Oh I just realized that this is very little information; let me give more.

I am currently 5'9" and 150 lbs. That should'nt change very much in the next few years. Maybe a few inches up; maybe a few pounds on, but otherwise not much.

My riding experience is very little. I have ridden dual-sports before on the road, and I loved the feeling, but I am not as experienced as others around here. The bike I rode was a small 150 cc. I do not remember the model of the bike though. The bike I will be getting will not just be a learner bike, but more of my DD; but seeing as none of the bikes listed are sports bikes and are below 700 cc's, I don't see "too much power" being too much of an issue here.

I am quite young right now; so in a few years I will be in my mid twenties. I am asking about what kind of bike to get now because I love being prepared and looking ahead.

Thanks for any help !

 

I'd stick with a 250cc bike, for the following reasons:

1. It's probably the most popular size of MC around the world.
2. It's fully capable of putting around urban areas and doing highway speeds.
3. There are many styles and configurations to choose from.
4. They're light enough to get on/off a vessel.
5. Very good gas mileage, something you will appreciate when you're in a country that charges $5 per litre for gas.

Additionally, I'd go with a bike that has some sort of worldwide popularity. At some point you'll need to buy parts. I'm not totally up on the international sales of the models you listed, but I think you'd be pretty safe with anything from Honda.

 

5$ a litre?! Woah! Where is that?!

And aren't there many complaints that a 250cc doesn't half the power to make highway speeds; or atleast cruise around at 70 mpg comfortably. And yeah, I know about the Japanese reliability part; which is why all the bikes there are Japanese. Also, I don't think the Honda NX series is that popular; so would that fall under the category of "up to international worldwide popularity" ?

Thanks for the help though; I just have some doubts about the power of the 250cc; they're mostly their for their lightweight and offroading capability?

 

The CBR250R is available world wide and in most countries it is the top of the line in the sport bike category. I have one and I can make 80 with no problem, but after 80 it is a slow increase. Last night I got my bike to top out at 92, with me ducked down tight. The bike weighs in at 375 wet which is not too bad but you are going to need a plank to get the bike on and off. Oh and if you are on a smallish sailboat any bike you bring on board is going to have to be stowed on the centerline to allow your boat to work properly, which may get in your way more than not.

Massey

 

I appreciate your suggestion, but this is NOT what I'm looking for at all. I am looking for dual sport bikes so that I can have the ability to go off road should I want to; this was already said in the OP.

 

Have you considered the fact that you won't be allowed to ride that motorcycle on public streets in most countries? Every country has it's own laws in regards to vehicle safety standards, insurance and registration. For instance, when I was stationed in England, I was allowed to bring my car over and drive it on public roads: AFTER I had it safety inspected at a local gas station, light configurations changed and I paid the road tax. And I was under the Status of Forces Agreement. I'm pretty sure you have to go through the import rigmarole if you're not sponsored by another government. You COULD get around it by having a vehicle registered in an EU country and only taking it out in other EU countries, but that does limit you. You might be limited to going with a lower displacement scooter, but even they might need to be registered/insured/inspected in certain countries.

Not trying to burst your bubble man, and if you can find a way around this problem, then I wish you the best. It sounds like a good time.

 

I've already looked into that, and just like z9 said, it's usually okay temporarily. I've looked into the legalities of it, and most countries don't have a single problem with it at all as long as you don't cause ruckus, and, most importantly, are not trying to sell the bike and trying to get past importation taxes. Thanks for the heads up though, and the concern

Well, I don't know where you're going. But if you head out into the hinterlands of some Third World country, and you're lucky enough to find gasoline, you might be lucky to get it so cheaply.

True, you bring up a very good point.

There are plenty of 250cc bikes that will easily make 70 mph. They may not go much higher, and they'll be revving pretty good, but they'll do it. I personally think that size is a good trade-off, given your size/weight considerations.

Oh, good to hear! I did not know that! Thanks for the heads up.

I'm sorry, I didn't think I needed to be so specific. Honda has made hundreds of models of bikes over the years. I would recommend models that have the greatest worldwide popularity. Though the CBR250 is not your style, it's a good suggestion because it's small, fuel-efficient and it's one of the most popular bikes in the world right now. That means parts are available in many places along with people experienced in fixing them.

True true; the KLR and DR series are very popular; so maybe they would have a good place in my situation. I'll take popularilty into account.

No need to get snippy. We're giving you the best advice we can based on the parameters you set. There's no 'Magic Bike' that suits your needs perfectly; you're going to have to make some compromises.

Oh sorry about that. I didn't mean to sound snippy or attitudey :thumbsdown: I guess putting things in caps makes it sound much more edgy or bold; though that was not my intended way of someone taking it. I appreciated the suggestion, but I was trying to reject it in a peaceful manner; sorry if it came off differently.

Reseach international drivers license, most EU countries will honour your US credentials for a period of time. I have driven in many countries using my US license with no issue, the only places where I could not is those that drive on the opposite side of th road.

As long as you do not become a resident or overstay your welcome you should be okay using US paperwork

Try using google[/URL] This simple search took me the length of a loading screen in ME3 to find the answer you want.

The bike? A 250 will be fine for what you need, it is light enough to manuver in tight places, and more than enough power to put around and country you visit. You must realize, a lot of placed a 125 is the normal size bike.

Seeing as how you a most likely still finding hair in new places, yuo do not need a 500cc+ bike in places where speed limits may be optional.

Good points; and I did not have such links and resources regarding the legality law; as far as legalities went, I was drawing my conclusions off what past cruisers have done, and it seems to have turned out okay as long as they were respectful and weren't trying to sell the bikes. Thank you very much!

Well I was trying to suggest a bike that was light enough for one person to be loaded on and off a vessel. Sorry if my suggestion is NOT what you want, it is sold world wide and is capable of handling the roads of most countries.

Massey

Again, I apologize for sounding disrespectful; this was not my intention, you made a very sound suggestion and I was trying to pass it off politely; my intention was not of disrespect or arrogance, but appreciation and polite rejection. Sorry about sounding disrespectful


Thank you for your help everyone! I appreciate all the help and concern and I did not know about some of the legality things and I didn't know that 250's had the juice to run freeway speeds! Thank you very much for the help! Any continued help would be appreciated of course, but this is quite good

 

5$ a litre?! Woah! Where is that?!

Well, I don't know where you're going. But if you head out into the hinterlands of some Third World country, and you're lucky enough to find gasoline, you might be lucky to get it so cheaply.

And aren't there many complaints that a 250cc doesn't half the power to make highway speeds; or atleast cruise around at 70 mpg comfortably.

There are plenty of 250cc bikes that will easily make 70 mph. They may not go much higher, and they'll be revving pretty good, but they'll do it. I personally think that size is a good trade-off, given your size/weight considerations.

And yeah, I know about the Japanese reliability part; which is why all the bikes there are Japanese. Also, I don't think the Honda NX series is that popular; so would that fall under the category of "up to international worldwide popularity" ?

I'm sorry, I didn't think I needed to be so specific. Honda has made hundreds of models of bikes over the years. I would recommend models that have the greatest worldwide popularity. Though the CBR250 is not your style, it's a good suggestion because it's small, fuel-efficient and it's one of the most popular bikes in the world right now. That means parts are available in many places along with people experienced in fixing them.

I appreciate your suggestion, but this is NOT what I'm looking for at all. I am looking for dual sport bikes so that I can have the ability to go off road should I want to; this was already said in the OP.

No need to get snippy. We're giving you the best advice we can based on the parameters you set. There's no 'Magic Bike' that suits your needs perfectly; you're going to have to make some compromises.

Spiteful brings up a good point too. Have you researched at all the legality of riding in all these countries you plan to visit? It's not like you can just hop off the boat and start tooling around the countryside wherever you want. Vehicle licensing, driver licensing, vehicle inspections -- these are all real issues you'll need to research and resolve well before you put into port. Sure, you can just say 'Whatever' and ignore those issues. But that may not be the wises course of action in some countries. Have you ever seen Locked Up Abroad?

 

Reseach international drivers license, most EU countries will honour your US credentials for a period of time. I have driven in many countries using my US license with no issue, the only places where I could not is those that drive on the opposite side of th road.

http://www.ehow.com/how_4709141_drivers-license-international-drivers-permit.html

As long as you do not become a resident or overstay your welcome you should be okay using US paperwork

Try using google This simple search took me the length of a loading screen in ME3 to find the answer you want.

The bike? A 250 will be fine for what you need, it is light enough to manuver in tight places, and more than enough power to put around and country you visit. You must realize, a lot of placed a 125 is the normal size bike.

Seeing as how you a most likely still finding hair in new places, yuo do not need a 500cc+ bike in places where speed limits may be optional.

 

I don't think the license is really going to be his problem though. It's the bike itself. It would be considered an import, or at the very least a grey-market vehicle, and it would still be required to comply with all local laws. Like I said before, I had to get the lights modified on my Golf GTi, get white running lights on the front and a red fog light on the rear, plus inspection and taxes, before I was allowed to move it off base when I was in the UK.

 

Well I was trying to suggest a bike that was light enough for one person to be loaded on and off a vessel. Sorry if my suggestion is NOT what you want, it is sold world wide and is capable of handling the roads of most countries.

Massey

 

From what I have gathered and read, as long as you are legal for the country you are attached to, you can rdrive it. There are multiple hits about people doing just this with out issues. The issue come when you are trying to buy or sell a vehicle.

 

Yeah that's what most people say; countries dont mind you having your bike there; actually, they'd love for every bike in the world to be in their country and buying their gas and oil in their country so that they get lots of tax dollars rolling in from foreign sources; but the second that you try skimping out on importation taxes-- that's when they start breathing down your neck. That's not really a problem here seeing as I'm not trying to buy nor sell any bike in any country; well, except buy my bike in my home country of course, but otherwise, no problems there.

 

You really only need to worry about inspections when you a going to resister the car there. I can drive all I want in Canada or Mexico with either of my vehicles using my VA state license, VA insurance, and VA plates. I don't plan on living there just visiting. I would however get the IDL just incase an LEO does not speak english and does not recognise your license, as the IDL must be used in conjuction with a state issued DL.

 

Since you're just planning on being there temporarily I suppose it's not going to be a problem in most places. I would still check for each country you visit to be safe. Did a quick search and found this. It's for France specifically. If you look at section III it backs up what Z9 said about it being ok if it's temporary. Don't stay there for more then 4 months though. Good luck and have fun out there.

 

Since you're just planning on being there temporarily I suppose it's not going to be a problem in most places. I would still check for each country you visit to be safe. Did a quick search and found It's for France specifically. If you look at section III it backs up what Z9 said about it being ok if it's temporary. Don't stay there for more then 4 months though. Good luck and have fun out there.

Aha I don't think I'll be anywhere for even 4 months!

Thanks everyone for the legality concern; I did do some googling, but left most of the "legality" issues to testimonies from past cruisers doing the same thing. It's nice to get some "set in stone" stuff like you have given me.

Thanks again! Now to just see which bike selections are for me :icon_cool:

 

You may want to do some research on the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic of 1949 and the Convention on the Regulation of Inter-American Motor Vehicle Traffic of 1943. In short, these are international conventions (one step shy of treaties) that allow individuals holding a driver's license in one country to operate legally without obtaining a new driver's license in another country. Both countries, of course, have to be members of the respective conventions.

All this being said, regardless of legality, you are probably going to want to be prepared for the uninformed (or corrupt) local law enforcement official. This depends a lot on where you're going, but I wouldn't automatically expect every foreign cop to be Officer Friendly.

 

Yes yes, thank you again for that information. We covered the legalities of it quite well; and I know there are some no-nos and there are quite a few OKs, I think now the issue is moreso of a selection or motorbike over legalities...

By the way, I have narrowed my list down after some research to: Kawasaki Super Sherpa, Kawasaki KLR250, Suzuki DR350, Suzuki DRZ400, Yamaha WR250R/X, and Honda NX250.

Okay so it's not exactly a "short" list, but it's much better than before.

 

appology accepted.

Now a little research may be what you need to figure out the best bike for your adventure. Check for the availability of said machine in the countries you are going to visit just incase you need parts. This will enable you to get repair parts if needed. Similar models may have the same parts even if the model is not the same.

Massey

 

Thank you; and yes, I'm researching as much as I can.

It's hard breaking it down though... The Yamaha WR250R/X is amazing; have the power I want, MPG I want, and the weight I want (plus estart and liquid cooling = bonus), but then they are brand new models and take 91 octane minimum. That could mean finding parts and fuel for it would be difficult AND expensive.

The DRZ400 has the power and estart and liq cooling I want; but it's lower MPG, and higher weights are turnoffs..

The KLR250 and Sherpa are neck and neck in many things... They're amazing in every field except speed and they both lack one of the two amenities I want (estart and liq cooling)...

DR350 has neither of my amenities, but they're dirt cheap, can got 87 mph on 87 octane, and are super popular... They're the cheapest, which is great! And the weight isn't "too" bad.

The NX250 is kinda awkward; few parts, 89 octane, low top speed, not popular, possibly expensive; but has Honda reliability, and great MPG and good acceleration; and is light...

Tough tough narrowing to do... I don't need to come down to one single model, but 6 is a bit much..

 

If any of these bikes have fuel injection and computer controlled timing then using a lower grade of fuel will be just fine. THe computer will compensate for the lower grade of fuel with out damaging the engine. You will lose some power and mpg but that will be barely noticable unless you are on a high speed open road for any length of time. The electronic timing is the key here as the engine will have some method of detecting detonation and reducing the advance on the timing.

Massey

 

Only the WR250 is fuel injected, and by the time it's dropped down to 87 or whatever abysmal low octane rating I put in the bike in some random county, I don't think it'll be putting out any suitable power after the timing is retarded... It might just be better to get a bike that is prescribed low octane over one that "can" take it, but would rather not. Though it is good advice to keep in mind.

My vote would be for the KLR. I don't know that much about the 250, but its older brother, the KLR650, is one of the most rock-solid DP bikes you can purchase. Basically, the poor man's BMW GS.

One advantage of no estart/liquid cooling is that those are 2 less systems you need to worry about breaking down. For me, the choice would have a lot to do with simplicity and reliability...much more so than MPG or even ride comfort.

2 Less systems? Isnt liquid cooling one system? And the KLR250 does have liquid cooling; it's the DR350 that has neither. And while it would be good to have less maintenance to do, I think I'd like liq cooling because I might be going from extremely cool climates to extremely hot climates, and I'd like the bike to be able to always be good as far as temperature goes.

Baja brings up a good point actually. I'm not sure how your bike is going to be stored on your boat, but salt water corrosion can be a real problem, as well as the fact that vehicles just don't like to sit, unused, for long periods of time. For instance, when I was in the Marines, our LAV sat in one spot on the LCAC for 1.5 months before we took it ashore (cross Atlantic plus cutting gator squares off the coast of Greece, waiting to "invade" Kosovo). We spent 2 days doing repairs on air leaks, hydraulic leaks and corroded electrical connections before we left for shore. It hadn't moved. We started it every few days on the trip over. Stuff just went bad.

It will be stored under deck in the cabin (another reason I chose DS's; because they dont have fairings and such that'll take up lots of cabin space) so that I don't have to worry about corrosion. If for whatever reason it wont go under, I'll make sure to cover the hell out of it so that it's borderline airtight...

It's an interesting question, taking a bike through different countries. Here in Europe you can ride for a day and cross four countries. As long as your paperwork is in order, you don't have any trouble. You need to get a green card from your insurance company that provides international coverage, but it isn't expensive. I think it's around 10 Euros. Whatever your country of residence, they will accept your local driver's licence if you're just visiting.

There are quite a few people who do round the world rides, though I'm not one of them. I think if you plan to visit some of the more exotic places, you'll find the information you need on their embassy web sites, or just give their local embassy or consulate a call.

Do be aware of differences in local driving laws. Some countries require you to have your headlight on at all times. Other countries give you a ticket for driving with your headlight on in the daytime. In some countries you can make a right turn on a red light, while in other places you'll get a ticket for it. In Germany you don't have to pay a road toll on the highway, but in Austria, Hungary and Slovenia you will get a big fine if you don't stop and buy a "Vignette" at the border.

Check out the Pashnit Motorcycle Forum. There are many world travelers there who can most likely give you exactly the information you need.

Yes, the legalities of the motorcycle has already been covered extensively before; thank you though.

 

My vote would be for the KLR. I don't know that much about the 250, but its older brother, the KLR650, is one of the most rock-solid DP bikes you can purchase. Basically, the poor man's BMW GS.

One advantage of no estart/liquid cooling is that those are 2 less systems you need to worry about breaking down. For me, the choice would have a lot to do with simplicity and reliability...much more so than MPG or even ride comfort.

 

Baja brings up a good point actually. I'm not sure how your bike is going to be stored on your boat, but salt water corrosion can be a real problem, as well as the fact that vehicles just don't like to sit, unused, for long periods of time. For instance, when I was in the Marines, our LAV sat in one spot on the LCAC for 1.5 months before we took it ashore (cross Atlantic plus cutting gator squares off the coast of Greece, waiting to "invade" Kosovo). We spent 2 days doing repairs on air leaks, hydraulic leaks and corroded electrical connections before we left for shore. It hadn't moved. We started it every few days on the trip over. Stuff just went bad.

 

It's an interesting question, taking a bike through different countries. Here in Europe you can ride for a day and cross four countries. As long as your paperwork is in order, you don't have any trouble. You need to get a green card from your insurance company that provides international coverage, but it isn't expensive. I think it's around 10 Euros. Whatever your country of residence, they will accept your local driver's licence if you're just visiting.

There are quite a few people who do round the world rides, though I'm not one of them. I think if you plan to visit some of the more exotic places, you'll find the information you need on their embassy web sites, or just give their local embassy or consulate a call.

Do be aware of differences in local driving laws. Some countries require you to have your headlight on at all times. Other countries give you a ticket for driving with your headlight on in the daytime. In some countries you can make a right turn on a red light, while in other places you'll get a ticket for it. In Germany you don't have to pay a road toll on the highway, but in Austria, Hungary and Slovenia you will get a big fine if you don't stop and buy a "Vignette" at the border.

Check out the Pashnit Motorcycle Forum. There are many world travelers there who can most likely give you exactly the information you need.

 

2 Less systems? Isnt liquid cooling one system? And the KLR250 does have liquid cooling; it's the DR350 that has neither. And while it would be good to have less maintenance to do, I think I'd like liq cooling because I might be going from extremely cool climates to extremely hot climates, and I'd like the bike to be able to always be good as far as temperature goes.

Sorry, misread your description of the KLR & Super Sherpa. Regardless, the point still stands -- less systems necessary to make the bike functional means less to go wrong and keep it from being functional.

As for liquid-cooled vs. air-cooled, it's a non-issue, at least in terms of keeping the bike operational. It doesn't matter how hot or cold it is when you're running it, the engine can handle anything you'll be able to ride in. Air-cooled engines run just fine in temps well over 100 degrees; you'll give up before the bike does, as long as you keep air moving over it. Now, if you're going somewhere where the bike would be stting at idle for longer than 5 minutes at a time, then you'd have a serious need for liquid cooling.

 

Really? Well wow; look at that... I hear you can also get "Aftermarket oil coolers"? Any word on those? Any way to keep the bike cool is a ++ in my eyes. I will look into air vs liq cooling more deeply; although I still am kindof partial to liquid because it's a more guaranteed way of keeping temperatures good. I mean; the maintenance isn't that much more; some antifreeze and water to refill the system every now and again isnt too bad, and antifreeze isn't exactly "model specific"... It can be gotten almost anywhere... Thank you though for the info.

Actually you will prolly not even notice the loss in power. What you will notice is how far a tank of fuel will send you. One way to regain power lost by retarding the timing is to make the fuel mixture slightly rich. This also helps cool the combustion chamber which will also reduce knock meaning that the computer can add more timing for a bit until the temps rise again. This is how you will not notice the power loss but you will see the overall distance reduced. I would say on a 250 designated for 89+ fuel you will get maybe a 20 mile per tank loss overall.

Massey

I heard the WR250 was designated for 91+; unless you have alternate information?

And instead of running rich; why don't I replace the thermometer in the radiator to go off prematurely? The engine may not be as powerful because it wont be allowed to heat up to proper op. temp, but atleast I wont have BOTH MPG and power loss instead of just power loss... Would my idea work as well?

 

If you are fuel injected the computer will make the decisions based on the software programed into it. Most programing tries to retain the power and remove the knock by making a slightly rich mixture. 14.7:1 is perfect ratio for combustion of gasoline. Your computer will usually run from 12.5 to 16 depending on the conditions. This will be done on the fly and will not be noticed by you. You will run a mixture about 12.5:1 when your engine is cold and also durring acceleration. When you are cruising steady your bike will try to run lean around a 16:1 ratio to save fuel when you dont need the power. Now if your engine detects some pinging or detonation your computer will first try to retard the timing when power is not needed and if that does not work it will run a little rich to help cool the combustion chamber. Running rich will not cool the entire engine just the combustion chamber. This "cooling" is only 3 or 4 degrees but it is usually enough to keep the fuel stable until it is time to burn it. Changing the temp the fans turn on will have little effect to the combustion chamber temps. You need your engine to achieve a certain temp in order for it to run efficently, and lowering that temp too much can cause as much harm as an engine that runs too hot.

Most computer controlled engines today will do this in some method or another but the overall result is a clean proper burn no matter what grade of fuel is used. Carburated engines do not have this same flexability and you will be limited to what the engine does automatically. You can make some of these changes by adjusting the idle settings.

Massey

 

When it comes to the fuel issue, most EU countries, 91 is the minimum you will find. Most bikes now recomend higher octane, bike have a higher compression and higher octane is needed for this. My 86 recomends 95 octane.

 

My 09 FZ6R recommends 86. I run 87 with no issues (pings or knocks) what-so-ever. I'm no gas expert but my understanding is that lower octane doesn't mean less power or mileage. Rather, higher octane just means higher detonation temperature.

Just cruising around trying to see how much I'm talking out my butt I came across this.. The FTC info is PROBABLY pretty reliable on the subject, but it's always a good idea to check more then one source (and random people on the interwebs like me aren't considered reliable sources usually...).

 

Octane is a confusing subject for some. But the basics are this:

It is a number rating given to Gasoline to rate it's tendancy to burn. The higher the number the slower it burns and the less likely it is to detonate under pressure.

Massey

 

Newbie here, but I suggest the Kawasaki KLR250. My friend just bought one a few months back, and I have been very impressed with it. Cool bikes.