Decent enduro bike for commuting under £1000?

[chrispwill]

Not sure if its possible, Im just about to sell my Tuono and want a cheap run around for the 8 mile commute for the next few months. My plan is to buy a supersports around November time, but for now just fancy something cheap and pointless.

I've not had an enduro/supermoto (think thats the right term) style before, so thought it might be to try something like that. Wondered if there is any bike that meets the criteria?

- Under £1000
- 250cc+
- Road legal so I can commute to work
- Normal-ish maintenance I can do myself - I've heard some dirt bikes require oil changes in the hours rather than miles, which I don't fancy!
- Potential for greenlaning? I've never done this but fancy giving it a go and could be the ideal way to get into it.

Thanks!

[CousinDupree]

Something like a DR350 would work for that mileage.

Also keep an eye out for some of the old 600-650s. Most will be too expensive, but they do pop up for that. Like a KLR / Dominator / XLR, DR, XT etc etc.

If you feel like a bit of a project, there are shed loads of broken KTMs for that sort of cash.

[kingb]

CousinDupree said:

If you feel like a bit of a project, there are shed loads of broken KTMs for that sort of cash.

where would one find these projects??

[poo at Paul's]

As said old DR or XR400 maybe? Yam serrow too, but they are making strong money now so may need nearer £2k.

You could get an early wr450 for near £1k, but oil changes are a must and they are a bit fickle on the spannering side.

[CousinDupree]

kingb said:

where would one find these projects??

Be quick https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ktm-620-LC4-super-moto/...

Keep an eye on the auction sites, plus forum.

[kingb]

CousinDupree said:

Be quick https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ktm-620-LC4-super-moto/...

Keep an eye on the auction sites, plus forum.

That wasn’t even broken!

[Tiggsy]

Dont forget you arent going to have much fun off road on green lanes (unless they are VERY tame) with a supermoto set up.

I occasionally use my Husky 701 to ride on tar (to get to the lanes) and VERY rarely to get across town if traffics too bad for the car - but if it was a regular commute, I'd get something else with road tyres.

[xstian]

After buying a few 2nd hand dirt bikes, I would say anything for under £1k will be fked and probably need another £1k spending on it to bring them up to scratch. Fine if you plan on keeping it, not so good if you want to sell in 8 months.

The trouble with these sort of bikes is that they are high maintenance and parts wear out quickly.

I bought a 2007 KTM 640 adventure in October for £2500. So far I have had to have subframe welded and powder coated, new chain and sprockets, new rear disc and pads, new tires front and rear, both clutch and brake levers, swingarm bearings replaced and rear wheel bearings. I noticed the other day the forks are also leaking. So far I have done 400 miles on it.

Buy a cheap vfr.

[chrispwill]

So sounds like my criteria can't really be met unless I'm extremely lucky! Will keep an eye out for a deal, but not expect anything then. thanks all!

[CousinDupree]

chrispwill said:

So sounds like my criteria can't really be met unless I'm extremely lucky! Will keep an eye out for a deal, but not expect anything then. thanks all!

It can. Just keep your eyes open and don't by a donkey

Your very short 8 mile commute can be done on just about anything however impractical too. Well almost

[chrispwill]

So I may just increase my budget to £2k now, and keep an eye out! Seems like I might be able to snag something if I'm fortunate enough on ebay

[poo at Paul's]

Yam Serrow I reckon. Get a decent one for that and will go forever, probably sell it for £3k in a few years! Go for a 90s version in mental colours they did like white and jade blue, pink, with yellow seats etc! Aceeeeed!!!

[mygoldfishbowl]

XT 600 from any decade would fit your requirements. I have a 1984 which was imported from France in 2000 and it is absolutely bloody marvelous.

[guitarcarfanatic]

Only issue with Serow and KLR 250 is they are tiny!

[caley64]

I reckon I could do that commute on Yamaha WR 250 F if I had to. Might have to fit indicators (switch is there so don't think it would be too difficult)

[chris4652009]

XR400, DR350 or DRZ400 in that price band???

[caley64]

I reckon I could do that commute on Yamaha WR 250 F if I had to. Might have to fit indicators (switch is there so don't think it would be too difficult)