air cool vrs liquid cool advise

[LUISJG]

I been looking into buying my first bike for my birthday in september.

Im preety much between this 2 motorcycles
one is air cool and one is liquid cool.
cost about the same.

since I dont know anything about motorcycles it will be nice if I can get your opinions.

considering the intended use...I will be using the bike in dirt roads and ocacional paviment, longest haul will
be about 100 miles camping in between.

air cool
http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelhome/574/0/home.aspx

liquid cool
http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/Detail.aspx?id=282





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[LUISJG]

forgot..
I have had some people tell me that I should get a smaller bike for the learning curve.

 

[LUISJG]

great,
less things to break the better, since I will keep the bike in the mountain cabin, I would hate to have to take it to a city to be repaired .

I know I will have to take it some day though.

what do you think about this: its small 4 stroke engine 125 cc. Honda cgr 125
but its cheap in Mexico, only 1600 us dollars NEW

http://www.portalautomotriz.com/content/2/module/news/op/displaystory/story_id/838/format/html/




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[LUISJG]

ok ,, one newbe question,,

do all motorcycles have the rear tire smaller? or just this yamaha xt250
here are more picture

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2008models/2008models-Yamaha-XT250.htm




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[lqhikers]

way to many choices!

This is a question that i feel can not have one answer.
It depends on your riding style,your size,the type of riding you do (trail, back road, sand ,etc)
If you are a new normal rider i doubt if air cooled or liquid cooled matters,if you do a lot of poking along on trails,sand washes,mining roads etc i would always go for a liquid cooled bike.
I ride a 05 kaw 250 dual sport,also ride double on most trails as we use bike to explore from base camp,was worried that it would not be enough bike to handle two up but it does the job.
I had a 99 650 kaw dual sport loved it on the back roads,but it got to be to much of a bike for exploring at low speeds on rough tracks.found my self worn out at the end of the day.
Price is always a thing to consider,I can afford just about any bike i want but,went with the kawa because there are dealers everywhere and it is a proven bike as long as you set it up correctly.
Since i'm 67+ this response would not be the same if i was in my 20's!
So get your bike ride safe and enjoy for "it the journey"
Les,Lqhikers

 

[LUISJG]

I found a lot of info on the xt 250 and Iam sold!
decided to go that way.

there are a lot of accesories outhere for it. lots of pics here:


http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=608578







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[LUISJG]

what do you all use for comunication between bikes,,radio in helmet??
if so ,,what kind?
thanks a lot for the help guys

 

[deminimis]

I use hand signals too. In fact, you often need only one finger to get your idea across.

XT: Long history, great bike. Had a XT500 in highschool (that was a long, long time ago). However, not knowing your size, etc., you might find the 250 to be a bit small. Up here, there is a three day motorcycle course wherein when you are done, you get your license. Besides the obvious, another benefit is they provide the bikes. After the three days, you aren't a beginner and you might be in a better position to make a decision regarding bike size. If there is something like that down there, I'd highly recommend it (not knowing if you've never thrown a leg over a bike, or you have done some riding, or even more). Again, I think the XT is a great choice. Might consider buying used (letting someone else take the big $ hit). regardless, have fun.

 

[Dave Bennett]

My .02

Kawasaki, liquid cooled, without a doubt.

BUT, for the money, I'd SERIOUSLY consider the KLR650 since, IMO, you will want the bigger engine AND it is the best value in a new DS there is.

You will outgrow a 250 in no time.

 

[LUISJG]

Kawasaki, liquid cooled, without a doubt.

BUT, for the money, I'd SERIOUSLY consider the KLR650 since, IMO, you will want the bigger engine AND it is the best value in a new DS there is.

You will outgrow a 250 in no time.

im noticeing the weight diference between the 250 and the 650 is very little,
investmentwise you have a good point.