Changing brands

[Rupe]

Well if I had to change brands from KTM and Suzuki of which I have both it would have to be Yamaha and two stroke of course, but even then they don't offer a wide ratio box. Not that I dislike the other brands at all, but I do dislike their current offerings. In the future that could change depending on what bikes they have. Would love to see the others provide great handling reliable two strokes with grunty off road power, good components, a wide ratio box and easy access to parts etc. KTM ticks all the boxes for me and Suzuki tick the most important ones after that for me. The Yamaha has the next amount of ticks in my book, the rest are too far away in important areas for me at this time but always looking forward to new model improvements, just seems that real improvements are not that forth coming in any great hurry with many bikes.

good way of thinking about it, deciding on what you need out of a bike then seeing what would fit into it. althou think you have to ride a few different types of bikes to work out what works for you. Seems some people choose a brand then follow it even if doesn't have the right bike in the range for them.


Don't know how many boxes the yami's tick for me, but always seem to feel at home on them, which is important I guess.

[tnarg]

My next upgrade will be to KTM. Probably a 200exc. Think it will suit the riding I do but would lwant to have a go on one before I decide to get to one. I do like my bike but kinda wanna go back to a 2stroke.

[A&R]

mmmm...... been thinking about this lately to. I like the look of the husky with its red cylinder head I quite fancy one of the electric 250 TXC models. I was thinking of down sizing as my riding is not that brilliant and getting a KTM125 exc just to get a bit more confidence but they seem to be as rare as hen's teeth. Perhaps ther is areason for that! either good or bad? Got to admit I liked the KDX 200 the other day blatting around the s/pit. For some reason the front never washes out like on the CRF and I manage to lean it over further but i love the crf when it comes to the tricky stuff when I stuff up in the wrong gear it still manages to pull at what seems like no revs and its damn reliable. Guess reckless will be trying to persuade me to get a 200ktm next which might ..... or might not happen.
But I need a change so one CRF 250x coming up for sale soon.

[Reckless]

Guess reckless will be trying to persuade me to get a 200ktm next:

I love my bike and decided I didn't need to see big numbers on the side like 500cc to go fast, I was thinking initially of the 300exc but the 200 is way enough for me. I do go out to Ardmore MX Wednesday practice in the summer so thought the 200 would be better for MX track stuff. Then after reading the woods bike shoot out (attached) my mind was made up as most of the riders in the test where faster on it than their own bikes. I just bloody wish it would make a hero out of me, but no such luck still slow as! LOL!!! I'll be the first to admit I'm not a very fast rider so the more competent of you out there may want something a little gruntier. That being said the 200 does tick all my boxes as I stated in my previous post.
I don't really care what you guys buy or ride but I'm happy to let Rupe or A&R go for a ride on it anytime, then you can make your decisions from there! I'm easy!
Those new Husqvarna's do look sexy I must say!
We might all be back to 2smokers if this direct injection thing takes off over the next few years anyway???

PS I'm a little surprised you guys mention me and have any regard for my opinion at all! LOL!!!

[Rupe]

I love my bike and decided I didn't need to see big numbers on the side like 500cc to go fast, I was thinking initially of the 300exc but the 200 is way enough for me. I do go out to Ardmore MX Wednesday practice in the summer so thought the 200 would be better for MX track stuff. Then after reading the woods bike shoot out (attached) my mind was made up as most of the riders in the test where faster on it than their own bikes. I just bloody wish it would make a hero out of me, but no such luck still slow as! LOL!!! I'll be the first to admit I'm not a very fast rider so the more competent of you out there may want something a little gruntier. That being said the 200 does tick all my boxes as I stated in my previous post.
I don't really care what you guys buy or ride but I'm happy to let Rupe or A&R go for a ride on it anytime, then you can make your decisions from there! I'm easy!
Those new Husqvarna's do look sexy I must say!
We might all be back to 2smokers if this direct injection thing takes off over the next few years anyway???

PS I'm a little surprised you guys mention me and have any regard for my opinion at all! LOL!!!

how much did KTM pay for that wright up lol.
Come on reckless you still haven't answered the original question, If you HAD to get a different brand what would it be and why?

[Rupe]

mmmm...... been thinking about this lately to. I like the look of the husky with its red cylinder head I quite fancy one of the electric 250 TXC models. I was thinking of down sizing as my riding is not that brilliant and getting a KTM125 exc just to get a bit more confidence but they seem to be as rare as hen's teeth. Perhaps ther is areason for that! either good or bad? Got to admit I liked the KDX 200 the other day blatting around the s/pit. For some reason the front never washes out like on the CRF and I manage to lean it over further but i love the crf when it comes to the tricky stuff when I stuff up in the wrong gear it still manages to pull at what seems like no revs and its damn reliable. Guess reckless will be trying to persuade me to get a 200ktm next which might ..... or might not happen.
But I need a change so one CRF 250x coming up for sale soon.

Never riden a crf-X, but if a kdx has you putting more confidence in the front end I reckon your suspension might be set up wrong.

Get out there and ride everything you can, it's the best way find what you want out of your new sled

[B0000M]

Never riden a crf-X, but if a kdx has you putting more confidence in the front end I reckon your suspension might be set up wrong.

Get out there and ride everything you can, it's the best way find what you want out of your new sled

iim not sure what it is about the crf-x but the front end does seem to have a tendancy to wash out, id suggest this could be due to the over plush front end, as it doesnt happen on the same year crf-R - geometry wise they are the same, but with different rated suspension

[Reckless]

how much did KTM pay for that wright up lol.

Ha LOL!! it was there before I owned a Ktm Rupe

Come on reckless you still haven't answered the original question, If you HAD to get a different brand what would it be and why?

OK then the best two stroke of any brand that I decided suited my riding at the time! Probably restircted to Euro as the Japs have decided not to sell 2 stroke enduro bikes these days.

[Rupe]

Ha LOL!! it was there before I owned a Ktm Rupe



OK then the best two stroke of any brand that I decided suited my riding at the time! Probably restircted to Euro as the Japs have decided not to sell 2 stroke enduro bikes these days.

I could see you on a gasgas

[Rupe]

iim not sure what it is about the crf-x but the front end does seem to have a tendancy to wash out, id suggest this could be due to the over plush front end, as it doesnt happen on the same year crf-R - geometry wise they are the same, but with different rated suspension

Oh ok, had a quick thrash on the R and seemed to handle good, suprised the X isn't so great in the front end. It's got some good wright ups over the years

[Taz]

I've had hondas, kawasakis, suzukis, yamahas and now a ktm. 2 and 4t. They were all great. Some may choose a certain brand depending on their relationship with their nearest dealer but as I do all my own work I am not restricted in that way. I also have no brand loyalty - I'm easy I'll ride anything.

[Buddy L]

When i brought new, i changed brands.

Went from a 02 Honda CR125 to a 08 Suzuki RMZ250. I was only ever going to buy new, so price was the main factour in my decision. After sales support and a trust worthy dealer.
I know i wanted a 250f
If i could afford to go euopean i would have, just for the wide ratio options, But in the end it was down to the best deal at the time (money was burning a hole in my pocket).
Ended up going through Scott at MR motorcycles, even though he is not my local dealer (holeshot is), he is only a phone call and a courier package away.

Not sure what the next change will be, hopefully hold onto the one i have for atleast 5-6 years, 2 years down and the bike has never missed a beat.
Hopefully Suzuki will bring out a RMZ-X 250 with wide ratio (non-detuned).

[krad_nz]

Everyone needs to realise that the perfect bike has already been made. Its not going to get any better.... The KDX200

[barty5]

Everyone needs to realise that the perfect bike has already been made. Its not going to get any better.... The KDX200

untill the yzf450 is injected

[camchain]

I could see myself on a Husqvarna WR250. Detail a bit cobby here & there but not enough to put me off. I really like the horny & distinctive look of the Huskies.

The new Husabergs have really taken my fancy. Admire the bold engine design, and attention to detail looks 1st rate. Easiest air filter access I've ever seen. A well known rider told me the it's the best handling 450 he's ridden. Thinking the new 390 could be Goldilocks 4 stroke engine size for me - if I wasn't fairly well hooked on the nimble 2 stroke, that is.