Dual purpose . offroaders or trailies, which ones for 2 up?

[ReCon]

I am chasing a bit if an off road type bike that comes licensed for a pillion passenger. Engine size doesn't matter , but as light as humanly possible is preferred as it will need to be wheeled in and out of the 'van daily for periods of time.

I found the DL to be a heavy tart of a thing to wield and it's physical dimensions are pretty beefy for a midget like me to man handle up and down ramps.

I will cart the wife around on it when we are away , but not off road , that's just for me to piss about on when things look interesting.

I googled 2 up and got all manner of suggestions , but very few had anything to do with motorcycles.

[Mutiny!]

DR650SE, but it is not comfortable for the pillion by any means in stock form. An aftermarket seat might fix that up though. I'm not gonna look up the stats, but of the 600+cc 4-stroke dual sports I believe it is the lightest. Will easily do 2up at highway speeds too.

Shitloads of luggage and mod options.

[Spock]

I am chasing a bit if an off road type bike that comes licensed for a pillion passenger. Engine size doesn't matter , but as light as humanly possible is preferred as it will need to be wheeled in and out of the 'van daily for periods of time.

I found the DL to be a heavy tart of a thing to wield and it's physical dimensions are pretty beefy for a midget like me to man handle up and down ramps.

I will cart the wife around on it when we are away , but not off road , that's just for me to piss about on when things look interesting.

I googled 2 up and got all manner of suggestions , but very few had anything to do with motorcycles.

CRF230 Honda

[Aufitt]

TTR has little fold down pegs on the rear subframe, such a versatile bike.

yamahattr250_1.jpg

[Spock]

TTR has little fold down pegs on the rear subframe, such a versatile bike.

So has the CFR230 which is 2/3 the size.

[Huggy]

DR650SE, but it is not comfortable for the pillion by any means in stock form. An aftermarket seat might fix that up though. I'm not gonna look up the stats, but of the 600+cc 4-stroke dual sports I believe it is the lightest. Will easily do 2up at highway speeds too.

Shitloads of luggage and mod options.

Corbin seats are meant to be pretty good.

I looked at getting one of these bikes myself, but bought a 4wd instead.

Kawasaki make a similar bike, the KLR. It's a bit more plasticy looking, a little cheaper, and you will find lots of debate as to whether or not its better than the DR650. IMO (based on what I've read) the DR650 is a better bike all bar the seat.

I'd be looking at both the KLR650, DR650 and then perhaps some Honda XR600's.

[Aufitt]

DR650 sounds exactly what the OP does not want.

[fredie]

honda nx650 very nice , cheap

[Huggy]

DR650 sounds exactly what the OP does not want.

I believe they are lighter than a DL, and would handle the 2up requirement better than the smaller capacity bikes mentioned

[Spock]

Engine size doesn't matter , but as light as humanly possible is preferred..//..for a midget like me to man handle up and down ramps

Doesn't sound like the man wants a 600 or a 650.

This being a PSB dirtbike thread, I am surprised no one has suggested a CRF450 or Husaberg 570 yet (as they would be ideal for big jumps).

[ReCon]

TTR has little fold down pegs on the rear subframe, such a versatile bike.

yamahattr250_1.jpg

True? Must have looked at a hundred photos of the TTR but could not see the rear pegs, so thought they were single rider.

How would it compare with the little 230 Honda?

Will look at 650s last as I just sold my DRZ 400 which would make me cry if I had to buy another one and start again , but will check weights, heights ect and see how they compare. Bigger IS better [according to the wife once again ]

[Spock]

True? Must have looked at a hundred photos of the TTR but could not see the rear pegs, so thought they were single rider.

How would it compare with the little 230 Honda?

Will look at 650s last as I just sold my DRZ 400 which would make me cry if I had to buy another one and start again , but will check weights, heights ect and see how they compare. Bigger IS better [according to the wife once again ]

Little Honda is very little. TTR250 is quite a bit bigger but not as big as some road-trails. Actual weights probably don't differ much but smaller bikes always feel lighter.

Go and have a look at them at a bike shop, sit on them and see which one floats your boat.

As an aside I know that at least one dealer (I think Rick Gill) is selling the CRF230 for a discounted price at the moment.

[Aufitt]

True? Must have looked at a hundred photos of the TTR but could not see the rear pegs, so thought they were single rider.

How would it compare with the little 230 Honda?

]

Alot taller and more dirt orientated, but yes they have pegs, thus the pillion strap on the seat.
The TTR is more dirt than road.
I raced them successfully in state enduros & X country series for years.
The Honda is a compact bike, the TTR may be a bit tall.
Consider DRZ250 as well.

[Kev_Oh]

CRF230, good if you're short, has a low seat height, space for passenger and rather light for what it is. If you're looking at second hand an XR250L could also be a good choice, bit higher seat height, has fold down pegs for passenger and rather light enough to throw around in the bush (I own a 2007 model, am very happy with it). Also the TTR230 and TTR250 offer a low seat height and rather light for dual purpose bikes. All of them may not have a great deal of power in comparison to the bigger bores but they still offer a great deal of fun for the occasional offroader.

[Spock]

Also the TTR230 ...

TTR230 is a great little offroader (much more dirt oriented than the CRF230L) but sadly doesn't have pillion pegs.

[ReCon]

Thanks for the advice on what to look at gents. Will likely use it as the buggering off bike and get a more commuter orientated bike later on. Time to have a look and sit , then decide if the costs outweigh the benefits if i have to sell the DL...

[dazza1968]

Dont forget the Yamaha Xt 250 Mega reliable,Elec start, and comfy to sit on

Regards dazza

[smitto81]

Doesn't sound like the man wants a 600 or a 650.

This being a PSB dirtbike thread, I am surprised no one has suggested a CRF450 or Husaberg 570 yet (as they would be ideal for big jumps).

Funnily enough still the best in perth dare i say for dirt bikes.

[filbert]

seems the 250s are covered, perfect by the sounds of it since you aren't asking for speed or power just 2up ability and light to handle, dr650 has been mentioned but did anybody mention the drz400s? ticks the same boxes with decent power etc

[ReCon]

Doesn't sound like the man wants a 600 or a 650.

This being a PSB dirtbike thread, I am surprised no one has suggested a CRF450 or Husaberg 570 yet (as they would be ideal for big jumps).

My eyes are worse than I thought , because I am stuffed if I can see the rear pegs! If they gottem , I could be tempted.

As for the drZ400s , isn't it single rider registered only??