What is enduro?
The name comes from the word “indurare”, which in Latin means “hardy”, “patient”. Indeed, a motorcycle of this class is mainly intended for off-road use, but it is widely in demand not only because of this - it is comfortable and fast, like a meteor.
Historically, the bike is associated with motorsports - racing with obstacles on roads (which can only be called such only conditionally), requiring courage, strength and endurance from the motorcyclist and his iron horse. Over the course of its evolution, enduro began to be used in several areas, including amateur racing on regular roads.
Characteristic features of enduro motorcycles are:
- relatively small weight category;
- one (two) cylinder engine;
- larger diameter front wheel;
- wide, high-set steering wheel;
- low power;
- large suspension span;
- low motor sound.
Classification
There are three main groups of bikes in this class.
Hard
Their appearance becomes a reason to mistakenly classify them as sports motorcycles. Indeed, they have a lot in common - and this is no coincidence, because hard courts are often built on the basis of sneakers. However, this does not mean at all that it is so.
The first thing that distinguishes hard from the rest of its fellow enduro hard bikes is:
- excellent chassis strength;
- energy intensity;
- impact resistance of parts and finishes with minimal weight;
- high power-to-weight ratio compared to other enduro bikes.
However, hard bikes also have disadvantages: service life measurement in engine hours, similar to motocross bikes, and maintenance intervals that are shorter than those of “civilian” motorcycles.
Software
This class is suitable for driving both off-road in nature and along well-trodden city avenues. Therefore, it is often called a dual-purpose bike or a compromise enduro.
An excellent option for lovers of nature, fishermen, and villagers. He is not afraid of bumps, holes and other obstacles.
Today, unfortunately, this category among manufacturers is characterized by a clear shift towards asphalt motorcycles.
Touring enduro
Comfortable for long journeys, equipped with equipment from protective bars to navigation systems. The most popular class of bikes, especially abroad, sales significantly exceed other types of enduro.
A powerful engine and durable suspensions - all this is designed for heavy workload without compromising technical parameters and service life. The only downside is, perhaps, that driving on Russian off-road roads becomes more difficult due to its large weight and dimensions. Everything else is at the highest level.
When buying an enduro, you should first of all proceed from your goals, financial capabilities and experience.
Rating of Chinese motorcycles
Every year, Chinese motorcycles delight fans with new products, so ratings are compiled that are constantly changing, because Chinese manufacturers compete with each other, introducing new technological solutions. The rating of Chinese cross-country motorcycles is compiled according to the following parameters:
- Economical. Fuel consumption can be up to 4 liters per 100 km. And with an impressive tank volume (15 liters), this makes it possible to drive for several hundred kilometers without refueling.
- Affordable service. Even if you use the services of a service station, the cost of repairs and spare parts will be adequate.
The rating of Chinese cross-country motorcycles includes models with two- and four-stroke engines. The advantage of two-stroke models is good torque and simple design. Four-strokes are less reliable and not as powerful, but at low speeds they are superior to two-strokes.
Which enduro should I buy first: 250 or 400 cc?
To understand which enduro and why it is best for a novice motorcyclist to take his first steps, you need to look not only at the purpose of the bike, but also at the engine capacity.
"Soft" (up to 250 cubic meters)
They weigh on average 120 kg. Low weight and dimensions are one of the main advantages in comparison with larger enduros. Relatively inexpensive. They can cope with any suburban conditions, while being maneuverable in a metropolis.
They are not skittish, they will easily forgive some control mistakes, so they are quite suitable for beginners to master driving. A slight rise in the saddle is very useful for short motorcyclists. The engines are simple with one air-cooled cylinder.
Light (250-300 cc)
Perhaps the most popular among Russian motorcyclists are SUVs. The main advantage of the so-called “quarters” is that they are universal and cost less than their cubic counterparts. They are also great for beginners starting out and learning driving skills.
With a low weight, the 250s have good power. They give confidence in city traffic and on the highway, where a reliable and unpretentious single-cylinder engine allows you to rush with a breeze of up to 140 km/h. Thanks to the strong chassis, energy-intensive suspensions and different-sized wheels, it ensures quiet passage of broken country roads and off-road terrain, overcoming ditches, stones, logs, curbs, etc.
A more rigid version also belongs to the same class (250-300). It is distinguished by a sporty bias - stronger suspension, a small gas tank, narrow saddles, and symbolic headlights. This is basically the same cross-country shoe, so it is not recommended for a beginner who does not have good skills to purchase it. Only an experienced motorcyclist can realize all the possibilities of a 300cc hard enduro.
If we consider the destination class, then soft and touring 250 cc enduros may be an ideal option for a beginner. They have a calmer character and almost every novice motorcyclist can ride them without any problems.
"Medium" (400-650 cubic meters)
The class of balanced all-rounders and powerful sports bikes is unlikely to be suitable for beginners - only trained motorcyclists should ride these enduro bikes. Overall, this is an excellent vehicle for daily driving and long-distance driving on any road. On the highway it is more comfortable and quicker to fire than “checks”. They weigh on average 140 kg.
“Heavy” (from 650 cubic meters)
Designed mainly for long journeys on roads and off-road. There are tough variations - successors to the line of the first champions of famous races; There are soft ones - all-terrain vehicles. It is better for beginners not to sit on either one or the other.
Such monsters weigh 1.5-2 centners. In addition to classic single-cylinder engines, among them you can see two-cylinder and V-shaped variations.
Enduro also has some disadvantages:
- The seat height is from 800 mm, due to long-travel suspensions and high ground clearance, that is, it is quite difficult for a person of average height to reach with his legs, and at the first rides this seems quite important, but you quickly get used to it. For example, with my height and relatively low seat height, I can somehow reach it.
- Girls rarely like dirty endurists))
- Driving only on asphalt is boring.
- Often the gas tank does not allow long hauls, and the light from the front headlight in the dark is insufficient (does not apply to all models).
At the current prices: for a hundred you can find a live endurik made in Japan, for a hundred and a half you can find a quite vigorous one, for 50-90 a Chinese one. A new dealer one is also possible, but the price tag these days is not particularly humane.
I think that to begin with, the best choice would be a single-cylinder, four-stroke, air-cooled, 200-250 cc enduro.
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Author: Yuri (Er...)
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Other criteria for choosing an enduro for a beginner
The soft version (250 cc and less) is best suited for a beginner, as it meets the basic criteria of a motorcycle for beginners:
- Ease and simplicity of control. It’s easy to control, like a bicycle, and it can squeeze through everywhere due to its narrow profile and high steering wheel – it won’t touch the mirrors of most cars.
- Good review. Achieved thanks to a high, straight landing - you can look over cars without any problems.
- Single cylinder engine. Provides traction from the very bottom, which is just right for beginners.
- Simplicity and low maintenance costs.
- Sufficient speed for beginners. For those who like to ride with the breeze, a cruising speed of 100 km/h (plus or minus 10) will be enough. The speed is limited by the absence of a fairing and a long suspension stroke, while it does not depend on the engine capacity (therefore, when choosing software, you should not chase power - weight is more important). Acceleration time to 100 km depends on the speed of gear changes (they are short), for a beginner it will be useful to learn how to do this quickly. In addition, there will be an opportunity to master the skill of working with your own weight.
The best Chinese 450cc motorcycle
Many Chinese motorcycles with an engine capacity of 450 cc. see, there is a 4-stroke power unit, with 1 cylinder, the power of which is 45 hp. Fuel is supplied through an injector or carburetor, which depends on the specific model. The engines are started using a kickstarter or electric starter, while many models are equipped with electronic ignition.
According to some analysts, the best Chinese 450cc dirt bike is the BSE M8 450E. Year of manufacture – 2022. The peculiarity of this bike is that it has a special aluminum frame made using patented technology.
The manufacturer equips this motorcycle with 21/18 wheels with durable CNC hubs. The bike also boasts a Keihin PWK 38 carburetor and Zongshen ZS 194 MQ engines. This combination works great, resulting in 44 hp. and 9000 rpm. Gear shifting is carried out by a 6-speed gearbox.
Rating of the best enduro for beginners
So, you have already collected the required amount of money to purchase a suitable bike. There is no need to rush, because you need to choose an enduro according to your desires and needs. The options that will be presented below will suit all the criteria.
Honda XR 250 Baja
It cannot be confused with similar models - the manufacturer has provided the motorcycle with a large double headlight and a more reliable engine with good lower traction, which will come in handy off-road.
28 hp and a weight of 119 kg is quite a suitable option for a beginner to feel what a real bike is like. But it is hardly suitable for long-distance travel, since it is equipped with a hard and narrow seat, and besides, the loaded rear significantly relieves the load on the front wheel, which does not add comfort.
Equipping the rear suspension with a linkage system allows it to work better than a pendulum. It was this model that conquered the vastness of Altai, the highlands of Tyva and other mountainous areas, where it showed itself excellently.
The cost of a used model will be from 2000 to 5000 USD, and a new one – from 6000 USD.
See the review and test drive of this enduro model:
Yamaha TTR250 Raid
It is a popular version of the “tourist” TT-R 250. It features a large saddle and a tank designed for 400 km. The engine is reliable and simple, air-cooled. Suitable for the metropolis and long difficult hikes. The huge headlight is protected by a frame and shines powerfully.
The suspensions are not as steep as on the Honda, but they are quite suitable for light off-roading, and a beginner does not yet need to jump over obstacles. But you can learn how to drive enduro on it. This model is easy to operate and maneuver. The engine performs well at low and high levels – this is also a plus for beginners. Weighs 120 kg, has a power of 30 hp.
Costs from 1500 to 3500 USD. depending on the mileage traveled. Without mileage it will cost around 4000 USD.
An overview of the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of the Yamaha TTR250 Raid is presented in this video:
Yamaha XT 250 Serow
Incorporates the best of the XT series - reliability and simplicity. Manufacturers developed this model specifically for difficult off-road conditions. The motorcycle is equipped with a four-stroke engine (air cooling, two-valve head).
The chassis has average suspension travel and a modern half-duplex frame. 20 horsepower, light weight (119 kg) plus great looks and ease of operation - an excellent choice for a beginner. The Yamaha Serow is capable of giving a head start to many off-road bikes, but is not very suitable for long-distance travel.
The cost of a new model can be up to 8,000 USD, and with mileage - from 1,900 to 7,000 USD. depending on the year of manufacture and the number of kilometers driven.
An overview and test drive of this enduro is presented in the following video:
Yamaha WR250R
It has been produced relatively recently, especially when compared with previous models - since 2008. The design is reminiscent of cross-country enduros, which only makes it more attractive. The frame is made of aluminum - this lightens the weight of the motorcycle.
The suspension travel is the same on both sides and is considered one of the most successful among similar models - 27 cm. The rear shock absorbers are perfectly adjustable. The only thing that can be considered a drawback is that it will be difficult for short motorcyclists to control it, because The seat height is 930 mm.
Used models cost from 3500 to 7500 USD, and new ones – from 8000 USD.
For an overview of the main characteristics of the Yamaha WR250R and a test drive of the motorcycle, watch this video:
How I chose a sports endurik...
Having ridden the Chinese endurike to my heart’s content, I began to think that it wasn’t enough for me.
The engine is frankly weak, despite 400 cc. Chinese cubes are like that. The suspension... Well, it seems to be there, and it seems to work, but it sucks. And the moped itself is heavy, 140 kg. And it was I who removed everything unnecessary from him. So. After the new year, it was decided to look for something more serious. What were the selection criteria: Stroke: 2 Volume: 250-300 cubic meters Clutch: Hydraulics Age: No more than 3 years Documents: Sports equipment with a transparent history (not stolen) Condition: The better the better Preferably without progression Availability of spare parts
Now in more detail, what and why. Why 2T? Because I think the 2T is ideal for enduro. Yes, it doesn't have much low end. But unlike cross-country racing, in enduro you have to work more with the clutch rather than with the gas. Yes, it doesn’t have engine braking, but that’s just how I like it. Yes, it is difficult to maintain a steady throttle. But this is not necessary mostly, either you accelerate or brake. This is not a cross. But the advantages seem more significant to me. As a rule, the weight is lower and the CG is lower than 4T due to the light head. A moped is easier to revive after swimming. Instantly gains momentum. There are still many pros and cons in maintenance, but in general, 2T and 4T come out the same if it is a sports equipment. In terms of volume it is also clear, if 2t then 250 cubic meters for the eyes, but 300 were also considered. The clutch is also critical, because... fingers are not iron. Therefore, all the Japanese disappeared at once, they were all on cables. Regarding the documents. I realized that I don’t need a moped with a title because... I don't drive on the roads. I'm more interested in closed tracks, forests, fields. That's why I was looking for sports equipment. But at the same time, I didn’t want to take a stolen one, so I tried to check the wines in every possible way. I didn’t want progression either. I’m not such a pro to understand the difference in progression and, for example, a shock absorber with PDS, but the disadvantages in it are obvious to me: the lever that sticks into the logs, and the dirt collector that needs to be completely disassembled.
If you put all these whims together, the choice is not very large. Only Europeans fit into 2T and clutch. Sherco, Gas-Gas, KTM, Husaberg, Husqvarna. Sherco and Gas-Gas are quite rare here, although I almost took one Frenchman. But he left before I was ready to go look. Yes, and there were 1-2 offers during the entire time I was looking (a couple of months). By the way, just this winter-spring, all two-stroke models began to disappear from the used moped market. I suspect that this is all due to new eco-standards in Europe, thanks to which fuel-injected 2T endurics appeared this year. But these same standards banned the production of 2T carb motorcycles and in 2017 it suddenly became impossible to buy a new 2T enduro, they simply weren’t produced. As a result, people changed their minds about selling their old 2T. But these are my assumptions, but it slipped through too clearly. So, only KTM, Husaberg and Husqvarna remained. I didn’t like Husky because she was progressive. KTM because it is red, I don’t like this color. And there are too few Husabergs. But in the end, I looked at ALL of these manufacturers and took them specifically based on the totality of their characteristics. And there were really few offers. At one time I even thought about ordering a new KTM 18 model year, but I wish I could only get it... But it seems like they just started coming to Russia recently. I'm lucky. I found Husaberg in my favorite color, blue. The mileage is 183 hours, the moped is practically stock, not damaged.
How much he eats, how much he rushes and impressions next time
