Green Lane/offroader £3k budget?
Discussion
Am looking to get something with Electric start perhaps, have just been using an old XLR250 kick start bike for some experience and really enjoyed it so far.
Need something road legal and manageable in terms of weight, another honda perhaps, probably stick to a 4 stroke tbh.
Suggestions welcome!
Need something road legal and manageable in terms of weight, another honda perhaps, probably stick to a 4 stroke tbh.
Suggestions welcome!
I’m in the same position. Looking for another green laner. I’ve tried the CRF300L and quite liked it. I’ll be trying the CRF again at the NEC later this month. A CRF250 is similar but in your budget.
That said, I like 2 strokes simply because they’re so much lighter. I picked up a CRM250 for my son. Simply put, it is brilliant in super moto form. So tractable and light. We have the trail wheels to return it to trail spec. I’m now thinking of finding a mk1 version for me which has a lower seat height. Only negative is that they’re kick start only, but I rarely stall them so not an issue for me.
That said, I like 2 strokes simply because they’re so much lighter. I picked up a CRM250 for my son. Simply put, it is brilliant in super moto form. So tractable and light. We have the trail wheels to return it to trail spec. I’m now thinking of finding a mk1 version for me which has a lower seat height. Only negative is that they’re kick start only, but I rarely stall them so not an issue for me.
NS400R said:
I’m in the same position. Looking for another green laner. I’ve tried the CRF300L and quite liked it. I’ll be trying the CRF again at the NEC later this month. A CRF250 is similar but in your budget.
That said, I like 2 strokes simply because they’re so much lighter. I picked up a CRM250 for my son. Simply put, it is brilliant in super moto form. So tractable and light. We have the trail wheels to return it to trail spec. I’m now thinking of finding a mk1 version for me which has a lower seat height. Only negative is that they’re kick start only, but I rarely stall them so not an issue for me.
My 2 stroke 300 is the same weight as my brothers 4 stroke 300, weight is distributed differently so feels lighter to ride thoughThat said, I like 2 strokes simply because they’re so much lighter. I picked up a CRM250 for my son. Simply put, it is brilliant in super moto form. So tractable and light. We have the trail wheels to return it to trail spec. I’m now thinking of finding a mk1 version for me which has a lower seat height. Only negative is that they’re kick start only, but I rarely stall them so not an issue for me.
The CRMs are great bikes. Could be a good shout for greenlaning, likewise a Kawasaki KDX.
If 4 stroke then the bombproof CRF250l will do the job.
Fairly frequent topic most use enduro bikes because they're light and cheap and plentiful
Crf is popular and reliable but heavy and dull
Probably best to just have a look on eBay AutoTrader Facebook and see what comes up in your area and budget
The most important thing is to talk to the owner and see how they've ridden it and maintained it
You can't tell by looking at the plastics because many will remove them and replace them when they sell nor can you trust hour or odometers
Personally, I started on a KTM 450 and despite what many say I still prefer it.
I find 250s are gutless and the 450 isn't the monster most say it is. It's got torque like a tractor and covers my mistakes
Crf is popular and reliable but heavy and dull
Probably best to just have a look on eBay AutoTrader Facebook and see what comes up in your area and budget
The most important thing is to talk to the owner and see how they've ridden it and maintained it
You can't tell by looking at the plastics because many will remove them and replace them when they sell nor can you trust hour or odometers
Personally, I started on a KTM 450 and despite what many say I still prefer it.
I find 250s are gutless and the 450 isn't the monster most say it is. It's got torque like a tractor and covers my mistakes
Chicken Chaser said:
What's parts supply like?
Pretty good for the day to day stuff. Lots of bits straight from AliExpress or Uncle WangsAnother option could be a klx250. Supposed to be a bit better sprung than a crf and general a bit cheaper. £2500 would get you a good one. Kawasaki quality and parts supply.
Edited by jumpingloci on Saturday 9th November 08:16
200Plus Club said:
Am looking to get something with Electric start perhaps, have just been using an old XLR250 kick start bike for some experience and really enjoyed it so far.
Need something road legal and manageable in terms of weight, another honda perhaps, probably stick to a 4 stroke tbh.
Suggestions welcome!
Have you thought about keeping the XLR and upgrading it with XR parts?Need something road legal and manageable in terms of weight, another honda perhaps, probably stick to a 4 stroke tbh.
Suggestions welcome!
I once bought (to resell) an XLR that had been "XRed". The owner had messed with the geo to try to make it low, and in so doing messed it up. But, had he not done that, it would have been a super little laner.
You'd also get to spend money here and there as parts become available on Ebay, rather than buying a whole bike.
Louis Balfour said:
Have you thought about keeping the XLR and upgrading it with XR parts?
I once bought (to resell) an XLR that had been "XRed". The owner had messed with the geo to try to make it low, and in so doing messed it up. But, had he not done that, it would have been a super little laner.
You'd also get to spend money here and there as parts become available on Ebay, rather than buying a whole bike.
It's 37 yrs old and "well used", so it's been good fun but it's a bit tired. I once bought (to resell) an XLR that had been "XRed". The owner had messed with the geo to try to make it low, and in so doing messed it up. But, had he not done that, it would have been a super little laner.
You'd also get to spend money here and there as parts become available on Ebay, rather than buying a whole bike.
Also fancying electric start for ease now too.
What about a lovely Kawasaki KLX 250? Light, sensible seat height and very easy to ride. This was was my best mates green laner/TRF bike who sadly is no longer with us. It's a 2010 with 13k on the clock I'm selling on behalf of hi wife so if anyone is interested drop a PM. It is well within a 3k budget.
jumpingloci said:
Voge 300 Rally.
£3500 brand new at the minute or under £3k for a good second hand
Solid bikes. Good for trails.
This is the correct answer.£3500 brand new at the minute or under £3k for a good second hand
Solid bikes. Good for trails.
I have Beta Xtrainer 300 & Honda CRF230F (amazing little 4 stroke, difficult to find in the UK though). A mate bought a Vogue 300 and I think they are incredible value, and well built. You will need to put better tyres on it though, once you have ridden it a few times.
I replaced my KDX 220 with the Xtrainer because of the electric starting wanted, otherwise I'd definitely have kept it.
Edited by Semmelweiss on Saturday 9th November 10:46
Edited by Semmelweiss on Saturday 9th November 10:48
I was thinking along the same lines.
All the videos I've seen on the Himalayan say it's incredibly good due to how low it carries it's weight and the lowdown torque.
There are fork raisers and shock linkages to give approx 40mm more height (same as CRF).
As much as I loved the CRF300 I hired the suspension was dangerously undersprung so that's something to budget.
I actually quite like the CCM230.
All of the above Nathanthepostman raved about and I trust him more than anyone else.
I'd probably go for the Voge 300 or the CCM at that budget.
https://youtu.be/WGT2Jg7iNpk?si=YUMKEFigbWPayrmU
All the videos I've seen on the Himalayan say it's incredibly good due to how low it carries it's weight and the lowdown torque.
There are fork raisers and shock linkages to give approx 40mm more height (same as CRF).
As much as I loved the CRF300 I hired the suspension was dangerously undersprung so that's something to budget.
I actually quite like the CCM230.
All of the above Nathanthepostman raved about and I trust him more than anyone else.
I'd probably go for the Voge 300 or the CCM at that budget.
https://youtu.be/WGT2Jg7iNpk?si=YUMKEFigbWPayrmU
For my sins I am nathanthepostman. I've had a lot of folk on tours this year on the voge and they've held up very well. Himalayan 411 does far better than it ever deserves to and it's a toss up which I prefer, although at the minute the voge has the edge for excitement and capability.
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