Honda CRF250L or V-Strom 650? | GTAMotorcycle.com

Honda CRF250L or V-Strom 650?

rorider

rorider

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I don't know which one to get. I want to do a bit of everything from commuting to some adventure/enduro riding and they both have their pros and cons. Forget about f800gs or the trumpet, too expensive and too many reliability issues. Need some advice on this one folks! :)
 
Depends on what you are looking for there is going to be a 10 or more horespower disavantage which is 50% pretty huge in my opinion. As well as the honda is heavier and has inferior suspension. The Honda is a direct competitor to the KLX250 not the WR250R from what I have seen so far.
 
From the other thread

BTW the Suzi DR-Z400S is very popular in Aus - same weight as the Honda -

800px-2010_Suzuki_DRZ400_at_the_2009_Seattle_International_Motorcycle_Show_2.jpg


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzuki_DR-Z400

They seem about the same price as the KLR650s.

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OP your problem is the same I have in Aus ( worse for you ) - it's too far to get to riding areas off road for a truly off road capable dual sport as opposed to an adventure bike - the latter has issues off road then.

Are you going to trailer to off road??
 
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MacDoc said:
OP your problem is the same I have in Aus ( worse for you ) - it's too far to get to riding areas off road for a truly off road capable dual sport as opposed to an adventure bike - the latter has issues off road then.

Are you going to trailer to off road??
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Depends on how far I'll be going. If it's Ganaraska, I'd be inclined to ride it there, if it's farther than that idk, trailer maybe. Also, my problem is that on some weekend rides I might be ridding 2up with my gf, go camping and a bit of off-road for some fun. I need something for commuting as well, so what can I say, it's really a tough decision right now.
The WR250R also look really good and I found a ton of info on it and how ppl accessorized it to fit pretty much all of the above compromising a bit here and there.
 
You ain't goin two up on these

2013_splash_wr250r_01_8ZPZP9E.jpg


That's the problem - it either gets too big and heavy for trails or too light and squirrelly for road.

Need a transformer bike.

The lightest you will get is likely a single thumper. and then trick it out.
That's one reason the Klr650s are so popular. Under 400 lbs - loads of farkles and yet can be stripped down and they pull like a tractor if geared correctly.
Okay two up as well.

That single BMW 650 is a sweet ride but don't know about the rough trail capability. Easy to flat foot and weight is down low.

Depends on your size and strength as well.

This is close to perfect

2012-BMW-Sertao-Right-3-4.jpg

http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/bmw/2012-bmw-g650gs-sertao-review-91190.htm

but weighs as much as the KLR650 - no easy answer.

You do understand that there are horrid limitations on off road riding in Southern Ontario.

Something that could get you to Northern Ontario or Penn and still commute on would give you best use.
 
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I know, i've been thinking about this, but honestly the GS lineup scares me, especially after reading several horror stories online.
At least the crf250l is cheap and i can mod it to get it as close as possible to what i need. It takes 2up, decent off-road, its reliable and with a bigger tank, sprocket, exhaust,etc i can turn it into a sweet bike.
 
They will cruise fine at 120 - a lot depends on the gearing you choose to use. Gear it low and good grunt offroad, quick enough off the line - not a lot left over 100 kph as only a 5 speed.
Gear it up and cruises nicely but not so good low and slow.
It will tractor big time.
 
I would suggest you wander over to advrider and take a look around as well.

The wee-strom is a great commuter/2-up tourer but more then fire roads its starts having trouble. its just too heavy for real off road.
 
Love to hear the horror stories. I have a 2010 F650GS (798cc) and it rocks. I have had it city, highway, gravel, dirt and single track through the forest. All with the same 90/10 tires! It ain't a dirt bike, but it pulls really nicely and can handle 2-up and lots of luggage, with a weight that is not too unbearable (440 lbs wet). It has 40% more torque than the old single F650GS which is now called the G650GS. Price wise though, you will probably pay at least $8k for a used one, though it will come with ABS, heated grips and a few other standard farkles. So far I haven't read anything negative about reliability.

rorider said:
I know, i've been thinking about this, but honestly the GS lineup scares me, especially after reading several horror stories online.
At least the crf250l is cheap and i can mod it to get it as close as possible to what i need. It takes 2up, decent off-road, its reliable and with a bigger tank, sprocket, exhaust,etc i can turn it into a sweet bike.
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