November has arrived, and with it the end of the 2020 motorcycle season. Even the most reckless motorcyclists have already put their “sports” and naked bikes in their garages - riding has become cold, slippery, and dangerous. No pleasure.
The author of the material also said goodbye to his 310 until spring and immediately became sad - I really don’t want to forget about the pleasure of riding a motorcycle for six months.
The following is a text from Denis Logunovich, Onliner.by.
Out of desperation, I began to study specialized websites and specialized YouTube channels on the topic of winter rides on two-wheeled vehicles. It turns out that there is a class of motorcycles for which the season never ends. This is enduro. In winter they are even more interesting to drive. But only off-road. If you thought that you would find in this article instructions on how to drive 150 km/h along the avenue in a snowfall on a Yamaha R1, then close the page. Enduro is a different world. A world of ugly, dirty motorcycles that girls don’t take pictures next to. To study the issue in more depth, I took several enduro riding lessons. Before this, I had never ridden a motorcycle off the asphalt.
How is enduro different from cross-country?
Let's take a look at classes right away. Enduro is a huge segment that includes various models from light off-road motorcycles to heavy touring enduros like the BMW R1250 GS, KTM 1290 Super Adventure or Honda Africa Twin. Racing through snowdrifts on a Bavarian “Goose” is a so-so idea, so fans of winter motorcycling prefer light enduro bikes, which sometimes are not even registered. The average person will easily mistake such a motorcycle for a motocross bike. What's the difference?
— The enduro motorcycle has an electric starter and a soft suspension, which allows you to jump over logs and comfortably move through pits and bumpy forest roads. Cross models do not have a battery or lighting equipment. Everything has been done there to reduce weight. And their suspension is stiffer. I note that enduro models also come without headlights and turn signals, but then they are considered sports equipment and cannot be registered,” instructor Gennady, who organizes amateur enduro rides near Minsk, told Onliner.
The sports disciplines of motocross and enduro competitions are also different. Cross -country is a closed track created artificially. There are spectacular flights and beautiful turns. In general, motocross is a high-speed and dynamic sport, including for spectators. Enduro is primarily of interest to the rider. Enduro competitions can have tracks that are tens of kilometers long, and riders don't always know what awaits them around the next corner. Obstacles can range from river mouths, logs and steep slopes. Endurists often ride through the forest. International competitions usually take place in picturesque locations. It is customary to single out motorcycle trials (strange bikes without seats), but this is too narrow a segment.
In short, motocross is a closed track where athletes race lap after lap, while enduro is off-road racing with a variety of obstacles.
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.
Isn't it difficult to drive in winter?
— Riding enduro in winter is more difficult than in summer, but it is very interesting. If we are talking about people who participate in races, then they simply must ride in the winter so as not to lose their skills. But for ordinary motorcyclists, winter trips will not be superfluous. As you know, at the beginning of the season there is a surge in accidents involving bikes. Of course, this is also due to motorists who are unaccustomed to the presence of two-wheeled vehicles on the roadway, but the fact that bikers do not touch a motorcycle for six months and forget the operating features also plays a role. And if you ride enduro through the forest all winter, then at least you won’t lose your reflexive skills in controlling this equipment,” says Gennady.
Enduro motorcycles from 200,000 to 300,000 rubles
But in the 200-300 thousand category, when it comes to choosing a motorcycle, everything is not at all clear. Here are both top Chinese and Japanese enduros, which are not so old anymore and have very “fun” characteristics. But let's take things in order. On my YouTube channel “Moto Life Enduro” there are quite a few reviews of top Chinese enduro motorcycles. This is the best that Chinese manufacturers offer. There are modern suspensions, excellent brakes, and powerful engines. In addition, all the advantages described above, such as the easy availability of both the motorcycles themselves and spare parts, have not gone away. Prominent representatives of the class are the ZUUM CX300R and Avantis 300Pro.
ZUUM CX300R
But such Japanese cars as Honda CRM or Yamaha WR-F certainly shouldn’t be discounted. The Japanese (especially Yamaha), in terms of characteristics, although not by a head, are still superior to the Chinese horses. Again, thoughtfulness and ergonomics are on their side. The only thing against us is age. Still, 10-12 years for hard enduro is a lot. In addition, the cost of service is not a penny at all. To thoroughly capitalize a technically complex Yamaha engine, it is often necessary to spend more than 100 thousand rubles! But nevertheless, I will leave the question of which motorcycles are better to choose, Chinese tops or Japanese hard enduros, unanswered.
Yamaha WR250F
Also, in this price category, European hard-enduros also appear on the scene. For the money of 200-300 thousand, most of them will be half-dead chariots. But if you search carefully and for a long time, you can stumble upon, for example, a KTM EXC200, Husqvarna, NeftNeft, well, in the sense of GasGas, or a very rare TM. Finding such motorcycles, and even in good condition, is like finding hay in a stack of needles, you will have to inject yourself more than once))) And yes, as always, we do not forget about expensive and frequent maintenance.
Husqvarna TE310
Negative first experience
My first hours of learning to ride enduro were still in dry weather and above-zero temperatures. 15 minutes after the start, I wanted to turn around and finish the lesson. Dirt under the wheels, the rear wagging left and right, a constant feeling of instability. Driving cross-country when you're not used to it is really scary. When I passed category A, the first “motor kilometers” on the asphalt were more pleasant.
It is important to understand that the enduro ride takes place not only along the well-trodden forest paths that you see in the photographs in this article. In practice, you constantly have to overcome deep holes, attack mud puddles, and move from one deep rut to another. Sometimes you drive along the edge of a hill, and the slightest loss of traction inevitably leads to a fall. Slipping and falling flat on the ground is easy. It’s good if it doesn’t cover you with a 120-kilogram bike.
“If you don’t fall 20 times during a workout, it’s not an enduro lesson,” the professionals joke.
Either I was ashamed to tell the instructor a safe word, or male pride played a role (since I’ve taken it on, do it to the end!), but I continued the lesson. For the first hour of riding, I sat on the bike out of habit. The landing is slightly different from the “civilian” one: the body needs to be leaned forward a little, the elbows raised and slightly spread to the sides. But in general, the principle of riding is the same as on a regular road motorcycle - we go where we look, our hands are relaxed, we hold on to the bike with our feet, clasping the tank, there are always a couple of fingers on the front brake and clutch levers. Looking at the instructor, I was perplexed - how does he constantly ride in a standing position and not get tired? How does he change gears? How to use the rear brake? But already during the second lesson I was standing on the steps 90% of the time.
When you sit, it's harder to balance. The stand allows, firstly, to lower the center of gravity (after all, almost the entire body weight in this case presses on the footpegs, which are located quite low), and secondly, it makes it possible to more accurately catch the balance and “swallow” holes. Essentially you have two pendants. The first is the damping elements of the motorcycle, the second is the half-bent legs and arms. Beginners' hands get tired very quickly.
It is more difficult to hold the motorcycle with your feet in a stand, so you automatically hold on to the bike with your hands. You need to learn to relax your hands and forearms. There is an exercise for this - you need to stand on the pegs on a stationary motorcycle and lean back and forth, letting go of the handlebars. Even while standing, your back and legs may get tired. On straight and level areas you can sit down to rest.
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:
Balance
“Balance” is the most important word for an endurist. In the forest, anything can be under your wheels: a tree root, a log, a hole, a deep puddle, steep ascents and descents... To learn how to overcome these obstacles, it is important to learn how to work with balance. Simply put, you need to know which way and how to tilt your body. This feeling comes only with experience, as does the skill of correctly working with the controls of an enduro bike.
For example, on steep descents you need to move your body back as much as possible, engage second gear and brake exclusively with the rear brake. And in order to drive up a mountain, you need to lean forward and use transverse movements of the body to catch your balance, while not forgetting to throttle. If you lose momentum, you will stop right on the climb and slide down. It is better to climb steep hills in second gear and regulate traction on the wheel using the clutch. You turn off the gas to the maximum and use the left lever to dose a portion of torque. A beginner does not succeed every time.
Enduro motorcycles from 100,000 to 200,000 rubles
ZUUM CR250 CB
As for the Japanese, in the category from 100 to 200 thousand, there is already something to choose from. These include two-stroke bikes such as Suzuki RMX, Kawasaki KDX and Honda CRM. By the way, I had one of these representatives, called Suzuki TS200R. I have made a whole series of videos about him. But, of course, the motorcycles of the legendary trio, Honda XR250, Yamaha TTR and Suzuki Djabel (or DR), stand apart in this category. You can also add Kawasaki KLX here. It’s just worth remembering that these are, after all, dual-purpose motorcycles, intended for leisurely motorcycle rides and motorcycle tourism. For hard enduro, the same Chinese “competitors” are better suited. And there are several reasons for this. Firstly, the Chinese motorcycles described above are sports enduros, whose purpose is to ride through the forest, mountains, logs and stones. They are lighter, they have more protective plastic, which is also not brittle. But the same 172nd engine is not at all inferior to these Japanese in terms of power.
Honda XR250
The advantage of Japanese representatives can definitely be called high quality, reliability and thoughtfulness. But only in recent years, the majority give their preference in choosing a motorcycle, after all, in favor of the Chinese. Why? The fact is that due to customs legislation adopted in recent years, it has become no longer advisable to import Japanese motorcycles from their homeland. And those specimens that are in our country are living out their last years. Still, nothing lasts forever. And they are also often used in hard games, for which, as has already been said, they are not really intended. To find a living specimen, you also need to travel quite a bit around the country. Chinese enduros can be bought almost in the nearest supermarket. In addition, the availability of spare parts for Japanese enduros and their prices are far from pleasing to the owners. Sometimes the search for spare parts for Pepelats from the last millennium turns into a real quest. Well, the last nail in the coffin of “old” Japanese motorcycles is that Chinese enduros at this price have greatly improved in quality and reliability in recent years. And of course, they are new. But like any new technology, they will lose more value. I repeat, not because this is Chinese technology, but because this technology is new! Used Chinese, according to my observations and my practice, do not lose much more in price than the Japanese.
First fall
During one of my first classes I had my first fall. As noted above, enduro is when you don’t know what awaits you around the next corner or hill. Having somehow managed to climb a steep hill, I did not expect to see an equally steep descent immediately after the apex of the rise. As a result, I was confused, did not have time to brake and move my body back, so I crashed hard. Considering that this was my first time ever falling on a motorcycle, I was pretty scared.
— Even when you start riding a motorcycle around the city, be prepared that one day you will have to fall. And if you take up enduro, then there will be falls all the time. If you are not ready for this, it is better to find something else to do. There are a lot of ways to get emotions in this world,” the instructor encouraged me. The lesson learned after the fall: if you don’t see, don’t go. On enduro you often have to stop to assess the situation around you.
I shook off the dirt, picked up the motorcycle, and moved on. Now, before completing a ride on any hill, I slow down the gas in order to stop as soon as the rear wheel has overcome the obstacle. They say that in enduro, the more difficult the section, the more interesting it is. This means that for me the most interesting thing so far is the ascents, followed immediately by the descents.
Isn't it cold to ride?
If on a regular motorcycle you get cold already at +7, then on the enduro I felt warm even at -2, when it was drizzling with rain and snow. Off-road you are constantly working physically, balancing, lifting the bike and kicking your feet on the ground on steep climbs. The main thing here is not to sweat. Therefore, it is better not to take an old winter down jacket to such activities. Below - thermal underwear, protection, pants. On top - thermal underwear, protection, jacket, light jacket. My hands get cold the most. If the gloves have gotten wet, a spare pair would be a good idea.
Equipment
In the summer, many motorcyclists in the city only wear a helmet and gloves. At enduro, even in warm weather, it is important to fully protect yourself: tortoiseshell, knee pads, high motocross boots, motocross helmet. A cross helmet differs from a regular helmet in that it has a protruding “chin” and a visor. He also doesn't have a visor. You can wear glasses, but they sweat a lot, so I rode with my face open. This is not the best option - tree branches, dirt and sand can get into your eyes. Sprays for glasses can help with fogging. There are helmets specifically for enduro. They are similar to cross-country ones, but are equipped with a visor.
What is enduro?
Those who love an active and varied life cannot imagine themselves without a motorcycle. Complete freedom, speed of movement, sometimes completely crazy, privacy with your thoughts. The owners of this vehicle get all these delights.
In the USA and Europe they know firsthand what an enduro motorcycle is. In the modern world in general, and on the Pitbiker.ru website in particular, there is a very rich selection of steel horses. Enduro motorcycles are in great demand as a convenient way of transportation both in the city and on mild off-road conditions.
Just a few years ago, those who were not part of the motorcycle scene did not know what an enduro motorcycle was. There was an opinion that these motorcycles were intended for professional competitions. However, later an enduro motorcycle became a completely affordable way for a person who wanted to switch to a two-wheeled mode of transport.
