hurricane harry
Observer
+1:victory:
One of THE most capable off road dual sports.
Which bike would make a good "lifeboat" for a Unimog?
- Thread starter Jolly Roger
- Start date
One of THE most capable off road dual sports.
Jolly Roger
Adventurer
Wow! Thanks for all the great suggestions, there certainly seems to be some good options there. I guess my next step it to make the rounds at the local dealers and see some of these in the flesh. Thanks again for all the feedback. I'll keep you posted.
Adventurerider
Adventurer
Late to the party but I agree TW200 & WR250 no doubt!!! Good luck sounds like a great time.
MatthewThompson
Adventurer
+65 on the TW200. Amazing little bike.
Capt Sport
Adventurer
+1 on the TW 200 great bike for your intended purpose. If you're looking to go larger I'd look real hard at the xr650l, it's been around for ever with the engine basically unchanged (read parts available all over), and is stone reliable to boot.
Here's another direction for you to go. Have you looked at the Yamaha Zuma 125 scooter? It's not as off road worthy as the bikes previously mentioned, but it will handle mild off road duty with ease. It's twist and go so no shifting which may appeal to your wife is she's not familiar with riding a true motorcycle. There sold all over the world so parts shouldn't be a problem. And, they're smaller than a dual purpose bike so stowing it should be easier.
Here's another direction for you to go. Have you looked at the Yamaha Zuma 125 scooter? It's not as off road worthy as the bikes previously mentioned, but it will handle mild off road duty with ease. It's twist and go so no shifting which may appeal to your wife is she's not familiar with riding a true motorcycle. There sold all over the world so parts shouldn't be a problem. And, they're smaller than a dual purpose bike so stowing it should be easier.
Every Miles A Memory
Expedition Leader
My vote would be for the DRZ400 with a 4 gallon tank to give you more mileage.
One of the lightest in the 400 dual sport line-up and majorly capable both on and off road, which is why we chose it. Ours is the Supermoto version because it has better gearing for road riding which I use it more for.
Stock seat, or 2x6 isnt all that comfortable for the rear passenger, but Corbin makes a gel seat that really helps if you plan on logging lots of miles.
One of the lightest in the 400 dual sport line-up and majorly capable both on and off road, which is why we chose it. Ours is the Supermoto version because it has better gearing for road riding which I use it more for.
Stock seat, or 2x6 isnt all that comfortable for the rear passenger, but Corbin makes a gel seat that really helps if you plan on logging lots of miles.
I like the WR250R. They are a few bucks more and a little more complicated but the fuel injection is dummy proof. My wife can go to town on ours and I never have to worry that she will flood the engine out. Just turn the key and press the start button regardless of temp. We now own 2. Plenty of power and super fuel efficient. Will run for ever.
MarcFJ60
Adventurer
There's nothing wrong with all the bikes mentioned, but I would hate to be the rear seat passenger on a WR or DRZ - we're talking 37" seat heights. For the purpose you describe, I would think smaller is better - especially in places outside N. America. Heck, I think the scooter is a pretty good idea but you might as well get a TW200 for about the same price. An XT225/250 or DR200 would also be an idea.
But if your MOG gets stranded somewhere really rutted and rocky - "Rubicon-esque", I would think the TW is the best bike to get you back to civilization. Might not get there fast, but it would get there. Remember, some terrain is a lot easier in a 4wd than with a motorcycle. A lower bike that when needed you could push/carry/help over obstacles will get you farther. You may find yourself on trails that you just don't want to try with a KLR650 two up. And since your not intending to go 2 up on the freeway, who needs a 650 anyway. Hell, an old Honda Trail70 will probably get you out of more places than a 650 dual sport. Won't get you out fast, but it will get you out even if the two of you need to help it along the way.
I'm not an expert, but for what you describe I can't think of a more perfect fit than a TW200.
But if your MOG gets stranded somewhere really rutted and rocky - "Rubicon-esque", I would think the TW is the best bike to get you back to civilization. Might not get there fast, but it would get there. Remember, some terrain is a lot easier in a 4wd than with a motorcycle. A lower bike that when needed you could push/carry/help over obstacles will get you farther. You may find yourself on trails that you just don't want to try with a KLR650 two up. And since your not intending to go 2 up on the freeway, who needs a 650 anyway. Hell, an old Honda Trail70 will probably get you out of more places than a 650 dual sport. Won't get you out fast, but it will get you out even if the two of you need to help it along the way.
I'm not an expert, but for what you describe I can't think of a more perfect fit than a TW200.
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best bike
Nice to see all the love for the TW,for the last four years I have used mine in pretty much exactly the way you describe. I have had zero issues or problems. The only real limitation is that depending on gearing it is not very happy for extended runs of much over 45 mph. The good news is that it will return over 75 mpg at these speeds.
Nice to see all the love for the TW,for the last four years I have used mine in pretty much exactly the way you describe. I have had zero issues or problems. The only real limitation is that depending on gearing it is not very happy for extended runs of much over 45 mph. The good news is that it will return over 75 mpg at these speeds.
Attachments
Jolly Roger
Adventurer
I hadn't really considered looking at a scooter as I just didn't think they would be much use off-road. Based on what we want to do, I think 200cc would probably be the minimum size. Not sure I'd want to go up to anything as large as a 650cc as we really want to keep the weight down. So something between 200-650 will probably be good for us . . . leaning more towards the 200 end. Shifting is not a problem for my wife. She rode her BMW F800GS 14,000 km this summer up to Inuvik and Prudhoe Bay. While we loved the larger bikes, we really need something quite small and light for the Mog.
hurricane harry
Observer
I don't think your going to enjoy riding two up on any dirt capable daul sport. But if money is no object, and you want the top of the line, the Husaberg series is the hot tickect right now. They all weigh the same, 390, 450, and the 570, all around 250 pounds, probably less than the tw200, and, aside from the small fuel tank, they are off-road ready out of the box. The 570 is 50 state street legal.
Ive got to vote for the TW200 as well. I have had 2 and they are great little bikes that are easy to ride and handle. The other 200-250's are good as well. CRF230L i dont think has rear pegs but that can be changed, the KLX250 is a little complicated but the Super Sherpa is a GREAT little machine that is capable 2up and low seat, light and returns great economy. My top three in no particular order for simlicity, reliability, and comfort are
TW200
DR200
Super Sherpa
Just another opinion...
TW200
DR200
Super Sherpa
Just another opinion...
I am about to pick up a WR250R (I hope) and would recommend that one....
But for the use, the TW200 fattire would be an excellent choice for your needs!
But for the use, the TW200 fattire would be an excellent choice for your needs!