Back on the hunt for an off-roader

However, the finaces only go upto £1500.  Road legal and I guess 250cc upwards… its a big ask to have something I can take into London (with the ULEZ) crap going on, will be a big ask.

Honda are doing crf250 rally on 0APR pcp deal … till next month?

PCP isn’t worth the paper it is written on

I’ve actually been looking for something similar (without the ULEZ headache) and it is actually pretty hard to get something 400cc and up for that money even with it being 10+ years old

I’ve been browsing off-road bikes for a while at £1500-2000. For that price, you’re going to get a shitter or unbelievably lucky.

oh and certainly nothing ULEZ compliant over 125cc


I've been browsing off-road bikes for a while at £1500-2000. For that price, you're going to get a shitter or unbelievably lucky.
me_groovy
you may find a Rotax powered CCM for that money 

& not all are shitters 


PCP isn't worth the paper it is written on
The Sleeper
I'm pretty sure it's not a PCP, just a straight finance loan.

£399.00 deposit, 36 x £136.94 monthly payments, no final settlement. 

Some of the Open TRF forums on FB advertise, definitely in the closed ones…https://www.facebook.com/groups/HertsTRF/

I have seen a few that state “they can easily apply to get road legal status”.

What is involved in this process?

Why do you want an off roader for going into London?

I have seen a few that state “they can easily apply to get road legal status”. What is involved in this process? IMORTAL_Indian
You will get more info on the TRF forum !

The odd commute… more so for Box Hill. Keeping options open.


I’ve never done it, but from what I understand you need:
Horn
Rear light
Brake lights

You then take it for an sva (single vehicle approval) 

https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-approval/motorcycle-single-vehicle-approval

[quote] Why do you want an off roader for going into London? --- ad [/quote]

The odd commute… more so for Box Hill. Keeping options open.

IMORTAL_Indian
hmmm you'll def want something without a kickstart then. my bike (husky TE310R) doesn't even have a keyed ignition. it's just a start button and a kickstart so definitely not london friendly! the other thing is nobbly tyres – they're not the best on tarmac and it will also wreck them over time. and then there's the matter of a single cylinder engine – they generally don't like constant throttle, the engines are designed to be up and down the range constantly. if you keep them open at highish rpm too long, too often it'll kill the engine. singles also require very regular servicing. for instance, i change the oil on my 310 every 100-150 miles.

with these things combined it may narrow your search considerably. that said the suzuki drz is pretty bomb proof but think that’s a 400. dirt bikes are pretty specific beasts. there’s probably only a few models that’d be suitable for your purposes…

I joined surrey trf in 2008  … and have a trusty 07 drz 400 e  …with mooses ( so no punctures) , key start, mot etc  … it doesnt get much use as I got into trials … but is the ‘e’ version so they make nice robust supermotos apparently cos they are faster (plastic tank, better carb) …had it since it was 6months old  … 

Just checked the ULEZ …

"Yellow SUZUKI DRZ 400 E

You are not subject to the ULEZ."

trouble is they make  ~£2200 - 2500  … prices firmed up on all dirt bikes cos they are £7k for a new one these day s…I am in no rush to jumble sale it … might ride it to mongolia if I get divorced  but if someone is interested in getting into green laning then this is a great bike to dip your toe in the water

I’ve got the drz400s, slowly being made into an E (carb done so far, cams commingled next)

The ulez checker is broken, it thinks all my bikes are compliant when none are

[/quote]

I’ve got the drz400s, slowly being made into an E (carb done so far, cams commingled next)
The ulez checker is broken, it thinks all my bikes are compliant when none are

Boris
The Checker things all bikes pass because its not been updated for the ULEZ yet 

Going to see a WR450f later this week… The ULEZ is going to be an issue… so will just be heading away from London and using…

Anything specific to look out for with the bike?

WRs are pretty bulletproof, but the stock valves are two-piece titanium and prone to coming apart especially if the oil’s not been changed regularly. An upgrade to steel is pretty common (less high-revving, but stronger; better for trail riding and worse for racing). 

Make sure the previous owner has been pretty anal about oil and filter changes, and that the gauze in the frame under the oil tank hasn’t seized.

Which year is it?