New (soon to be) Chinese trail rider from SATX

[chippievan]

Hey fellaz,
I am 41 year old adv rider considering a chinese trail bike in the 250cc range. I have owned numerous adv bikes over the years (bmw f800gs; kawasaki klr 650) and I currently am riding a kawasaki versys x 300. Essentially, I am looking for a more trail oriented bike that is lighter and more robust than my versys which I use for my work commute. I want something that I can throw around (so lighter than my 385lbs kawasaki) and beat up without compromising my commuter.

[culcune]

Welcome to here! Most any dual-sport should fit the bill. I think the best value as far as lowest cost bike goes is the Taotao TBR7. Prices go up from there. For not too much more, the Hawk is also a solid value. Then there is the BMS CRP 250, the Brozz 250, Brozz Recon 250, CSC TT250, and Apollo Deluxe (not as dirt oriented with its 17/17 wheels but the tires are fat-tired small knobby kind.

[Sport Rider]

the chinese 250s won't have the power of the Versys. What is your commute like?

[culcune]

Originally Posted by Sport Rider

the chinese 250s won't have the power of the Versys. What is your commute like?

I think he is keeping his Versys for commuting, but it doesn't hit the trails as well as a more suitable dual-sport would, so he wants a play bike. That is how I interpreted it. However, if he is wanting to replace his Versys, than the more capable Chinese dual-sports would be the SSR XF250 or the EFI/liquid-cooled, six-speed GPX (cannot remember the exact model name) offered through Pitster Pro.

[OneLeggedRider]

Want to play in the trails? Hawk is the way to go, then the next step up is the Brozz Recon. The TBR7 sucks offroad. And by the time you put proper knobs on it it'll cost more than the Hawk.

[Wild Dog]

Originally Posted by culcune

I think he is keeping his Versys for commuting, but it doesn't hit the trails as well as a more suitable dual-sport would, so he wants a play bike. That is how I interpreted it. However, if he is wanting to replace his Versys, than the more capable Chinese dual-sports would be the SSR XF250 or the EFI/liquid-cooled, six-speed GPX (cannot remember the exact model name) offered through Pitster Pro.

I think if he is trying to replace the Versys he would be dissapointed by all 300cc and down chinese motorcycle. 40 hp and ABS, even those chineses engine with DOHC setups are barely 30 HP

For a Play Bike in the US, i think the hawk is hard to beat. Is pretty much a mule, strong and durable but not fast but hey it will take you everywhere.