Newbie from Canada could use some help

I found this forum not too long ago as I was researching on the WR250's.
I started off with a generic dual sport hunt, did my homework and I have landed on the WR250's.
What I am not able to make up my mind is if I want the "R" or the "X".
I come from the cruiser world, I've always wanted to try a dual sport and this year is my chance. I am completely new to the terms "enduro", "supermoto" and so on. I am trying to learn as I dig in more.
I am currently looking at 2 used bikes locally and I cant make up my mind which one to go for.
The 1st bike is a 2010 250R with half the kms as the next one which is a 2008 250X.
When I started my hunt I thought I knew I wanted the "R" but now I am tempted with what the "X" can do and also with the looks.
I am well aware of what both bikes are intended for, is there anything else I need to keep in mind while making the decision?
For instance: I keep thinking a big tire like the one's on the "X" is probably gonna slow me down specially on a 250 engine, maybe the "R" might be a better choice to have as much power as i can get on this engine. And I have lots more that gets into my head to make the decision making process confusing.
Would you guys be kind enough to simplify things and help me make a decision please?
I will mostly use it in the city, probably more on paved roads than anything but I also will definitely try off-roading too so I don't wanna limit my options.
I personally am tempted to go with the 250X.

Any suggestions, directions or recommendations are greatly encouraged.

You can get either, and pick up an extra set of wheels and tires for on road or off, best of both worlds.

This is sort of like a tire discussion in that it completely depends on what you want to use the bike for, and what limitations you are willing to accept. There are some folks who put some knobbies on their X so they are not restricted only to pavement, and some who put more street oriented tires on their R if that is the milieu where they will be using the bike. Spend some time and really decide on what you want to do with the bike. Personally the most important factor for me is that I do not want to be restricted on my useage. For example I do not want to be in street setup or touring mode and not be able to take that little knarly but awesome road off to the left it it suits my fancy.

Also helpful for us to know where you are located as there may be some local folks who you can hook up with for more detailed discussion than what a forum permits.

And, welcome to the site !

Fiftygrit wrote:

You can get either, and pick up an extra set of wheels and tires for on road or off, best of both worlds.

Is it that easy to just swap? I believe I read something about the breaks needing modifications if I swap out the tires, true?

saddletramp wrote:

This is sort of like a tire discussion in that it completely depends on what you want to use the bike for, and what limitations you are willing to accept.  There are some folks who put some knobbies on their X so they are not restricted only to pavement, and some who put more street oriented tires on their R if that is the milieu where they will be using the bike.  Spend some time and really decide on what you want to do with the bike.  Personally the most important factor for me is that I do not want to be restricted on my useage.  For example I do not want to be in street setup or touring mode and not be able to take that little knarly but awesome road off to the left it it suits my fancy.

Also helpful for us to know where you are located as there may be some local folks who you can hook up with for more detailed discussion than what a forum permits.

And, welcome to the site !  

Thanks for the welcome!
I live in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada . Local help always appreciated.

As I've mentioned before, I am personally drawn towards the "X" but before I jump on it I just wanted to make sure I am making the right choice.

The front brake rotor is larger on the x model, and the wheels are both 17". The gearing is one tooth different on the rear sprocket for the smaller diameter x wheels from the factory. If you get a set of x wheels for the r, you can get a caliper spacer for the front caliper to use the larger diameter rotor. I'd go with the later model, lower milage bike, then work with it if the price is similar. You might find that with 50/50 tires on iit, the dual sport version is surprisingly fun on the street, while being able to hit that trail you spotted when you're out on a ride.

Get an R... trails are always more fun than pavement

BCRider wrote:

Get an R... trails are always more fun than pavement

Trails are fun, but the OP mentioned that he (she?) would be riding mainly in the city and mainly on paved streets. This is what the X is made for and would also be easier to ride with it's bigger front brake and lower seat height. I know Mississauga (my in-laws used to live there) and while there are some trails to ride, it's mostly tame paths etc which is very easily ridden on the X's street tires !!!

Honestly, I would go for an X, but....I also know that having a newer, lower mileage bike is always appealing, even though these bikes laugh at mileage (very durable & low maintenance).
Ultimately it is your choice, and your money, but I would wait for either a newer X or a very clean X.
/My opinion...

P.S. I know I'm biased since I have an X, but I got my X because I knew I would be riding the street most of the time and I've done more than a few days in the dirt with it.
Gravel roads, dirt roads, loose sand, grass, fields, water crossings, rocky hills (up and down), etc. all with street tires. The only thing I would not suggest is mud. Street tires and mud don't play well together...

I personally like the looks of the X's black frame. Pair it up with some appropriate tires and enjoy

If you know for a fact you are going to get two sets of tires in the future, go with an X.

Few Reasons:
1) You like the X paint scheme, and they are not making these bikes anymore.
2) They are still making the R so your chances of finding a set of R wheels with brake caliper and lever will be easier than an X setup.
3) X wheels tend to go more than R wheels.

These are the reasons I went with an X... TWICE! .. I was able to find a set of R wheels and brake setup no problems. When I sold the bike and bought another one two years later.. I was still able to find ANOTHER r wheel setup with brake assembly.

my 2cents.

mcdoudlehopper wrote:

I personally like the looks of the X's black frame. Pair it up with some appropriate tires and enjoy

I like the black frame too

Thanks to everyone for your tips & suggestions.
I've decided to go with the 250x but damn! its hard to find.
I manged to find 2 different 2008's with 20K+ kms with a lot of mods that's been discussed here for $4500[CAD].
Worth it?

I'm planning to sell my '10 WRX, but I guess I'm a bit far away for you...

I'd say that price it high btw...I'd expect a lot less mileage for that price. I'm just over 10k Km with all the standard mods and all original parts included for that price, I could drop down to $4k.

Evol wrote:

I'm planning to sell my '10 WRX, but I guess I'm a bit far away for you...

I'd say that price it high btw...I'd expect a lot less mileage for that price. I'm just over 10k Km with all the standard mods and all original parts included for that price, I could drop down to $4k.

Will send you a PM

Thanks for all the info and directions guys., Appreciate it!
I went with the X
Here's my new ride
2008 WR250X