I've been a quad rider for a little while now (Suzuki KingQuad 400) but wanted a 2-wheeler for better access to some areas on our farm property not suited to a quad (slopes, narrow bush tracks). Apart from the quad, I had only previously ridden road bikes, so I wanted something fairly mild and forgiving as my first 2-wheel dirt/trail bike, but with reasonable power for some steepish hills (I'm 6 ft and 106kg). The traditional "farm" bikes like the DR200, AG200 and CTX200 did not appeal much.
So after doing some homework I took a punt and recently bought a 2009 model TTR250 which has only 522 kms on it. It was imported new from Australia to New Zealand by a local Yamaha dealer in 2009, and I bought it from the first purchaser. It has the full road kit with it (indicators, mirrors, plate holder). The first owner had only used it for a few bush hunting trips, as he also had a WR250. It has some minor cosmetic scrapes here and there, but is basically a brand new bike.
I'm giving it a birthday once over at the moment (oil, plug, filters, general cleanup) but had a wee blast on it before I started on that. I found the power is smooth and comes on quickly - adequate and scary enough for my novice riding. The front brake is surprisingly snappy so I soon dropped back to 1 or 2 fingers with that. I think it'll be a lot of fun and ample for the trail riding I have planned for it.
Cheers
-- Edited by The Vivinator on Sunday 7th of February 2021 06:57:43 PM
Hi Viv,
Good to see another Kiwi TTR Owner on the Forum.
That was certainly a great find, with only those low “kays” on it.
You should find the TTRs Forum and Shop a great help for knowledge and bits.
I’ve visited them in Devon, UK, twice and both Steve, Brian and their families are very nice people.
We are living in paradise at the moment with the Covid thing being stopped at the Border in the quarantine facilities etc so there is nothing to stop us getting out and about on the Trails and generally living a normal life,
Thinking of the poor Brits going into their full Lockdown today, in the middle of a dull looking Winter, while we are lounging around in sunshine and 27c.
Cheers
Jeff
I'm no Jacinda/Labour fan, but yes we are indeed fortunate down here in NZ at the moment. It is easy to become oblivious to the misery overseas when we are so insulated from it, with life having returned to normal here fairly quickly. I sympathise with all the people in those countries where the disease is not under control.
It's a reminder that we should make the most of good fortune while we have it, and I am certainly looking forward to getting out for some trail riding fun on the new bike soon!
I'm no Jacinda/Labour fan, but yes we are indeed fortunate down here in NZ at the moment. It is easy to become oblivious to the misery overseas when we are so insulated from it, with life having returned to normal here fairly quickly. I sympathise with all the people in those countries where the disease is not under control.
It's a reminder that we should make the most of good fortune while we have it, and I am certainly looking forward to getting out for some trail riding fun on the new bike soon!
Cheers
I think NZ did the right think in going hard early, If not for the international flights Australia would have ZERO CV19 cases....it's pretty much back close to normal here in South Australia ATM, taking the TTR out in the morning for a ride before it heats up.
The Government listened to the Scientists and we did a one month of Full Lockdown earlier in the year, which I think the UK is going through now.
Also, the huge “Moat” that surrounds NZ has kept our Borders clean and after the Full Lockdown our Government put in very strict quarantine facilities that everyone coming home has to spend at least 14 days in, before they are released into the community. Those “catch” about four cases of Covid a day.
The Government listened to the Scientists and we did a one month of Full Lockdown earlier in the year, which I think the UK is going through now.
Also, the huge “Moat” that surrounds NZ has kept our Borders clean and after the Full Lockdown our Government put in very strict quarantine facilities that everyone coming home has to spend at least 14 days in, before they are released into the community. Those “catch” about four cases of Covid a day.
Will be out on the TTR in the sunshine tomorrow.
Thinkin’ of you Brits.
KiwiJeff
Just got back from a ride on the TTR, because it going to be a high of 37/38c here today I rode the TTR on the blacktop, 105kms of twisties, picked every twistie back road I could think off & not a single traffic light....I live right at the edge of the hills so easy to find good roads.
Missed a brown snake by about an inch, boy they are fast & shiny...BTW I do not like snakes
Yes we have a huge MOAT as well but CV19 has escaped a few times & caused havoc, we are still pretty lucky here. With the numbers in the UK it's going to take a while to clear up, Boris should have gone hard early IMHO
Cheers Terry
-- Edited by TerryK on Saturday 9th of January 2021 11:38:44 PM