electric start 250's

[RacMan]

seen a few xr250's for sale that come with electric start - think i read that these are brazillian ??
was wondering how they compare to the kickstart 250 and do you think one of these would be a great introduction to green laning to a total novice ?

cheers

[Mauser]

You gain some and you will lose some, electric start are heavier as your carrying a battery + motor extra, which if you get stuck every bit of weight is a pain to move but then if you get stuck somewhere and cannot start the bike to get out of the situation then electric start is a god send.
Wouldn't say it's a clear winner either way, just my thoughts. If your tall enough then starting isn't a problem via the kickstarter but the bike have a mind of their own when it comes to starting, you just think you got is sussed then the sodden thing won't start lol.

[stretchy]

Hi RacMan. I've had an XR250 with electric start (£800) and didn't like it at all. It looked nice but had a very soft tune and if your a total novice it may be OK but it didn't feel it had much more power than a 125 (MZ125SX) I had been riding. Quite heavy too but apart from those two (rather important!) things it was fine. I was looking for a bit more ooph and settled with an XR400 with an electric start engine. 250 wise I'd go for the TTR-250 (sorry Honda!) as it's a way better bike by far and have one I ride on the road and is sooper smooth.

Electric start is essential, especially if your a novice; forget the weight penalty, it's worth it! Most (ALL) the places I ride are so narrow/muddy/under water/steep, you name it there's no way you could kick the thing anyway!

If the XR250(L?) is Brazilian it may be too shiny! careful, get something cheap. I'm sure a lot of people like the idea of Greenlaning but it can be hard work and very tiring, although totally worth doing! Winter is the best time to go out too.

Your in Portmouth so you have plenty of lanes down your way.

Let us know what you choose.

Stretchy.