Is an XT 225 any good two up?

[RodYork]

Hi,

Could anyone advise please.

My wife currently rides an Africa Twin and is 5 ' 3 but when it's loaded up and with our young son on the back, she says it can be quite heavy to handle in slow moving traffic.

Anyway she is looking at the xt225 serow and wants to know if it can handle being loaded up and two up?

Or could you advise on another bike out there.

Thanks in advance.

[John Downs]

Hello RodYork,

It's all a matter of degrees. Lois on the loose rode a loaded down Serow from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego. So it can obviously handle it I suppose. And of course in the third world countries I've travelled in, a 225 would be considered a fairly good sized bike, where most people ride around on 125's.

It sounds like your wife is petite, and combined with a child probably weighs no more than a large person would. But a Serow is no AT, and the tradeoff will be slower going in the mountains, more downshifting, less passing abilities.

I have recently returned from an 11,000 mile trip to Panama and back on a 250 Super Sherpa. It is a similar bike to the Serow. Low seat height, six speeds, electric start, fuel efficient. I found it quite acceptable. BUT, I don't have a need for speed and am quite happy downshifting to pass trucks and cruising at 55-60 is fine for me.

I think only your wife can decide if the Serow would work for her. There is not much on the market to fill her needs.

Kindest regards,
John Downs

[pecha72]

I´m all for smaller bikes myself........ but I think for 2-up and lots of stuff on board I´d look for something in the 350-500 range. The difference in weight is not so big compared to a 200-250. A small 1-cylinder engine might also suffer under a heavy load.

[Mickey D]

I'm quite amazed you're wife rides an Africa Twin! At 5'3", that is very impressive! I'm 5'6" and found it on the tall side ... and heavy. What happens when it tips over on her? She must be a very good rider!

Given she can handle an AT, I agree with Pecha. Something bigger and roomier should be considered.

I would consider the following bikes:
Vstrom DL650. This bike can be lowered for those short of leg. Plenty of room for passenger and gear. Powerful, economical and bullet proof.
Quite a bit lighter weight than the AT as well.

Yamaha XT660 or XT600 .... lowered?

Suzuki DRZ400S ... also can be lowered but seat is narrow, not good for two but better than a Serow.

The Kawi Super Sherpa sounds good (we have the KLX250S) also narrow seats but light and fun. Lower it a bit with lowering links.

Honda CRF230. Great little bike but not much room for two or luggage.

Suzuki DR650 ... not available in UK but a great bike: light, can be lowered WAY down, perfect for someone 5' tall. (lowering links) Simple air cooled motor, room for two with Corbin seat (or other) mounted, Hella strong for luggage, nearly Zero maintenance, reliable and fun.

Still, for someone coming off an Africa Twin, the DL650 Suzuki would be my number one choice for two up riding and POWER.

[RodYork]

Hi all and thanks for helping me.

I am Rod's wife and I know the AT is a beautiful bike and I do love riding it but not when I am loaded up and with my son on the back.

I suppose what I am looking for is something light, smaller and easy to handle, that is a good workhorse, decent on and off road and can hack 2 up. Mind you the two up will be me and a 9 year old - Rod carries our other much heavier child.

Thanks once again all.

By the way I will now spend a night on google going through all of the bikes that you have suggested so far. Thanks!

[Mickey D]

Go over to ADV rider to the Beasts forum. Ask and read about the Vstrom.
AKA "Wee Strom".
Thousands of Vstrom riders there ... some even travel great distance on them. Lots of pictures. You could read for years there.

Also check out Vstrom specific forums like :
Stromtrooper Forum : Suzuki V-Strom Forums - Powered by vBulletin

[pecha72]

Actually my girlfriend rides her own DL650, we´ve lowered the front/rear suspension a bit, and also taken out the rubbers from under the seat, I´d estimate it is almost 2 inches lower than stock (for me, its like riding a scooter!!)

It is still heavy and what´s worse, a bit top-heavy, just like the Africa Twin... but the lowering has made a big difference in her ability to control the thing. Only dropped it once in a parking lot so far (knock, knock...!)

[oothef]

Ayop Rod, I know where there's a serow if you want to try one, but it hasn't been run for ages, so may take some getting going. I've also got some bar risers for the A/T but for fat bars, these would let you drop the yolks a fair way down the forks, giving a lower seat and much lighter steering but loosing ground clearance (not so important on road) and not lightening the bike. I don't know of any lowering kits for the rear but I'm sure it could be done, take some pre-load off for a start. Anyroad get in touch if you're interested.
Dean (you had my number)