Japan Goes Dual-Purpose Bonkers!
JAPAN GOES DUAL-PURPOSE BONKERS!
EVERY SO OFTEN, THE JAPANese domestic market explodes with a specific type of motorcycle. In the past, this has been anything from mini-choppers to repli-racers, but the latest rage is 250cc (and smaller) four-stroke dual-purpose bikes. The category appears to be divided into two sub-groups, with entry-level run-abouts in one and more off-road-worthy mounts in the other.
Looking to capitalize on the success of Yamaha’s XT225 (formerly known as the Serrow), Kawasaki has introduced the 250cc Super Sherpa. Honda already has the XL250 Degree, but the company also apparently plans to revive the long-gone SL line with the new SL230. Equipped with electric-start and boasting low seat heights, these bikes are designed to be unintimidating to novices.
On the other side of the fence is a fleet of more serious desert and rally racing imitators. The dual-headlight Honda XR250 Baja, Suzuki Djebel 250XC and the Yamaha TT250R Raid all sport oversized headlights and large-capacity gas tanks, as well as upgraded suspension components. Will we see any of these bikes stateside? Considering America’s obsession with bigbore motors and horsepower, it’s not likely-with the possible exception of the entry-level bikes. Sort of makes you feel like starting all over again...
—Jimmy Lewis
