Yamaha YBR250 to an adventure/tour bike

**modron** · 01-29-2013, 01:45 PM

Hi,

I was looking for a reliable touring Chinese bike (cos i have no mechanic skills) for some time and i couldnt find any. There are a lot of bikes with mixed reviews and opinions.
Yamaha YBR 250 has great reviews but its a street bike but i was looking at Suzuki V-Strom which is a great adventure bike and it simply is a street bike with big windshield and bigger fork travel distance (and some other wee things;)

I figured i could change front suspension to a enduro one, and that would increase the clearance as well. I said that i have no mechanic skills so before i buy the bike and decide to go on with this project i wanted to ask someone more clever than me. How hard is it going to be to find the right forks (where to find them...any suggestions?) Im guessing the biggest problem will be with fitting the brakes, if i want to keep original wheels which i do cos of the cost
do you think that its worth doing or i should just drop it?
Frame also looks good for mounting skid plate.

I have no experience in modifying bikes but there is always the first time ;)

**TB-Racing** · 01-29-2013, 02:00 PM

no basic mechanical skills or knowledge = forget about it, just picture the whole scenario as it seems you have no access to a machine shop and tools or mates that could assist in extensive bike modifications as it's most probably not a plug and play parts swap and might cost you more $$$$'s in the end compared to a decent dual-sport / enduro type bike purchase in the first place..... your $$$$'s = your call.

ps: reviews and opinions are like arseh#les, everyone has one.....

**modron** · 01-29-2013, 02:09 PM

i do have an access to a machine shop cos my good friends father is a bike mechanic. He could help me out i recon.

in the end compared to a decent dual-sport / enduro type bike purchase in the first place

what do you have in mind? i dont want to go over 400cc

**TB-Racing** · 01-29-2013, 02:22 PM

Originally Posted by modron

what do you have in mind? i dont want to go over 400cc

no idea to be honest as I have no interest in the smaller MIC bikes <400cc (not because of engine displacement but they are mostly tiny machines in size).
reckon the guys have discussed and given opinions / reviews about a broad selection of MIC <400cc bikes and a search should show results.

ps: by machine shop I mean a proper metal workshop equipped with mill / lathe / drill / saw / CNC / etc... and someone who knows how to operate the equipment properly to fabricate parts like spacers, etc..etc.... not your China hole in the wall motorbike shop equipped with just a big hammer and two screwdrivers.....

**modron** · 01-29-2013, 02:46 PM

fair enough about the workshop, I didnt realize that it will be such a difficult task.

I had few ideas about Chinese dual-sport bikes but than went through search and now Im confused and worried about buying one in fear of it breaking in the middle of nowhere

**TB-Racing** · 01-29-2013, 02:50 PM

Originally Posted by modron

I had few ideas about Chinese dual-sport bikes but than went through search and now Im confused and worried about buying one in fear of it breaking in the middle of nowhere

might be better to stay home.... because if you don't try you will never know...... safe travels!!!

**ChinaV** · 01-30-2013, 10:47 AM

Originally Posted by modron

How hard is it going to be to find the right forks (where to find them...any suggestions?) Im guessing the biggest problem will be with fitting the brakes, if i want to keep original wheels which i do cos of the cost
do you think that its worth doing or i should just drop it?

Where the heck do you think you're going to get a V-Strom in China?

Stick with the YBR250, spend some cash on good tires + touring accessories and then get on with it. Make sure you're 100% legal with license, registration etc. Share some adventures with us on the forum.

Cheers!
ChinaV

**TB-Racing** · 01-30-2013, 11:32 AM

Originally Posted by ChinaV

Where the heck do you think you're going to get a V-Strom in China?

We have 3-4 parallel motorbike importers in Shanghai region and for the right amount of $$$'s they can and will import any bike with the appropriate import documents (fully legal import for legal rego).

Had a meeting out at Minhang District in Shanghai today and the meeting place was located on one of the Shanghai import vehicle streets, was very surprised to see 12+ Ford F350 Super Duty and Toyota Tundra being delivered to a car dealer today, massive pick up trucks, some of them dually trucks, exactly what's needed for Shanghai traffic.....

**modron** · 01-30-2013, 03:24 PM

felix and euphonius, i really wanted some reassurance so thanks for that!!! I think Ill go with the YBR (once i sort out my license issues) simply cos ill be calmer to have a Japanese bike. X5 seems like a perfect bike for what i want but its impossible to buy where i live. I asked in all the dealers in my small/huge Chinese city and they never heard about the Shineray brand haha they just sell Japanese or local zhejiang bikes, which are plenty btw..... If i order X5 i might not be able to register it without guanxi. And there are still the brand new model problems.....

ChinaV - misunderstanding. I didnt say i want to get V-Strom, just said that i was looking at it and compared it to street bikes. V-Strom is too big for my liking

thanks for answers!

I have 2 month holiday booked for May and June ;) should be fun!!!! just need the license first....hah

**bikerdoc** · 01-30-2013, 11:59 PM

I would also hesitate a little on the Shineray X5 400 dual purpose (dually) / adventure (ADV) bike since it is new to the market and an unproven design, plus Shineray had a prototype doing different motorcycle shows for several years but it is only now making it to the market. That could be an innocent sign and might be suggestive of Shineray really doing good R&D, but TIC and one can never be sure. The proof as is often said "is in the pudding".

As for the YBR250 I would advise that you might like to find the dual purpose model of the YBR which has higher mud guards and an overall more "off-road" stance to it, though I cannot vouch for what other differences the dually model might have over the standard road model. I have only seen the YBR dually in 150cc configuration, but I'd guess there is likely a 250cc model. I'm not sure that the dually model I've seen shares the same model name of YBR? I will swing by my local Yamaha dealer today and have another look to see if they have any in stock. The ones I have seen there in the past have been 150cc.

Anyone else?