Making a trail XR250 street ready

J

jaypro55

Member

Aug 6, 2001

417

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• Feb 8, 2002

• #1

My mom had a stroke of genius tonight. She said that it would be cool if I had a street and trail bike, then I could get my motorcycle learner's permit and be able to ride out to football practice and back in the summer. I'll turn 16 in May, and in PA you need to have 6 months of your learner's permit before you can get your license. So having a motorcycle license would make things much cooler for those 6 months.

But back to my question. I want to get a new bike, and I was thinking of getting an XR250. Now I like the bike for the woods, it's all I need. But I don't want to get an XR250L. They're terrible trail bikes from what I've heard. So I was thinking, get a an XR250R (trail model) and convert it. I figure I could try to buy the stuff I needed (headlight, taillight, turn signals, speedometer) and then be able to take it off when I wanted. And I'd have to try to find tires that weren't too aggressive either. But I wondered how much something like this would set me back and if you guys have any opinions on it.

 

BSWIFT

Sponsoring Member

N. Texas SP

LIFETIME SPONSOR

Nov 25, 1999

7,926

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• Feb 8, 2002

• #2

A buddy of mine did his with a Baja Designs kit. Sorry I don't have the web address but you can do a search and get the info.:)

 

J

jaypro55

Member

Aug 6, 2001

417

0

• Feb 8, 2002

• Thread starter
• #3

Yeah I saw something like that. It even reviewed the bike with the kit. It seemed pretty cool. I'd like to pick up a 96' or so 250 for around $2000 or so and get that kit for $450. That'd be awesome. I really want to be able to do this.

 

BSWIFT

Sponsoring Member

N. Texas SP

LIFETIME SPONSOR

Nov 25, 1999

7,926

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• Feb 8, 2002

• #4

You'll have to check into your local laws on the actual licensing put it can be done.:)

 

Z

zilla

Member

Nov 4, 2001

217

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• Feb 8, 2002

• #5

Baja Designs is right here

yer welcome
zilla

 

N

NVR FNSH

~SPONSOR~

Oct 31, 2000

1,235

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• Feb 9, 2002

• #6

My wife's '92 XR250R is street legal - Baja Designs kit. It's ok to ride around town but I wouldn't want to use it as an every day commuter. It's underpowered for the hwy and not the most comfortable street bike. Also, there will be no ignition lock so you MUST lock it up with a cable. Pirelli MT21s are DOT legal and work reasonably well on both pavement and dirt. There are other more aggressive DOT legal tires - Dunlop 606 - but IMO they don't wear as well on pavement. The BD kit adds ~8 lbs and it's not worth taking anything except the rear blinkers off for the long trail rides. I've broken 3 rear blinkers on my '99 WR400 - BD kitted - mostly from kicking them. I finally installed the non-DOT legal flush mount blinkers and haven't had a problem since.

Brian

 

kmccune

2-Strokes forever

LIFETIME SPONSOR

Jul 3, 1999

2,726

1

• Feb 10, 2002

• #7

This got me thinking (I know... amazing!) I went to Hondas web sit and found that they don't make a DS model 250 or 400. When did they stop making the DS model? I'm not sure if I've ever seen a XR400L but they did make a 250?:confused:

Kevin

 

Patman

Pantless Wonder

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Dec 26, 1999

19,765

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• Feb 10, 2002

• #8

jaypro55 you need to seek out DRN member TexKDX (don't let the name fool ya'). He has converted several bikes to dual sporters and currently is pretty enamored with his XR280 setup which he did a big DS ride on a couple months ago. While the specifics of PA registration will be different I'm sure you will get tons of valuable info on the subject from him.

 

J

jaypro55

Member

Aug 6, 2001

417

0

• Feb 10, 2002

• Thread starter
• #9

hey thanks a whole lot Patman. I will try to seek him out if the situation comes closer to being a reality. I really like the idea of doing it, but I don't know if it can happen. But I appreciate your help.

 

Tree Crippler

Member

Jun 8, 2000

136

0

• Feb 11, 2002

• #10

Denny is the most recent member to Dual Sport a bike in PA. I did mine last year in May and the laws changed a little in July.

Pa has a motorcycle program to get your driving license. All you have to do is go to a local motorcycle shop and ask about the class dates. If they don't know call Bobs Cyle Shop in Sayre PA for info. Its for a couple of hours each day for 3 days. After completion you get your DL. You have to have a learners permit first. They provide the bike. They used the Honda 250NX back in the early 90's. I can answer any Pa question so fire away.

 

J

jaypro55

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Aug 6, 2001

417

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• Feb 11, 2002

• Thread starter
• #11

I hope you can answer this...

I am 15 now. I'll turn 16 in May, the 24th to be exact. Now if you're familar with the new teenage driver laws, you'll know that turning 16 only enables you to go take the written exam to obtain your Learner's Permit. (this is for an autmobile license by the way). Then, you must have 6 months and 50 documented driving hours before you can take your road test. If you pass the road test, you get your junior license.

So my question is this. I want to know if I can get my car learner's permit after I turn 16, and also get my motorcycle learners permit at the same time. Cause the whole idea of this dual sport idea is so I can be able to transport my self real short distances over the summer. So if you could help me out, I'd be really happy.

 

Tree Crippler

Member

Jun 8, 2000

136

0

• Feb 12, 2002

• #12

I know if you have your car license you just mail in for you bike learners permit. I would think you can get a bike permit after your written test.

 

J

jaypro55

Member

Aug 6, 2001

417

0

• Feb 12, 2002

• Thread starter
• #13

Yeah, I would imagine that too. Hopefully... I haven't been able to find anything on the PennDOT website.