Looking for a first bike

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Brian N

Guest
Hi there, I have been lurking and reading this site for the past few weeks and finally decided to join.
I am looking at purchasing a bike. Whether it be new off the show room floor, or a fairly new bike. But, I have to sell my quad first.
I have not been on a bike for quite some time, but, as they say, "just like riding a bicycle" only a little more power. And I am planning on taking a riding course as well. As soon as I do my research on that as well.
Anyways. I am thinking of a 250cc (probably a Kawasaki, but, that is not in stone), or, up to a 400. Anything over 400 from what I have been told doubles the basic insurance at ICBC.
So, my question is. I am 6', 200+lbs. Would a 250 be sufficient for me if I (down the road) had to take Hwy 1 to work from Chilliwack to Abbotsford? Or would a 400 be a better choice?
By the way, yes, I will be planning on doing some off road with it as well in the future.

Thanks for your time and input.
Brian.

 
Big Booger

Big Booger

New member
Brian,
IMHO a 250cc may be a little light for a regular commute. Look closer to the 400cc end. That stretch of Hwy.1 is 100kph and people generally travel 110 or better. DRZ400 is a very capable commuter and is pretty good off road as well.
 
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WestCoast Rider

WestCoast Rider

Member
Brian,

What is your inseam? What are your expectations in terms of off-road capabilities? Personally if I'm riding to/from Abbotsford to Chilliwack I would stick to the feeder routes on anything less than a 600cc bike. Fbomb routinely rides his EXC450 back and forth for sunday rides however and he could comment more...
 
Ti welder

Ti welder

New member
So long as your under 200lb a 250 kawi sherpa is a awsome dual sport. Will easly go 120 for a long period. Just not real powerful. And at 2 bucks a liter... Probly find a nice one cheep!
 
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Brian N

Guest
WestCoast Rider said:
Brian,

What is your inseam? What are your expectations in terms of off-road capabilities? Personally if I'm riding to/from Abbotsford to Chilliwack I would stick to the feeder routes on anything less than a 600cc bike. Fbomb routinely rides his EXC450 back and forth for sunday rides however and he could comment more...
Click to expand...

Inseam is 32". Off road would mainly be FSR's, no tough terrain as of yet. Not until I get some seat time. Also wouldn't be doing the Hwy for some time either.
 
SouthPoint

SouthPoint

Member
I'd look closely at a DRZ 400S. They are reliable, fairly low maintenance and have tons of aftermarket parts/accessories available. You also get the cheaper insurance, they have more power than a 250 and they are approximately the same weight (within about 10 - 20 lbs) as many of the 250 dual sports. The DRZ doesn't really shine at anything, but it is capable of doing a bit of everything.

There is no perfect dual sport bike. With the variety of terrain you can ride on a dual sport, there is always a compromise. On a typical dual sport ride (at least the kind I like to do), you will do a bit of highway, some Forest Service Roads, some rougher double track roads/trails and maybe a gnarly hill climb or two. No matter what bike you are on, at some point you will wish you had something else.

The best solution of course is two bikes. That is something I am giving some consideration to at the moment....
 
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Revnelli

New member
My 2c - I have a DRZ400 - love it for commuting locally - but I geared it down (14/44) to work well off road and I wouldn't want to run it on the freeway for long - certainly not as a commuter. 100km/hr is fine, 120km/hr would not be. It would probably be OK with smooth tyres and the stock 15/44 gearing, *and a wider seat*. My buddy, who commutes about 20km each way everyday on highway, has run a sherpa for a while and moved up to KLR650 because of a lack of power. The KLR is awesome for commuting, and OK for dual track - but he can't go everywhere I go (eg steeper/looser stuff) even tho he's a way better rider. What you are describing sounds like KLR650 territory to me. Check the actual cost of insurance - cos the difference may not be that much.
 
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Brian N

Guest
Thanks for all the info. I will go back into ICBC this weekend and see what they say. The lady that I talked to at first didn't really sound like she knew what I was talking about.
She also mentioned getting extended insurance at Beacon (never heard of them) but, she says that 99% of motorcycles insured go through them. I think she was pulling my leg there.
 
Mad Max

Mad Max

New member
A 400 cc bike costs $330 for bare bones ICBC. Between 401cc and 750cc =$570 bare bones ICBC and that is with full safe driver discount.
 
xr8d

xr8d

New member
Beacon is for your additional coverage (theft, collision etc). You still need to go through ICBC for your third party liability and plate. BTW, Beacon is much cheaper than ICBC for the coverage, I have it on my pumpkin. And yes, basic coverage for a 650 is almost double as a 400cc or under. Hope this helps.

Jon
 
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Shuswap

Member
I'd have no hesitation recommending the DRZ400S. They shine at nothing in particular....except that they do most things surprisingly well. Easy to maintain, easy to mod, relatively cheap, no vices(except a lil heavy) Common as tea and there is a great model-specific community on ThumperTalk.

A 250 would only work for you if you don't mind anemic power delivery. Or the peaky power of a highly tuned motocross-style engine. And you will only get about 15 more miles per gallon, but it'll come at a HUGE performance cost. My DRZ delivers about 58-60mpg, while I'm running it's arse off.
Suggest that you do some reading, shop for a bit and take a riding course, it will teach you many useful things....maybe even save your life/limb.
 
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bobbib

New member
I was in the same boat

I was in the same boat

Hey i just got my first dual sport, wanting something to commute with and play in the dirt/ fsr's.
I was debating the drz 400s and the klx250s. both liquid cooled which is important for those hot rush hour days. I went with the klx and i love it. still breaking her in so i can't tell you a top speed but shes alot of fun. 6 gears definitely a good thing to have when commuting and high way. the only problem i have is the lack of aftermarket parts right now because of the new 09 body style. Im 19 and got insurance for the year from icbc for about $450 with 2 million liability and theft and collision from meagson and fitzpatrick for $233 for the year, and if i cancel my road insurance from icbc, the insurance from meagson and fitz becomes storage insurance. $700 for the year, all with icbc was quoted at around $1800.
the klx is 40 lbs less than the drz. my 2c.
 
250ccforme

250ccforme

Member
bobbib said:
the only problem i have is the lack of aftermarket parts right now because of the new 09 body style.
Click to expand...

What can't you get? I think the aftermarket has largely caught up with the new KLX. Might want to start a thread in the Kawi sub-forum to carry on so we don't hijack this thread.
 
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aheath73

New member
Hmmm... First bike? Well I'm only on my second, so I'm no expert as of yet. My first dual sport was a KLX 250 (first year of the "new-style")and it was a great bike. However, running it highway speeds all the time didn't make it very happy. I somehow managed to spring a leak in the head gasket (fortunately repaired under warranty). It was very capable on logging roads and easy double tracks which were the only places I ventured with it off-road. Traded it for something more road-friendly and now I'm going into my third season on a Suzuki DR650. This bike is a lot bigger an heavier than the KLX, but is a lot happier as a highway commuter. And it's still a hoot on the FSR's (and trails if you dare)! I looked at the DRZ 400, but at 5' 7", with a 30" inseam, I'm just too short for that bike.

So many different bikes out there and a different opinion to go with each one... Highway? Trails? Singletrack? Commuter? So many ways to use a dual sport bike... Unfortunately it's all a compromise one way or another... You gotta pick your priorities and find your happy medium...

My advice: Get out there and sit on as many different bikes as you can before you part with your hard-earned cash. One of them will sing to you.....
 
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Brian N

Guest
I went to one shop in Chilliwack to have a look. After about 15 minutes of standing around, and not a word spoken to me by any one in there, I headed out.
Maybe I'll head down to Langley the next chance I get.
The bike will be 90% commuter. Either back roads from Chilliwack to Abbotsford, maybe some highway after some considerable seat time, and about 10% FSR's. No major trails (yet)
Thanks to every one for the input. I really do appreciate it.
 
MtB

MtB

New member
I know how you feel man! I always leave a business or a restaurant if noone acknowledges my presence within 5 minutes. A simple "I'll be with you in a moment" if they are bussy will do. Anyway enough of my pet peeves. At Burnaby Kawasaki (site sponsor and I can guarantee they they will not ignore you) they have a batch of brand new KLX250SF's (the supermoto version) for $4300. Can't beat that price and it sounds like a good fit for your needs (easy FSR's no problem). Tell them Mike sent you.
 
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Shuswap

Member
If Burnaby Kawasaki is reasonable with the freight/PDI, then that is a very good price, assuming the Supermoto version appeals to you. It's easier to learn on a bike with a lower seat, where you feel like your feet can reach the ground whenever necessary. The SuperMoto will be quite a bit lower than the larger-wheeled version. Either will work well on a FSR.

MtB has made a good suggestion! Certainly worth a look. (BTW, I have never dealt with Burnaby Kawasaki, so I have zero affiliation with them)

On the other hand, you can shop around the used bikes on Craigslist, where everyone seems to think their bike is worth a BLOODY FORTUNE right now.
 
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McNutt

McNutt

New member
I just got my first bike last fall, a very lightly used 09 klx250s. It's been a great first bike. It's anemic in stock form. Jetting and a slip on woke it up.
KLX 250s are cheap to buy and very reliable. If you feel you need more power there is a guy down south who will bore and sleeve the cylinder to 351 ccs for less than $600. I just started my install today. I am installing a pumper carb in as well. Good luck with your decision.
 
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