Smaller bike for dirt riding - What should I consider

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rival

Pack Dog
Joined
Sep 24, 2007
Messages
412
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Location
NW
Bike
Honda CRF 300L
I guess you're all tired of "what should I buy" threads, so I won't ask that. I'll go with - what should I consider?

I ride, priorities change, I sell, I itch, I buy, repeat... That's kind of been the trend. The break in riding is often many years. We're now at the "itch" step in the process again. Every time the itch returns I go bigger. Started on a 200 many years ago, a f650 after that, a 1200GS after that. Goes up by about 400cc and 50kg with every iteration. According to that logic I'm now looking for a 250kg 1600cc bike. I want to ride dirt. What should I buy?

:rolleyes:

Alternatively I am considering going backwards. I want something for dirt roads, I have limited experience on dirt, so smaller (engine) and not too heavy. Eventually maybe some multi-day longer outrides. Road-worthy to get to the dirt and PnP. Top speed not important. Enough power to pull me up a hill and through some sand (I'm 1.9m ~95kg). Large enough to not be cramped, and to stand comfortably. As long as it's dependable and services not too inconvenient to get done, I'm not fussed about brand (anymore). New/new-ish. Have not had a look/ride in person, but I even went so far back in size and spec that I am even considering the Hero XPulse.

I want to set up a short-list of bikes to google, consider, then go ride. I'm sure there's a lot of opinions. Will appreciate some input. Doesn't have to be purely opinions on bikes, but any general things I should be thinking of looking at "dirt-capable" bikes would be great.

Thanks
 
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