Classic/Old enduro/trail bike for Euro trips

[SteveKTMer]

I'm thinking about getting something like an old Honda XR250 which I can put on a Dave Cooper bike carrier on the back of a VW Touareg with 140Kg nose weight, so the bike has to be 130Kg or less.

I know nothing about bikes of that era and type - anything else I need to consider from Yamaha or Kawasaki ? I don't want a modern bike, it's got to be 20 years or so old, not looking for speed. It'll be used for riding up and down the Alps in France and Italy, 90% off road. Probably overnight stay in village and ride back to the car the next day, rinse and repeat.

Anybody doing this already ? I'm just finding it difficult to get the enthusiasm for another road trip to the usual roads and I really enjoyed off road in India last year.

[ThreadKiller]

In traditional BB fashion, suggest your own bike… TTR250. 129kg wet Yamaha says. Electric start too.

[smifffymoto]

XR400 would fit your needs.

[srob]

Does it have to be 20 years old or just look like it is?

There are some quite cool grey import retro off roaders about, although I suspect most of them more soft road than off road so depends what you want.

[KTMsm]

With old bikes I think it's best to just browse all of them and see what comes up

I have a fondness for the DT range but only because I had one as a kid

If you don't have a connection with them can I ask why you specifically want an old trail bike ?

The thing that puts me off is the price, you can get a newer bike far cheaper

[LeftField500]

Is a carb'd bike really the answer for this type of ascent/decent riding?

The XR250 isn't a bad bike and I would recommend it just not sure if I would recommend it if higher altitudes were involved vs lower alt jetting etc

[gazzarose]

Another 'recommend your own bike', but maybe DR350. Early ones were kick start only, with later ones electric start. Not 100% on weight, but around 130kg. Mine isnt on the road yet, so can't comment on how it rides, but owners groups seem to have a fair few doing TET or cross US/AUS trips.

[ThreadKiller]

Or DRZ400… bit more modern than the 350, but still old skool. And electric start.

[Drabbesttunic]

I'm getting rid of my steel framed Yamaha WR250F, its a 2003 so first of the electric starts, super reliable, super capable and 20 years old.
They are well worth a look and are light enough.

[ThreadKiller]

Would have preferred that WR to my TTR… but rarely come up for sale… great bikes so I read!

[ThreadKiller]

Would have preferred that WR to my TTR… but rarely come up for sale… great bikes so I read!

[Biker 1]

How about a Yam WR250R?
I think they're just about at OP weight limit but can be made lighter with aftermarket end can & ditching surplus bits like pillion foot pegs.

[SteveKTMer]

Thanks for all the suggestions, but I'm thinking of something even older now, maybe a Bultaco or a KTM. I appreciate carbs don't handle altitude as well as a modern engine but that's going to be part of then fun.

Like this: https://ridermagazine.com/2018/02/14/1971-1979-bul...

Or one of these: https://www.carandclassic.com/car/C1569868

[Playsatan]

Biker 1 said:

How about a Yam WR250R?.

I have one of these but like you like the retro appeal of some of the older stuff. I’ve done some research and like everything in biking it’s all about compromise.

My WR is a 2008 but has electric start, fuel injection and a stellar reputation for reliability. Pretty decent suspension and a full subframe means it’s very suitable for the use you describe. The down side is it looks comparatively modern and does lack the charm of the older bikes.

The XR’s and the like do have benefits beyond the looks though, simple to fix and air cooled is always going to be lighter than water cooled. You are giving up modern reliability (to some degree). Increase in maintenance, lower charging capabilities for heated grips, power outlets etc, less capable suspension and braking and of course potential carb adjustments and the need to kick the thing into life.

If the cons don’t matter to you then go for it, especially if you can maintain the bike yourself but as least know what your getting yourself in too. I’ll probably do it as well but hold onto the WR for the trips it makes more sense to take it.

[Legacywr]

I’m also on the lookout for a retro enduro, my ideal period is 1975-80, a nice DT400 or TS400.

But, this has appeal… a 2005 TR250

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/325680221477?mkcid=16&a...

[srob]

SteveKTMer said:

Thanks for all the suggestions, but I'm thinking of something even older now, maybe a Bultaco or a KTM. I appreciate carbs don't handle altitude as well as a modern engine but that's going to be part of then fun.

Like this: https://ridermagazine.com/2018/02/14/1971-1979-bul...

Or one of these: https://www.carandclassic.com/car/C1569868

Just be prepared that they'll be a lot heavier, slower turning and slower responding. I used to ride a 1965 250 Bultaco trials bike a lot (until I broke my leg flipping it) when I was younger and it was a brute compared to mates who had modern offroaders.

Still lovely things and I wouldn't let it put you off, just be prepared they'll take a bit more lugging about

[Semmelweiss]

I'd go for an air cooled 4 stroke trail bike with an electric start. Something like a Honda CRF230F or Yamaha TTR. Long service intervals. They are simple and reliable.

Honda CRF250/300 are equally reliable but significantly heavier and taller.

You get rather tired of high powered enduro bikes, and/or kick-starting them when you just want to potter and ride.

[srob]

Semmelweiss said:

I'd go for an air cooled 4 stroke trail bike with an electric start. Something like a Honda CRF230F or Yamaha TTR. Long service intervals. They are simple and reliable.

Honda CRF250/300 are equally reliable but significantly heavier and taller.

You get rather tired of high powered enduro bikes, and/or kick-starting them when you just want to potter and ride.

And those old Bultacos have a left foot kickstart which I always struggled with!

[Legacywr]

Thoughts on the 70's DT400?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/125945118560

[KTMsm]

I love them

But that seems a lot of money for a tatty bike

( I have no idea if its worth that, just seems poor value)