ain't lookin' to stock anymore. If I sell the one I'm ridin', I'll just have to live without. Working over in Edna, I ain't got the time to mess with it anyways.

[ColGoodnight]

How about a 125 for just over a $1000, got a Pep Boys?
Does Pep Boys claim that thing's street legal?

Cheap, full size but small, it is a copy of a Japanese motor.
I know a guy that can fix you up with a Chinese copy of a Rolex. :deal:

Zongshen (http://www.zongshenamerica.com/list_products.php?type=motorcycles), Harley's and Vespa's Chinese partner, is offering their Ranger 200 DS and Sierra 200 supermoto to Americans:

http://www.zongshenamerica.com/images/products/200gy-2/colors/orange.jpg

They come in Honda red, Kawasaki green, KTM orange, Suzuki yellow and Yamaha blue, you know, so at a distance...

Scoot safe,
Tom

[Westbay]

Last year purchased an xt225 for the seat height. Being 5'6", it fits me well and is reliable and fun to ride. About the hard starting, as stated its an emission standard and can be fixed. There is an active british xt group that has details of the fix. My method is to start the bike often and I have no problem. If a problem does exist with extended time without riding, I lean the bike far over till gas runs out of the bowl overflow and then it will start quickly, though always with a long warm up time.
I bought the bike to ride trails and county roads. though living in galveston, I prefer to ride out of central texas, gatesville area.
Goodluck with your purchase, Bob

[Jack Giesecke]

Lifan LF200GY - $1800 (1)
MZ 125SX - $2999
Yamaha TW200 - $3749
Suzuki DR200SE - $3949
Yamaha XT225 - $4149
Kawasaki KLX250S - $4699
Husqvarna TE250 - $6399

Some input here. My friend had a super sherpa and it was great for light duty trips. It'd top 70 or so, but it was a strain. He cruised it about 60. It was light enough for trail riding and the seat height, since that's a desire, is really low compared to others. If you can find a good used one, I think you'd like it.

The LF200GY is essentially what I have, but it's Diamo badged. I've ridden and sold the lifans and there ain't any difference. They're good bikes. The electrics are cheezier than Japanese, seen one ignition coil fry, but they seem rather reliable. The one I have I've been floggin' around town. 50 mph is about its cruise speed limit, but at 80-100 mpg, I might be making my 34 mile commute on the thing if gas gets much highter. :rolleyes: It's great off road, sorta heavy at 250 lbs, but not bad. It has good grunt, is a bit undergeared for the street, but perfect for the trail. The body parts can crack in a crash. If and when I bust up the fender or something, I'll probably adapt a XR fender to it, one with more flex. It's fun to ride and was cheap, cheap to buy and parts are available. If you can't do your own work, Diamo has a list of service dealers on their site http://www.diamousa.com . They're about the most organized of the Chinese importers that I've seen, though there are cheaper versions of the LS200 (Diamo's model designation for the bike) out there. Diamo's prices have gone up. They had a display at the MC show in Houston and the bikes have a little more bling with an upside down fork, but it ain't worth the 500 bucks more MSRP they want IMHO. MSRP was about $2200 on the bike. I sold 'em at 1500 a copy and made a decent profit. I haven't checked dealer cost on 'em, sorta got out of the sales thing.

The MuZ I have sxperience with is the SM, not SX, so it may differ in statistics. It is ONE HEAVY BIKE! It is well over 300 lbs, quite heavy for a 125. I've seen 'em raced in CMRA and they're okay for that, just heavy. I don't think they'd be that great on the kart tracks because of that. They have huge front brakes, 17" wheels front and rear wide enough for 125GP rubber or racing pilots and such, street suspension. Not exactly your perfect cow trailer and they're not too fast on the street, of course.

I'm not sure about how the SX differs other than wheels (spoked and sized for knobbies), maybe suspension, but if it's anywhere NEAR as heavy as the SM motard version, I'd want something else. I've noticed throughout the range of models, MuZs tend to be quite heavy for their classes. They're well built bikes and priced well, though.