Stels Enduro 250 - an inexpensive conqueror of forests and fields

All the numerous enduro motorcycles are united by one goal - to be able to conquer any off-road terrain you might like to try them on. Toothy tires, powerful suspension, high-torque engine – a familiar picture, isn’t it? And if you suddenly see a bike covered in mud from top to bottom, and an equally dirty motorcyclist on it, then know that somewhere there, under the helmet, he is smiling from ear to ear, because he is happy. And he’s happy because he just got his regular dose of adrenaline by riding his enduro bike and riding off-road. Here you will find all the reviews of enduro motorcycles.

What are they?

• Budget enduro motorcycles, usually made in China. They are inexpensive, do not differ in any modern technologies, and therefore are well suited for training beginners. Thanks to their simple, sometimes even archaic, design, they are characterized by high maintainability and low operating costs. You can buy a lightweight enduro bike made in China for 100 thousand rubles or even less, so the popularity of this class remains consistently high. You shouldn't expect impressive performance from these bikes, but for the price they are very good. This is an excellent choice for beginner motorcyclists.
• Soft enduros are sometimes called dual-sport motorcycles . They usually belong to two-seater motorcycles, and are suitable for both city driving and off-road use. In some ways inferior to their more highly specialized competitors, these bikes win in the versatility of their field of application. They come in a wide range of production – Chinese, Japanese and even European. Their main advantage is that such an enduro feels just as confident in the city as outside of asphalt roads.
• Heavy enduros are about the same thing, but have more power . And hand in hand with a more powerful engine comes increased weight, and it’s not easy to cope with such a motorcycle, especially when your legs move apart in the mud. Sometimes models with engines from 400 cc are classified as heavy off-road motorcycles, although in other classes “400” remain the lot of beginners. However, enduro motorcycles go beyond this familiar classification. Many beginners start with 125cc, and this is enough for them for many years, since on a less powerful, but much lighter bike you can do things that heavier models could not even dream of. And most experienced off-road conquerors even think that enduro 250 cc is the optimal engine size for all occasions.
• Sports enduro, also known as hard-enduro . The subspecies in this class, distinguished by the greatest off-road focus similar to cross-country motorcycles . In these models, everything is done to ensure that they cope with rough terrain as best as possible, without regard to performance on asphalt. So if you are asking questions like “which enduro should a beginner choose” or “what is an enduro motorcycle,” it’s better not to even look at this category until you have gained solid riding experience.

Rating of the best enduro motorcycles

KTM 500 EXC-F SIX DAYS

Rating: 5.0

The largest and most muscular horse from the Austrian stable is the KTM 500 EXC-F SIX DAYS enduro. The motorcycle has repeatedly proven its worth at international competitions. The model successfully passed its last tests in Chile, where racing took place for 6 days. Engine capacity 510.4 cc. cm on the dyno gave 41 liters. With. Most of all, experts liked the engine’s performance at medium and high speeds, although the traction is good at the bottom. The Enduro is equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission and an 8.5-liter gas tank. The motorcycle weighs 106.5 kg, but this does not affect handling and maneuverability. For predictability, stability and reliability, the model receives gold in our rating.

Domestic motorcyclists consider the strengths of the KTM 500 EXC-F SIX DAYS to be versatility, power and comfort.

Advantages

• powerful engine;
• good maneuverability;
• maneuverability;
• reliability.

Flaws

• not detected.

Enduro and motocross

A typical motocross bike differs from an enduro bike in a number of ways. He most likely does not have full-fledged lighting equipment, or even long-range mirrors, and he is prohibited from driving on public roads . It even changes the oil not according to mileage in kilometers, but according to engine hours! The extreme loads to which such equipment is subjected are inevitable in motocross sports, which is why it requires regular attention. But it is ideal not only for setting new records, but also for squeezing out adrenaline.

BMW

G series motorcycles with a displacement of 650cc are the ultimate dream for many. They were tailored for difficult riding options, especially the Sertao version. The G series is an updated “old” F 650 GS, which once ruled the roost in its segment and successfully ran from Paris to Dakar.

The G 650 is a narrow motorcycle weighing less than 200 kg, it is easy to control, it responds well to the gas - a typical German machine, licked to the point of impossibility, which is successfully sold even in Japan, where the notorious “quartet” reigns.

Now in Russia you can buy two versions: G 650 GS and G 650 GS Sertao, which has increased suspension travel, a changed fork offset, a stretched wheelbase, and a 21-inch wheel in front. At the same time, the weight (curb weight) is only 1 kg more than the “civilian” version.

Estimated cost in Russia: 419,000 – 453,000 rubles.

FAQ

• What does enduro motorcycle mean? The name “enduro” itself comes from the Latin word “indurare”, which means “to cope with difficulties”. And it is perfectly suited for such technology.
• How to choose an enduro bike according to your height? One of the most important points is that you must touch the ground with both feet. This may not be easy, since motorcycles in this class have a high seat height, but it is necessary, otherwise the risk of falling will increase significantly.
• Is it possible to ride an enduro in the city? Of course, no worse than on any other bike. If you have a PTS, otherwise the first traffic police outfit you meet will immediately complicate your life and ruin your mood.
• Is a 250cc enduro suitable for an absolute beginner who has never ridden before? Yes, quite, just don’t buy particularly “evil” models designed for professionals. It would be best to choose something inexpensive, simple and inexpensive to maintain.
• Are 4-stroke models better than 2t enduro? Two-stroke models are usually much more powerful than four-stroke models, and their service life is several times lower. They are intended primarily for competitive racing rather than everyday driving.
• What is the best enduro for a complete beginner? Is a 50cc budget moped suitable? Most likely, you will be bored on a moped. Consider options with engines of 125-250 cc.
• I bought myself an endurik, but I hardly drive off-road, is it possible to convert it for city driving? Of course, many motorcycles in this class differ from motards mainly in the size of their wheels and tires. Actually, that's all you need to replace. Look at the photo, read information about both of these classes of motorcycles. Indura is not so different from a motard, at least when it comes to inexpensive models.
• Are Japanese enduros meant for experienced bikers? Or are they also suitable for a beginner? Depends on the model. There are both professional equipment and quite amateurish ones, which are not difficult to master. Read the reviews on our website, look at the model ratings - a selection of top motorcycles will certainly help you decide.

Reviews from Stels Enduro 250 owners

I wanted a universal bike within 100k rubles, there simply wasn’t any more. In this amount of japas, everyone was killed to death, but a five-year-old stealth enduro 250 turned up for 75k, but not too tired. The mileage is unknown, the speedometer broke down at the previous owner at around one and a half thousand kilometers, but the condition was normal. I rode it around the city and countryside for two years, and on weekends after the rain I kneaded the mud - it didn’t bother me at all. The downside is that it’s a bit heavy and falls into a corner at low speeds. I haven’t had a single breakdown in two years, I sold it with tears in my eyes, but I really fell for Africa Twin. Igor, Moscow, Stels Enduro 250 '2011

One of the best Chinese motorcycles. Chinese - because even though it is assembled in Russia, in fact it is still Chinese. It’s a reliable piece of hardware, there’s practically nothing to break in it, although sometimes there are minor bugs. But in general, the motor is problem-free, spare parts cost garbage, and consumption even more so. Vladimir, Yaroslavl, Stels Enduro '2011

Stealth is a strong, average car, nothing special in any way, just an inexpensive lightweight endurik. The brain does not rosin, does not fit into your pocket, buzzes and rolls around without problems. Well worth the money. Ilya, Irkutsk, Stels Enduro 250 '2016

Yamaha

Tenere 660 is one of the real, proper enduros. Good suspension, 23-liter tank, single-cylinder engine with injection system, good brakes and a normal front “endur” wheel. The more powerful 1.2-liter Super Tenere is heavier, more difficult to drive and requires good skills, in short, for the advanced. And it’s not very suitable for dirt - it’s heavy and powerful.

Tenere together with GS fully fulfills its dual purpose © Photo: Yamaha

One of the Tenere's features is its rigid frame, which allows for aggressive off-road riding. It also helps to sneak around the rows in the city quite well.

Estimated cost in Russia: 433,000 rubles.

That's basically it. The choice is not very rich. True, we missed some models due to the fact that they are not very well known among us, and even with the official part, everything is not always clear with them. When choosing an enduro, it is worth remembering that a good enduro is a light motorcycle, heavier than a motocross bike, but lighter than a road bike, the ground clearance is 17–20 cm, the front wheel should be large, and so should the suspension travel. It’s also worth worrying about tires: asphalt will not go on the ground, dirt will “float” on the asphalt, universal - not very good in both cases... If with fanaticism. In a word, a complete compromise.

IGOR LAGUTIN 1962—2012

He lived in two elements - by the sea and on the highway. A talented journalist with a paradoxical view of seemingly ordinary things. A naval engineer in love with cars and motorcycles.

Igor Lagutin, our comrade, author of the magazine and newspaper “5 Wheel,” passed away suddenly.

He came to the editorial office at the very beginning of the creation of the magazine, exchanging the warm position of his own correspondent for a large metropolitan publication for the opportunity to create without restrictions. The current success of the magazine is also due to Igor. Largely thanks to his publications, the newspaper of the same name, published in the 90s, acquired its identity. His considerable contribution to its popularity among readers was his. He saw the unusual in the ordinary, knew how to notice details and draw conclusions. A slight skepticism coexisted in him with optimism and an amazing love of life.

In recent years, the sea in the work of Igor Lagutin has prevailed over the road: he became an employee of the unique magazine “Boats and Yachts” and only occasionally delighted our readers with his new materials.

Obviously there is more freedom at sea.

The staff of the magazine “5 Wheel”

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Discussion Cancel

Suzuki

V-Storm, or DL ​​650 (A) is one of the most interesting motorcycles from the station wagon series (in the Suzuki classification - Sport Enduro Tourer). It should be noted right away that the DL is more of a road tourer with enduro elements. The working volume of the V-shaped “twin” is 645 cubes, the cylinder camber is 90°, the power is 66.7 according to the specification. The same engine was once installed on the SV 650 model. An elastic injection engine with “correct” traction is a big plus when driving in any conditions, as well as when training. Of course, you shouldn’t get into the mud with standard tires, although you can ride this motorcycle on dirt roads. Still not pure enduro...

V-Storm can cope with off-road conditions © Photo: Suzuki

Estimated cost in Russia: 450,000 rubles.

Honda

Cultural enduro called Transalp (XL700VA) from a Japanese manufacturer. It is clear that no one will drive it into outright chaos (in the sense of mud baths), even despite good protection from below, high ground clearance and long-travel suspensions.

Transalp should not be taken literally - it will not gallop through the mountains © Photo: Honda

This comfortable motorcycle is intended primarily for roads with decent surfaces, although it can also ride quite decently on dirt roads.

To be honest, Transalp is an excellent tourist, and not a pure enduro (in the original sense of the word), it’s simply a pity to drive it to places where Makar didn’t drive calves.

Estimated cost in Russia: 445,500 rubles.

Driving impressions

The 2022 Sherco graphics look great in the morning light as we begin the track ride in the forest, with special testing on grass and mixed surfaces on the track.

Given that many units have undergone internal changes, the first test sessions are more about the differences between the models, in particular the Racing and Factory versions, than identifying the main differences.

Notably, the WP suspension found on the standard Racing trim has not been upgraded for 2022, and while it remains quite suitable for what might be called normal riding, the updates we've seen to the WP suspensions on the 2022 KTM and Husqvarna models We left Sherco with stock suspensions a little behind.

When you go fast, you find the KYB suspension on the Factory versions has a clear advantage and it gives you more performance.

The more stable behavior of the new shock absorber means it copes better with impacts and allows for grip in corners and on the straight. Simply put, Factory KYB motorcycles can be ridden faster than standard WP models.

In general, the Factory version package of upgraded parts (handlebar, grips, graphics, skid plate, rims, sprocket, seat, suspension), Akrapovic exhaust system on four-stroke models and FMF exhaust on two-stroke engines makes a noticeable difference to the motorcycles, both from the point both in terms of power and weight. Weight affects handling, and with increased power it's like using a sharper tool to do fine work, which adds confidence.

On the 250 and 300 two-stroke models, a lighter clutch lever really makes a difference. A lighter clutch basket on the 250/300 2T engines and a reduction in the size of the master cylinder piston and clutch cylinder piston gave the two-stroke enduro bike leverage that is more similar to a trials bike. In long races where you use the clutch a lot, this will help keep your left hand strong.

The new fuel tank design, which includes a 1.5 liter reserve fuel tap on the 250 and 300 2T motorcycles, is also a positive update for 2022. When you turn that tap on, you know you definitely still have something in the tank.

Our test rider actually preferred the two-stroke 250cc model of the bike, saying he could control it while the 300cc could be too much at times. The 300 has plenty of pickup, which will help if you're riding the hills of Erzberg , but for easier conditions you might find it overpowering.

In the four-stroke line, a favorite remains the excellent Sherco 300, which has the right amount of everything: power, weight, stability and control. Almost as handleable as the Sherco 250SE-F in terms of weight, but with more power, it requires a little more skill to fly confidently, but if you can do it, you'll have a happy smile on your face.