Kawasaki Sherpa 250

[dodi]

Was wondering what kind of bikes are used mainly on Dualsportbc. I don't have any trail/dirtriding experience at all. I have been riding all kinds of bikes the last ten years. Sportbikes, Cruisers etc. I have never owned a dirtbike or been on a trail...not even a mini trailbike when I was growing up. I have put on at least 50,000kms on the street. I am at best an average rider. My current bike is a V-strom 650, but I purchased it mainly for street rides and some light touring. ( by the way a great bike for my intended use) If I was to get involved in dualsport riding I was wondering what kind of bike would suit me best. I was thinking of buying a dirt bike like a Honda crf230 or a yamaha tt230. But they can't be used on the street. When I researched their respective weights and compared them to smaller dualsportbikes there wasn't that much of a difference. The bikes I had in mind are the Kawasaki Sherpa 250, Suzuki DR 200 and the Yamaha xt225 and the Tw200. The dirtbikes weighed just under 240 pounds and the dualsports came in at between 240-260 pounds. With the dualsports I would be able to ride the shorter distances to get to some of the rides...also no need to trailer bikes etc.....downside is the need to purchase insurance. Are there any suggestions on the list of bikes I'm considering and how these bikes would do on the dualsport rides.
P.S. I am only 5'4" tall and larger heavier dualsports for trailriding may not be a good option for me. My V-strom 650 is lowered and fits me I did not consider a Klr 650 because I did not want a single cylinder bike for highway use. I did consider a BMW 650...but they are too much money. My first pick would be a Sherpa 250...any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Buck]

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Looks like you've done the research. The Sherpa or XT225 are both great choices as a dualsport for your needs.

 

[Pee Wee]

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I've ridden most of the bikes mentioned....I'd recomend the Sherpa and the XT225 as well. I know a few people on here with those two bike, their quite capable at everything, no top end to speak of, but will keep up to traffic. More than capable Off road to...CV Rentals had a Sherpa, maybe try before you buy !

 

[cheeky24]

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I had a XT225 and loved it. Being only 5'3 myself I understand the need for a shorter stanced bike. That is why I went with the Yamaha ( that and i wasn't fond of the look of the Sherpa) For offroad, it will suit your needs for sure, and as far as i am concerned you can get yourself into just as much trouble on the 225 as you would a 650 or what have yah. Good luck on your search, and have fun on the trails!!

 

[evil69]

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I had a xt225 and the thing just about went any where!

ask any of the island guys, I think the lil thumper did really well for what it was!

I did a 420 km ride and was sore the next day but the bike loved it!

I think in 2 years there was only one place that it did not go where I pointed it! that was the widow maker, it just ran out of power.

do a search for my name and you will see all the things this lil bike went on the island in the 2 years I owned it!

2 things you will want to do is change the jets in the carb and do the free exhaust mod to get the extra power and cold running ability.

also ride it like you stole it!

Evil69

 

[Orange Crush]

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I'll give my vote for the sherpa. Used it to do the "B" course on the Dead Zone last year. Great little bike but like the XT needs to be uncorked and properly jetted.