XR250 - Horizons Unlimited

**POB/London** · #1 16 Aug 2005

Has anyone used the XR250 for overland travel? I assume the smaller engine is more highly-stressed. I am considering using an ex-military 250 (low mileage 1998 bike, huge tank as standard, think reinforced frame too) for a trip to Dakar this winter. Alternatives are an XR400R and an old Dommie. Thoughts? Plan would be to travel very light indeed - courier bag plus t'tech topbox only, Mich Desert tyres. Not hardcore overlanding, more exploring the Atlas and playing in the sand really. Thanks!

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My XR650L Pan-Med Expedition Site!

**DaveSmith** · #2 17 Aug 2005

It's a good sized bike and more reliable than my Ducati 250cc. I had no problems about speed, because I tended to look around a lot more than I do locally.

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Random attempts have
been made at RTW on
a '65 Ducati 250cc

**andygray** · #3 17 Aug 2005

I used one for a 2 month tour of west europe back in 1987. Did about 8000km and loved it. Rear shock seal blew but other than that it ran realy well, just had to rev it more than my mate on an XT600. Went with a smaller rear sprocket on the rear and a choice of 2 for the front ( motorway cruise and dirt). Only spent a few days at 120kmh on the big roads but it handled it without problems.
Also seen a couple used as RTW tourers, they work well (Iran and Mali).
And now the opinion... would much prefer the 400 for playing in sand and the dommie for roads. The 250 I would prefer for the general touristy stuff and fun of it. Sounds like a bargain with the ex army one, that would be for me, sadle up and go..
Andy

**POB/London** · #4 17 Aug 2005

Thanks for replies. I got some hi-res pics of the ex-military ones. Bad news. Even at 4000km they have ripped seats, the olive drab looks terrible and they even have bits missing! I think it's either going to be a stripped-down Dommie or an ex-Rallye Raid XR400R.

Cheers!

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=-=-= ON THE EDGE! =-=-=
My XR650L Pan-Med Expedition Site!

**andygray** · #5 18 Aug 2005

Hey POB,
You have got my interest going on these things, could you send me the pictures, info on where to get them and what price they are asking. I will send an email...

Buying ex-military stuff, I dont know who to believe. Some say the vehicles are very well maintained and others seem to think they are abused to an early death.

Andy