Broncoza
Pack Dog
So over the years I have ridden most of the dirt highways in Lesotho; and it appears the Chinese are dead keen on increasing these even more. Wanted a smaller bike to start exploring the less ridden routes; mostly solo so it must be light and reliable!
Enter the TTR250......
Just returned from 600kms in a day an a half on a TTR250, Ladysmith/Draycott/Lower Loteni/Himeville/Up Sani/Back down and to Ladysmith here are some observations:
1. Used to own a Suzuki SJ410 and the TTR reminds me of it - slow to get to the play area but once you are there unstoppable! Total distance just on 600 klics at an average speed on the GPS of 71km/h
2. Range is a bit shy; 170 to 190 kms before empty; this is going to be a problem for any long hauls but can be rectified with a bladder
3. Cruising speed on Tar 110km/h on the speedo - 101km/h on the GPS at around half throttle except for climbs where the little one comes down to 80 and maybe a gear change required.
4. But the nice thing is that you can cruise at almost the same speed on almost any dirt road; even heavily rutted and metaled; just keep a good eye out for lurkers!
5. Suspension is great; almost an old school dirt bike! Soaks up most bumps without bottoming and tackled Sani with gusto; TTR handled it fine.
6. Wasn't sure of the tyre choice but Michelin Sirac seemed to work ok; with the exception of mud naturally and loss of traction from time to time on the pass. D606's are on order!
7. Height of seat an issue for a short s#$% like me; created great laughter from the rest of the group trying to scale mount TTR, but can get used to it - or get a lowering link if really necessary.
All in all a great little bike to ride; motor is really sweet and purrs like a kitten. Surprising grunt for a 250 air cooled and fuel economy reasonable. Stock pipe is quiet and I like it that way; surrounding country side not disturbed! Seat comfortable, foot pegs good and reach to bars even though I am a short bloke fine.
What broke - well nothing its a Yamaha! Ok so the dip beam globe packed up sorted free of charge by May's Yamaha in Himeville after hours on a Saturday - thanks guys!
Enter the TTR250......
Just returned from 600kms in a day an a half on a TTR250, Ladysmith/Draycott/Lower Loteni/Himeville/Up Sani/Back down and to Ladysmith here are some observations:
1. Used to own a Suzuki SJ410 and the TTR reminds me of it - slow to get to the play area but once you are there unstoppable! Total distance just on 600 klics at an average speed on the GPS of 71km/h
2. Range is a bit shy; 170 to 190 kms before empty; this is going to be a problem for any long hauls but can be rectified with a bladder
3. Cruising speed on Tar 110km/h on the speedo - 101km/h on the GPS at around half throttle except for climbs where the little one comes down to 80 and maybe a gear change required.
4. But the nice thing is that you can cruise at almost the same speed on almost any dirt road; even heavily rutted and metaled; just keep a good eye out for lurkers!
5. Suspension is great; almost an old school dirt bike! Soaks up most bumps without bottoming and tackled Sani with gusto; TTR handled it fine.
6. Wasn't sure of the tyre choice but Michelin Sirac seemed to work ok; with the exception of mud naturally and loss of traction from time to time on the pass. D606's are on order!
7. Height of seat an issue for a short s#$% like me; created great laughter from the rest of the group trying to scale mount TTR, but can get used to it - or get a lowering link if really necessary.
All in all a great little bike to ride; motor is really sweet and purrs like a kitten. Surprising grunt for a 250 air cooled and fuel economy reasonable. Stock pipe is quiet and I like it that way; surrounding country side not disturbed! Seat comfortable, foot pegs good and reach to bars even though I am a short bloke fine.
What broke - well nothing its a Yamaha! Ok so the dip beam globe packed up sorted free of charge by May's Yamaha in Himeville after hours on a Saturday - thanks guys!
