Go Big and Ride Small

[Bojer]

I've got to the point I enjoy the 90+mpg of a small bike and the extra challenges it brings finding somewhere to put luggage !

Did the 2500 miles to Spain and back first on a 200 then upgraded ( ) to a 125 Chinese bike for the next trip , all went well but did need to drop to 2nd going over the Pyrenees at one point .

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[Scott_rider]

Nice one . I can see the attraction .

[Stewie]

Yep, a lot to be said for the 125's it's surprising how much fun you can have with only 11bhp, these were both Andrew's the Derbi Terra is a great bike size n feel of a bigger bike and the economy of the smaller bike, the XR had a few mods, that CG engine they put in most of the 125's is ion indestructible...

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[Godspeed]

Yep, a lot to be said for the 125's it's surprising how much fun you can have with only 11bhp, these were both Andrew's the Derbi Terra is a great bike size n feel of a bigger bike and the economy of the smaller bike, the XR had a few mods, that CG engine they put in most of the 125's is ion indestructible...

I think it may have been yours and Andrews fault actually. Seeing that XR125L whizzing around the plains on the Salisbury meet got me into getting one and it’s snowballed from there

[Venusian]

I love my girlfriends xr125, it does seem to be completely indestructible.
In my limited experience it is the only motorbike which I have felt so comfortable with in terms of overall ridability, reliability, economy and fun!
worrying about costs and bike not starting have really been the darkside of my biking experience up until now.

With the xr I just jump on and go,

The only problem with it is I'm told I look a bit odd on it as as a leggy 6'3 man.
I'm starting to wonder what my next bike will be once the low emissions zone takes affect in central London where I live.
Something like a taller post 2007 xr125 would be ideal!

[Thedktor]

Interesting stuff, I too felt the need to "go small" a few years back on a XLR125. It was fun in its way and the feeling that you could do anything off-road knowing you could just haul it out if you got stuck was good.

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But on road was another issue, I mean, its a lot better than a bicycle(!) but a big hill would really slow things down, and you don't want to be going slower than lorries which could happen.

I think if you want light a 250 is the way to go, or at least a CRF230/XT225 which feel almost 125-like but with a lot more power! The TTR250 is perhaps the most manageable trail bike that still feels "full-size".

For me the best compromise is 350-400 so you can at least keep up with the traffic, and maintain speed on hills. Even a 20 yr old DR350 can easily do A-road speeds, and more significantly when you want to enjoy some faster bends at 60-70mph you can!

I do have a DR-Z400 as well which is bang-on in terms of power but its not 125cc light by any means, and feels noticeably taller and heavier than the DR350. Apart from more competition orientated bikes like the EXC-400 there is not really anything else that ticks the right boxes in this size.

So I guess I need to stock up on DR350 spares....

[Asgard]

love my Little 250, been out on it this morning

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[nug800]

Love hearing comments like this as it reinforces my own thoughts on bikes. I love some of the bigger bikes and there is no doubt they are the best mile munchers for sure. My sort of riding usually entails a day or more travel to a particular location in Europe. From there I will usually spend time exploring an area where a small bike with off road capability is most desirable. I have been doing this on both a DR 800 and a DR 750. Not small and not light. That said, the 750 is very capable down to the point that you get in a tight spot or start paddling. I have found myself in a few sticky situations when I have gone off to scout a route and come unstuck with a rather heavy thumper lying on me! Not much fun when your mates are well out of range and you have to get the bike up and moving again. So, for me, this bike is a middle of the road compromise as it is not a great motorway bike nor an ideal off roader when things get sticky. This has lead me to consider a lighter bike which is more focused to my end goal. I have a CCM 644 which may fit the bill but I have not done any distance on it yet. The problem will be if I travel with others who don't have similar bikes. Maybe solo travel is my best option?

[diggermanbob]

Interesting stuff, I too felt the need to "go small" a few years back on a XLR125. It was fun in its way and the feeling that you could do anything off-road knowing you could just haul it out if you got stuck was good.


XLR126kk.jpg

But on road was another issue, I mean, its a lot better than a bicycle(!) but a big hill would really slow things down, and you don't want to be going slower than lorries which could happen.

I think if you want light a 250 is the way to go, or at least a CRF230/XT225 which feel almost 125-like but with a lot more power! The TTR250 is perhaps the most manageable trail bike that still feels "full-size".

For me the best compromise is 350-400 so you can at least keep up with the traffic, and maintain speed on hills. Even a 20 yr old DR350 can easily do A-road speeds, and more significantly when you want to enjoy some faster bends at 60-70mph you can!

I do have a DR-Z400 as well which is bang-on in terms of power but its not 125cc light by any means, and feels noticeably taller and heavier than the DR350. Apart from more competition orientated bikes like the EXC-400 there is not really anything else that ticks the right boxes in this size.

So I guess I need to stock up on DR350 spares....

TTR 250 is a great little bike and light enough to pick up on your own

[chunky butt]

TTR, proper bike as you know Bob, Alan was in great form on his at pifs