Truck camper and a motorcycle

[AITG]

I have the camper in my sig line and I've been thinking it would be nice to pull a motorcycle behind the camper. I can set up the camper at a site and leave everything hooked up and use the bike to get around for the day.

I DON'T want a Harley and I can't use a 250 cc "hamster bike". I'm 6 ft, 215 lb. I took the MSA class on a Suzuki TU 250X. I was so cramped up I found I was riding the rear brake because my foot wouldn't clear the pedal when it was on the peg.

Anyone have any suggestions? Would a dual sport style bike be the answer? If so, which ones are weighted to on-road over dirt? Any advice is appreciated. (Except "Motorcycles are dangerous". I know).

[AITG]

steve68steve wrote:

AITG wrote:

1. ... sticking largely to roads, mostly paved ones....

2. Less than 10k. ... fuel injection and ABS .... I like the feel of light weight bikes.

3. ....reliable starts-every-time-and-never-strands-me performance....

4. Inseam in boots, 35 inches.

Does this help at all?

Yes, you want a Suzuki V Strom 650.

I found a website www.stromtrooper.com There is a ton of information on the V-Strom. I'm pretty sure that's going to be my target bike. As soon as it starts snowing I'll start shopping (Yes, I am that cheap...).

[trail-explorer]

Suzuki DRZ400S is an awesome bike too, for a bike smaller than the KLR650

[trail-explorer]

Vibration is pretty much a non issue. I can ride mine 300+ miles a day and it doesn't bother me, as long as I have a AIRHAWK seat cushion!

[Jfet]

Plus the WR250R gets around 65mpg...so I can't really see the need for lectric.

From a coolness standpoint though, I like the idea of a full electric motorcycle. There is the stealth aspect also...

[ejfranz]

Dirt bike did a review of the Zero and were impressed with the power plant, but not the suspension! The bike has improved from its mountain bike origin, but still needs improvement. The KTM electric Free Ride if available in NA would be a better choice at this time.

A Yamaha XT225 would be way to small and under powered; I owned one and upgraded to the WR250R. I have also owned an 96 XT 350 and a 2004 XR 400; the WR250R is faster and more nimble.

[JohninSD]

One more option is one of the electric dual sports available now - Zero is one brand. They are said to have a 60 or 70 mile range as I recall - that would be plenty for me the way I use the bike now. And no oil changes, valve adjustments, etc. Still a chain though - or maybe they have belts by now. I'd be shopping for one if I didn't have the DRZ400.

[noteven]

Bikes and truck campers are a great combination.

Sounds like something in the new 700 twin line from Honda might meet your goals.

[tuna_fisher]

I carry a Yamaha XT225 up front and no problems at all, except as mentioned, bugs.Light weight, easy to move around. Might be a little small for you.

[jimh406]

Yamaha's are fine, but they really don't play in the bigger dual sport game.

[ejfranz]

The WR250R, KTM 350 exc and DRZ400 are lite enough to carry on a front rack. I prefer not to tow if I do not have to. I have had no issues with my 2009 WR besides wearing out rear tires. The bike has traveled over 6000 miles on the front of the truck. It does not block my view, but does get covered in bugs!

[odis]

Wr250r
Jim

[Jfet]

Two mentioned Yammy. Me and that Canadian fellow who carries it on the front of his truck. They do have the issue that you need to adjust the valve clearance at 24,000 miles...

[AITG]

I just want to say "thank you" to everyone for giving me thoughtful, helpful advice. It really is helping me think through the process without a salesman telling me "You need..." when he really means "I gotta get rid of..."

I have come back to the idea I want to enjoy a fun ride ... that fits me.

It's interesting that only 1 person mentioned a Yamaha.

[steve68steve]

AITG wrote:

1. ... sticking largely to roads, mostly paved ones....

2. Less than 10k. ... fuel injection and ABS .... I like the feel of light weight bikes.

3. ....reliable starts-every-time-and-never-strands-me performance....

4. Inseam in boots, 35 inches.

Does this help at all?

Yes, you want a Suzuki V Strom 650.

[nycsteve]

I bought one off Craigs List last spring. They are giving motorcycles away. I got a 2007 Honda VTX 1300 with less than 4000 miles for 4200 in pristine condition. A bike like that should be plenty big for you. Im pulling it in a 7x14 enclosed trailer with 2 kyaks and 2 bikes.