Dominator or SLR.

[Snorkel]

Pardon me for what may seem such a stupid question but here goes.

Although ultimately I am after a Transalp, at the moment I am looking for a cheap SLR or Dominator to hack round the gravel strewn back roads of where I live. I will be doing some minor off road work, but only gravel tracks etc. Now I have seen and sat on both bikes in a local showroom and felt comfortable sitting on the SLR. When I tried the Dominator I felt like I was getting on a camel, I very nearly did myself a mischief. I’m just short of six foot so I can touch the ground with the balls of my feet but I can’t help feeling that being so high, if the thing starts to go, it’s going to be a b*st*rd to get up again. As I am not in the first flush of youth I feel rather reticent to lumber myself with an unwieldy lump, I already have a wife, but can’t help feeling that I’m being rather negative

Most of the reviews I have read state that the SLR is a dog, whilst giving the Dominator modest praise. For that reason I feel I should be going for the Dominator but I somehow feel attracted to the SLR. I have got a 125XL and love the riding position but it’s so much lighter.

Any views including those calling me a daft old git would be appreciated.

[switch]

If you want off the tarmac there's only one solution: Domiantor. SLR is street oriented with only the frame & swingarm oriented at rally-raid riding. The gearing is long, the suspensions are hard -- it's not really a trail bike at all.

[Mervinh]

gotta agree i had a SLR and now have a Vigor, andit is not really off road oriented, i have never ridden a Dommie so cannot pass judgment on that
merv

[catteeclan]

As said, Domi.
Isn't there a nx250 available, don't know if it's maybe a little shorter?

[El Vencejo]

Better off buying an XR, DR or XT; they are all better on the dirt than the Dom or SLR.

[Snorkel]

Thank you all for your replies and advice.

To be honest most of my riding on these bikes will be on tarmac, with little off road use. It’s just that here in France many of the back roads that I like to explore are in a very bad state of repair, and there seems to be a great passion for repairing them with gravel. What with that, the pot holes and the mud, they are not really suited to my road bike.

I have petty much got my local area sussed using my 125xl and am now keen to venture further afield. As this bike has severe limitations for distance travel, other than on a trailer, I wanted something that could get me to a new location. I could then get off the beaten track and handle whatever should come my way.

I would love nothing more than to do some proper off roading, I never had a passion for speed, but I’m afraid I’m a little too long in the tooth for anything too demanding. Hopefully this next acquisition will steer me gently in the right direction.

Thanks again for your advice.

[beanfeast]

I really like my SLR, it's not the fastest by any means but it handles whatever I throw at it - however I do very little off-road riding. The huge big downside to this bike is the pathetic tank range, it's so small I can only get 80-90 miles out of the tank before switching to reserve. Such a shame otherwise...

[El Vencejo]

I like my SLR too, but it is strictly for road use; SLR and the Dom are too (top) heavy to be proper off-roaders.
Soon to be back on the road with no pillion provision, lower gearing and 16kg lighter than stock (the bike, not me!).

[Snorkel]

Thanks for the reminder on the tank range. If there's one thing that jars me off about bikes, it's the rate at which you have to top up. When you are on a run nothing ruins the experience more than constantly thinking of the next fill up.

[46robbie46]

Haha, the SLR is by no means a 'dog'! Its a brilliant torquey little bike that will just as easily lug you around town as it will handle scratching round the country lanes at the weekend and it will even do motorways with no hassle! I regularly ride mine between Romford in Essex and Yeovil in Somerset. Thats a 180 mile trip each way and i usually see 55-60mpg. It pulls up to about 105mph on the clock, and although its a little asthmatic at the top of the rev range, i find it a really fun bike down low and for seeing most cars off at traffic lights.

I would definatly recommend one, its fun, comfy (believe it or not!), easy to maintain, and no slouch.

Yes i do like my SLR. Lol.