Help me choose a motorcycle

[user removed]

After 1400 miles and just under 92 MPG average I would consider the Suzuki TU250X. Classic style, light, top speed close to 80 mph, and I am 6 feet tall and a little over 200 pounds.

regards
Mech

[jkv357]

Originally Posted by MetroDriver1

Look at the Honda NX125 and NX250. They are more street oriented dual sports. Much newer than the CLs. I have the NX125, it goes 65MPH and gets 80MPG riding as hard as you can. or over 100MPG going easy on the throttle.

Interesting you should mention the NX125.

justjohn - what area of WI are you in? Right now there's a NX125 listed on Craigslist in Janesville for $1200. Might run out of steam at high speeds, but around town or on the dirt it would be fun. I rode a XR250R on the street for a while back-in-the-day, and it did OK for the most part (a bit rough on the hwy with knobbies though...).


Jay
(outside Madison)

[MetroDriver1]

Im in California! The transmission is wider ratio than the XR or XLs and it also has electric start. I put Avon distanzias on mine and it grips the road really well.

[roosterk0031]

KDX200 & 220's aren't street legal factory, also 2 strokes so not too FE. but can be found pretty inexpensive. I bought a KLR650 in 2000's getting back into bikes, went thru 5-6 others, now just a KDX200. Next bike would be a another KLR650 or KLX250 (probably 650, , but KlX250 would be great first bike or older KLR250 (no electric start).

[star_deceiver]

Originally Posted by justjohn

The klr I'm a little more cautious with on the trails because it's harder to just stick out a foot and catch yourself. I think it's too tall to flat foot even for me, and I'm just over 6 feet. I think I'd be really comfortable with something just a tiny bit smaller/lighter than that. I believe the v-strom is nearly identical? So I think I'd be fine with it, I'd just prefer something a little lighter/cheaper.

I'm 6'4 and I believe that's the perfect height to flat foot the KLR!

If fuel economy is one of your main goals then forget the KLR650. At 70mph I average about 47mpg. If I keep my speed below 60 I can get a little better. My bike is 100% stock.

The KLR does everything well, dirt, street, long distance, a-b or cross country. But it's not outstanding at anything.

There are many many other bikes that can do individual things outstandingly well but it won't compare to the Jack-of-all-Trades KLR650!!!

[renault_megane_dci]

Originally Posted by MetroDriver1

Look at the Honda NX125 and NX250. They are more street oriented dual sports. Much newer than the CLs. I have the NX125, it goes 65MPH and gets 80MPG riding as hard as you can. or over 100MPG going easy on the throttle.

Having had a NX 125 for a year, I wouldn't recommend it.
It is very slow hence dangerous.

The NX250 on the other hand is a must have in the 250 category (in my book)
Proper braking, 6 speed, 100 mph able, very good reports in FE and its trail position is good for beginner and in town driving.

250 is the best size engine wise for me.
Enough power, proper FE and not too heavy.

[justjohn]

Wow, getting lots of input, thanks!

Yes, I would like something that can cruise at 65 so the 125 probably wouldn't do it for me. Unfortunately I don't see any of the 250 in my area.


Edit: What about your GN 250? Found one of those in driving range.

[Beau]

Suzuki has made a 400cc dual sport bike for several years. There are scads of after-market parts for them as well. 400cc is a GREAT cost/weight/performance compromise.

[justjohn]

If you're referring to the dr series I believe those are more in the category of roadable dirt bikes where I'm looking for a road bike with a preference for one that can handle trails.

[Beau]

Those are just the bikes I am referring to. Are you familar with Supermotard? The bikes lend themselves to that nicely.