Cycle News - Archive Issues - 1990's

Suzuki DR200SEW 11371111Jand Yamaha XT225 '3848 If there are ever motorcycles that fit the term "wife's" or "girlfriend's" bike to a "T", it's the Suzuki DR200SEW and the Yamaha XT225. These unintimidating bikes are docile, easy to ride and will very much appeal to those shorter in stature. . Both the DR and XT are comparable in design: They're relatively small, sharing the same low, 31.9-inch seat height; aJ;e powered by similar-in-design single-cylinder, air-cooled, four-stroke engines; have six-speed transmissions; share the same-in-size 21- (front) and 18-inch (rear) wheels; both are street-legal; and both feature electric starting systems. The only significant difference between th.e two bikes are numbers - at a claimed dry ~eigbt of 249 pounds, the DR weighs approximately 10 pounds more than the XT, while having 25cc less displacement than the XT's 224cc engine. These numbers, however, were hardly noticeable to our beginner and novice riders. . Both Mandy and Theresa felt right at home on both bikes. Thanks to the DR's and XT's rather low seat height and docile powerplants, both Mandy and Theresa spen t the majority of the day on these two bikes, but all wasn't magical in DR-"and XT-Iand. Both Mandy and Theresa mentioned the fact that both bikes felt heavy; that's because they are. At well over 260 pounds (real-world figures), the DR and XT are not featherweights by any means. Wbile the extra weight really didri't bother them too much while riding the bikes around, picking them up after bailing got a little old after a while. On the trail, both Mandy and Theresa actually enjoyed the XRs a little bit more than the DR and XT just because of the weight factor; after all, the XR100 is nearly 100 pounds lighter than the DR and XT, and the XR200 is about 40 pounds lighter. . But when asked which bikes they would rather own, both Mandy and Theresa said either the DR or XT over the XRs, and both said for one main reason: their electric starting systems. "The electric starters made a real difference for me," Theresa said. "I liked the XR200 a lot but not kickstarting it, especially when I was tired." Mandy agreed but went on to say, "I also like the fact that both bikes are street-legal; that way I can ride with Mike (her boyfriend) on dual sport rides." Mandy actually owns her own XT225. "I like the DR, too, but [ just feel more used to the XT because I have one." For Keith, he had few problems riding either the DR or XT, as compared to the KEJOO. "They were just a lot more forgiving," Keith said. "Power was always there when you needed it. But these bikes are a little small for me." (Keith stands 5-foot-ll-inches tall.) Theresa on the Suzuki DR200... Ka.asaki KLR250 '3114S Mark keeps a close eye on Nolan. . Looking tor an affordable, user-friendly dual purpose bike? The K8w...k1 KLR250 could be Just the machine. Why watch the kids have all the fun when you can be out there joining them? That's one of the reasons why" Kawasaki offers the inexpensive-yet-worthy KLR250. If dad ever thought about getting bis first dirt bike, the . KLR250 is a great motorcycle to consider: At $3949, it's inexpensive and, even though its overall design is getting a little dated, it still provides a lot of fun, both on and off the dirt. The KLR250 features a liquid-coo!ed single-cylinder four-stroke motor, a six-speed transmission, a kickstarting system, and a 2.9-gallon gas tank. It has a single-shock rear-suspension system and telescopic forks. It boasts 9.1 inches of wheel travel at both ends. For a full-sized motorcycle, it has a relatively low 33.7-inch seat height, but weighs in at a hefty 259 (claimed) pounds - you can figure it weighs closer to 270-280 pounds. . With only a few hours of riding time under his belt, Keith was a perfect candidate for the KLR250. "I had a lot of fun riding it," Keith said, "and it better fit the image I had of me riding a motorcycle (as compared to the smaller bikes such as the KEJOO, the DR200 and XT225). I felt like I was really riding something. '1 did get a workout picking it up," Keith admitted. "It's kind of big and intimidating, but the ergonomics were comfortable, and, like I said, it was real fun to ride." Keith went on to say that he felt the motor was easy to work with and that he had no problems kickstarting the bike. Even Theresa gave the KLR a try and got around on it just fine, but she did admit that it was too big and tall for her. Our more-experienced riders said they enjoyed the KLR250, as long as they didn't push the suspension too hard or rely too heavily on the front brake (it's a little mushy). Unfortunately (fortunately?), these things are easy to do, because the motor is quite strong and speed can pick up in a hurry. It likes to be revved out on top, where most of its power can be found. Because of its comfortable layout, wide seat and cushy suspension, however; you'll probably be most happy just bopping around the hills or following Junior down the trails on the KLR250. But it is nice to know that if things do get a little serious, the KLR250 can hang. . If there is another motorcycle out there that is comparable to the KLR250, it's the Yamaha XT350, even though it has a larger displacement. Like the KLR, the XT hasn't changed much over the years: It features a single-cylinder, air-cooled four-stroke kicks tart motor, a single-shock rear-suspension system, and telescopic forks. The KLR and XT have the same 33.7-inch seat height, and the XT weighs only three pounds more than the KLR at 262 . claimed pounds. The XT also costs a few hundred dollars more at $4449.

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