Greetings from another newbie

[nickf]

Just signed up and saying hello

Im looking to purchase my first honda sometime soon

I have been around bikes for 19 years but strangely never had a Honda

Well not quite true as my fist burn was borrowing my good old ma's melody in 1990

anyhow im looking to buy my first Honda soon but cant make my mind up if to go two smoke or 4 stroke

I've had plenty of 2 smokes over the years but now im getting a little older and longer in the tooth I think my days of tinkering in the garage fixing a bike more than riding are something id like to leave behind

I've seen a nice XR250 Tornado advertised localy but sadly I dont know that much about them hopefuly I've found the right place to gather some info

Im looking for something 4 stroke really and something that looks like a proper mx/trail bike for soft off road use mainly green lanes and commuting budget is around £1,500

I do love the CRM's but id rather stick to a 4 stroke around 250-400cc

Im a bit of a honda virgin so really dont know which is the best one to get etc, as my bike history consists of Aprilia Rs's 125's and a 250 Chesterfield, Yam TZR's, Suzuki K1 GSX-R, Battered KTM 125 smoker and a Yam R1

I've always wanted to try something more trail/dirt bike orientated and came close to buying a DR350 last summer but didnt quite have enough funds back then.

Anyhow hoping to have a nice good look around this sweet site and pick some brains

Be gentle with me as like I say im a honda Virgin

Nick F

[Dee Duble Yuh]

Sorry to be so late welcoming you, Nick! I hope you find something suitable. Most members who have smaller off-road bikes have four-strokes like XRs, but there are some with CRMs. I'd have thought a four-stroke would be more versatile when riding to/from trails!

Anyway, enjoy the site.

[StumpyFingers]

Welcome to the forum.
I think you will find the newer models are all 4 stroke, as 2 strokes were phased out on grounds of emissions.

[AlanH]

Welcome to the site.

I do love the CRM's but id rather stick to a 4 stroke around 250-400cc

If you've had strokers in the past, you may find the XR250 a little uninspiring although electric start can be very handy. An XR400 would have much more get up and go than the 250 - plenty more torque. However, it'll be kickstart only within your budget. For around £1500, you should be able to get a mechanically sound XR400. DR350 is also a good choice.

Of course, £1000 to £1200 would get you a decent Mk3 CRM and you'd have money left over just in case

I think you will find the newer models are all 4 stroke, as 2 strokes were phased out on grounds of emissions.

...which is quite ironic since my CRM burns less oil than certain XR400's I could mention...

[phil w]

Not mine
Also think of what riding it will be doing, XR250 is ace for off road, 400 does off road and road better
Tornado is the one with a drum rear and isnt really a true XR and is softer
Welcome along