QuestionI am very interested in motorbikes and i am interested in purchasing one. I have never owned a bike and i dont know what kind to get. I would like a bike that can go off road but still be licenced on road. One that would suit a beginner and be relativly cheap. Maybe even a second hand bike. Anyway just wondering if u have any suggestions on a first bike. By the way i am in Australia if it make a difference.
AnswerHi Mat,
Greetings from your friend in Portland, Oregon, USA. Thanks for your question.
I'll need just a bit more information to really give you a good recommendation. How tall are you? How old are you? What do you weigh? Do you have any riding experience at all- some, none, or just a little?
In general, the bike you are looking for is called a "dual-sport" or "enduro" bike. It's basically a dirt bike with lights, a horn and mirrors so it's legal to ride on pavement in traffic. I highly recommend this kind of bike for a beginning rider for several reasons. They are easy to ride and control. They are usually built very tough for the added off-road capability.That's good because you'll probably crash it (or just tip it over) in the first six months- most all beginners do. And best of all, they are not very expensive. Also, they are cheaper to repair than big road bikes. Best of all, they are great fun, and learning to ride in the dirt and on the street will give you a good set of skills. So you are on the right track so far.
For most beginners, and depending on how tall you are, a 250cc model from any of the major Japanese makers that has been made in the last ten years is a good bet. It's small enough to be easy to ride, but big enough to ride at higher highway speeds, carry two people or pack with gear.
If after a couple of years you decide you want something bigger, you can move up to a 400 or 650cc model. I am not sure what the exact license tiers are in Australia, but most beginner licenses let you ride 250's.
I'd check out the Kawasaki KLR250 for sure. It's very popular here in the USA as a beginner bike, and I think it's the exact same model Down Under. Check the Kawasaki website to be sure.
I'd also look for a used Yamaha XT250, Honda XL250 or even a Honda NS250 if you got them in the 1980's. The NS250 is a bit more street-oriented, but can still be ridden off-road. Suzuki made the RM250 for a long time but I'm not sure if is street legal (it was not here).
Anyway, let me know how tall you are, etc, and I'll be better able to make a recommendation.
Take care,
Bill Roberson
