Topic: What's the best vintage 100-150cc enduro bike?

[Tugboat]

I'm looking to get a small vintage (70's) 2-stroke enduro bike to ride around the neighborhood, but I don't know anything about them. Is there a particular model I should be looking for, or are there ones that I should definitely avoid?

[kirkn]

Hmmm.....

IMO, I'd go for the Kawasaki KE100 or KE125.  Rotary valve single that was produced essentially unchanged (in the KE100) all the way through the early 2000's.  And the 125 was essentially that but 25cc bigger.

Yamaha singles were pretty good, too, esp. in the later 70s with the advent of monoshock, although I can't remember, offhand, if the small cc bikes HAD monoshock.

If you're looking for something off the beaten path, go with a Hodaka!  Huge cult following and all the parts / support you could want out in the Internet world.

But, unless your really set on a 2-stroke, I'd personally go for a Honda SL/XL100 or SL/XL125!  But, they're 4-stroke singles.  Everything is still available, and with minimal maintenance (frequent oil changes), they should last forever!

On the other hand, for a REALLY versatile bike (or set of choices) go up to the 175cc class - there you'll have great bikes from all four Japanese makers - Yamaha DT175, Suzuki 175/185, Kawasaki KE175, and Honda XL175.  All very versatile yet still lightweight for 'round town and light trail work.

Good luck,

Kirk

[phaedrus314]

Funny, I just bought this 2 days ago.  Haven't gotten it going yet though.  Last reg sticker is from 1978.

[ekpent]

I thrashed the little Suzuki enduros hard when I was a kid and they held up great.The 185's were always a good bike also Only drawback to the Kaws is most of them had that hidden rotory set up carb down in the cases that can be a little more difficult to deal with when they get old.

[phaedrus314]

Yep, mine has that weird carb setup, I need the cover so I'm not sure how it filters though.

[cb650]

FYI 78 yamaha 125 went to mono shock.  but all others stayed (except175) stayed  dual.
I have a 125 got it new.  Rode the piss out of it and need to get it going again.
Have had a 79 185 honda.  Loved it too.

[Stev-o]

+1 - really like the Suzuki TS enduros. Had a 90 when I was a kid and have a TS250 now.


http://hanford.craigslist.org/mcy/3180552859.html

[krusty]

My vote goes with the Yamaha. The DT125 and DT175 shared the same frame only the engines were different. We got the monshock here in Oz in 1977. Go for the mono DT175E as it had pointless ignition, whereas the 125 retained points up 79. I've ridden the DT175 in many enduros and club moto-x and it never missed a beat.
The Hopnda SL125 was also a reliable bike but did not have the power or handling of the DTs.
Kawasaki KEs and Suzuki TS/TC and TF125s were all pretty good too. Spare parts for the DTs are cheap and plentiful.

[scrapvalue]

Any of them will be fine for what you are wanting to do, if you find one that hasn't been to beat on, but the TS suzukis have had electronic ignitions since the very early 70's.
I have a 1971 TS250 and just love that bike.
I rode it almost 130 miles last weekend on mostly dirt roads and 2 tracks.
60 mpg and way to much fun for very little money.

[kirkn]

Wait a minute, wait a minute....   60 mpg??!  Holy cow, I didn't know any vintage two-stroke could get that kinda mileage.

I may have to rethink my next trail / dual sport bike...