Honda XR 250R or Yamaha TT250R?
 

I am wondering which is more reliable: Honda XR 250R with e-start or Yamaha TT250R?

OK, the first is Honda that means very good reliability but I know that it has a problem with cracked engine's head. How often is this problem and how can I protect the engine from this?

I didn't find any report for the TT250R. I just read somewhere that the 2001 (blue) model is better from the olders by far.

The newest XR 250 with e-start I found is a '98 model with 35.000 kms but the newest TT250R is a '03 model with 11.000 kms. XR 250 with e-start is very rare here!

So which do you think is the more reliable for a trip from Greece to India?

Helias

I belong to a few motorcycle forums, and on one in particular, www.thumpertalk.com (all dirt bike discussion site) when I mentioned that I was interested in a Chinese enduro, I got nothing but vile hate filled replies who told me to "buy a Honda instead of the Chinese bike." (As well as telling me the fact that I was potentially supporting an evil, communist power). No one said to buy a Yamaha, so, passing this advice from close-minded, drunken, American dirt bike owners, to you, I suggest you go with the Honda.

Hi there

We were in a similar situation to you in regards to which bike (250cc)

We have decided on the Suzuki (DRZ-250) for a number of reasons.
Electric Start
A little lower (which is great for the wife)
Good for cruising at 100km on the road.
Comfortable

And heaps more reasons too.
If they are available consider these too.
Check out this site
http://www.suzuki.co.nz/motorcycles/motorcycles.html

I'm going for the TTR250 in Africa
 

Hi Furious,
I was deliberating over this, and I have recently decided to go for the TTR 250 (a new 'blue' 2004 model). I am riding it from London to Cape Town (leaving in October 2006).
I recently gave it a test ride of about 3000 miles in Morocco and it was great. I rode my Yamaha XT225 Serow from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, but when I started thinking about doing my Africa trip, I decided I wanted something with a (tiny!) little bit more umph. Anyway, the TTR was great in Morocco. It has a great reputation for being robust and low maintenance. It still need a few mods though - the seat is agony over a long distance. Also, I had to lower it as it was too tall, but I am quite 5'4", so you might be better off?
Anyway, if you want to read more about it and how it was in Morocco, have a look at the Africa section of my website www.loisontheloose.com
I think a few people have done longish trips on them; I have high hopes for it in Africa!
Cheers,
Lois

FWIW, a Japanese friend from Kyoto got fed up with working in an orifice and went on a RTW (Euro and Asia) a few years ago and after much research went for a TT250R. Look at his detailed records on the bike at

http://www.j-hoppers.com/waruida/menumain_e.htm

Hi F, biased towards the TTR, I have been setting up for a RTW in a few years, have a load of fun on it, cehck out the ttr250 yahoo sit and ttr250.com i think, its a wealth of knowlodge for things to do and being done..
also an aussie site DBW, and its forum, one chap has covered about 80k on his, range of mod options etc, mine is going well, only about 37k on it in the last 15 months, but its rockin along.. happy travels al