Changing brands

[Rupe]

when you buy a new bike if you had to change brands what would you choose and why?

[flyingcr250]

when you buy a new bike if you had to change brands what would you choose and why?

for me it would have to be one of the euros(KTM, gas gass, TM) mainly because they still have a research and development team working on their 2strokes, unlike the likes of suzuki who havnt changed since 2006.

[Rupe]

for me it would have to be one of the euros(KTM, gas gass, TM) mainly because they still have a research and development team working on their 2strokes, unlike the likes of suzuki who havnt changed since 2006.

Husky's look quite good to (the txc ones), but they also look like some bits might fall apart.

[vazza]

If I had to change it'd either be gasgas or husky id say. Wouldnt go back to a jap eh

But I doubt ill ever change from kTm

[4stroke]

the things i looked at when i got the txc was, it had a electric leg but no lights etc, 6 speed box with a very low ratio 1st which is very good in the tight techy stuff, i felt comfy on it and the power wasnt so agressive that it ripped your arms out like my 07 crf450 was but still has all the power just usable, and the factory suspension was prety good out of the box.
i think the bigest thing is that you have to be comfy on the bike, if your not comfy yoour burning energy that you dont need to be burning.

[charles23]

erh i had a husky, it was yellow just like a lemon and a lemon it was! crap bike, cost a fortune in parts and the back up support was shit...now have a jap bike and swear i'll never go back.

[4stroke]

they fixed the lemon thing aye, now red n white ahaha ive no probs with mine and the backup and service is good, proberly beter backup than i had with my crf, im the oposite really i dont think id have a japa again. but different horses for different corses.

[flyingcr250]

they fixed the lemon thing aye, now red n white ahaha ive no probs with mine and the backup and service is good, proberly beter backup than i had with my crf, im the oposite really i dont think id have a japa again. but different horses for different corses.

same, i dont think ill go back to a jappa or a mxer for that matter

[charles23]

it was the 2004 anniversery model TC250, buyer beware eh...

the new models look the biz and are starting to feature well in some of the euro races.

[cheese]

Personally I think that I'd go for a KTM. I ride more enduro type stuff and they are more purpose built for it.

[Reckless]

when you buy a new bike if you had to change brands what would you choose and why?

I will never bag my Cr250 It was a good bike. But i was always trying to change it to suit what I wanted. When I rode the 03 Ktm200 it was just sooo well suited to the type fo riding I did. Then I got the 08 and its much better again. I'd also not go back to a jappa with what they are producing at the moment. I'm def not the quickest rider out there but anything wrong out there is me and never the bike. You can torque it like a enduro bike or fang it like a 125. You will find most who go to Ktm become converts whereas the jappa owners are more likely to change brands. Something about Ktm's and the way they ride I think!

[takitimu]

To be honest at the moment the '10 txc250, it suits me as cross over mx/enduro/trail rides with electric leg but rest mx, I don't care so much about euro vs jap would be happy on any of the modern bikes except BMW :).
The new efi 250's will be interesting to ride, especially how they start after a stall.
One thing I won't do again is buy alot of tweaks, you lose to much money.

[barty5]

Well i sure as hell wont ever buy a ktm as for changing brands dont think i will for a while happy with yami at a push i would consider going green but not red been there done that and over it.

[Pierce]

Haha you sound like the opposite of me.

I'm well happy with Honda (been raised on red bikes so my loyalties lay there) but would probably consider either Yamaha or KTM (both 2T's of course)

[Danger]

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.

[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.: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.: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:innocent:

[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 :done:

[barty5]

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

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.

[dammad1]

Would have to be euro, TM or Husky, 2 stroke of course, no probs with jap brands but you'll never catch me on a 4 stroke yawnnnn...

[Danger]

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

The KDX is sprung horribly soft on the front end and combined with the lack of any midvalve the fork tends to dive excessively but it has reasonable rate spring on the rear which keeps the rear high so I'm not surprised that you find you can lean it over in the turns. Most complain about the low riding front end.

Try this on your CRF, one change at a time, increase shock HS compression damping a 1/4 turn in, decrease shock rebound damping 2-4 clicks, increase fork rebound damping 2 clicks, then try an extra turn on the rear preload if the first measures don't seem to help enough. Then if that doesn't seem to improve things enough drop around sometime and I'll suck out a little oil from each fork, only take me a few minutes with the forks on the bike, all of these steps should help some.

[Rupe]

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

This vid http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9O6nFFGbqE&NR=1 catches the essance of the kdx nicley. gets really extreme half way through, big wheel stands, aggresive style etc. The exhuast shoots are almost to extreme to watch

[krad_nz]

Hahha, nice work :)

In all seriousness I have a soft spot for the new huskies. Def look good. Don't know enough about them with regards to reliability etc yet though. Still, havn't heard anything bad.

[A&R]

The KDX is sprung horribly soft on the front end and combined with the lack of any midvalve the fork tends to dive excessively but it has reasonable rate spring on the rear which keeps the rear high so I'm not surprised that you find you can lean it over in the turns. Most complain about the low riding front end.

Try this on your CRF, one change at a time, increase shock HS compression damping a 1/4 turn in, decrease shock rebound damping 2-4 clicks, increase fork rebound damping 2 clicks, then try an extra turn on the rear preload if the first measures don't seem to help enough. Then if that doesn't seem to improve things enough drop around sometime and I'll suck out a little oil from each fork, only take me a few minutes with the forks on the bike, all of these steps should help some.

Thanks danger. i'll have a play with that.