Classic Enduro/Trail Bikes

[Rsdop]

So I’m fairly new to bikes, always had old cars to tinker with but now my garage looks empty with just a Hornet in it. I fancy something to play about with, maybe potter about locally and commute the few miles to work on. Always liked older stuff and I love the look of the late 70s early 80s trail bikes. Is this a stupid idea or is it plausible to keep one of these on the road?
These are the kind of things I’m looking at:

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2...
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2...
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2...

Any opinions would be appreciated!

[rodericb]

Commute on? That's what a Hornet is for. Get some rad two stroke enduro bike from back in the day like a IT175 or PE175 or similar and get into the dirt and roost!

[Rsdop]

rodericb said:

Commute on? That's what a Hornet is for. Get some rad two stroke enduro bike from back in the day like a IT175 or PE175 or similar and get into the dirt and roost!

I know Hornets aren’t that exciting but as a first big bike it will do me for now! I’ll get something a bit more exotic maybe later in the year. Just fancy something old to mess about with. Do like the idea of a two stroke, it was the DT175 that first got my attention. The commuting would be the odd day I can’t be arsed using the push bike not a regular thing.

[graham22]

Be prepared to be disappointed.

Having owned a DT175MX and XL250R 'in their day' they were good trail bikes but always dog slow on the road.

A few years ago we recommissioned an ex-field bike of a DT175MX, did quite a good job as most the original bits were there, not only was it slow, we realised how much things have come on off road wise, even a slightly newer KMX125/200 is so much more superior, let along a recent KTM etc.

As to a mate turning up with my old XL250R - I'd swear it had shrunk.


I can see the attraction - new Bell Moto Lid, Wax Belstaff, nice to look at, simple to restore/maintain but for bopping around town I think the novelty will wear off fast. They will never hold the appeal of a 350LC or first bike Fizzy, trail bikes were bought by a 'certain type' in the '80s who, like me, moved on and don't have rose tinted memories. You're probably better putting the money towards a Bonneville Scrambler (even if it means selling the Hornet).

Even if you want to use it off road, they are so outclassed now and there isn't really a class for early mono-shock trail bikes to compete in.

Sorry - I want to like one myself but don't see the appeal, like said above, maybe a IT250/465 or PE250 but, having used a IT250 to go to college on, I'd seriously question one's sanity now!

[Rsdop]

graham22 said:

Be prepared to be disappointed.

Having owned a DT175MX and XL250R 'in their day' they were good trail bikes but always dog slow on the road.

A few years ago we recommissioned an ex-field bike of a DT175MX, did quite a good job as most the original bits were there, not only was it slow, we realised how much things have come on off road wise, even a slightly newer KMX125/200 is so much more superior, let along a recent KTM etc.

As to a mate turning up with my old XL250R - I'd swear it had shrunk.


I can see the attraction - new Bell Moto Lid, Wax Belstaff, nice to look at, simple to restore/maintain but for bopping around town I think the novelty will wear off fast. They will never hold the appeal of a 350LC or first bike Fizzy, trail bikes were bought by a 'certain type' in the '80s who, like me, moved on and don't have rose tinted memories. You're probably better putting the money towards a Bonneville Scrambler (even if it means selling the Hornet).

Even if you want to use it off road, they are so outclassed now and there isn't really a class for early mono-shock trail bikes to compete in.

Sorry - I want to like one myself but don't see the appeal, like said above, maybe a IT250/465 or PE250 but, having used a IT250 to go to college on, I'd seriously question one's sanity now!

Thanks for the that, good to have some thoughts from someone who’s owned them even if it’s shattered my illusion! Much as I love the look of them probably make more sense to bank the cash and upgrade the Hornet for something tastier.

[shunter V8]

I have quite a few classic bikes including a DT175MX and XL250s mine are fully restored and I do not use them off road but do use them for commuting and I really enjoy riding them, I agree you cannot compare them to any modern bike and you have to be prepared to carry out the odd repair but they are both 38 years old but I just love them for what they are.

[mygoldfishbowl]

If you're anything like me then you probably weigh maybe 4, 5 or 6 stone more than when you were 17 odd. Big difference on a small bike.

[graham22]

mygoldfishbowl said:

If you're anything like me then you probably weigh maybe 4, 5 or 6 stone more than when you were 17 odd. Big difference on a small bike.

Hence my comment about the XL250R - was a big bike to kick over when I was 23 but compared to things I've had since it looked like a moped!

[rodericb]

Rsdop said:

I know Hornets aren’t that exciting but as a first big bike it will do me for now! I’ll get something a bit more exotic maybe later in the year. Just fancy something old to mess about with. Do like the idea of a two stroke, it was the DT175 that first got my attention. The commuting would be the odd day I can’t be arsed using the push bike not a regular thing.

Oh, there's nothing wrong with a Hornet. I'd simply use that for the commuting as an old trailbike will be pretty terrible at it. So if you're not going to attempt commuting on a traily, get something a bit more full-on - a bit more of a weapon in the dirt of the day.

[bimsb6]

A daily commute using an old trail bike is perfectly doable depending on the distance /type of roads etc , i had trail bikes back in the early 80’s as my only transport .

[Rsdop]

The commute is 2.5 miles on a B road all 30 and 40 mph zones! I cycle most days and use the back lanes which is 4-7 miles each way depending how lazy I’m feeling.
Tbh it was more I miss having something old in the garage (sold a couple of classic cars when I got the Hornet) and like the look of them. I do like the fact bikes are relatively cheap and take up less space, can see the fleet expanding! Also have an urge for an older Fireblade.........

[MC Bodge]

Rsdop said:

The commute is 2.5 miles on a B road all 30 and 40 mph zones! I cycle most days and use the back lanes which is 4-7 miles each way depending how lazy I’m feeling.
Tbh it was more I miss having something old in the garage (sold a couple of classic cars when I got the Hornet) and like the look of them. I do like the fact bikes are relatively cheap and take up less space, can see the fleet expanding! Also have an urge for an older Fireblade.........

2.5 miles is a walk or bicycle ride...

[bimsb6]

MC Bodge said:

Rsdop said:

The commute is 2.5 miles on a B road all 30 and 40 mph zones! I cycle most days and use the back lanes which is 4-7 miles each way depending how lazy I’m feeling.
Tbh it was more I miss having something old in the garage (sold a couple of classic cars when I got the Hornet) and like the look of them. I do like the fact bikes are relatively cheap and take up less space, can see the fleet expanding! Also have an urge for an older Fireblade.........

2.5 miles is a walk or bicycle ride...

I have a monaro vxr for that

[shunter V8]

2.5 miles that is a long way over here,the old trailie will be perfect for that but beware if you are in to old bikes the collection will grow it certainly did with me by the sounds of it you may end up with a monaro vxr and the old bikes I know I did. Good luck.