What dirt bike?

[Disastrous]

Evening all, looking for some novice dirt bike advice.

We moved into a more rural part of the country last year and seeing my neighbour charging about on his old XR 400 has made me REALLY want one!

I’ve never ridden off-road before am not really interested in proper competitive motocross riding...really just want something to trail ride on and learn the basics.

Research suggests I want an enduro bike (if that’s the right term) that’s road legal.

His XR 400 seems ace and I’ve also seen the Honda CRF250x being spoken highly of.

My budget is below £2k as I want something I don’t need to worry about dropping.

4T seems to make sense from a maintenance perspective.

Any thoughts or ideas?


Thanks in advance!

[gazzarose]

At sub 2k you'd be looking at anything from early 90s XRs, DRs and the like, right up to a slightly ropey 'modern' bike like a KTM EXCf or Yam WR. The earlier dirt bikes were more robust in maintance terms but also in weight terms and also relatively low power compared to modern stuff. I had a '93 DR 350 which was about 30bhp and 130kg and have now got a' 16 KTW EXCf 350 which is around 45bhp and 110kg so a vast difference in performance. Unfortunately that also means my Ktm needs an oil change at least every 10 hours, whereas the Dr would have an oil change occasionally and never complained, modern stuff is just really highly strung. Old stuff were proper 'trail' bikes, newer stuff are more like MX bikes with lights.

For racing there is no way I'd go back to my DR, but for generally popping down the shops and taking the long way home down green lanes the Dr or similar are great. I'm considering getting a DR again to restore and use for commuting occasionally and a bit of trail riding.

[chunder27]

Something light and simple as you will be picking it up a hell of a lot!! Air cooled is OK but they are usually heavier as they are old!!

[mattrosersv]

Went through similar a few months ago. Ended up with a DRZ 400E. I am never going to be racing but wanted something competent off road that would do occasional commute. A mate got KLX 250 and i had a go on that first but on the road it was just too slow.
DRZ is relatively heavy but will do everything you want plus is quick enough to overtake stuff on my B road work commute. Bought my 2003 for well under £2k

[Birky_41]

Maico 700...go big or go home (Or a hospital)

https://youtu.be/n7QH3jEavX0

[telecat]

Kawasaki KLX250?? Fort some reason it does not appear on their UK site but it seems you can get them. Make sure it's the Trailly as the Enduro could be a bit hot.

[graham22]

OP - If you are not too big, consider a CRF230 - great starter bike.

CRF & KLX250 Trailies are OK but more road biased.

Nothing wrong with a XR250 or 400, I had a 400 for 13 years but some people struggle to start them (especially after they've been upside down!)

[shunter V8]

I have 2 XR250s and really like them they are low on power but ideal for beginners and for tricky sections when you can be caught out with higher power engines, but they can be tricky to start when hot, I also have a CRF250X a brilliant bike with electric start and a lot more power, there are 3 models of CRF the R is motocross and rarely road legal, X is enduro basic road legal kit and a tall bike and the L which is a trail bike with full road kit, I have ridden the L and it's a pretty good bike but a long way off the X.

[poo at Paul's]

DRZ400. Best bike at your budget IMHO, been about for donkeys and a decent trail bike.

[Disastrous]

Thanks all. Some good suggestions there - had a go on a neighbour’s XR400 at the weekend and loved it!

Will update once I own something!

[crusty]

Electric start WR250 from about 2003 onwards

Much easier bike to ride than the 400s

[Disastrous]

Found a lovely XR400 on eBay and picked it up yesterday.

Very happy indeed.

Spent a sunny afternoon charging across some old forestry tracks near me and having a great time