I'm A Traitor ~ Go Ahead And Shoot Me.....
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 765
Likes: 13
From: Bremen, GA
It sounds like a good plan to me! Years ago when I was stationed in Spain I had a 250cc Bultaco Matador that I used for commuting to and from work and boonie stomping on the weekends. Of course my commute consisted of cutting cross country most days so it was always a blast to ride home!!
Thread Starter
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,641
Likes: 26
From: Ozark Country
I looked at the new Scrambler's, but you would have to pay $7,500+ for a good one... They are a little 'too nice and expensive', and I would be worried about getting one of them scratched up or taking too much abuse.
The CB250's haven't changed a bit since 1991 and you can find a good low mileage model for less than $2,000... Plus they are simple to work on and parts for the 250 twins are available everywhere....
The CB250's haven't changed a bit since 1991 and you can find a good low mileage model for less than $2,000... Plus they are simple to work on and parts for the 250 twins are available everywhere....
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 357
Likes: 0
From: Lake Stevens, WA
Before I bought my nightster, I rode a 1983 honda nighthawk 550. It was a good bike and I'm not ashamed to say I rode it. At some point I'll probably get another honda...a dual sport to ride in the woods around my in-laws cabin. If your going to buy a Jap bike, Honda is the best (in my opinion).
Funk
Funk
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,073
Likes: 6
(Thought I'd post this here, as I feel 'more at home' in the Sportster Forum and maybe won't be beat up as badly)... 
Many on here know that I purchased my first new Harley in 1970, and since that time every bike I've purchased has been a Harley, but I've been toying with the idea of getting some kind of lightweight bike to use on our dirt/gravel roads, light off-road riding, gets good mileage, but will also be comfortable cruising the highways at 70+ MPH.
Never felt comfortable riding the true "dual sport" bikes on the highway so wasn't sure what to get until I talked with some guys that live up in Canada. They have Harley's but also have "dual sported" Honda CB250 (Baby Nighthawks) to use out in the nasty stuff. The CB250's have the bulletproof 250cc SOHC twin cylinder engines, can cruise down the road at 80+ MPH in stock form, don't weight much over 300 pounds dripping wet, and with their 4 gallon tanks and gas mileage of up to 80 MPG have a cruising range of up to 300 miles per tank of gas.
I rode one yesterday and it was great fun. Acceleration is surprising good, especially up to around 65 MPH, and unlike the smaller Honda's like the Rebel they are larger and more comfortable for us "taller folks".. Yeah, it's not a Harley, but it's the kind of lightweight bike you can ride in the messy stuff and then just hose it down since there is nothing to polish or shine. Already ordered some 50/50 dual sport type tires, and a friend of mine is going to fabricate some type of skid plate to protect the engine from gravel and stuff once I get the bike home.
Should be fun and this is a first for me, so be gentle and don't yell at me too much...
Here is the bike I'll probably pick up;
And here is one that has been semi dual-sported for use in the nasty stuff;
Many on here know that I purchased my first new Harley in 1970, and since that time every bike I've purchased has been a Harley, but I've been toying with the idea of getting some kind of lightweight bike to use on our dirt/gravel roads, light off-road riding, gets good mileage, but will also be comfortable cruising the highways at 70+ MPH.
Never felt comfortable riding the true "dual sport" bikes on the highway so wasn't sure what to get until I talked with some guys that live up in Canada. They have Harley's but also have "dual sported" Honda CB250 (Baby Nighthawks) to use out in the nasty stuff. The CB250's have the bulletproof 250cc SOHC twin cylinder engines, can cruise down the road at 80+ MPH in stock form, don't weight much over 300 pounds dripping wet, and with their 4 gallon tanks and gas mileage of up to 80 MPG have a cruising range of up to 300 miles per tank of gas.
I rode one yesterday and it was great fun. Acceleration is surprising good, especially up to around 65 MPH, and unlike the smaller Honda's like the Rebel they are larger and more comfortable for us "taller folks".. Yeah, it's not a Harley, but it's the kind of lightweight bike you can ride in the messy stuff and then just hose it down since there is nothing to polish or shine. Already ordered some 50/50 dual sport type tires, and a friend of mine is going to fabricate some type of skid plate to protect the engine from gravel and stuff once I get the bike home.
Should be fun and this is a first for me, so be gentle and don't yell at me too much...
Here is the bike I'll probably pick up;
And here is one that has been semi dual-sported for use in the nasty stuff;
If you're not there already, hop on over to www.advrider.com and see what folks are doing to get their street bikes set for light off road work.
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 933
Likes: 1
From:
Have fun with it.The wind may move you around on the highway though being that light.It moves my Sportster around.You already have a Sportster so you know that.The problem with making a Sporty dual purpose is ground clearance.That Honda seems to have quite a bit.