Finally wanting to purchase a 250 Dual Sport

[rajflyboy]

I’m looking at buying either the KLX or the Honda 250L dual sport machine.   You know the deal.  I refuse to pay over MSRP + taxes and tags.   Is this possible now a days at a dealership?   Not many dealers left around town either (like there was 20 years ago).  

[Sport-Touring]

[jay547]

I've never ridden either but I've been told the Honda is gutless.

Get the 450.

[Biking Sailor]

I've never ridden either but I've been told the Honda is gutless.

Get the 450.

I really like my WR 250. It has plenty of punch, where some other 250's I rode were a little mild in comparison.

[rajflyboy]

I've never ridden either but I've been told the Honda is gutless.

Get the 450.

I’m actually leaning toward the Kawi but I will have to travel to get one.   Kawi dealer here sucks.   Honda dealer isn’t bad though.  

[rajflyboy]

I really like my WR 250. It has plenty of punch, where some other 250's I rode were a little mild in comparison.

WR is sweet all around.  Good write ups on it.  More $$ though.

[rajflyboy]

https://www.cyclenews.com/2020/09/article/2020-kawasaki-klx250-vs-honda-crf250l-vs-yamaha-xt250-comparison/

[Blue is Best]

Nah, gimme that 450 hp and torque!!!!

[Biking Sailor]

The difference between a Yamaha XT250 and WR250 is night and day. Almost as good as a moving up to a 450.

[jay547]

Yeah, if your mind is set on a 250, go with the WR.

[rajflyboy]

The difference between a Yamaha XT250 and WR250 is night and day. Almost as good as a moving up to a 450.

According to the cycle news article the WR does not have a lot more power than the other 250’s but the suspension and brakes are better by a long shot.

[Biking Sailor]

According to the cycle news article the WR does not have a lot more power than the other 250’s but the suspension and brakes are better by a long shot.

My "seat of the pants" dyno tells me the WR motor seems to have a longer power band that just keeps on pulling when the other start running out of steam.

[rajflyboy]

My "seat of the pants" dyno tells me the WR motor seems to have a longer power band that just keeps on pulling when the other start running out of steam.

I see.  I have not been on one.  I do think it is by far best in class from the reading I have done.  

[02Tac]

My input is that I really like my KLX250. Have ridden the CRF and just like the KLX better but that will vary by rider. Only suspension mod I have made is to install a Cogent 7.0kg rear spring as the stocker is not suitable for a 200 lb rider. As to power; it is a four stroke 250 so it is never going to be a powerhouse but it pulls me along just fine.

[jay547]

My input is that I really like my KLX250. Have ridden the CRF and just like the KLX better but that will vary by rider. Only suspension mod I have made is to install a Cogent 7.0kg rear spring as the stocker is not suitable for a 200 lb rider. As to power; it is a four stroke 250 so it is never going to be a powerhouse but it pulls me along just fine.

A very good looking bike too.

[rajflyboy]

Everything leads me to the Kawi  

Now I just have to find a dealer that is reasonable

[Caping]

Have you already found one?

[02Tac]

A very good looking bike too.

That they are, in green anyway. Not a fan of the digital camo.

[jay547]

This is what raj needs:

[rajflyboy]

Pretty cool.  Yes sir.  

[Blue is Best]

This is what raj needs:

I been thinking of this post and I'm not sure if FlyBoy can handle this type of power. Perhaps some of us could review his riding resume and see if he has the experience.



                     

[Blue is Best]

C'mon! I'm only joking FlyBoy!! Don't get mad!

                     

[rajflyboy]

I’d ride the snot out of that thing  

[Biking Sailor]

I’d ride the snot out of that thing  

Me too! Saw a video where two guys kitted a couple mini bikes out and rode them down the continental divide in Colorado. Was thinking how much fun that would be.

[rajflyboy]

Small bikes are fun

[jay547]

Apparently, you haven't gotten one yet.

[02Tac]

Everything leads me to the Kawi  

Now I just have to find a dealer that is reasonable

Well, any update?

[rajflyboy]

No.  I still have a strong desire for a 600cc sport bike but small dual sport is what I really need.  So I’m perplexed.    

[02Tac]

No.  I still have a strong desire for a 600cc sport bike but small dual sport is what I really need.  So I’m perplexed.    

Well, lets see;
Fast but uncomfortable and limited to pavement

Or

No fast, more comfortable and suitable for a wide variety if terrain

I see no reason to be perplexed.

[jay547]

This is the reason I have an FJ-09 AND a CRF450L.

[02Tac]

 

This is the reason I have an FJ-09 AND a CRF450L.

 
Hardest part about having two bikes is deciding which one to take.

[zebraranger]

 

 
Hardest part about having two bikes is deciding which one to take.

Over the last ten years I've usually had 4 in the stable, at one time even six, down to 3 right now. I usually find that no matter how many are in there, I usually end up riding the same two most of the time. So for me, two totally different bikes does it.

[zebraranger]

Over the last ten years I've usually had 4 in the stable, at one time even six, down to 3 right now. I usually find that no matter how many are in there, I usually end up riding the same two most of the time. So for me, two totally different bikes does it.

Not sure how I did this but thats pretty cool, quoted myself. I was going to mention that my favorite two would be a nice long distance sport tourer and a light weight adventure bike.

[jay547]

For 2020, I actually put more miles on the 450 than the FJ, 5611 vs. 4546.

[rajflyboy]

I always think I need a true sport bike in the garage

I’m mentally challenged

[Blue is Best]

This is the reason I have an FJ-09 AND a CRF450L.

YES! What's this adventure stuff people speak of?

[rajflyboy]

YES! What's this adventure stuff people speak of?

Adventure bikes are too heavy for any FUN off-road stuff

[rajflyboy]

Waiting May have been good

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2021/01/honda-introduces-new-larger-displacement-crf300l-for-u-s-market/

Yummy

[Blue is Best]

That does look like Honda is getting real serious about these putt, putt bikes!!

[rajflyboy]

That does look like Honda is getting real serious about these putt, putt bikes!!

If you like to off-road but still want a plateable bike then these motorcycles are great options.  700 pound bikes absolutely suck off-road