Dirtbike Reccomendations for Hitch Mount Knockin About!

[YosarianRem]

Hi,

I was hoping for recommendations for a good size/brand of dirt-bike for simple knocking around. It would generally be mounted to the back of a 20' 4WD camper with the hope that it would be light enough to carry on a receiver tray attached to a FJ60 for seasonal migration from Tucson to Nicaragua. Also:

-Able to carry two adults (350 lbs. combined weight) for heading into town for groceries (6 miles)
-Reliable
-Reasonably quiet
-Fast enough for occasional use on pavement with speeds around 55-60mph
-Available used in the $2K to $4K range.

I don't know what I don't know, so take it easy if this is a crazy wishlist. Thanks in advance for your help.

Yosarian

 

[dwh]

I'd say T-dub, except for the 55mph thing. Don't think most of them will do that:

http://www.google.com/search?client...rceid=opera&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&channel=suggest

 

[goodtimes]

If you can get around that 55mph/2-up requirement, any of the 200/250cc bikes will do. 1-up, they'll do 55 with no problem, but it'll be pushing it 2-up.

Any of the 400cc+ dual sports would do it.

 

[YosarianRem]

That looks just about perfect. Thanks!

 

[YosarianRem]

Thanks. I think the TW looks great. Any suggestions on a 400cc that has the same "feel" as the TW? Thanks.

 

[goodtimes]

For better or worse - the T-dub has a feel all its own.

My girlfriend didn't like hers, said it felt cramped and unstable. She's happier with a DR200.

Personally, they're both on the small side, but still fun to go fart around the back roads with. :bike_rider:

 

[Clutch]

2-Up on a TW is gonna be tight, and you won't get your 55-60 mph cruising speed.

My suggestion is a Suzuki DRZ 400 or DR650, they can be had cheap, and are bomproof.

The 650 might be a little heavy for the back of a 60 though.

I have ridden both, and I would grab the 650 over the 400 for 2-Up riding,
even though it is a bit heavier. The 650 will cruise all day at 60 mph, where the 400 is a bit buzzy.

 

[HenryJ]

2-Up on a TW is gonna be tight, and you won't get your 55-60 mph cruising speed.

I'll agree that it is a little tight, but 55-60 mph is do-able for sure. I rode our 2006 TW200 for a year and a half commuting. I picked up my son at school each week day. We have a dozen miles of highway speeds in the commute. I am 210# my son 150#.
I will say it is buzzing right along, but very manageable. Bumping to a 47 tooth rear sprocket makes the highway miles easier and first gear becomes useable on the road. Less of a granny low.
It would not be comfortable two up for a long ride. I have not done more than 50 miles or so. I would say interstate traffic at 70+ mph might be out of the comfort zone. It can do it after regeared for short hops though. I have done it.

The light weight and versatility make it a good tool. It can keep up with the 4x4 quads on the trails. Light, nimble, and that wonderful fat rear tire. It travels well on the hitch carrier.

Our BLTOffroad TW200 will be in the family for a very long time. It is currently my wife's bike and she learned to ride on it. My son will move on to it eventually. I just love to ride the trails on it!

 

[CodyY]

DRz 400

 

[Clutch]

Good points HenryJ. I find the TW, while a hoot to ride, a wee bit under powered.

With anything, you have to try a bunch to see what is right for the task at hand.

As most of us moto-geeks know, there are many tools for different jobs.

A well stocked quiver is a nice thing to have, but if a person needs one do-it-all bike, personal compromises varies from one person to the next.

 

[HenryJ]

...I find the TW, while a hoot to ride, a wee bit under powered...

A well stocked quiver is a nice thing to have, but if a person needs one do-it-all bike, personal compromises varies from one person to the next.

Amen and I totally agree. Pulling hills or with a stiff headwind the TW200 will really struggle to maintain 55 mph. Two up works it pretty hard. I am sure it and the cockroaches will be the only survivors of a disaster. You just can not kill either.
My high desert terrain and forest roads are going to be different than others might normally traverse. My idea of a fun ride might differ too.

As with any tool, some work better for a given task. I prefer to ride the KLR650 as my commuter now. It handles two up better and highway speeds. If I need to cover lots of miles I have my old V65 Sabre in the garage.

 

[Clutch]

How is it getting tires for TW's while on the road?

Seems like an odd ball size, and not all shops would carry them.

I have sliced tires beyond repair on the dirt bike, and usually 99% of the time I can buy a new tire quite easily. Even carry two spares, typically a buddy who didn't bring spares has a problem, then uses mine...then it seems like it snowballs....

Had to buy tires at least 4 different trips while on the road in the past.

 

[HenryJ]

How is it getting tires for TW's while on the road?

They do really good. Less vibe than a knobby on the KLR. I put a Maxis up front in place of the stock tire for a bit more bite offroad.
The rear is a comparable size to the fronts on a quad, so there are a few to choose from. I like the original tire the best out back though.

Seems like an odd ball size, and not all shops would carry them.

If you did trash one, a front off a quad and a rear off a dirt bike would work. Not as hard to find and more selection than the rear tire on my KLR650 , in my experience.

I have sliced tires beyond repair on the dirt bike, and usually 99% of the time I can buy a new tire quite easily. Even carry two spares, typically a buddy who didn't bring spares has a problem, then uses mine...then it seems like it snowballs....

Had to buy tires at least 4 different trips while on the road in the past.

The TW lacks the power to really shred a tire. These tires are heavy and take lots of abuse. I can see shredding a dirt bike tire, but have no fear of that on the TW.
I too might want a spare for a cross country expedition, but then I think I'd also like a few more cc than the TW has

 

[Clutch]

Good to know, thanks HenryJ

 

[RHINO]

all the best choices will be real limiting on the two up at 55MPH requirement, but i think something like an XT225 might be a better choice than a tdub if only because of tire selection while travelling. i'd really like to get my hands on a tricker, but thats a different conversation.