u/Number9GMB

I asked for some suggestions a couple days ago about a small and light dual sport, sounds like the XT250 was a heavy favorite.

I am looking at one tomorrow in my area, just looking for a price check. This is cross posted in the XT250 sub:

2012 XT250 with about 13k miles. Appears to be in good shape and well maintained besides a few scuffs on the plastics. Comes with some extras (exhaust, skid plate, extra tire/tubes, etc.)

Buyer is in New England asking $3000.

New to the dual sport world so I'm not sure how fair of a price that is. Seems close, if maybe slightly on the high side just going by my gut instinct.

Thanks!

Going to check out a 2012 XT250 with about 13k miles. Appears to be in good shape and well maintained besides a few scuffs on the plastics. Comes with some extras (exhaust, skid plate, extra tire/tubes, etc.)

Buyer is in New England asking $3000.

New to the dual sport world so I'm not sure how fair of a price that is. Seems close, if maybe slightly on the high side just going by my gut instinct.

Thanks!

I want to get a little dual sport as my sole motorcycle after selling my previous bikes.

I have owned a Triumph Legend 900, and a BMW 650gs. Both were awesome bikes for different reasons. But ultimately they were too big, too heavy, and in the case of the BMW, too maintenance complex for my liking.

I don’t ride as much anymore, so something lightweight and simple is my goal, I don’t ride the freeway or with a passenger. Just two lane roads, in town, and some gravel forrest roads.

What would you get given those requirements and trying to keep it under $3000 used? For additional context, I’m 5ft 10, around 170lbs and have been riding for about ten years.

Some context first: I have been riding for about 10 years, started on a Honda Rebel 250, which I rode for a summer before buying a Triumph Legend 900 TT. I loved that thing, unique, tons of torque, great sound, cool styling. I made it my own and really enjoyed owning it.

Life went on, I got married and had a child, other hobbies got in the way. I found myself not riding as much, and being reluctant to get on a bike that felt a little heavy and cumbersome for someone who wasn't doing it daily anymore. I also had the itch to hit some dirt roads and trails, which couldn't be done with the Triumph. I sold it and bought a BMW 650GS the same day. I thought I was downsizing and getting a bike that would be more approachable for infrequent riding, and could get off the pavement a bit. It sounded good on paper but never really quite hit the spot. I liked riding it, but it was still a little heavy for my taste, and not easy to work on. I sold that bike in the spring after less than two years of ownership, thinking I was done riding until kids were a little older.

Well now I regret it, I still have the itch to get out there and wish I had a small and simple motorcycle to just tool around town on.

I've considered a couple, but at a bit of a loss. Ideally I'd like to keep the weight low, 500cc or less, simple, reliable, and with some ability to hit a gravel road. I've scoured the used market and considered a few bikes like the XT250, SR250/400, DR200, etc. I would imagine a dual sport fits the bill, but I definitely have a soft spot for more retro/classic/standard style bikes. Is there something out there I'm describing that I just haven't found yet?