Several months ago we wrote an article talking about how Kawasaki was doing something amazing – unfortunately, no they are not reviving the much loved Ninja 500R – and releasing a brand new motorcycle to the Canadian and Japanese markets (Kawasaki Gives Canada and Japan the Ninja 400R). We were excited for the Ninja 400R [...]
Low (a seat height of just 26.6″), light (a curb weight of just 331lbs ready to ride), and leisurely (it is a cruiser), the Honda CMX250C Rebel is a miniturized version of the larger and louder cruiser. Classic styling that is less flamboyant than the Suzuki GZ250 Marauder appeals to our tastes, but it really does boil down a personal preference thing. At this stage in the game, whichever one looks the best to you is probably a solid choice.
A low curb weight (just 331 lbs) and a surprisingly responsive 249cc engine make the GZ250 Marauder a real treat for a new rider to ride. Both unintimidating and easy to handle, the GZ250 Marauder is the perfect machine to get anyones confidence level up.
It might take a while for the dust to settle, but once it does you’ll realize that the Honda CRF230M9 may very well be the first attractive dual-sport… kind of. Clean lines, combined with sleek and stylish bodywork make the CRF230M one of the best looking dual-sports (kind of) around. A comfortable ride and peppy acceleration certainly add to the fun, but when you look this good, does it really matter?
What do we mean by kind of? Keep reading.
It really says a lot about a motorcycle when the manufacturer truly believes in it. Not sure what we mean? Suzuki made a supermoto version of the DR-Z400S. Just as Honda has made race versions of its CBR600RR, as has Yamaha with the R6 and R1, Suzuki took the plunge and made a hopped up version of the DR-Z400S.
There’s plenty of reasons why, but the bottom line here is due to one simple fact: The Suzuki DR-Z400S is one helluva bike. The 400cc engine packs plenty of power. Where other, smaller bikes may have a hard time getting going in the low RPM, the DR-Z400S just starts rolling. Popping the front tire up is easy to do, and it’s lightweight enough that even beginner riders will enjoy experimenting with the bike and testing their limits.
Dual-sports are our favorites for total newbies to motorcycle riding. They are friendly, lightweight, and very simple to maintain and operate. The Suzuki DR200SE, a 200cc dual-sport, is an ideal first bike for someone looking for a bike that can get around town or around some country back roads.
Summary: A new 4 stroke engine, mated to a slick 5 speed transmission, allow the Yamaha XT250 to act as a country cruiser or a city commuter. However, this bike is not recommended for those that will be doing a lot of highway riding. Engine Size: 249cc Price (new): $5,499 CAD/$4,680 USD Comparable bikes: Yamaha [...]
It’s important that you recognize that the Yamaha TW200 is not a motocross bike, but rather a potent and capable dual sport. Once you realize that it’s not a tourer or a crotch rocket you will come to see it as a comfortable bike that can hold its own both on the road and off of it.
A lot of people don’t find the look of a naked bike appealing, yet every time I look at the Yamaha WR250X I can’t help but appreciate the aesthetics. Its rugged appearance is also very indicative of what this bike is capable of: this bike can go off-road just as well as it stays on them.
Like the Kawasaki Ninja 250R, the Honda CBR125R looks like it’s packing a punch thanks to its aggressive fairings and low seating position. However, its 125cc engine is a bit small compared to other motorcycles in this class and it can begin to feel underwhelming fast.
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