Can't agree with that. The CRF is a great little off road bike, the suspension is OK and if you derestrict it has excellent power. Ride them back to back and the Serrow is not nearly as good on the dirt. It's a bit like the difference between an XR400 and a DR350. I don't think that EFi really has any advantages either. On the road it might be the other way round though.

I'm sure the CRF does have the edge in the dirt Dave (I've ridden both too, albeit briefly) - but as the rest of my original post you quoted suggested, we are talking about a suitable 'compact' bike for traveling, not just off-road riding - the comfort/luggage capacity and road-legal aspect of the Serrow would tip the balance in that bike's favour was the point I was trying to make...

xxx

Can't argue with your conclusion JMo but then again you might come across an MX track on your travels and then you could do this if you were on the Honda - YouTube - Best CRF 230F Video Ever

KTM 640 Adventure - for a 5.3' female rider
 

I thought I should point people to this thread in Adv rider..!

basically take ANY bike and lower suspention front and back.. and you get this:

KTM 640 Adventure-Lowrider Edition... - ADVrider

True.. You can lower almost ANY bike !!

We used a company at work. I can't remember the name.

Contact "cameraman" off here. He's the photo admin.

I worked with him in moto sales and he will be able to give you the company name.

Costs about £400 but they do it professionally sorting out all the correct fitting and making sure the rake/trail stay safe.

WIMA GB - Womens' International Motorcycle Association of Great Britain - produced the Short Report a guide for smaller riders. You can find it here.

http://www.wimagb.co.uk/Documents/short_report.pdf

Which might be worth a glance.

I reckon go with what parts are commonly available in South America. If Hondas are more popular, go with that. I'm a girl - 250s are the best and most comfortable. No problem with height once you get used to it. Can always slide off the seat on one side to rest the foot on the ground. Most suspensions can be modified, and the seat cut if needed.

low set height
 

HI

We two eventually plan a tripto include south america and my wife has also had difficulties in finding a bike with the right seat height and have done loads of research. We have bought an xt660r and lowered it by 50mm - my wife has taken it for a short run and is still a little high w/o luggage, We have three years to go before we can emark on our travels so have just ordered a 250 Serow - my wife has sat on one at a horizons meet and this seems to be a good choice - from what I can gather it is more than suitable for travel in South America - Lois Pryce used the 225 which seemed fine although had breathing problems at altitude. Hopefully this should not apply to the fuel injected 250. Incidentally my wife is just under 5'4"

Chizz

Hi Chizz,

not many sleeps now before the new bike arrives eh!

Seven to be precise ! watch this space there may well be a lowered xt660 for sale!

Chizz