Trails Newbie - Getting into greenlaning, help!

[Bordtea]

Well. Over 2 years later I’ve finally got around to buying a bike! Picked up a 2018 Honda CRF250L. A couple of bits have been done to make it more suitable for green lanes - bash plate etc.

Terrible timing as can’t ride it for the foreseeable future, but there we go!

[Bordtea]

In the spirit of keeping the thread updated - had first TRF ride with Gloucester TRF at the weekend. Really good fun, far more so than I expected actually. One (to be expected) drop, no damage to the bike... only my pride!

Must say I noticed the weight of the CRF and as most people in this thread alluded to I think as I get more into it I will end up chopping it in for a lighter machine but it will do for now. It's got a pair of fresh Michelin Trackers on so I need to get them properly scrubbed it at the very least!

Edited by Bordtea on Monday 8th June 18:56

Edited by Bordtea on Monday 8th June 18:57

[Blackpuddin]

Great to see this thread again. I'm about to come into an old but sound CRF250X that I hope will be just the ticket for some Welsh pottering.

[Marc-2xvuo]

Hi All,

Just read the thread and very keen to meet up with some people for some green laning! Am based in Kent/Surrey, and have been a TRF member for a year or two but have been without a bike. Anyway, I've found myself a nice FE350 and should have it within the next 10 days or so.., the race is now on to get the missing bits of kit I need before then, and then if anyone is going out would love to tag along!

Hope to see you out there.
Marc

[ollie05]

Good thread, just stumbled across it as funny enough, I'm considering the same thing!

I've ridden on the road for the past 12+ years, sports bikes and supernaked, and ride track too, but no off road experience other than a Dave Thorpe day several years ago.

I don't bother riding in the winter anymore as it's no fun with the state of the roads and weather, but tempted to have a look at trying some greenlaning to keep me ticking over through the miserable months.

Stupid question but where do you look for these diff bikes? Can see the crf250l on autotrader, but not many of the others mentioned, So is there a go to equivalent I can have a look at or is it just eBay?!

By the time I do some research the warmer months will probably be here and I will be back out on my road bike, but got to start somewhere eh

Edited by ollie05 on Wednesday 30th December 09:42

[Krikkit]

Lots of used stuff goes up on Facebook groups, but there's also eBay, gumtree etc

[GM182]

I joined the TRF in June before I got a bike and as I was looking at ebay, autotrader and so on I noticed quite a few decent looking bikes came up for sale on the TRF facebook groups before being more widely advertised. I bought a WR450 fairly locally from a chap who gave me lost of useful tips and a few spares as well.

I've only managed to go out about four times due to family commitments when the group rides have been on but I hope to venture further afield next year and get more saddle time.

[BobSaunders]

Sold my KTM 300 EXC TPI and throughly thoroughly regretting it. Sold due to falling off it and tearing my previous bankart repair + some other stuff. Tempted to get a KTM 250 EXC-F for some bants when my shoulder is repaired when COVID has stopped being a thing.

[crofty1984]

I'm thinking of giving it a go next year too. Only have a very limited budget for the bike, but seeing people traverse the world on a C90, I'm tempted to just get something cheap, robust and light and put knobblies on for now. Like a CG125 or similar. I'm only a short-arse so most proper big off-roaders are off-limits for me.

Also need to look into riding gear as I only have road stuff.

[Bob_Defly]

crofty1984 said:

I'm thinking of giving it a go next year too. Only have a very limited budget for the bike, but seeing people traverse the world on a C90, I'm tempted to just get something cheap, robust and light and put knobblies on for now. Like a CG125 or similar. I'm only a short-arse so most proper big off-roaders are off-limits for me.

Also need to look into riding gear as I only have road stuff.

Do it, it's so much fun!

[Hungrymc]

Green lanes are great fun and enduro bikes are hilarious. I’ve always loved bikes, but off roading has added another level of fun.

I’d also suggest trying enduro days. Lots of places organise brilliant tracks through farmland. They’re terrific fun.

[NGRhodes]

crofty1984 said:

I'm thinking of giving it a go next year too. Only have a very limited budget for the bike, but seeing people traverse the world on a C90, I'm tempted to just get something cheap, robust and light and put knobblies on for now. Like a CG125 or similar. I'm only a short-arse so most proper big off-roaders are off-limits for me.

Also need to look into riding gear as I only have road stuff.

Look out for a Serow, 225, they are not too tall and ride more like a Trials bike than an Enduro - super capable off road, perfectly suited to sane speeds on a green lane.

[Hungrymc]

We’ve just sold a little Serow (my lad learned on it).... brilliant little bike, would climb over pretty much anything.

[crofty1984]

Thanks very much, I'll get a-googling

[boyse7en]

crofty1984 said:

Thanks very much, I'll get a-googling

Try looking for motor clubs local to you that organise trials for cars and motorbikes. Long distance trials riding is basically green Laning, so the bikes tend to be grippy and surefooted rather than fast.
I observe for some and they are good fun and you are less likely to break anything (bike or you) than motox or enduro.
Bikes to look for include Serow, Beta Alp and AJP, as well as KTM and Honda. If you really fancy a challenge, we've got some guys doing it on Matchless, Enfield and BSA!

[crofty1984]

boyse7en said:

Try looking for motor clubs local to you that organise trials for cars and motorbikes. Long distance trials riding is basically green Laning, so the bikes tend to be grippy and surefooted rather than fast.
I observe for some and they are good fun and you are less likely to break anything (bike or you) than motox or enduro.
Bikes to look for include Serow, Beta Alp and AJP, as well as KTM and Honda. If you really fancy a challenge, we've got some guys doing it on Matchless, Enfield and BSA!

Funny enough, I have a BSA Starfire scrambler that would be perfect - but I'm too worried to drop it! If I could find a cheap Enfield 350 that might be fun. I'll look into those you've listed as well. Have to build my shed/workshop in spring, then look at bikes for summer/autumn