Green Laning on two wheels.

[Medieval Dave]

OK, I have a Surf, which is great fun, but have also always loved bikes. I have an Aprillia RS 250, but fancy combining interests by riding green lanes.

Im definitely thinking of green lane exploring/ Trail riding rather then balls out motorcross type stuff. However I haven't ridden off road (baring accidents) since I was a kid, playing on a freind's crosser on farm tracks.

Anyone got any tips/where to start. I figured some sort of torquey 4 stroke about 350 - 500 single maybe. Prefferably something that works OK on the road as a general winter bike. Also where to go - who to go with etc.

Ideas?

[BUSHWHACKER]

Suzuki DR 400 is a brilliant allrounder.

[Kangorrillapigmoose]

All depends how much you want to spend-if riding the latest, lightest, whizz bang doesnt bother you, I would say find a good Suzuki DR350 or Honda XR400. although t hey are quite old designs, they have plenty of useable power combined with strength, reliability and wont cost you the equivalent of Russias' national debt. If on the other hand, you need to be seen on new super kit, go for a yamaha wr426, KTM 450 EXC or any of the new breed of super 4 bang lightweights. Enjoy!!

[Medieval Dave]

Certainly not fussed for new kit, as long as it runs, after all I am driving a 13year old 2nd gen.

Kinda like the look of CCM's but I guess that's just because they are brit.

[Kangorrillapigmoose]

Dont whatever you do buy a big 4 stroke with kick start only-apart from the bikes being possessed by Satan and existing only to shatter your shin bones,When the going gets tough and you are up to your earlobes in mud, trying to swing a big 4 stroke into life is a bit like trying to nail a cloud to a plank and unless you are supremely fit or have thighs like carol vorderman,near impossible.dont do it to yourself, go for the leccy foot option every time

[Medieval Dave]

Ha, Used to own an SRX 600 (same engine as a TT600 in a cafe racer) which had been 'worked on' I kicked it up in the living room and ended up putting a hole in the victorian hieght cieling with my head. Happy days.

Dave

[Kangorrillapigmoose]

I too used to have an SRX 600, what a crackin' little bike,I used to love embarrassing all the sports bike power rangers when they came to North Wales-they used to get a bit miffed at not being able to lose a lardass on a big single with twin shocks-Deep joy!

[Medieval Dave]

they used to get a bit miffed at not being able to lose a lardass on a big single with twin shocks-Deep joy!

Yep, I remember that, although the best bike for that is the aprillia. it's the origional spec before they toned it down, and on the right road could really embarras GSXR750's etc. I took the '250' logo's off the side so that I could see the look on thier faces when I told them at the cafe what they had been trying to shake.

The aprilllia might be up for sale/swap if anyone is interested by the way

[marky]

Try a HARE & HOUNDS cross country race Remember at our age its the taking part not winning.

[Medieval Dave]

I agree about the 'at our age' bit. these days I'm lucky to remember the way home.

But I wouldn't know what a hare and hounds race was if it bit my arse.

Dave

[Kangorrillapigmoose]

I have just retired from the joys of 2 wheeling-I sold my Buell S1 lightning to buy a Caravan...............ahh the joys of marriage,children,dogs and responsibility

[ship]

only bought the surf after my XR400 got nicked, but it was a cracking bike altho as has been said could be a pain kicking it over when in the mire, would deffo go for the leccy foot if i got another enduro/green lane bike, also try the TRF (Trail Riders Fellowship) for info on local groups, green laning etc.

ship


ps: if you think the aprilla is fun you should try a suzuki rg500 gamma, i had 1 in the 80,s and still clench my buttocks when just thinking of it

[Kangorrillapigmoose]

there was never anything that came close to a big 2smoke going postal when the power band was found. I had a CR500 motocrosser and lordy was that one cantankerous bastid, bogbogbog,starship enterprise!!!

[da SLUG man]

there was never anything that came close to a big 2smoke going postal when the power band was found. I had a CR500 motocrosser and lordy was that one cantankerous bastid, bogbogbog,starship enterprise!!!

you sound like a sailor!!
hehehe!!

you're not quint, are you?

[Chillitt]

i used to have a maico 440... it scared me. i still limp when the weathers bad! kangorilla, i feel for you selling the buell...