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I'm short and want a dual sport
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Posted by: Body Cast---------------------

I told my son that when I sold my snowmobile that I would buy a bike so I could ride with him again. I used to use a friends 4 wheeler but he sold it...I never had much fun on it anyway. Well, I just sold my sled for $2500 and now I want to buy a used dual sport bike. I would rather have a 2 stroke off-road bike but I wouldn't get enough use out of it( the reason I sold my sled.) Anyway, I have looked at some specs on them and they all seem wicked tall with like 36" seat heights. I am 36, 5'6", 150lbs and have an inseam of 30". A friend of mine has a XT600 that I have ridden and of course found it quite tall and pretty heavy. I don't have a lot of experience and would probably only use it for short trips on-road and occasionally off-road with my son but I don't want a bike that can't get out of it's own way either. Any advice would be appreciated.

Posted by: pyrofreak---------------------

Get an MX and daulsport it. Anything you convert would be laods better then what you could buy. Although i have seen some KTM300EXC that come factory daulsport. But i dont think that option fits your wallet. You dont have many option.

Posted by: 91kx---------------------

Try a Yamaha XT225.I'm 5'11" ,190lbs. and it hauls me around pretty well.They've made them since the early 90's I believe.

Posted by: acanz---------------------

Im about the same height (mabye even a little shorter) as you, and I ride my 88 Honda CR250 which has a 37" seat height just fine. Youll need to tiptoe alot, but you get used to it. Im only 14 though, so hopefully I'll get taller and be able to ride easier.

Id suggest you get XT225 also, its seat height is only 31.9" and comes dual-sported from the factory. The MSRP is alittle over $4000, but on e-bay you should be able to find cheaper ones if you dont mind second-hand bikes (I just searched with the keyword xt225 and found a 92 model for only $620).

EDIT - As an alternative, Id suggest a Honda XR250, except youd probably find the seat to high because its 36". If that doesnt bother you, it should have alittle more power then the XT, while only weighing 2 pounds more at 240 pounds. If you find a bike you like thats too high, you could always do what Ricky Carmichael does and shave out some of the seat foam because hes short too.

EDIT 2 - I took some time to look at the Suzuki and Kawasaki range of bikes, and it looks like they would fit you physically better then the Honda would. (I dont think you want to move into the 400cc range so I didnt look at them, this is only comparing the smallest bore dual sports)

The Kawasaki KLR250 is 33.7", but weighs 258 lbs. and is the heaviest of all. The Suzuki DR200SE 31.9" (same as the Yamaha) but weighs 11 lbs. more and is 25cc less then the Yamaha. It looks like the Yamaha would be your best bet because it has the lowest seat height, lowest weight, and is only 25cc less then the Kawasaki and Honda.

I hope I helped you get an idea of the bikes that come from the factory dual-sport and help you decide which is the best for you.
- Anthony

Posted by: tnvol91---------------------

My wife is 5' 2" and is able to climb onto my Suzuki DR200SE easily. She can place the ball of her foot on the ground and balance it very well. She tells me it feels just right. I looked at the Yamaha XT225 but didn't like the price and the Super Mototard styling (Although I enjoy watching Super Mototard racing). I am a big Yamaha fan so I was a little disappointed with the XT225 concept in the Dual Sport universe. I think the Suzuki is a very clean design, has more updated engineering, and has great low and midrange torque. If you want something with a bigger engine and similar height, look at the Kawasaki KLR 250. The only drawback on the Kawasaki is it has a kick start - not electric start like the Suzuki. I believe the larger version of the Kawasaki (650) has electric start. Both Kawasaki's have a liquid cooled engine. Hope this helps.

Posted by: 91kx---------------------

You might want to look at a mid to late 90's DR350S.They are lower than the DRZ400 and have electric starting.I rode an early 90's 350 and it was nice,not too tall,but was only kickstart.I think they got e-start in 95.

Posted by: yater---------------------

Also, the kawasaki super sherpa. Lower seat height than the klr250 but with e-start and front and rear disc brakes

Posted by: tnrider---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by 91kx

Try a Yamaha XT225.I'm 5'11" ,190lbs. and it hauls me around pretty well.They've made them since the early 90's I believe.

i have to second this opinion - my only complaints about the xt225 [they do not diminish my like of this bike for dualsport riding] (1) the peg-to-seat height is too low for me when i have to stand often (old knees and 34"-inseam). (2) suspension too soft for any airtime (me at 180-lbs, bike not intended for this). (3) 1st/2nd too tall gearing for really tight stuff (at stock) when following son on xr70 (the 70 is an auto-clutch and he can "walk" that bike)

w/r to power - it can go (i have been up to 60-mph on road), 0-45 is rather quick but acceleration beyond that takes some time... just does not have the "pull the trigger" power that a race bike has -- note my comparison is a crf450 (really unfair).

Posted by: chewgravel---------------------

I have an XT225 and really do love it. I am going to buy something more suitable for mx type riding, but I am not parting with the XT. I am a little taller, but lighter than you. I think the XT is a fun little bike and keeps up pretty well with my hubby's DRX650 on trails because it is lighter and more manueverable. Definately not something you want to really ride in traffic though I did have the DR200SE, but it didn't have enough go for me. Better looking, but not as nice riding.

Posted by: Body Cast---------------------

Thanks for all the help. I picked up a used 00' super sherpa yesterday with 3700 miles, great shape for $1800. I think the size of it is just about right for now. Now I can't wait for spring but I still have to take a safety course for a permit/ license and of course registration/inspection/insurance.

Posted by: XT225---------------------

Got an 03 Yamaha XT225. I love it, more then enough power, goes 85 maxed out. I also like the sytliying they are sharp looking bikes. Ive done some pretty wild things on it. Its a blast. Out runs all the quads and keeps up with the big 650's just fine. Definitly reccomend it, great mileage too.

Posted by: 83MX80---------------------

im 5' 6" 150lbs and i sat on the 2004 Honda CRF230F and it fit me fine.

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I'm short and want a dual sport

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