I am looking to get a trail bike and I am torn between the TTR and the Serrow, personally I prefer the TTR, but I am 5 foot 5 with a 28 inch inseam.
The last trail bike I rode was an AJP PR3 with a seat height of around 840 and i tried a lowered WR250F but i could not touch the ground at all!!. I it possible to lower the TTR by around 60 mm,?
The next question is the side stand, can i get on the bike using the side stand is it strong enough (this is how i get on the Triumph!)
The TTR250 side stand is capable of taking your weight to get on the bike, unlike a ktm I had which the stand couldn't take the weight of the bike let alone being stood on!
You could also try putting the bike in gear before getting on then let the clutch out and hop on as you move off.
I currently own both. My "Serow" is a 2007 xt225 (North American). Though the TTR has the edge off-road, the Serow is really a very capable trail bike. Unless you are already very comfortable riding dirt bikes and riding off-road, I agree with Colin. Given your inseam, even with a lowering link, I think that you would be a lot more comfortable on the Serow. Contact the xt225 forum. If at some point you feel like you have "outgrown" the Serow, you can always move on.
My mate owns a XT225 and I have ridden it many times. It is very capable, as mentioned but tends to lack power. It is more of a tractor than a bike but still nice to ride none the less.
The TTR250 is a VERY capable and still has a bit of punch to excite, especially when modified. It is a tall bike and it took me a little to get used to myself, but now I don't have any trouble. The XT does not have many mod's that helps other than installing a larger pilot than stock (and it usually needs this done).
Jarrah
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2000 TT-R250M-
Spoiler
Ported & polished, 73mm bore, Wizeco piston, US header pipe, FMF Q4, #150 main jet, #52.5 pilot jet, throttle stop screw adjusted, larger snorkel, GYT-R air filter, NGK Iridium spark plug, 14/51 gearing, NOS +