I can get what I think to be a screaming deal on a leftover 09 TE250 @ $4799 (MSRP $7599) and am going there this weekend to get my 610 tuned and telling myself why on earth would I want to spend another 5K and have another dirt bike? I don't ride single track, woods or ORV parks. Maybe that is because I have always had a larger/heavier KLR650, KTM640 or the TE610 and I am not a racer or consider myself an excellent rider. BUT I do know you have the right tool for the job makes life a lot easier. Talk me out of it, talk me into it I really don't care. Bottom line is Saturday I will or won't do it
Why yes I did, plus I value my license as the moto wheels you bought would have got me into trouble I can not afford right now. Salesman said it's takes a couple days to do out of state sales???? "I would need a couple of days to setup titling and tax collection for a finance deal. Out of state financing gets tricky."
Sounds like a great deal, and it would be nice to have both bikes if you have the extra cash, but you did mention financing. My general rule is that if I have to finance it, I don't buy it. I don't like making payments on anything. I have used those 0% credit card offers a time or two, but if it's a 6 month offer, I pay it off within the six months. Everyone is different though, so if you don't mind the payments, and it's within your budget, enjoy your new ride.
More concerned with the need for another dual sport than the financial aspect. I agree with you on all counts trust me.
Seems like a great deal to me, but if you don't ride on technical trails I don't see that you need the 250. If you're not getting whipped because the 610 is too big and heavy, it's doing the job for you. Save your money for an even cooler toy and let someone else get that Husky bargain. Depends on what you'd be using that 250 for.
It' not a dual sport. I know lots of folks on here ride them liek they are 'cause they can, but trust me, you are in for a BIG surprise if you think you are going to take it on a 200 mile d.s. trip. These are performance engines. They are torque monsters and big on revving. I would highly recommend that you ride one before you buy this one. It is NOT like your 610. different state of tune altogeter. If you've only owned big bikes before, you have NO idea what the TE is like. This is a RACE bike with turn signals. You can get by d.s.ing it, but it is NOT mainstream. They put signals on these bikes so they could sell more of them. They did NOT attempt to make it a d.s. bike. This bike is a RACE 250 that rides like a RACE 250.
I just bought a 610 for this very reason. My 250 is an absolute hoot on the trails. Even my buddies with larger or even Orange bikes love it in the tight stuff. I put 270 miles on it at the Anza Desert Dash a couple of weeks ago. It ran great both days without a single hiccup, and kept up just fine with the bigger bikes (even on the paved sections, 13/48 gearing). However, it can get a little buzzy on all day rides when you are on the gas. At trail speeds it's perfect (for me). For more open ground and longer rides I bought the 610. Now I have (for me) the best of both worlds. I'm still giving the 610 an easy break in. I also need to call George for a couple of goodies. I'm planning on riding the TAT (Trans America Trail) the summer of 11'. The 610 with a Giantloopmoto bag should be perfect for that. Later Mike
Well aware of these facts as well. I want something for local stuff or trailer to places where a lighter bike could be more fun is all. It will never see 200 mile days or highway runs longer than 25 miles a pop. Just no need.
I will not disabuse you of the idea. If you can afford it, do it. Both are great bikes with different application and attributes.
There is your answer! lighter bike,more fun. Why don't you try some of those tighter or technical trails. I believe you will like them, especially on a 250.
I keep talking myself into/out of this bike. I have 4 tagged bikes now and do I really need a fifth? 2 of the 4 I rarely ride, but still seem a bit much and I know people that have way more than I do. Thoughts are I would actually TRY some of the wooded/tighter sections or go to the small ORV park near here to do small jumps, whoops, etc to become a better dual sport rider when on the 610. See.....I am good at talking myself into things.
I would borrow a smaller bike to see if you like riding the above. If you're not going to ride it on single track, double track or even quad trails out in the woods, there is no reason to get it. I have a 2008 TE 450 that I wouldn't consider dual-sporting unless it was lots of trail connected with VERY short stints on the road. David
I want a street legal bike. Simple as that. Here in Iowa you can not do a dual sport conversion. Has to come from the factory with a title or the DMV will decline it no matter if it is made legit with blinkers, etc. I agree, if I knew someone that had a small cc thumper I would love to borrow for an hour or so. Like I said I will not do much pavement or be wringing it out at 65mph. I realize there is a lot more maintenance on a motor like this.
I see by your profile you are only 37 Heck get the 250 and start riding in the dirt That big dual sport you ride will neve make you feel young again .I use to have a 640 adventure really liked the bike but after a few months of dual sporting i felt like a old man So it was time for a small dirt bike and back to racing I now have a Husky 510 Wr 250 and a Cr 125 The poor 510 sits around the most at 53 i am trying to see how long i will last before i have to ride my street legal bike again
ive had a ktm 530exc and it wasnt fun at all on a 80 mile trip i did. my current te250 is only good for short dirt road trips and the revs are so high at 45mph it gets old quickly. also to keep the small dual sport dirt worthy you have to put mean tires on it, then they get chewed up on the street so fast it gets pricey. buy a used KLR650 for crusing the streets and dirt roads, then also add a wr125 or bigger for the play bike. my 09 KLR was a cadillac on the road, and it was fun trying to take the moose in the trails
Don't bring up a KLR into this discussion. I owned one and enjoyed it, but have moved on and will never own another one of those pigs ever again. My Husky is better on the highway then the KLR and then you factor in the suspension and brakes....why do people still buy KLRs? Not this kid
