I've been riding road bikes for yonks, but total novice re going off-piste. I've got rid of my 700 Tranny and am getting an XT 250 Serow because I'm wanting a lower saddle and a bike that's easier to clean! Have any of you had any green-lane experience with a Serow, perhaps as a starter bike before moving onto something tastier? I realise it won't keep up with the orange meanies and the fancy 450s but can I reasonably expect to have some fun with it on the slippery stuff? I know the 225 and 250 Serows are very popular with our American cousins, but not sure how well they caught on over here as off-roaders. Grateful for all thoughts and advice. Geoff.
-- Edited by tugboat on Monday 9th of July 2012 08:09:33 PM
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The sign on my cabin door said 'Not enough bucks stop here'.
welcome to the TVTR geoff, think you will find the serow will go anyware the orange meanies will go, most of us have riden with bonny at some time and can testify to the abilitys of the yamaha, anyway sure we will catch up on a ride in the tamar valley when your mobile, kev
Thanks for that, Kev, very encouraging. The bike arrives tomorrow a.m. the excitement of a fresh toy doesn't diminish with age I'm glad to say. Cheers, Geoff.
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The sign on my cabin door said 'Not enough bucks stop here'.
Hi Geoff, welcome to the tvtr, the Serow will be fine as Kev said, also there's a group of us that are out most Sundays from Plymouth, your more than welcome to join us, keep an eye out for posts from either myself or D13dkt (Dave), we regularly run very novice friendly runs around the southams area. I look forward to meeting you on the lanes soon.
Justin.
-- Edited by Gripper on Tuesday 10th of July 2012 07:05:02 PM
Thanks Dave, I'd love to join you but neither the bike nor I are equipped yet. The bike has a tubeless rear which needs replacing with a tubed, plus I need to outfit with tools/spares, etc. Also I don't have any offroad clothing/boots. I'm wondering what would be the minimum I'd need for a test run to see if I'm up to the task. I don't want to spend a fortune and not follow through, but at the same time I need to be safe and I don't want to compromise the other riders in the group. Your thoughts on all this would be appreciated, given I'm sure you've all dealt with newbies before. Oh yeah, bike also needs a bash plate and not sure yet where I can get one of those.
Geoff.
-- Edited by tugboat on Wednesday 11th of July 2012 07:14:00 AM
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The sign on my cabin door said 'Not enough bucks stop here'.
Hi Justin, thanks so much for the warm welcome. The Serow arrived with me today, and I had a brief ride to check nothing fell off, but it does need a bit of basic tlc before I would go far on it. I shall keep an eye on the forum don't you fear, cos I'm keen to find out what you lot do on Sunday mornings when good boys should be in church!!! Hope to meet up with you folks very soon. Best regards, Geoff.
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The sign on my cabin door said 'Not enough bucks stop here'.
basics will be mx/enduro boots are a must, you can use a full face helmet iff you want for now but a mx/enduro helmet will top of the list if you enjoy it. body protection is good but not essential(a good gortex jacket with back and elbow protectors will do for your first time). if you want i can pop round to see you any time to check over the bike and your gear if you want and give you a few pointer. cheers dave
Ooooooerrrrrrrr missus, looks like a shopping trip coming up! Can you recommend a local place for MX boots and jacket?
You're welcome to visit anytime, though don't want to take up your valuable leisure time, I'm assuming by your age that you're a working stiff whereas I'm a layabout. I could perhaps come to you if that's easier for you, entirely up to you.
I think I should get some handguards,(Acerbis?), also I find the footpegs a bit small so wondering if there's somewhere I can get some larger ones. Sorry if I sound thick but this sort of kit is all new ground to me. There seems to be more stuff available for the Serow 225 than the 250 so I must do some serious searching on the pooter. I'm guessing a bash plate is pretty much essential or are there some local rides where it would not be needed?
So many questions, so little time! I think it would certainly be easier if I could talk to someone such as yourself. When is best time of day to phone you? Let me know and I'll make the call.
Cheers, Geoff.
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The sign on my cabin door said 'Not enough bucks stop here'.
Hi Geoff any time after 6 week days is fine, If you tx me your address and number I will pop round and have a natter. I live just very close to crown hill village if you wanna pop round. Cheers Dave
Cheers, Geoff.