Looking at the CSC TT250 with a question about weight capacity

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Howdy all. First post here.

I'm looking into lightweight dual-sport bikes. I've been off-roading and overlanding in my heavily-modified 4-door Jeep Wrangler and am converting a 5x10 enclosed utility trailer into a camper/toy-hauler. But now I'm looking to add a bike to my outfit for some light off-roading (atv & single-track, mostly hard pack, some hills, mud, sand), local errands, maybe an occasional overland trip (which would include some highway segments).

The complication is that I'm 6'1" and 300 lbs. Although I am loosing weight (down from 350 so far), it's been slow going. Is the TT250 able to handle someone my size? I would have no problem jetting the carb and swapping gears and springs myself. I'm just worried that even with (reasonable) mods the Chinese engine won't be able to my butt up hills, through sand or mud, or on the highway at 65MPH. I read through the TT250 thread and don't see anyone in my weight class riding them.

I owned a Honda XL250 many years ago and loved the bike, but I was 100 lbs lighter then. More recently rode a KLR650. The KLR had plenty of power but was a little tall and heavy for me (I have a 30" inseam).

Is the TT250 going to be up to the task, or do I need to spend more than twice the price on something like a DR-Z400s?

[Cravin01]

Your better off asking this in the Duel Sport / Enduro section, thats where the TT250 guys tend to hang out.

I think you'll be just fine on one, We have some big guys around here on these bikes and your not the biggest. good luck

[Ceasar1010]

Originally Posted by bump

Howdy all. First post here.

I'm looking into lightweight dual-sport bikes. I've been off-roading and overlanding in my heavily-modified 4-door Jeep Wrangler and am converting a 5x10 enclosed utility trailer into a camper/toy-hauler. But now I'm looking to add a bike to my outfit for some light off-roading (atv & single-track, mostly hard pack, some hills, mud, sand), local errands, maybe an occasional overland trip (which would include some highway segments).

The complication is that I'm 6'1" and 300 lbs. Although I am loosing weight (down from 350 so far), it's been slow going. Is the TT250 able to handle someone my size? I would have no problem jetting the carb and swapping gears and springs myself. I'm just worried that even with (reasonable) mods the Chinese engine won't be able to my butt up hills, through sand or mud, or on the highway at 65MPH. I read through the TT250 thread and don't see anyone in my weight class riding them.

I owned a Honda XL250 many years ago and loved the bike, but I was 100 lbs lighter then. More recently rode a KLR650. The KLR had plenty of power but was a little tall and heavy for me (I have a 30" inseam).

Is the TT250 going to be up to the task, or do I need to spend more than twice the price on something like a DR-Z400s?

I have a friend who rides one and he's about 5'11', and 210 lbs. He can get to 65-70 after we dropped his rear sprocket to T47 I think. I was the one who drove it home for him and I'm 5'6" 135 lbs. In my opinion is a solid bike and rides really nice. On the actual CSC website, there is a lot of how to's / and community support. The previous owner had lowered it for his short wife but we jacked the suspension back up (rear shock is adjustable). its odd to me how its a 250 but its really a 229cc. I think you would be fine with it. Have you looked into the Hawk 250? It's about the same thing and cheap enough to try and if it doesn't work out to sell.

[Megadan]

It will be fine. My Hawk easily hauled my 260lb butt around with a 20-30lb backpack full of crap. Like you mentioned, you just have to sort out the suspension and get it setup better for your weight, but the engine is no concern.

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Thanks for the replies. I'll also post in the DS section for more feedback.