Kawasaki KLX250S
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Price: $5,899
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Engine Liquid-cooled: four-stroke
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Displacement: 249 cc
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Transmission: Six-speed
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Wheel size (F/R): 21/18 in.
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Susp. Travel (F/R): 255/230 mm
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Weight: 135 kg
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Fuel capacity: 7 l
The latest version of the KLX250 was
released in early 2008 as a 2009 model and received several updates aimed at
improving performance. It uses a chassis based on the previous KLX300R, with
fully adjustable suspension giving the 250S commendable off-road capability. CC
editor and off road wimp Neil Graham gives the 250S high marks for its ability
to keep his ass in the saddle and out of the shrubbery, qualities to be
appreciated by riders of all skill levels.
Kawasaki KLR650
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Price: $6,899
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Engine Liquid-cooled: four-stroke
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Displacement: 651 cc
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Transmission: Five-speed
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Wheel size (F/R): 21/17 in.
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Susp. Travel (F/R): 200/185 mm
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Weight: 196 kg
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Fuel capacity: 23 l
Kawasaki's long-serving KLR650 is powered
by a liquid-cooled 651 cc single that should give reliable service for a very
long time. The large fairing provides good wind protection, while the dual-bulb
headlamp offers good visibility for eyes failing with age. Further aiding
road-going capability (compared to its predecessor] are reduced suspension
travel and much better brakes. The KLR is a favorite of CC contributor Tom G.,
who has used his to lead tours of the Baja Peninsula and to explore South
America.
Suzuki DR200SE
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Price: $4,999
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Engine Air-cooler: four-stroke
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Displacement: 199 cc
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Transmission: Five-speed
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Wheel size (F/R): 21/18 in.
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Susp. Travel (F/R): NA
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Weight: 113 kg
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Fuel capacity: 13 l
A mild-mannered single powers the smallest
member of Suzuki's DR series. Modest seat height, low weight, nimble steering
and electric starting make it a fine candidate for beginners. With a five-speed
transmission, dual sport tires and moderate suspension travel, the 200SE is
also an ideal machine for casual trail riding. A front disc and rear drum brake
provide adequate stopping power on or off the road.
Suzuki DR-Z400S
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Price: $7,299
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Engine Liquid-cooled: four-stroke
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Displacement: 398 cc
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Transmission: Five-speed
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Wheel size (F/R): 21/18 in.
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Susp. Travel (F/R): 290/295 mm
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Weight: 132 kg
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Fuel capacity: 10 l
Suzuki’s liquid-cooled DR-Z400S was first a
dirt bike but has been substantially outfitted for street use, with an electric
start added. It is one of the lightest street-legal thumpers available, yet it’s
off road lineage has left it with competent handling on the trails. Power from
its carbureted, overhead-cam, 398 cc single-cylinder engine is adequate for
both off-road and nuts-and-bolts street riding.
Suzuki DR650SE
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Price: $6,299
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Engine Air-cooled: four-stroke
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Displacement: 644 cc
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Transmission: Five-speed
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Wheel size (F/R): 21/17 in.
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Susp. Travel (F/R): 260/260 mm
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Weight: 147 kg
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Fuel capacity: 13 l
The DR650SE has been going strong in the
market for over 20 years, and by big thumper standards, this venerable
electric-start model is light, simple and compact, with an air-cooled
four-valve mill. In stock form the seat height is tall at 885 mm, but the
suspension can be adjusted to reduce the rider's perch by 40 mm. It is a
semi-permanent change and requires the installation of a shorter side-stand.
Other options include a skid plate, gel seat and gun rack.
Yamaha TW200
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Price: $4,999
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Engine Air-cooled: four-stroke
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Displacement 196: cc
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Transmission: Five-speed
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Wheel size (F/R): 18/14 in.
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Susp. Travel (F/R): 160/150 mm
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Weight: 126 kg
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Fuel capacity: 7 l
The TW’s balloon tires allow a rider to
float over the setbacks and misery of a well-lived life. A low seat height
suits beginners, as does the smooth power delivered by the 196 cc carbureted
single. The electric-start TW was last updated over a decade ago with a more
powerful front disc brake and an improved charging system and headlight.
Features such as standard bungee cord hooks, skid plate and passenger pegs make
this a practical all-rounder.
Yamaha XT250
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Price: $5,099
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Engine Air-cooled: four-stroke
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Displacement: 249 cc
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Transmission: Five-speed
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Wheel size (F/R): 21/18 in.
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Susp. Travel (F/R): 225/180 mm
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Weight: 132 kg
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Fuel capacity: 9.6 l
A long-time staple of Yamaha's dual-sport
line, the XT250 has an air-cooled, two-valve engine designed for strong,
predictable low-end and mid-range power, and counterbalanced to minimize vibration.
This year the XT has many improvements, including new fuel-injection system,
higher output magneto and changes to the piston design to improve throttle
response, increase durability and reduce vibration. A wide-ratio five-speed
gearbox, easy-pull clutch and electric start make the XT a novice-friendly
machine.
Yamaha WR250R
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Price: $6,999
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Engine Liquid-cooled: four-stroke
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Displacement: 249 cc
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Transmission: Six-speed
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Wheel size (F/R): 21/18 in.
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Susp. Travel (F/R): 270/270 mm
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Weight: 134 kg
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Fuel capacity: 7.6 l
The WR250R benefits from the four-valve
cylinder head, titanium valves, ceramic composite cylinder and EXUP valve
technology of the R1 sport bike. Fuel injection adds zip and electric start
adds convenience. A lightweight aluminum frame and fully adjustable suspension
ensure capable off-road handling, while compact multi-function digital
instrumentation, wave brake rotors and dual-sport tires allow respectable
street behavior. The price was reduced by $1,000 for 2012 and remains unchanged
this year.
Zero DS ZF8.5 / ZF11.4
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Price: $13,995/$15,995
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Weight: 165/179 kg
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Seat height: 873 mm
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Range: 121/180 km (city)
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Top speed: 153 km/h
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Transmission: Single-speed automatic
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Final drive: Belt
Zero Motorcycles' line of electric
two-wheelers includes a dual-sport machine available in two different motor
specs. Both the $13,995 ZF8.5 and $15,995 ZF11.4 use a double-stator motor with
integrated forced-air cooling, clutchless one-speed transmission, belt drive,
adjustable 38 mm fork and direct-link shock, disc brakes, and 17-inch front and
16-inch rear tires. Power pack life is estimated at 381,000 km for the ZF8.5
and 508,000 km for the ZF11.4, and both make a claimed 54hp and 68 Ib-ft of
torque.
BMW F700GS / F800GS
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Price: $10,650/$13,450
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Engine Liquid-cooled: four-stroke
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Displacement: 798 cc
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Transmission: Six-speed
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Wheel size (F/R): 19/17; 21/17 in.
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Susp. Travel (F/R): 180/170; 230/215 mm
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Weight: 214/209 kg
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Fuel capacity: 16 l
These adventure bikes share the same
liquid-cooled, 798 cc parallel twin-cylinder engine. The $13,450 F800GS uses
21- and 17-inch spoked wheels and twin 300 mm front brake discs. The $10,650
F700GS replaces the F650GS and improves on its predecessor with twin front
brake discs and a claimed power gain of 4 horsepower. The F800GS and F700GS
both come with standard ABS, new switch units, bodywork, paint and optional
Automatic Stability Control (ASC) and Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA).
