For getting from A to B via trail XYZ it's fine. Add 40 KG of tent, clothes, tools, a 300km stretch of blacktop where the trucks run at 120 kph and a decent head wind before the trail and things don't look so rosy. We need more info, you can't just pick a bike on the spec sheet.

Andy

Mornin',

I'll give the thumbs up for the XT250 Serow. Mines passed 71,000 miles in the last 4 years and has been the most reliable bike I've ever owned.

What the Cameraman isnt telling you though, is that he shares his bed with that serrow and treats it like a lady..

And by that I mean he gives it a good ragging at the weekend

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www.touringted.com

I bet their children will be right ugly!!

And ride BMW C1's !!

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www.touringted.com

Met up with the flying Doctor and the cameraman at ripley last year- they are both so enthuiastic re the Serow they convinced my wife she wanted one.

It was not easy to get hold of but she now has one and loves it - it has been a great bike for confidence building. Stella is 5' 4'' by the way and currently we are pretty sure that she will use this when we embark on our big trip. She has ridden bigger bikes such as cbr400, cbr600 and xt660 (lowered) but enjoys the serow more and clocks up the miles just as easily. I am even considering one myself (i am 5' 11''and currently have a GS)

Chizz

I've ridden a Serrow, and it was a hoot off-road, but would be a pain over any great distance on-road, and as others have said, might start to struggle with luggage etc.

I'd also say that given the choice, a Kawasaki Super Sherpa is better than the Serrow in virtually every respect (actually, make that every respect...)

Personally if I were looking for a low seat hight, dual-sport bike that could comfortably handle a lot of both on-road and off-road riding, I'd look at a DRZ400 SM (the supermoto version), and consider re-lacing the front wheel with a 19 inch rim, so you could fit Continental TKC80's front and rear.

I'd suggest that combo would be ideal for the sort of trip you are envisaging - the the SM version is noticeably lower than the stock DRZ, the 400cc engine has plenty of power, there are lots of accessories available (luggage racks, skid-plates and larger fuel tank for example), while I'd suggest the TKC80 is arguably the best compromise tyre out there for dual-sport use?

J xx

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JennyDakar.com

Which would be cheaper ? re-lacing a DRZ400 SM or changing the shock and springs of a DRZ400 ? considering all the off road bits that come with the later ?

I think the new rim is probably the cheapest option (compared to the price of a complete new shock at least)... There is not a lot of difference 'off-road' wise between the bikes, other than the 18/21 inch wheels on the S/E models, and slightly longer travel suspension - the frame and bodywork are the same.

Conversely, the SM also comes with better quality forks, Renthal fatbars, bigger front brake, and slightly stiffer springs front and rear, which might prove better for carrying luggage and general touring/on-road manners?

Of course you can get lowering links that will fit either/all DRZ models - a friend of mine in the USA has a SM with a kubra link on the rear, and together with dropping the forks through the yokes, it now feels as low (or lower) than a Serrow, but has far more performance (both engine and suspension wise) for longer distance riding?

I agree that the stock SM 17" rear wheel rim is pretty wide, but their is a TKC80 (150/70) that will fit on that rim nicely, and coupled with the corresponding 19 inch front, I'd say it would have all the attributes you'd need for a travel bike, while still being lower than an S model that had been lowered?

Fundamentally though (in the UK at least) there seem to be a lot of secondhand low-mileage DRZ400SMs for sale at a good price - presumably bought by people who thought they were more fire-breathing than they actually are? - and the SMs on the whole will never have seen dirt or serious off-road use which is a bonus?

xxx

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JennyDakar.com

The point about small cc bikes like the serow being a struggle travelling distance on tarmac with luggage...

It all comes down to the speed you want to travel at. If you're happy never riding above 100kph, and cruising at 80kph, then there is no problem. To some people riding for months or years at these speeds or less would be torture, but I perfectly happy doing it, as are plenty of others.


My DR350 was as happy cruising on the tarmac with a pillion and all the luggage and camping equipment for two people, as it is riding unladed with just the rider. And the DR is about the same weight and power output as the serrow.

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UK to Mongolia 2009, on a DR350

Very good point about the cheap SMs I didn't even think about that. Sorry when I said replace the shock, I meant the linkage. You are right though, throw a bash plate, some bark busters and maybe one or two other bits on the SM and you have a fine all-rounder.

Thanks Guys!

Hurry up and fix that C1, my pizza's getting cold!!

Hi Doc,

just waiting for the valves to be fitted, then I can check what sized shims are needed.