Advice to make up my mind

[phil w]

I have been pondering for a while now and when our second car gets sold I intend to travel on a bike for work and general popping out. I have an XJR 1300 which I love on a sunny day but dont want to use it for everyday. I had considered getting rid of this for something like a transalp, but it would be hard to do.
My realistic option is a smaller bike that I can use to commute 12 miles dual carriageway and also have a bit of fun on.
Im thinking of
XT 350- doesnt seem to be that many about
XR250- how powerful? how good on open road? how good on the rough?
XT225serow- same Qs as above
Ex army armstrong- parts availability??
Anybody give me a rundown on whats best
Cheers Phil

[AIRWOLF]

I have been pondering for a while now and when our second car gets sold I intend to travel on a bike for work and general popping out. I have an XJR 1300 which I love on a sunny day but dont want to use it for everyday. I had considered getting rid of this for something like a transalp, but it would be hard to do.
My realistic option is a smaller bike that I can use to commute 12 miles dual carriageway and also have a bit of fun on.
Im thinking of
XT 350- doesnt seem to be that many about
XR250- how powerful? how good on open road? how good on the rough?
XT225serow- same Qs as above
Ex army armstrong- parts availability??
Anybody give me a rundown on whats best
Cheers Phil

XR250, not bad on road , good choice off road .

XT225, not quite as good, but electric start.

also look at;

DR350
DRZ400
XR400

If I had to commute my personal choice would be DRZ400.

[insainwayne]

buy my war bike from me, great little runner. mot tax. honda xr250. with 280 engine cov. £900.

[photographicsafaris]

12 miles dual carriage way... Buy something with a fairing and a top box

Sensible choice; CB500 or BMW-k75s: about £500-700

Realistic choice; Drz400.

Hooligan choice; XT 600 / DR600 for £600 and then ride it like you stole it. Your problem is that it will only just have warmed up by the time you get to work.

Big singles wont appreciate this

[phil w]

12 miles dual carriage way... Buy something with a fairing and a top box

Sensible choice; CB500 or BMW-k75s: about £500-700

Realistic choice; Drz400.

Hooligan choice; XT 600 / DR600 for £600 and then ride it like you stole it. Your problem is that it will only just have warmed up by the time you get to work.

Big singles wont appreciate this

Well the sensible choice is out!! Dont want another road bike
Hooligan choice is not really what Im lookin at
Guess my realistic choice is a 250 XR

[AIRWOLF]

Well the sensible choice is out!! Dont want another road bike
Hooligan choice is not really what Im lookin at
Guess my realistic choice is a 250 XR

Sensible choice mate reliable bike in standard form.
there are some Jap import models that are fitted with battery, indicators,and better lights,which would be usefull for the daily commute.
also check out the XL250 and the Baja model, it has twin headlights(better for dark commute with blind car drivers).
good luck mate.

[phil w]

Cheers

[photographicsafaris]

The 250 is too small.

Get 400 in the infamous words of mr. H Bentley, "theres no substitute for displacement" Get an xr, xt or dr just get a 400.



You know its right.

[Mudwiz]

I know its not a Honda, but there seem to be some good Yamaha TTR 250s on ebay at the moment. They are pretty bombproof like the xr, but have the joy of e-start!

[alpslapper]

buy my war bike from me, great little runner. mot tax. honda xr250. with 280 engine cov. £900.

I soooooooooooooo want that bike but I'd be killed if I brought another bike home !!!!

TTR250 - excellent on my 12 mile commute through congested east london roads, takes no end of abuse, needs little care and attention, 60 plus miles to the gallon and can withstamd being submerged in fords