BajaNomad - Recommendation for smallish motorcycle for hauling around

Recommendation for smallish motorcycle for hauling around

Hook - 3-17-2012 at 02:23 PM

I'm contemplating purchasing a used motorcycle that I would haul on a hitch on the front of my truck when I have my cabover camper on the back. I'm looking for something with enough power to accommodate two people on pavement for short distances (errands away from camp, mostly) but not too heavy for use by one on dirt roads.

I really havent shopped motorcycles since the early 80s. But I preferred the Japanese manufacturers for reliability back then.

Can anyone recommend a particular brand, year and model I should look at? I'm thinking something in the neighborhood of 350-500cc. My inseam is at 31-32 inches.

DENNIS - 3-17-2012 at 02:36 PM

This one seems to be pretty small:

http://www.failfunnies.com/29/images/fattie-biker-fail.jpg

rts551 - 3-17-2012 at 02:48 PM

I would think a 350-500 is a little large to put on the front of your truck. For example, a honda xr400r is over 250 punds, At most you would want a 250 or one of the older 175-185'5. used to be popular to put the old Honda 110's on the front.

mtgoat666 - 3-17-2012 at 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rts551
I would think a 350-500 is a little large to put on the front of your truck. For example, a honda xr400r is over 250 punds, At most you would want a 250 or one of the older 175-185'5. used to be popular to put the old Honda 110's on the front.

ya, that's what i thought. a 500 cc is a big bike and aint easy to hang on front of PU. sounds like he needs a scooter or electric-motor assisted bicycle. there are some really cool scooters and assisted bikes on the market these days...

rts551 - 3-17-2012 at 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

scooter or electric assisted bike wouldn't be very good for the dirt roads.

msteve1014 - 3-17-2012 at 03:32 PM

Look for a used Honda 90 or 110 in good shape. They are kind of collectors now, but will last forever and are very light and easy to ride. I have had mine for 30 years. It has been used and abused, but keeps on going. The seat height is also low, nice for a shorter person. Most on/off road bikes will be high.

[Edited on 3-17-2012 by msteve1014]

Hook - 3-17-2012 at 03:46 PM

Almost all the current dual sport bikes are over 300 lbs, except one. The Honda CRF 230L at 267, wet.

What are your concerns about having that much weight up front?

comitan - 3-17-2012 at 03:52 PM

Here's what you need.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/35919-Honda-Fa...

rts551 - 3-17-2012 at 03:59 PM

Those Fatcats are fun and at 1800, agood price, but fat tires won't fit well in a rack.

Hook; Although I am sure that a rack could be made to handle it, most people don't want that much wait out in the front of the truck. The wait is exacerbated by the fact it is going to be out from its mounting point at least a foot. Its similar to the extended racks on the back.

Hook - 3-17-2012 at 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by comitan
Here's what you need.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/35919-Honda-Fa...

Plus, it wont accommodate two people for the occasional errand or tour of a small town.

classicbajabronco - 3-17-2012 at 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hook
Almost all the current dual sport bikes are over 300 lbs, except one. The Honda CRF 230L at 267, wet.

What are your concerns about having that much weight up front?

My KTM 525 weighs 249lbs complete with electric start(it also has a kickstarter), lights front/rear and licence plate. It'll do both slow technical single track or go 100mph. Hard to beat in my opinion, if you want a dirt oreinted street legal bike, that is powerful and light.

If you drop to a 200-300 class KTM with the same features, you are looking at a 205-225lb bike.

RnR - 3-17-2012 at 04:30 PM

Honda Fatcat's were made around 1986 and are about 25 years old.

Yamaha TW200's are still made. 2011's are about $4,000. Lot's of them around five years old for $2,000 to $2,500. Can ride two people, are set up with factory pegs and a two-up seat.

No problem with a 450 bike on the front of an F350 powerstroke. Carry it all the time with a slide-in pop-up camper on the back.

Hook - 3-17-2012 at 04:33 PM

I dont know ANYTHING about KTM. Where are they made? Are they reliable/easy to get parts for?

In their current classes of motorcycles, should I be looking at the enduro line? It's hard to tell which are their equivalents of a dual sport bike.

Hook - 3-17-2012 at 04:35 PM

F350 Powerstroke, year 2000. That's me.

watizname - 3-17-2012 at 05:48 PM

what msteve said

mtgoat666 - 3-17-2012 at 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rts551

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

scooter or electric assisted bike wouldn't be very good for the dirt roads.

BS.

check out this bike:
[img]http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0130/9572/products/3_fortnew_large.jpg?487[/img]
http://www.fortunehanebrink.com/bicycles/eat-model/

and check out this:
http://optibike.com/r-series-optibike

Hook - 3-17-2012 at 05:55 PM

A Honda Trail 90 can accommodate TWO people? Not the ones I've seen. These come on the market regularly over here. Seat is too small, no rear pegs. And 90cc for over 300 lbs. of flesh, combined.

Not to mention how inadequate the old style brakes must be on those dinosaurs.

No, it's gotta be AT LEAST 200cc, doesnt it?

Bronco boy, where are you???

wessongroup - 3-17-2012 at 05:59 PM

How about a Wizzard ... delivered papers on one...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/83677003@N00/125503140/

TMW - 3-17-2012 at 06:10 PM

I had a CT110 for several years and sold it now wish I still had it. You can put pegs on the rear and a cushion on the rack for another rider. My only complaint was I want a left hand lever for the rear brakes. I took mine over the summit and coming down a step section I had my feet out but could only use the front brake. Mine would only do about 45 mph tops.

rts551 - 3-17-2012 at 06:28 PM

Not much room for two there. Maybe the partner can ride on his shoulders.

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

Originally posted by rts551

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

scooter or electric assisted bike wouldn't be very good for the dirt roads.

rts551 - 3-17-2012 at 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hook
A Honda Trail 90 can accommodate TWO people? Not the ones I've seen. These come on the market regularly over here. Seat is too small, no rear pegs. And 90cc for over 300 lbs. of flesh, combined.

Not to mention how inadequate the old style brakes must be on those dinosaurs.

No, it's gotta be AT LEAST 200cc, doesnt it?

Bronco boy, where are you???

Sounds like you need to get what will make you feel comfortable, then figure out how to carry it. get one of the Japanese 4-stroke models that are made for on/off road. a strictly off-road bike is too uncomfortable in the saddle for 2. maybe one of the older Honda XR models.

[Edited on 3-18-2012 by rts551]

msteve1014 - 3-17-2012 at 06:34 PM

My 90 has rear pegs and a seat on the rear rack. For the little trips to town you described it is fine. It has hauled me and my wife or son many times. It has also hauled over 400 pounds of me and elk at 10,000 foot of elevation on really bad trails. I don't think you will find many KTM dealers in Mexico. Are you going racing, or are you looking for a small trail bike?

mtgoat666 - 3-17-2012 at 06:34 PM

these things weigh less than 50 lbs, get 2 bikes. (no one wants to be a passenger on a 2 wheeler, everyone wants to be the driver).

Quote:

Originally posted by rts551
Not much room for two there. Maybe the partner can ride on his shoulders.

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

Originally posted by rts551

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

scooter or electric assisted bike wouldn't be very good for the dirt roads.

Hook - 3-17-2012 at 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by msteve1014
My 90 has rear pegs and a seat on the rear rack. For the little trips to town you described it is fine. It has hauled me and my wife or son many times. It has also hauled over 400 pounds of me and elk at 10,000 foot of elevation on really bad trails. I don't think you will find many KTM dealers in Mexico. Are you going racing, or are you looking for a small trail bike?

No, not racing and not doing anything more challenging than dirt roads in areas like southern Utah.

I can hop NOB if a KTM comes available in southern AZ.

classicbajabronco - 3-18-2012 at 07:44 AM

As far as finding motorcycle parts in baja, it doesn't really matter what brand you have. the parts will need to be ordered in. MC shops in baja rarely carry a large inventory of parts.

We've had all 5 major brands of atv's and bikes down here and every part that has ever been needed has been shipped via the states.

Don't base your decision on parts availability in baja, because quite frankly parts/shops are basically nonexistant in the majority of baja. The shops that do exist are poorly equiped compared to the states. heck, in the states I order all my parts too, as it is usually cheaper and the dealers usually only carry the most needed parts to minimize inventory.

Look at the exc models.

Cypress - 3-18-2012 at 07:53 AM

Those little wingdings are obnoxious. Like riding a chainsaw. The big ones are louder, but at least they have some power. Would rather walk than straddle one of 'em. :lol:

cervezafrio - 3-18-2012 at 08:10 AM

I own and have used a Honda 200 street/dirt bike in baja ..great motorcylce. It can accomplish all of you stated needs. .. and it just happens that i'am willing to sell it...year - mid 1980's ..great condition ..low mileage [1,200] etc. ..i have not researched the value ??

Hook - 3-18-2012 at 08:26 AM

Get me a model number and year, cervezafrio.

Parts are not hard to get where I live (6 hours south of Tucason, in Sonora). There are always people coming down, willing to bring parts.

exc models, thanks.

Honda XL-200

bajaguy - 3-18-2012 at 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by cervezafrio
I own and have used a Honda 200 street/dirt bike in baja ..great motorcylce. It can accomplish all of you stated needs. .. and it just happens that i'am willing to sell it...year - mid 1980's ..great condition ..low mileage [1,200] etc. ..i have not researched the value ??

If it's a Honda XL-200, and it is in decent shape, GRAB IT!!!!!

I had one of these and they are great. They are a dual sport, and set up for the road (lights, turn signals) and also for dirt trails and roads. Will haul 2 people or groceries.

http://motorcycles.yakaz.com/honda-xl-200-for-sale

The Honda XR-200 is similar, but for dirt only, no lights.....

[Edited on 3-18-2012 by bajaguy]

rts551 - 3-18-2012 at 09:16 AM

I am the original owner of a perfect XL185S bought in Grass Valley, Ca. (still has the dealer sticker on the fender). They are becoming collector items getting way more than the original price.

cervezafrio - 3-18-2012 at 11:01 AM

Hello .. Hook and Bajaguy .. it is a honda XL 200 with lights and a seat for 2 plus pegs and a rack ... great bike ..and getting harder to find ... top speed with one is about 60mph ... with the 200 frame it is easy to get on & off and it rides better & more comfortable than a straight dirt bike but i am in baja at the moment and the honda 200 is in calif... so i can not get the real specifics...until i return ...but we can stay in contact if you are interested... ride safe...

Maderita - 3-18-2012 at 01:42 PM

Honda.
Parts availability is important, and new and used parts are readily available.
200cc-250cc should be reasonable power (can pull through sand or handle the weight of a passenger), yet still light/small enough to mount to the front of the truck.
My choice would be a Honda XR200R, with a lighting kit and rear pegs added. It has 4-stroke reliability.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_XR_series

Note: Less desireable are the XL (or "L" following designations) which have factory equipped lighting, battery (vs. magneto), often metal gas tanks, considerably heavier, with low performance suspensions.

Many people have converted XR models for dual-purpose (dirt & street) with Baja Designs kits. http://www.bajadesigns.com/
Best bet is to look for a gently used bike, already converted.

Re: Honda Fat Cats (TR200). I've owned 3. (Currently own a Yamaha Big Wheel (BW350) for a camp bike at the sand dunes.) The Fat Cat is fun on dirt/sand. Not street legal. Not enough power for big dunes. Very heavy for such a small appearing bike. Automatic clutch, so anyone can learn to ride one in two minutes. Weak front forks with stamped sheet metal triple clamps. Easy to modify the front suspension by swapping out with the complete front end from a Honda ATC 250R or 350X (3-wheeler).

So

bajaguy - 3-18-2012 at 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cervezafrio
Hello .. Hook and Bajaguy .. it is a honda XL 200 with lights and a seat for 2 plus pegs and a rack ... great bike ..and getting harder to find ... top speed with one is about 60mph ... with the 200 frame it is easy to get on & off and it rides better & more comfortable than a straight dirt bike but i am in baja at the moment and the honda 200 is in calif... so i can not get the real specifics...until i return ...but we can stay in contact if you are interested... ride safe...

What's your asking price????

Hook - 3-18-2012 at 02:23 PM

Maderita, are you saying that an XL200 is a two stroke engine?

Link

bajaguy - 3-18-2012 at 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hook
Maderita, are you saying that an XL200 is a two stroke engine?

Looks like four stroke.........maybe depends on the year

http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/honda_xl_200_r_1983.php

Curt63 - 3-18-2012 at 03:05 PM

a Suzuki DRZ 250 is a great bike. Early 2000's

Maderita - 3-18-2012 at 04:49 PM

"Maderita, are you saying that an XL200 is a two stroke engine?"
Hook,
No. The XL model is 4-stroke.
IIRC, the XL engine may have lower performance on some models vs. the more powerful XR engine. Additionally, the XL bike is heavier.
The suspensions don't have the performance of the XR, which was designed for offroad.

comitan - 3-18-2012 at 05:23 PM

http://bajasur.en.craigslist.com.mx/for/2907881840.html

jack - 3-18-2012 at 05:58 PM

I used to haul my bikes on the front of my truck. The truck was a 1983 GM 2500 with a camper in the back. The first bike was a Honda XR 500, when I got rid of it the other was a Suzuki Dakar 600. I had to remove the gas tanks and seats from both bikes as they stuck up over the hood. I also had to install air bags in the front coil springs to compensate for all the extra weight. The bikes on the front eventually ruined the front suspension of the truck. After that I started packing my bikes in an enclosed trailer, far better even though there was the hassle of towing.

Hook - 3-18-2012 at 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jack
I used to haul my bikes on the front of my truck. The truck was a 1983 GM 2500 with a camper in the back. The first bike was a Honda XR 500, when I got rid of it the other was a Suzuki Dakar 600. I had to remove the gas tanks and seats from both bikes as they stuck up over the hood. I also had to install air bags in the front coil springs to compensate for all the extra weight. The bikes on the front eventually ruined the front suspension of the truck. After that I started packing my bikes in an enclosed trailer, far better even though there was the hassle of towing.

Yeah, but I hate driving on marginal dirt roads, towing a trailer. It basically defeats the whole purpose of having a cabover camper-remote camping with some amenities.

scouter - 3-18-2012 at 08:50 PM

I have taken several bikes to Baja over the years, the best and still have it is a Yamaha TW 200 the big Hondas 400 & 650 are better over the desert and beaches but the TW is best for running around town and great in the soft stuff not to fast 55 mph wfo I have also taken small Hondas A mini 70 and had a trail 110
To small and scary in the soft stuff, always carried them on a rack in the drop hitch.
I will never sell the TW it's just to much fun and my grand kids love it.
Cheep to fix and parts easy just keep the oil and air filter clean and run frequently and they will last for ever, I dont think they have changed much in years.
What ever you get have fun and stay safe A bike in Baja is really fun !

willyAirstream - 3-19-2012 at 12:28 PM

How about a 400 KTM?
http://bajasur.en.craigslist.com.mx/mcy/2901171247.html

Hook - 3-20-2012 at 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Don Jorge
Can't go wrong with a Yamaha TW 200.
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/mcy/2911474980.html
But you really should pull a well built trailer and use his and her quads.

Well, if I made the decision to tow something, I might as well tow the Wrangler, four down. No tongue weight to worry about.

The problem with quads are the states that dont allow em on the hwy.

msteve1014 - 3-20-2012 at 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hook

Quote:

Well, if I made the decision to tow something, I might as well tow the Wrangler, four down. No tongue weight to worry about.

The problem with quads are the states that dont allow em on the hwy.

Hook, what do you think about the Yamaha? I looked at one a few years ago and really liked it. From what you have asked for , they look good.

Hook - 3-20-2012 at 06:00 PM

I think they are a bit underpowered for two. I need to be realistic that I wont use it strictly for in-town errands while on the road. We will probably do some road loops up to about 30 miles from our campsite. That will mean some hills at elevations from 5-10,000 feet.

I had a friend who owned one. Despite the fat tires, it was a struggle in sand. Dont think that it isnt. 'Course, some guys just power through; front tire walking, rear tire spinning the whole time, too. That's not my idea of fun.

Sand on a motorcycle is not what I'm looking for. I only mention this cause this is a Baja board and there is plenty of sand in Baja. My primary purpose is use it in the States when I go NOB, in the summer months. Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Nevada, Nuevo Mexico. That's the areas we like to spend time. At elevation, cause that's where the good hiking and fishing is. Farther west and there's too many rules to live by. Farther east and the scenery and open areas diminish.

Something around 250-400cc just seems right. But, what do I know? That's why I'm asking.