Dirt bike/Trials bike/Trail bike

[wimpy525]

Check out Gas Gas their Contact is basically a trials bike with a seat. 250cc or 280cc, titles are open so you can put a plate on it.
Trial - Gas Gas

 

[barko1]

TTR's are pretty hard to kill, we used to use them as training bikes for MSF. I think there is a used 200 at the dealer I'm stopping at today, NE GA

 

[xring100]

Check out the KTM Free Ride 250R
Its a cross between a trials bike and dirt bike. its a 2 stroke with no power valve lots of torque like a trials bike. The engine is tilted in the frame to allow for a lower seat height. I ride and XCF350 and love it but you said your looking for something less sporty.
2017 KTM Freeride 250 R
"And since the engine on the FREERIDE 250 R is tuned completely in keeping with the Freeride notion - not for maximum power but for harmonious torque progression and optimum rideability - this motorcycle is an all-rounder that feels all the more at home, the tougher the terrain becomes"

 

[ericm979]

There's also the Beta Xtrainer which is a two stroke cross country bike with shorter suspension, lighter weight and detuned motor compared to the XC line. Also cheaper than the XCs. It's more trials like, but closer to a "real" enduro bike than a trials bike with a seat.

I used to compete in observed trials. It's a huge amount of fun and competitions last hours rather than minutes like a road or MX race (but the intensity ls lower of course). If you are at all interested I recommend spectating at a competition event just to see what it's about. Trials bikes make good bikes for exploring except the gas tanks are small and there's no seat. But if you have a few skills the trials bike is much more capable on difficult terrain so your idea of exploring will change. The seat's only wanted when you get to a long fire road. If you watch enduros, Dakar etc those riders stand a lot too.

Another advantage of a real trials bike is that they're quiet and you can practice in a small area. When I started riding trials I lived in town and practiced on my driveway. When I moved to the mountains my neighbors never complained and I found 20 acre to be huge.

Trials riding improved my street riding quite a bit. Slow tight turns and loose surfaces don't bother me. (I do a lot of riding on difficult mountain roads)

A lot of the suggestions above are for heavy bikes. I think lighter is better for technical trail riding. I was never that impressed with the XR200, it's a little too gutless (though a good rider can do a lot with it) and kinda heavy. TW200 is also gutless and heavy. Gas-gas was in receivership and has been ressurected. I like them but would be concerned about long term viability though there are some dedicated dealers who have parts stashes. I think if I wanted a trail bike and lived in a state where I could ride two strokes on public land year round I'd get an Xtrainer. I had a couple Beta trials bikes and they're quality machines.

 

[bspeedy]

Thanks guys! I do like some of the duel sports but we have a lot of room to ride so I don't need to go on the road any distance. I do like the XR's but have not found any nice ones used for a great price. It is a play item for me so I don't want to spend more than 2k max. The other issue is I'm short, like 5'5 so a high bike makes it a bit tough in the woods when exploring. I did see a Yamaha TTR125 with the larger wheels that I like due to the height. One fellow claims if you drop a tooth on the sprocket it really makes it torquey so that would be good. Don't care if it doesn't go over 35 or so because most places I'm lucky to go 15 in our tight woods. Any thoughts there?

You might be on the right track with this one. TTR's are simple, air cooled bikes. Cheaply bought, as well. Makes sense for your height as long as <ahem> your weight is also on the smaller side. The 125 won't like you if you are much over 180 lbs.
They also make a TTR230 which is not too tall. My wife has a TTR250, but she's 5'10 and it's a bit tall for her sometimes.

 

[Code54]

Thanks guys! I am really mixed - I like the trials bikes but sometimes will be riding a mile or two to friends farms to play on it so a seat would be nice. (Here in WV you can go on unlined roads to get to a trail legally) We have some land at the house and some good trails I can hit right from the garage so a "regular' dirt bike is also appealing. It also seems that finding a used Trials bike around here is tough, they are also not cheap. We have a side by side for work and getting around so the bike is just a play toy for exploring the woods some.
I love the weight of the 125's - right at 200lbs, that is not bad. I weight about 145 so I don't think it will have any issues pulling me around, and wouldn't even car to throw a new sprocket to gear it down a bit if need. I don't car if it does not go more than 35 or 40. Just figure I will crash faster. The other thing is they are down right cheap - I am seeing NICE 2015's for 2k or less. Hard to beat that!

I do like the Beta, that is nice! The bad thing is its a little high, and not much in the way of support around these parts. Funny thing is I asked about trials bikes at a local Honda dealer and the guy said, you mean a trail bike. I tried to explained it and he looked at me like I had three heads.... lol

 

[ericm979]

Funny thing is I asked about trials bikes at a local Honda dealer and the guy said, you mean a trail bike. I tried to explained it and he looked at me like I had three heads.... lol

Pretty typical. But if you get hooked up into the trials scene you'll find dealers. The local Honda/Yamaha/etc dealer won't have trials bikes unless the owner is a trials rider. Many of the dealers are small shops or combined with more esoteric brands like KTM. The nearest trials shop is a KTM and Beta dealer, and the owner's a trials rider. Trials bikes do come up for sale in the local Craigslist but the best place to check is the local club website/newsletter. I would up buying new trials bikes long distance. Lewissport here in CA is a good dealer who ships bikes all across the US. One good thing about trials bikes is the engines are not stressed like a regular dirt bike. A 250 may have 18 hp, not 45. So they last a long time and engine problems are rare.

 

[sw99]

Love the dirt bikes too but my last CR450F almost killed me... Before that was the YZ426 and prior was a KX500. I too am itching for a trail bike and I really like the XR650's. Great road and dirt manors with a reasonable price.

 

[Piston]

I was also going to suggest the Beta Xtrainer, seems about perfect for what your looking for.... Beta Xtrainer | Beta USA

 

[Code54]

After a lot of thinking we decide to get the little TTR125. Found a used one (2015) with 5 hrs on it for $1800. Figured my daughter and wife can ride it and it will be a good trail bike to learn on and play with. I plan on watching for a full fledged trials bike (older used one) and picking that up in the future. Kind of the best of both worlds and allows us to have two bikes.
I took the TTR out for a short ride tonight and was impressed with the power from the little motor and how smooth it is. I can see where setting up a heavier shock will be a good idea but overall for the price i could not be more pleased. It is super light and easily controlled, not near the power of my old YZ's but for its intended use I can't see where I will have any issues. I am looking forward to getting my daughter out and letting her learn how to use a clutch and have a little fun on it.
Now to keep my eyes open for a trials bike when one pops up!
Thank you all for the advice and information!