by WorldCrosser Admin | Dec 26, 2016 | Adventure Motorcycles, Entry Level Adventure Motorcycles, Explore
Adventure or dual sport motorcycles can be great bikes for beginner riders. They can allow a new rider to experience riding in an open field, or trail, as well a get a feel for the bike on asphalt too. If a new rider falls over during the learning phase this is not such a big deal on a dual sport bike. Many of these bikes have protection on them and can withstand a drop which can be common when someone is riding for the first time. I recommend getting a reliable quality used bike, many people buy a new motorcycle to learn to ride and then want to move up to a bigger faster bike, or they realize that motorcycle riding is not their cup of tea and end up selling the bike in great shape with very low milage. So quality adventure or dual sport bikes can usually be found pretty easily on craigslist, cycletrader, etc.
The smaller cc bikes, like the 200, 20 or 300’s are great bikes for learning as they are light and nimble. The big Japanese motorcycle manufacturers all have these entry level bikes.
Honda has the CRF250 i standard version and Rally Version. Standard is top pic and the cool rally version is to the right.
Kawasaki has the Versys 300 now, which is more of adventure bike than a dual -sport, but they had the KLX 250 for a while, which was a great light dual sport bike, but they discontinued that bike. they can still be found around and are good bang for the buck.
Suzuki’s 200 is the DR200, a great reliable starter bike at a price point that is affordable.
Yamaha has the WR250 which is pretty much a dirt bike, and probably the most advanced one, which may make not as much of a learner bike as the others.
Now two of my favorite beginner bikes are the fat tired Yamaha TW200 and the Suzuki VanVan200, these are great for the sugar sand here in New Jersey, but they are fun and easy to ride anywhere and on many types of surfaces. They also have a low seat height and the power is not abrupt and easy to learn how to release the clutch in smooth manner, which can sometimes be a challenge for people who never used a clutch before. These two 200 cc fat tired bikes are a blast to ride and have ton of character too.
So, in short, look for a bike that has low seat height, can be dropped, can ride on mixed surfaces, and doesn’t hurt your wallet to bad if you do break a part on it or scratch it up.
It is always good to take a class, the state motor vehicle center usually run motorcycle classes here is the US, as well there are a number of business that train riders of all different skill levels.
Honda CRF 250 Rally
Kawasaki Versys X 300
Kawasaki KLX 250
Suzuki DR200
Yamaha WR250
Yamaha TW200
Suzuki VanVan200
by WorldCrosser Admin | Nov 20, 2016 | Adventure Motorcycles, News
All new 2017 Versys X 300 ABS
The new X300 comes in Kawasaki lime green and gray or metallic gray and flat black.
Starting at $5699 for ABS model is is great deal, so keep an eye out for these cool 300cc adventure bike on your local dealer’s showroom floor.
This could be the best entry level adventure bike for 2017!
Here is link to Kawasaki Versys X-300 page.
Versys X 300 ABS in cool graphite gray
by WorldCrosser Admin | Apr 7, 2016 | Adventure Motorcycles, News
Harley Davidson 750 Stealth Dual Sport / Adventure Motorcycle is possible, but is it likely?
At this years annual 2016 Motorcycle show in Bangkok there was an “adventure” looking Harley, that right Harley Davidson! The Harley Davidson 750 Stealth – This bike was designed and built by Richy Wilson who is the co-owner of Richo Harley-Davidson (which is a dealership) in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
So did Harley Davidson Corporate approve this or is this just a one off bike this dealer was playing with, I guess time will tell. But anyway take a look at the pictures. It appears to be a nice blend of dual sport and Adventure bike, nice knobby tires, love the black rims.
It was touted as “built for the new generation of Harley enthusiasts” and has some off road adventure specs.
Specs:
- Ohlins motocross front fork
- Monoshock suspension
- Dunlop motocross tires – 21-inch in front and 18-inch in the back
- Spoke black wheels
- Aluminium fuel tank
- Twin LED Daymaker headlamps
- Dual exhaust,
- Large side panniers and a topcase
I hope Harley give this bike some consideration, as not everyone wants just to cruise. Come on Harley!!!
Awwesom pictures are from indianautosblog.com
by WorldCrosser Admin | Aug 31, 2015 | Destinations, Explore, Other Adventures, Roads, Routes
The Trans-America Trail, or TAT for short, is a American dual sport dream ADV ride across the US of A! It is a mix of dirt roads, farm roads, back roads, trails, and forest roads that go from southeast Tennessee and ends in southwest Oregon. And just like the TCAT, Trans-Canada Highway or many other long routes it can be broken down into sections or parts for shorter expeditions. As many of us don’t have a month or so to explore all that is offered on the TAT trail.
TAT or Trans-America Trail – An Adventure Motorcycle Ride Across the back roads and trails of the USA!
The TAT was originally mapped out by Sam Correro and he runs the website – http://www.transamtrail.com/ where you can get maps/gps files of the Trans-America Trail. Now Sam Correro, is respected as the father of the TAT trail, but many other passionate Adventure riders have extended the TAT and have improved the trail system even further by offering routes for different class adventure bikes. See ADV bike classes. And have also mapped out a complete coast to coast route as Sam’s route didn’t quite reach the east coast. So it is safe to say the TAT is a living growing trail system that many are now involved in making an amazing trans American route.
If you are interested in riding the TAT, another site that offers the maps and gps files for the TAT is gpsKEvin, see here. There is some controversy as to the ethics of gpsKevin’s offering these routes, many if not all gps files, after Sam has done so much of the leg work. gpsKevin’s initial take was “open-source” view where the trail and gps route is free to ride, but many feel it is a slight to the father of the TAT– now I believe the gps files are no longer free but he is charging for a MicroSD card for your GPS which obviously include his tracks. There is some concern that gpsKevin’s route may take riders across private land, where the land owner’s are not happy about the trespassing.
Another source for TAT route is TATtracks which takes Kevin’s route, but rerouted around all the private property, blocked roads, and closed gas stations. and best of all it’s free.
I’ll let you do your own due diligence and decide your own viewpoint on this one, but it is safe to say riding across America on an adventure bike will give you a taste of America from a real roots level.
And also check out the Big Dog who has rode many parts of the TAT and has a lot of great stuff on his site. http://www.bigdogadventures.com/
So get out there and Ride the TAT and explore the true America the ultimate way– on a motorcycle!
WorldCrosser has uniquely USA themed Trans-America Trail (TAT) stickers in stock.
Show off with a cool USA themed TAT sticker today.
as well as TAT vinyl decals too . . .
