Adventure Bike Rider Forum

Us oldies remember trail bikes from the 60s/70s like the XL/DT/TS range that were not much more than road bikes with trials tyres and wide bars and a bit of gravel capability.
I'm looking for a bike I can chuck in the back of my campervan so the missus and I can explore within say a 50 mile range. My Africa Twin is way too lardy to lob in/out of the van easily. I'm currently using a 50 year old TS250 which is ok but not exactly roomy 2 up (though I did the NCT 500 and more on it solo last year).
So what is the moderni-ish equivalent? Can a CR250L cope with a pillion? Enfield?? The new Triumph 400 looks to be a cracker but I can't justify £6k, would like to spend half that.
60mph cruising is fine. Don't want a scooter 'cos I may want to play on a muddy trail occasionally. 200cc min 'cos I am of manly build
What else should I consider?

CRF 250/300 would probably be my first option. It has the balance of having "enough" to pootle around, reliability, aftermarket support, service intervals, cope with a pillion (cope being imperative with anything in this range really).
I'd probably also put WR250R and KLX250 in this bracket although seem to command strong used prices and are/were less common so aftermarket in the UK might be weaker.

Other options I can think of would be DRZ400, Beta ALP, GPX do an air cooled 250 but is styled like an enduro (read narrow hard seat) as do AJP with a 240.

DRZ400S...maybe...but they do weigh about 150kg...

The new xr150 doesn't look too bad. About 120kg, smooth ride, some off road capability, economical

garyboy wrote: ↑Fri Aug 11, 2023 2:45 pm The new xr150 doesn't look too bad. About 120kg, smooth ride, some off road capability, economical

...they can buy them brand new in America for less than 3000 dollars (£2400)...

Wish they sold them here, I regret selling my XR125L
Such a capable bike!

My wife's XR125l has been sitting neglected in a container for about six years.

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Thanks for the suggestions guys, keep 'em coming

Thanks for the suggestions guys, keep 'em coming

Fantic 250?