DR-Z250 / TT-R250 / Pampera 250

[robojet]

I’ve been reading everything I can from the “What Bike…” forum and more importantly the “Women’s forum” trying to decide on a bike. I was trying to avoid a post, but I ended up with a couple of questions I would like to ask.

I use to ride 15-20 years ago in the CA desert. I plan on riding in similar conditions (CA/AZ desert) with some light street riding. I am 5’8”, 150lbs. Because I have some persisting back/ankle injuries, I am interested in low seat height (I’m flat footed around 32-33” seat height) and electric start (I recently tried to start a friends XL600R and just about killed myself – and never got it started). I had pretty much decided on a DR-Z250 or a TT-R250 (leaning towards the DR) but just discovered this thing called a GAS GAS! The weight alone is impressive. So here’s my questions:

I know the Pampera 250 has a 34” seat height. This might be OK, but can it be adjusted down or is there a suggested mod (like new seat or cutting the foam)?

How will the Pampera handle in the CA/AZ deserts? Anyone with experience here?

I had considered the XR250, but rejected it when I read a lot about its difficulty in starting. How is the Pampera to start?

How does the power compare to my other options?

THANKS!

 

[robojet]

Forgot to mention: I rode an RM125 back then.

 

[BunduBasher]

Pampera 250/280 is kick start, two stroke, and much lighter than the 250 four strokes. It also has the lowest seat height. The Pampera is very similar to a KDX in power delivery, has a very torquey motor which comes from their trials machines, and is a hell of a lot of fun to ride, delivers its power like a 4 stroke, and you can run in low revs and use the power without bogging. With the Pampera you get the best of both worlds, two stroke power with 4 stroke rideability. If you want to go with electric start, I guess the DRZ250 is a slightly better bet than the TTR250 - still both bikes are pigs and a few falls will knock the stuffing out of you. If you like 4 stroke, want a lightweight option, and have dough to throw, then a BBR engineered XR is the way to go.

 

[robojet]

BunduBasher: Your post shows you have a Pampera 280... Is it easy to start? My understanding is that the 4-strokes are much more difficult than 2s. Also, I don't remember having much trouble with my RM125 - but that was a long time ago for me.

 

[BunduBasher]

The Pampera starts easily enough, takes a little getting used to, as it is a little stiffer than say a 125, or regular 250. This is because of the trails engine. Usually starts with 1 or 2 kicks. The 250 is a little easier to start, otherwise the bikes are almost identical. I chose the 280 because of my size, I weigh as much as my Pampera :scream: :)

From what I hear, the ladies love their Pamps, both the 250 and 280. You should try to ride one, you may be pleasantly surprised.

Alan

 

[LoriKTM]

When considering seat height, you should also take into account how WIDE the bike is. You'll find it much easier to touch ground on a narrow bike that is a little taller, than you will on a shorter bike that is wider.

As an extreme example, I've sat on Harleys that claim a 28" seat height, but yet they were so wide across the middle that I could only touch the tips of my toes on either side. (I'm 5'3" with about 29-30" inseam). Your best bet is to actually SIT on the bikes you are considering. You'll be surprised that some of these so-called "short" bikes aren't any easier to touch ground on.