The plan is to have a 4-Stroke 250cc Enduro. There are a few things that I would like more information on:
Company Selection: Inexpensive and Abundant Parts/Reliability/Maintainence/Metric/Size (I'm small; 140 lbs.)
--any of the big 4 honda/kawi/suzuki/yamaha. None of the 250 models were huge sellers compared to their big brothers so expect less availability in most cases (xr250 is an exception). A lot of the models sell in surprisingly low numbers. Most of the models that were only put out for a couple years had a real enduro sibling so parts for them aren't extremely hard to get. The technology on most dual sports goes back decades so there's a lot of intechangeability on the more popular models. If you get a less popular model I would stock up on some parts before get harder to get. Most dual sports are taller...I can't flat-foot my drz or xr250 but you get used to it and lowering them is fairly simple
Engine Size: Having enough power without throwing my ass.
--all the 250's have fairly close low amounts of tractable power. expect around 16-20hp on the 250's(couple more hp either way depending on model). Max mph around 70-75 with the max comfortable cruising speed around 55-60mph. Give or take 5mph depending on the models. They're not great on the road and freeways suck....simple as that. Around town and on backroads the 250's are fine. Even my drz400sm with 35hp is more comfortable around 70(still a little buzzy) and maxes out at 90ish. It's not much fun on the freeways as its light so thus gets blown around, with little wind protection, and could use a 6th gear for cruising. I wish I hadn't sold my xr250 so you could get an idea about what to expect.....with a gutted exhaust and newly rebuilt engine I could twist the throttle to the stop and leave it there when going through all the gears. 250's are marginal at best when 2-up. I wouldn't hop on the freeway for long with my girlfriend on the back of my 400. Power from a 250 is manageable for anyone and if they can't handle it they shouldn't ride a motorcycle ever again. I would have no problem recommending any size street legal dual sport from 200cc-650cc for a brand new rider with maybe the exception of the new ktm525 and I'm a huge safety nazi. The only thing hard to control is the size and weight. Even some of the 650's aren't great on the freeway with twice the hp/tq
Suspension Travel: Tall enough for my long legs, and to get around if I feel like taking the road less-traveled.
--any dual sport will have this. (how tall are you?) Do not have any high expectations of stock suspension as its mainly for trails and the road. There are aftermarket solutions for just about all of them which will help a lot but it can only take you so far
Tire Selection: Mobility, all-around performance on any surface.
--my preference is the dunlop D606's(what I will run on my drz) or pirelli mt21. There's a ton more options from barely street legal knobbies to full street tires that fit dual sports. The trade-off for aggressive off-road tires is usually less streetability and less wear. Knobbies on a wet roads isn't great.
Lighting: Saftety. I've seen several accidents (ouch!).
--They all have lighting but there are several aftermarket solutions to every model's problems or limitations. Worry about a great braking system because most dual sports have barely adequate brakes. Very few if any are to the level of an average streetbike. A disc in the front and rear is best. Recommend a stainless front line in general and regular maintenance if you're going to be in the dirt a lot. Rider training and skill is much more important than equipment....it's true on all aspects of motorcycles. Good riders on 10 year old bikes are faster/safer than so-so riders on the latest and greatest
Cooling: Water or air?
--most of the 250's are air cooled with the exception of the klr's. It wouldn't be a deciding factor for me. Water cooling is nice but the simplicity of air-cooled is also nice. It's a wash
Weight: I'd like to get around easily and jump anything. Restrictions suck!
--No model of dual sport is exactly great at any real jumping. Think less motocross with jumps and more casual trail riding and dirt roads with small jumps. Weight is also up compared to real enduros and mx bikes.
Muffler choice: I don't like being heard.
--leave it stock with a rejet and larger airbox opening(dependent on model)
I've been doing some online research, yet all of the information I find is on the newer bikes.. I want something from the 90's and cheap!
--here is every 250 model of every brand produced
http://www.250ccbikes.com/thelist.htm
Enigma