Motorcycle for off-road and city

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

When it comes time to choose a two-wheeler for yourself, the variety of motorcycles can play a cruel joke. On the one hand, this is an opportunity to choose the ideal option, but it can also turn out that the choice will be painful. Therefore, first you need to figure out what requirements the motorcycle must meet.

Two classes

The sportbike boom is taking place, and more and more people are imbued with the romance of long-distance motorcycle travel, and those who like extreme sports are fond of motocross. To choose a motorcycle for off-road, you need to decide what tasks will be assigned to it in the first place. If these are comfortable trips, then you should choose from the enduro class. If extreme trips over terrain without asph alt, the choice will be for a motocross bike. There are also models that include elements of both classes.

Crossbike

It may not always be clear to a beginner what is the difference between a motocross bike and an enduro bike. This is due to the fact that often interclass models contain the word "enduro" in the name. In fact, the differences are quite large. A motocross bike is designed for motocross riding only, so it hasthere are no turn signals, headlights, wardrobe trunks, in a word, everything that breaks easily and falls off when it falls. Such a motorcycle can be issued as sports equipment and does not require a category A license from the pilot, however, it cannot be driven around the city either, and it must be delivered to motocross by other transport.

Sports equipment

If the crossbike has all the necessary documents, you can ride it around the city, having previously installed all the missing parts. However, such motorcycles have a narrow seat, so riding long distances is very tiring. It is difficult to drive more than a couple of hundred kilometers on it, in addition, the large treads on the tires lead to excessive vibration of the steering fork when driving on asph alt, which, in turn, puts a strain on the driver's hands.

As a great option for a beginner, the Chinese motorcycle IBRIS TTR is suitable. Although these inexpensive models require some refinement (as a rule, the replacement of some parts with similar ones made in Japan). It can also be B altMotors Enduro 250. Other global manufacturers also have many models for motocross. As an off-road and city bike, for example, the Honda CRF250L, which feels great both on the highway and on difficult sections of the road, or the 250cc Kawasaki KLX250S.

For travel comfort

If you choose a touring bike for off-road, enduro is the best fit. As a rule, such a motorcycle is more massive than a motocross one, especiallyif you take into account the huge clip-on wardrobe trunks, which will include everything you need, from food supplies to a tent and a sleeping bag. Although an off-road bike is designed for other purposes, it will be able to overcome various areas without asph alt, although it will hardly be able to ride on wet clay, for example. The off-road touring motorcycle (photo below) traditionally has a comfortable seat that can accommodate two people, which is also important for long trips.

The main qualities of a touring motorcycle

First, this is the diameter of the wheel. If the path is to be exclusively along the highway or rolled primers in good weather, this parameter is not so important. However, if the traveler knows they will have to overcome rocky areas, it is better to have a wheel larger than 21 inches (53 cm).

Equally important is the presence of an electric starter. In the event that the motorcycle stalls in a puddle, ditch or on an uphill, it will be very inconvenient to start it from the kickstarter, especially if the traveler is traveling alone. Weight also matters, so if there is no personal preference, it is better to opt for an air-cooled model. In addition, it is easier to maintain, and this is important, because you often have to repair an off-road motorcycle with your own hands, being in extreme conditions. Therefore, it must be as reliable as possible, and the task of the driver is to thoroughly know his technique and its capabilities.

Engine and tank

Regarding the optimal cubic capacity fortourenduro people's opinions may differ. Some argue that they feel great on 250 “cubes”, others say that they need more traction, because a loaded enduro with a small engine does not “pull” when moving uphill. However, medium-sized (from 600 m3) enduro are considered universal. They perform well on the highway, in the city, and off-road.

The nature of the intended journey determines the size of the fuel tank. If refueling is required every 100-200 km, such a motorcycle will not be suitable for long-distance travel. A large tank is a guarantee that you will not have to run out of gas somewhere on a country road, although it is in any case useful to carry an extra canister with you.

Motorcycles that use dry sump lubrication are considered more reliable. When stopping abruptly, when the motorcycle falls or rolls over, this lubrication system eliminates engine “oil starvation” and pressure drop, so overheating will not occur.

Honda Africa Twin based on the racing XLV750R and the Transalp could be a great choice. Travelers also fell in love with KAWASAKI KLE500, especially since the price for it in the secondary market starts from 80 thousand rubles. A multiple Dakar winner, the YAMAHA XTZ750 Super Tenere can also be a great vehicle for both long-distance travel and rally fun.

Final decision

Touring enduro can be divided into two types. The first feel great in conditionsoff-road, great for all road conditions, but less comfortable on the highway. The latter, on the contrary, are comfortable, but they can let you down in difficult areas.

There is always some dualism in the choice of such a motorcycle. As a rule, almost any route consists mainly of traffic on the highway, and only a few, although often the most beautiful places, will have to go off-road, which can be quite passable under normal weather conditions. Therefore, you should decide what is better: to endure the inconvenience during the main route, but easily pass difficult places, or to comfortably ride on the highway and “sweat” on difficulties.

However, there is a third option: traveling with a large group. The best option is 5-6 people, including a spare driver.