Off road - As fun as it looks?
Discussion
Moulder said:
Something that might be an issue then is seat height.
One thing I never see mentioned about green laning but seems prevalent is other people's attitudes. Not sure I have ever done anything else which is perfectly legal but you're looked upon as Jimmy Savile's slightly more deviant brother. Riding considerately and being polite doesn't even seem to dent their armour.
Ah I'm 5'8 and 65kg, and just about manage with my CRF. It has upgraded front and rear suspension so doesn't sag as much as stock. There is a lowering rear thing... I forget the name, some triangular looking thing. I might try that if I decide it's too tall after more use. I imagine the stock setup is more confidence inspiring though at 0-10mph, but supposedly mine will be better for more challenging stuff. It being so light though, makes me much happier on one foot than say a 800GS rally tall seat thing I was given as a courtesy bike once. Although that was years ago before I started actually learning how to ride/manage a bike properly.One thing I never see mentioned about green laning but seems prevalent is other people's attitudes. Not sure I have ever done anything else which is perfectly legal but you're looked upon as Jimmy Savile's slightly more deviant brother. Riding considerately and being polite doesn't even seem to dent their armour.
I think so - rarely road ride these days - it only gets interesting at 2-3 times the limit and you can only get away with that for so long
You want the lightest bike you can find, typically an enduro bike circa 100kg and it must have electric start
Personally I started on a 450 as I find the grunt covers my mistakes
I ran an old KTM for 6 years and despite all the naysayers I've only had to carry out servicing and replaced it with another, newer 450
If you don't want to change the oil every 3 rides then a CRF is the obvious choice but they're almost 50% heavier and to me, even as a beginner they are just so dull
Loads join the TRF with them and change to an enduro bike within a year
You want the lightest bike you can find, typically an enduro bike circa 100kg and it must have electric start
Personally I started on a 450 as I find the grunt covers my mistakes
I ran an old KTM for 6 years and despite all the naysayers I've only had to carry out servicing and replaced it with another, newer 450
If you don't want to change the oil every 3 rides then a CRF is the obvious choice but they're almost 50% heavier and to me, even as a beginner they are just so dull
Loads join the TRF with them and change to an enduro bike within a year
Pebbles167 said:
Yes I'd heard that, many reviewers recommended an immediate upgrade. I'm 5'8" and about 70kg so unlikely to encounter big problems in that regard, but also another reason I don't want something too heavy.
Iirc they're sprung for a 45kg rider.......Absolutely ludicrously weak.
I had never tried offroad and had two weeks between jobs, so I had a go at offroading in Spain for a couple of days one January. There are loads of options down there - the one I used was letsridespain who were awesome. Cheap flight to Malaga, great weather and we rode brand new KTM EXC350s which appear to be able to go up and over literally anything. Hugely confidence inspiring.
https://www.letsridespain.com/
The other place that I've considered is the Yamaha school in Wales https://www.yamaha-offroad-experience.co.uk/off-ro... who do courses aimed at exactly what you're looking for with a range of decent offroad bikes.
https://www.letsridespain.com/
The other place that I've considered is the Yamaha school in Wales https://www.yamaha-offroad-experience.co.uk/off-ro... who do courses aimed at exactly what you're looking for with a range of decent offroad bikes.
If you just want a taster then go for one of the experience days.
If you are looking to get into off road riding then definitely join the Trail Riders Fellowship (TRF) and go along to your local Wiltshire group meet.
Bike-wise then the low maintenance option is a CRF300 (they’re popular for good reason), if outright fun is you aim and don’t mind regular oil changes then a two or four stroke 250/300 enduro bike (fuel injected KTM/Husky is about as low maintenance as enduro bikes get).
Light weight is key for enjoyment, particularly if you’re new. You will fall off and weight makes a huge difference if you have to pick it up a few times. The CRF is around 150kg, a proper enduro bike is about 110kg and an adventure bike is around 200kg+
If you do join the TRF then membership will get you discounts that’ll far outweigh the annual cost and you’ll find a very friendly bunch of people that will be more than happy to help a novice and show you all the local lanes.
They’ll welcome you with any bike and will often do rides for all styles of bike (trials/enduro/greenlaning/big adventure bikes).
If you venture as far as Bristol then look up Central Bristol TRF, we’ll be more than happy to take you out.
We’ve got a novice half day ride this Sunday and another full day easy ride the following weekend.
If you are looking to get into off road riding then definitely join the Trail Riders Fellowship (TRF) and go along to your local Wiltshire group meet.
Bike-wise then the low maintenance option is a CRF300 (they’re popular for good reason), if outright fun is you aim and don’t mind regular oil changes then a two or four stroke 250/300 enduro bike (fuel injected KTM/Husky is about as low maintenance as enduro bikes get).
Light weight is key for enjoyment, particularly if you’re new. You will fall off and weight makes a huge difference if you have to pick it up a few times. The CRF is around 150kg, a proper enduro bike is about 110kg and an adventure bike is around 200kg+
If you do join the TRF then membership will get you discounts that’ll far outweigh the annual cost and you’ll find a very friendly bunch of people that will be more than happy to help a novice and show you all the local lanes.
They’ll welcome you with any bike and will often do rides for all styles of bike (trials/enduro/greenlaning/big adventure bikes).
If you venture as far as Bristol then look up Central Bristol TRF, we’ll be more than happy to take you out.
We’ve got a novice half day ride this Sunday and another full day easy ride the following weekend.
Edited by Nick928 on Wednesday 12th March 21:37
Thanks for all the info.
I'll definitely be looking at both the Honda and Yamaha experience days, seem decent value and a good starter.
Following that I would like to get into trail riding. Track days used to be my thing, but I can't risk the danger aspect anymore, and whilst there is obvious danger off road, I'd suspect riding some green lanes to be safer than Motorcross. I'll definitely be joining the Wilts TRF once I have a suitable bike, don't think I'd be much use before then and my current BMW K1200R obviously not fit for purpose in any way.
I've phoned a few sellers on eBay within a reasonable distance, and so far been beaten to the bike by someone else. Most of what I've been looking at have been 80's & 90's singles, since they're very lightweight. Besides, most of the more modern stuff is pretty costly.
Watching the Canadian Fortnite YouTube channel, seems there are loads of dual sports over there for next to nothing, and it seems they don't need tax and insurance for off road unlike here.
I'll keep hunting.
I'll definitely be looking at both the Honda and Yamaha experience days, seem decent value and a good starter.
Following that I would like to get into trail riding. Track days used to be my thing, but I can't risk the danger aspect anymore, and whilst there is obvious danger off road, I'd suspect riding some green lanes to be safer than Motorcross. I'll definitely be joining the Wilts TRF once I have a suitable bike, don't think I'd be much use before then and my current BMW K1200R obviously not fit for purpose in any way.
I've phoned a few sellers on eBay within a reasonable distance, and so far been beaten to the bike by someone else. Most of what I've been looking at have been 80's & 90's singles, since they're very lightweight. Besides, most of the more modern stuff is pretty costly.
Watching the Canadian Fortnite YouTube channel, seems there are loads of dual sports over there for next to nothing, and it seems they don't need tax and insurance for off road unlike here.
I'll keep hunting.
Pebbles167 said:
Thanks for all the info.
I'll definitely be looking at both the Honda and Yamaha experience days, seem decent value and a good starter.
Following that I would like to get into trail riding. Track days used to be my thing, but I can't risk the danger aspect anymore, and whilst there is obvious danger off road, I'd suspect riding some green lanes to be safer than Motorcross. I'll definitely be joining the Wilts TRF once I have a suitable bike, don't think I'd be much use before then and my current BMW K1200R obviously not fit for purpose in any way.
I've phoned a few sellers on eBay within a reasonable distance, and so far been beaten to the bike by someone else. Most of what I've been looking at have been 80's & 90's singles, since they're very lightweight. Besides, most of the more modern stuff is pretty costly.
Watching the Canadian Fortnite YouTube channel, seems there are loads of dual sports over there for next to nothing, and it seems they don't need tax and insurance for off road unlike here.
I'll keep hunting.
The first and only time I went off-roading on an experience day (some 12 years ago), I was off the bike more than on it. I found myself inherently more at risk in getting an injury than on the track. I actually ripped apart my textile jacket and once flew off the bike and missed a tree by inches. I can't believe I didn't really injure myself during the day.I'll definitely be looking at both the Honda and Yamaha experience days, seem decent value and a good starter.
Following that I would like to get into trail riding. Track days used to be my thing, but I can't risk the danger aspect anymore, and whilst there is obvious danger off road, I'd suspect riding some green lanes to be safer than Motorcross. I'll definitely be joining the Wilts TRF once I have a suitable bike, don't think I'd be much use before then and my current BMW K1200R obviously not fit for purpose in any way.
I've phoned a few sellers on eBay within a reasonable distance, and so far been beaten to the bike by someone else. Most of what I've been looking at have been 80's & 90's singles, since they're very lightweight. Besides, most of the more modern stuff is pretty costly.
Watching the Canadian Fortnite YouTube channel, seems there are loads of dual sports over there for next to nothing, and it seems they don't need tax and insurance for off road unlike here.
I'll keep hunting.
I just didn't seem to 'get it' and it seemed so counterintuitive to road riding. Coupled with the fact I was just incredibly 'S&&T'
I had no desire to do it again. However, now I fancy another go ... but being older and less bouncy I have my concerns!Also, I don't want to get into it as I may have to buy all that bike kit all over again (as none of the road bike gear is interchangeable).
Having said that, let us know how you get along as I 'think' I fancy another go!
ujio said:
I just didn't seem to 'get it' and it seemed so counterintuitive to road riding.
I've been MTBing for years, so even though I only 'recently' started off-road, a lot of the dynamics carried over. I.e. leaning the bike not the rider, and keeping your weight on the front, and not really caring what the back tyre is doing.Pebbles167 said:
Watching the Canadian Fortnite YouTube channel, seems there are loads of dual sports over there for next to nothing, and it seems they don't need tax and insurance for off road unlike here.
LOL, everyone over here complains about the prices. We don't have road tax but we do need insurance.It would be worth considering Dorothy's Speed Shop (aka Nathan the Postman on YouTube), based in Devon he has pretty much all the lightweight ADV options available to have ago on whilst on a day out on the local lanes.
CRF / Vogue / GS310 / Himalayan / plus several more I can’t remember. Not all shiny and new so covers your budget.
Always seem to give a balanced view, and I think he appears on here from time to time, although wouldn’t give it the big sell.
Although I’ve not been on one of his days, they look like a good way to see what you might like.
I bought a leggy CRF250L for £2k and it’s been great.
CRF / Vogue / GS310 / Himalayan / plus several more I can’t remember. Not all shiny and new so covers your budget.
Always seem to give a balanced view, and I think he appears on here from time to time, although wouldn’t give it the big sell.
Although I’ve not been on one of his days, they look like a good way to see what you might like.
I bought a leggy CRF250L for £2k and it’s been great.
All you need to know about off road motorbikes.
It’s dangerous, you crash loads, it makes you hurt in places you never knew you had, it’s dirty, it’s dusty, it hot, sweaty and you break / smash your bike up more than you can ever imagine.
In short, it’s far and away the best thing to do on a motorbike, by a massive margin!
I’ve ridden off roaders for 52 years and raced them for a mere 51! And for my 55th birthday last month, I got a new TE 300;to go with my cr450 and wr450.
I already sore and stiff, and all I’ve done so far is fit the suspension, set the sag and fit some guards and protection!
It’s dangerous, you crash loads, it makes you hurt in places you never knew you had, it’s dirty, it’s dusty, it hot, sweaty and you break / smash your bike up more than you can ever imagine.
In short, it’s far and away the best thing to do on a motorbike, by a massive margin!
I’ve ridden off roaders for 52 years and raced them for a mere 51! And for my 55th birthday last month, I got a new TE 300;to go with my cr450 and wr450.
I already sore and stiff, and all I’ve done so far is fit the suspension, set the sag and fit some guards and protection!
I rode motocross from the age of 5 up until I was 16, I then got into road bikes and currently do circuit racing, track days etc.
I bought an enduro about 4 years a go as I live a stones throw away from Salisbury Plain. Initially it was great fun and my best mate bought one too so we were out most weekends. I wanted it as a winter toy as during the summer I like to make the most of ride riding if I'm not off racing or doing track days and in the winter put the other bikes away and just ride off road. What I have found is during the winter I don't fancy getting wet and muddy, plus I tend to spend more time with my wife, family, friends etc in the winter as I've normally spent the summer being outside and messing about with bikes. What you need to know as well is how much bike maintenance you have to do to keep the bike in top condition. The best example is if you go out for a ride, you'll spend at least an hour doing a basic clean on your bike, plus you have to clean your riding gear, clean and lube the chain etc etc..... Basically a couple hours of green laning ends up taking up the whole day, which is fine if you're into that but the novelty has worn off for me.
I've got one more ride booked in for April which is taking my Dad up to the Imber village. He's never been there so wants to take his Aprilia Pegaso up, take some pictures and have a ride about so once I've done that I'll be selling mine.
I bought an enduro about 4 years a go as I live a stones throw away from Salisbury Plain. Initially it was great fun and my best mate bought one too so we were out most weekends. I wanted it as a winter toy as during the summer I like to make the most of ride riding if I'm not off racing or doing track days and in the winter put the other bikes away and just ride off road. What I have found is during the winter I don't fancy getting wet and muddy, plus I tend to spend more time with my wife, family, friends etc in the winter as I've normally spent the summer being outside and messing about with bikes. What you need to know as well is how much bike maintenance you have to do to keep the bike in top condition. The best example is if you go out for a ride, you'll spend at least an hour doing a basic clean on your bike, plus you have to clean your riding gear, clean and lube the chain etc etc..... Basically a couple hours of green laning ends up taking up the whole day, which is fine if you're into that but the novelty has worn off for me.
I've got one more ride booked in for April which is taking my Dad up to the Imber village. He's never been there so wants to take his Aprilia Pegaso up, take some pictures and have a ride about so once I've done that I'll be selling mine.
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