Need something a bit bigger…Honda or Yamaha?

[RubyRed]

I’ve had my trail for a few months now and put a total of 450 miles on it, almost all of those being off road. I love this bike. It’s perfect to throw on the back of the RV and take camping, putt around the neighborhood with the kids and it’s like a little tractor off road. Over those 400 miles off road I’ve gotten a lot better at trail riding, especially in deep sand and I need something more powerful than the 125. I have no plans to sell it but I want to add a bike to my stable. I’m considering the Honda CRF300 and the Yamaha XT250. Both smaller, fuel injected dual sports around the same price and dimensions ( the Honda is a bit bigger/heavier). The main difference is the engine size, Yamaha at 249cc and Honda weirdly being at 286cc. Not a huge difference considering the Honda is bigger. Does anyone own either of these bikes? I’d love to hear your thoughts. I’m both a Honda and Yamaha guy lol. Thanks!

 

[m in sc]

I'd go for the xt, that thing just speaks to me

 

[sieg]

Owned a XT250 great little bike very underrated. I'm familiar with the CRF and it would be an upgrade. But when I compared the CRF 300 to the Kawasaki XLX 300. I bought the KLX. Just saying.

 

[m in sc]

I was going to get a new klx last year, then when i went to look at them saw the dr650. basically same money and just more... rugged and simple IMHO. I actually test rode it (new, on and off road) and really liked it. then a very rare vintage bike I have wanted came up and filled the spot in the garage, so killed that idea. But would def consider a DR as well. It wasn't on my radar at the time either, but worth a look.

 

[Cpd419]

You can pick up a used dr650 very reasonable as well. They haven’t changed much since day one and the aftermarket parts market is enormous and parts are cheap.

 

[RubyRed]

I really want to stick with the smaller dual sports. 300cc at the max and a low seat height. I also want to stick with fuel injection. It really seems like my options are Honda CRF300, Yamaha XT250, And the Kawasaki KLX230 and 300. I do mostly trail riding but it needs to be street legal for where I go in a state park.

 

[dmonkey]

There's also the KLX230 S if you need the factory lowered bike for approachable seat height. If you don't need it, I would pass on the KLX230 all together, you'll likely outgrow its capabilities in short time.

 

[m in sc]

i have a 30" inseam and had no issues on the DR. just saying, you might be surprised.

 

[sieg]

I really want to stick with the smaller dual sports. 300cc at the max and a low seat height. I also want to stick with fuel injection. It really seems like my options are Honda CRF300, Yamaha XT250, And the Kawasaki KLX230 and 300. I do mostly trail riding, but it needs to be street legal for where I go in a state park.

My wife and I currently both have DR650s and CT125s, I have a KLX 300 and she has a WR250R. If you're wanting a bike primarily for trail the 250/300s will be a better choice than any 650, so you're on the right track IMHO. Previously owned a XR650L also BTW. The KLX300 has the best suspension of the bunch, unless you want to bump $$ up to the European bikes and the motor is equal to or better than the CRF300. But it is the tallest too, so the others may fit you better. The 650 will get you to the trail at 70mph for 50 miles but not be near as much fun to ride when you get there.

 

[RubyRed]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. It sounds like I’m on the right track with a Honda/Yamaha/Kawasaki 200-300 bike. I just need to determine the best fit for me. In the meantime, the Trail is perfect. I sure get some funny looks when I’m out in the middle of the California desert. Past deep sand, gnarly rutted rocky trails, through creek crossings and beyond all of the overlanders hahaha. Oh and way past the massive 700lb $20k adventure bikes hahaha. Couldn’t be happier

 

[SneakyDingo]

Every now and then there's an Agricultural bike thread that pops up and the same bikes keep coming back on repeat. TW200, XT250, CRF300, KLX300, DR650 (used), DRZ400, and some bikes that aren't available in the USA market. There's some really great bikes out there - if you make a decision let us know. If my CT125 gets totaled, it's pretty unlikely I'll replace it with another CT125... I'll probably go with one of those bikes.

 

[themindofmonster]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. It sounds like I’m on the right track with a Honda/Yamaha/Kawasaki 200-300 bike. I just need to determine the best fit for me. In the meantime, the Trail is perfect. I sure get some funny looks when I’m out in the middle of the California desert. Past deep sand, gnarly rutted rocky trails, through creek crossings and beyond all of the overlanders hahaha. Oh and way past the massive 700lb $20k adventure bikes hahaha. Couldn’t be happier View attachment 5020

God I love these 125s.