The Motorcycles We Rode
For this adventure on the Tsurugi Super Forest Road, I rode a Honda CRF250L, while my riding partner was on a Yamaha Serow 250.
Both are compact, lightweight dual-sport motorcycles — perfectly suited for Japan’s narrow, winding mountain roads and unpaved forest tracks. Their balance of agility and stability makes them ideal companions for tackling rough terrain with confidence.
Japan’s forest roads often snake through steep, mountainous terrain, filled with tight corners and sudden climbs. That’s why a 250cc-class off-road bike is highly recommended. While it’s certainly possible to ride big adventure bikes on these routes, their heavy weight and powerful engines can make them difficult to handle — especially for less experienced riders. On the other hand, a lighter 250cc machine allows you to stay in control, and even if you drop the bike on a steep slope, it’s manageable to lift and recover on your own.
The Honda CRF250L is a full-sized off-road motorcycle with excellent suspension and ground clearance, offering superb performance on dirt trails. It’s a great choice for experienced riders who want to fully enjoy Japan’s off-road terrain.
The Yamaha Serow 250, on the other hand, is a beloved model that remained in production for over 30 years. With its smaller frame, low seat height, and easy handling, it’s a perfect option even for shorter riders or those new to off-road touring. Given Japan’s narrow and technical forest roads, the Serow might just be the most well-suited motorcycle ever made for this kind of riding.
