Kawasaki 250 dual sport as first (and only) bike

[762X39]

I have decided to get a bike that Katherine and I can share when we are off in the wilderness doing our thing. The requirements are to get into town for supplies or help. I kinda like the Kawasaki dual sports but don't need a new one. How good are the older ones, are parts available and are they easy to maintain?
Keep in mind that motorcycles are not our thing and this would be a secondary mode of transportation for us.

 

[Snafu]

I don't know how long that will last. I feel that two wheels = more fun than four!

Check out Neal Peart's book, Ghost Rider, and you might just get the enduro bug bite. Everything is just more fun, even a sunrise in West Texas:

Blinding by snafu-kb, on Flickr

I've got a buddy with an early 90's Kawasaki 250 and he seems to be quite happy. He just has some random problems to deal with but one on going problem is that it burns oil. But it sounded as if the PO didn't do too much to take care of the bike. If you maintain the chain, and keep the fluids topped off it goes a long way. The engine is only a single cylinder and as far as I know its air cooled on most all of the 250's so the simplicity is awesome.

That's why I'm craving a Kawasaki or maybe a Suzuki 250 for some enduro action. Best of luck in the search, craigslist and cycletrader.com are great for finding some old bikes!

 

[Dave Bennett]

Kawasaki KLX 250 or a Super Sherpa! Look for one of these used, great bikes and a Sherpa is on my list for next bike for the very same purpose you stated.

KLX 250
http://www.kawasaki.com/products/product-specifications.aspx?id=416

Super Sherpa
http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/product-specifications.aspx?id=371

 

[762X39]

Check out Neal Peart's book, Ghost Rider, and you might just get the enduro bug bite

Thank's, being a Rush fan from the beginning, I read the book as soon as it was released. I will likely have just as much trouble getting my bike license as Neal did

 

[uk trailer guy]

I run a '97 KLR650 that I use every day. She's a bit like my Series III Landy - basic, characterful and something I work on, by myself, anywhere in the world with a very basic tool kit and even more basic mechanical knowledge!

It's probably a bit too big and heavy to lug around on the back of a vehicle (I'm not sure - you'd be the best to judge that!), but a KLR250 or TW200 may be worth a look.

 

[Boonie Buster]

I like my '02 KLR 250. If you dont like to kick start, get a sherpa or find a KLR with electric start.................. Real bikes are kickstart anyways! :bike_rider:

I would also look into a DRZ 250 or 400 as well. But so far I have really enjoyed my KLR as a gravel road pounder.

 

[Streakerfreak]

The newer and older KLX250's are surprisingly affordable. I'm broke, but could scrounge up enough money to buy a newer model for my first bike. I recently rode it from Montana to Arizona. It has enough power to hold its own even on the interstate, but lite enough I can easily pick it back up fully loaded while out on the trail. This will change of course depending on your weight and elevation.

While in Prescott, my bike was vandalized outside a hotel. I had zero issue's finding parts for it at the local Kawasaki dealership and there are enough of these bikes on the road you should have no problem buying second hand. Maintenance is very straight forward and requires just simple hand tools.

Fully loaded with a week of supplies and I could barely notice the weight difference.

 

[surfj9009]

I almost bought the 250. Thought the 650 was too damn big for what I wanted.
I ended up settling on a DRZ400S and I am so glad that I did. Don't get me wrong, the 250 is nice, but the 400 is better IMO.

Would agree with above comment that the TW200 should be considered also. Sounds like the perfect bike for what you mentioned. I learned on one, and they are very friendly first bikes, good for the trail and street. Lady friendly also. They are very forgiving. I took a MSF class and rode one the whole time. Almost ended up buying one, and I still may someday.

 

[FurthurOnTheFly]

I have a Super Sherpa and love it. I echo what Streakerfreak said, its just enough power to be able to keep up speed on the freeway but I can still pick it up and whip it around if I need to. Not sure about the KLX but the Sherpa comes with 6 gears which really helps at higher speeds. I still lust after a Ducati Monster or a Triumph, but love my Sherpa so much I'm not willing to get rid of it for something else.

 

[762X39]

Thanks for all your replies.Looks like a KLX or Super Sherpa is in our future. Katherine is under 100lbs soaking wet (and under 4'10") so a 250 is at the top of our range. This is after all a last resort option to get into town from a logging road or other off pavement area and a means of staying parked with the pickup or Benz while still allowing us to get into the nearest town for fresh food, supplies and beer.

 

[rjl2001]

A KLR250 seems like it would be well suited for what you want it for. Given I may be biased as I just bought one a couple weeks ago. It is also my first bike, I've had no previous experience with motorcycles at all. So far I've been riding it on some nearby dirt trails until I get the proper endorsement on my license. Did take it onto the highway for just a couple miles and got up t0 65mph without a problem. Felt a little 'twitchy' at that speed, but may just be my lack of experience more than the bike's handling. It really is a blast to ride on the trails though, and I'm definitely looking forward to exploring more trails around the Prescott area as I gain riding experience. Have already been looking at different racks for it, it seems to have a much smaller following and aftermarket compared to the KLR650, but does look like you should be able to find most accessories you would want.

I've just started looking into the maintenance aspect, and from all I hear they are pretty durable bikes. The U.S. military chose the KLR250 for some of their SOF teams, so that should mean something about it being reliable and dependable hopefully. Other than simple things like keeping up with cleaning the chain, and fluids and filters, the one recurring remark I've seen has to do with checking the valves. Apparently neglecting to frequently check the valve clearances is one of the most common causes of many problems. Even though my 2005 with 7,000 miles seems in great shape, and has no problems kick-starting, I'm thinking about having the valves checked just as a precaution. Will also think about maybe trying to perform that work myself at some point. But for now anyways I'm just focused on learning to ride well and figuring out what gear I want (helmet, boots, etc.). As far as weight, the manual says 260lbs., so I am looking into whether I could carry it safely on a carrier on the back of my LR Discovery II.

Now to be fair, the Yamaha TW200 and some of their similar dual sport models, do tend to have great reviews also. I know the TW200 is also known for having a shorter seat height that helps shorter riders. Well good luck with whatever route you go, and I'm sure you will really enjoy it. I know I do! These are some pics of my '05 KLR250 during the last couple weeks since I got it.

 

[Sleeping Dog]

The Kwacker 250 is all you need for what you describe. Little country roads, soft or paved are its element. I was also going to suggest the TW200 Yammie as an alternative as I believe the seat height is only about 30" and as I recall the Sherpa is a few inches taller.

Jim

 

[Boonie Buster]

Get low! Get low! :elkgrin:

http://koubalink.com/Super Sherpa.html

 

[marksbonneville]

A KLR250 I'm thinking about having the valves checked just as a precaution. Will also think about maybe trying to perform that work myself at some point. But for now anyways I'm just focused on learning to ride well and figuring out what gear I want (helmet, boots, etc.). As far as weight, the manual says 260lbs., so I am looking into whether I could carry it safely on a carrier on the back of my LR Discovery II.


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I'm also in Prescott Valley, if you need any help or want to look at specific gear let me know, have lived in AZ all my life and have been on many fun trails over the years.
Mark

 

[FAW3]

Consider XT225 Yamaha also....

similar capability...has 6 speed transmission.

There is quite a selection of 250'ish cc dual sport machines available...and often quite a selection available on e-bay/craigslist.

If you visit any of the "adventure rider" type forums...there are many tails of people taking these small bikes all over the world.

A great practical way to move 1-2 persons. Practical, capable and low cost the buy, maintain, and operate.