Cf Moto 450mt

[bigdano711]

Originally Posted by ProDigit

You might as well get a Vader 150 for that. I can see the top of the roofs of sendans, and sit higher than most non SUV/truck cars.

This just makes no sense. The road I live on is 100 yards from a 70mph highway. Thankfully, traffic is extremely light. Still, I need to get up to speed pretty fast and going to a bike with half the HP as a Hawk 250? Being up high and visible to other drivers is great, but not the leading factor.


I don't think I'd want a Vader for anything, not even cruising around camp sites.

[Thumper]

Agreed...

Vader 150 is a low profile motorcycle on the road, shortest seat height at 31", and under 10hp:

31" Vader 150, 12" wheels (about 9 horsepower)

33" Lifan Xpect 200, 19", 17" wheels (~14hp)

35.6" Lifan KPX 250, 21" 18" wheels (~20hp)

36.2" Templar X, 21" 18" wheels (~19hp)

Well, these are all not that good for hwy. I think the 450MT would be better. Not sure about off road.

[XLsior]

None of those options will do motorway speeds comfortably for extended periods of time.


The KPX/Templar X would be the minimum as the 20hp and 6 gears with long ratio sprockets should suffice. There is no question that they're capable of highway speeds, The question is are they an appropriate choice? For me personally the answer is no.


Neither of these bikes are available in Australia. Closest option would be a KLX250, XT250 and CRF300L and all of them new are in the same price bracket as the MT450 in my Country...\


New DR650s are no longer OZ available. DRZ400 still are but a just over $10k so more expensive than the the 450MT... Factor in the windshield bigger tank and seat upgrade and the DRZ400 5 speed is a podgy banana



As Nathan eluded the 2 closest competitors are the new Himmy452 and the KTM 390. Niether of which tickle my fancy...But are perfectly fine motorcycles if the shoe fits

[bigdano711]

Originally Posted by XLsior

None of those options will do motorway speeds comfortably for extended periods of time.

I think that's the rub. A dual sport/enduro motorcycle is not built for long highway rides. In fact, I'm realizing I've had enough of the long highway rides. That's a big reason I wanted a dual sport. To truly go on adventures...gravel road switchbacks uphill where the only thing you see up ahead is another switchback. Fully focused because your life depends on it. Adrenaline comes in many forms and I think I found my favorite.

[XLsior]

Where I live there are switchbacks and gravel roads a plenty...


But If I want to visit friends and family multiple hours on highways are inevitable and as unavoidable as I would like them to be, trying to avoid them at 15hp could turn a quick trip into a fatigued slog with the prospect of the same return journey the next day.



1hour is about all the enjoyment I get from the CG250 engine after that my pleasure begins to wane..


So yeah if you never plan to do any motorway then a 250 dualsport is fine...


Also there is the possibility of riding 2up...which all the dualsports pretty much fail at...

[Thumper]

Originally Posted by bigdano711

I think that's the rub. A dual sport/enduro motorcycle is not built for long highway rides. In fact, I'm realizing I've had enough of the long highway rides. That's a big reason I wanted a dual sport. To truly go on adventures...gravel road switchbacks uphill where the only thing you see up ahead is another switchback. Fully focused because your life depends on it. Adrenaline comes in many forms and I think I found my favorite.

It's lucky you have some excellent parks/trails within under one hour ride. Barely over a half hour, in fact! That lake must have some trails around it.