After putting down a deposit on a KLX230 and trying to sit on 1 3 different times I thought that bike was it. Something kept me rethinking the decision. The bike is just too dang tall. I'm thinking a year from now or maybe 5 and raising my leg won't get better. I can do it now but just barely and I thought to go try a XT250 1 more time. The XT convinced me that was the bike for me and I was tired of stressing over a bike. Even tried a CRF250L and it was too tall for my comfort zone. Not riding but just mounting it and getting off. So I'm the new owner of a 2020 XT250 w/88 miles on the clock. So I'm not going anywhere and will be around the forum. Oh about FI, my 1st bike with it. I LOVE it! The new 300's coming out would be the same issue of being too tall even though that's what I really wanted. Gotta face the truth I won't be getting any younger[60] and I need a bike I'm comfortable with.

Seat height is the main reason I bought an XT and when you factor in simplicity and reliability, what's not to like? Welcome again by the way!

Awesome!

Another "Welcome again.." coming at you 2wheelfun! ..You'll love your 2020 XT250, especially its manageable seat height! The carbureted 2012 XT250 I had was an excellent all around bike, near perfect seat height being one of its strong points.

Like you I've been tempted by taller dual sport bikes. But at my age, 82 in August, I'm a lot more comfortable with a bike that 'fits me' instead of one I'd have to force myself to get used to. That would be like forcing my feet into ill fitting boots and trying to convince myself 'they're fine, I'll get used to them', knowing deep down I never will..

Anyway, enjoy your XT and keep us posted as the adventure continues!..

Good choice. The XT250 is the only dual sport bike out there with a seat height that is anywhere near reasonable, and it is a bit too high IMO. I still remember the sub 30" seat heights on 1970s dual sports (called "dual purpose" back then) and don't understand why they don't still make them that way. Seems like everything is more extreme these days. The 1979 Honda CB750F was considered a "sport bike", yet it had a far more rational and comfortable riding position than anything called a "sport bike" these days.

I really wanted that KLX230, a gorgeous bike. Simple, 6 speed, air cooled, FI, price new $4599. I have a 32in inseam and the only way to flat foot it was to lean the bike a bit to one side and 1 foot could be flat. The rear is even taller, twice getting off of it I'd catch my leg on the tallest part of the rear. I'm just not limber as I used to be and it won't get any better. I started thinking what is it that I really want in a bike. It's not speed or performance like a race bike. The XT just rang all the bells for me and was comfortable and I could flat foot both feet. I plan on using a Coleman seat cover and a gel pad to help the bum out so that will raise my knees a bit while riding. Last 15 years I've owned a DRZ400, KLR650 and a KLX250s. Never bothered me back then how tall they were, it does now.

Another issue with most newer dual sports is that not only do they have really high seats, they really don't actually have much of a seat. That KLX230 looks like it has more of what I call a "bump stop" rather than a seat. I keep remembering that wonderful, wide flat, and well cushioned seat on my 1979 Honda XL250s from decades ago. It was actually designed to sit on. I had a 2001 KLR650 bought new for a couple of years. That was 20 years ago, and I was in MUCH better condition. It was still not easy to get on, though I managed it ok back then. I could not flat foot it, at stop lights I would sit there and rock it back and forth from side to side rather than try and tip toe it. I would be unable to ride that bike now. I could probably get on it by standing on something, and ride it if I never had to stop. But the first stop light I came to I would likely drop it. I have a 34" inseam. I might be able to ride a Suzuki DR650 with a lowering kit, which would bring the seat height down to around 32.5 inches, wearing thick soled non slip shoes. Suzuki actually makes a lowering kit for this bike. But since I don't do anything but light trail riding, and have street bikes with really low seats, a 650 dual sport doesn't make sense. Too big and heavy for off road, too uncomfortable for street and highway use. For me the XT225 is still the best dual sport you can still get parts for. I do wish it had a '70s style seat though.