PDA

View Full Version : What to get next?



LankyBastard
14th June 2011, 16:35
Hi All,

Hoping for some advice on what my next dirt bike should be, currently have a DR200, and have started to find its limitations, especially in the sand (where I spend nearly all of my time)

Any suggestions? I'm not after some 450 mxer, just a good solid trails bike for the beach and woodhill. And pref under 10k!! Although a KTM 200/300exc looks nice...

Cheers!! :2thumbsup

motor_mayhem
14th June 2011, 18:28
CRF250X or WR250F?

Mungatoke Mad
14th June 2011, 18:52
Think BIG & don't look back

cheese
14th June 2011, 18:57
Barty has a really nice CRF250 for sale at the moment.

LankyBastard
14th June 2011, 19:17
So thinking 250 4t? No support out there for the KTM 2t??

t595
14th June 2011, 19:34
So thinking 250 4t? No support out there for the KTM 2t??

Go the 200!! ul regret buying the 4stroke when it shits itself:girlfight:

LankyBastard
14th June 2011, 19:40
Go the 200!! ul regret buying the 4stroke when it shits itself:girlfight:

I must say i did go into KTM today and the 200exc looked sweeeeet. The price did not however :(

t595
14th June 2011, 19:43
I must say i did go into KTM today and the 200exc looked sweeeeet. The price did not however :(

that because they come with all the goodies on them already:drool:

LankyBastard
14th June 2011, 20:00
that because they come with all the goodies on them already:drool:

orange car, orange zx6r, orange KTM..... sounds tempting :-)

barty5
14th June 2011, 20:50
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=384122106

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=383249844

here is a couple we have for sale at the moment pending on your time frame could be something else coming in next short while.

Or there is my Yzf450 2008 complete with Jack Daniels graphics kit comin up soon

Rupe
14th June 2011, 20:52
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=384122106

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=383249844

here is a couple we have for sale at the moment pending on your time frame could be something else coming in next short while.

There is troy lee graphics to go on that crf yet.

hamd0g
14th June 2011, 21:26
HONDA CRF250X= GUTLESS!! id get a ktm anyday over a honda! (ever tried to start a crf250r after a small off??? goodluck!!)

I had the 09 250 EXC-F from new to 130+ hours, gave me NO issues at all, did not need rings, not even close, had good valve clearances every check. very reliable, strong and powerfull!! e-start is very convenient on the long trails, tricky hill climbs, and river crossing mishaps etc!! ignore people who say the maintenance is excesive, oil changes are done by u. very easy.... The buy price is all relative (KTM=ready to race) I just bought and vin'd a '09 450 EXC, put some motard rims on and blat to work daily.... I have dirt rims and tyres in the shed for the weekends...

yokel
14th June 2011, 21:57
The first thing to work out is 2 or 4 stroke?

You can get new RM 250's for dirt cheep, i'm finding it hard not to get one for my self!

vazza
14th June 2011, 23:24
WR250F
KTM250EXCF
KTM250EXC

Cant go wrong

B0000M
15th June 2011, 01:19
HONDA CRF250X= GUTLESS!! id get a ktm anyday over a honda! (ever tried to start a crf250r after a small off??? goodluck!!) .

gutless until you do a couple of mods. like remove the exhaust restrictor, remove the ignition restrictor, jet it the same as a CRF250R... total cost about $10 and about 1 hour of your time

then still gutless like any other 4 stroke 250, but significantly better than standard.

and yeah, i've started a crf250, both R and X after small off's with no issues. again if your bike is jetted shit, or you have no idea what you're doing you will have trouble.

oh, get a 2 stroke. all 4 strokes are far too heavy and gutless in comparison

Furyos J
15th June 2011, 07:12
i ride 2smoker 250, and they are great. The guys i ride with are all on much more pricey and heavy crf450 or yzf450 etc big bore 4 strokes, but i have never felt left behind or underpowered (mine has a bit of porting work done tho), the plus side is very light weight, if you are good with tools they are easy as to do rings and piston and a small maintanance list, easy to kick start, and i have money left over for other hobbies(my classic v8 and roadbike) The negative would be the on/off power chews rear tyres and chews premix gas

LankyBastard
15th June 2011, 08:12
Thanks for all the advice, i must say i'm def thinking getting a 2 stroke! Whats the best 200 - 300 2 stroke? The KTM's?

barty5
15th June 2011, 08:49
HONDA CRF250X= GUTLESS!! id get a ktm anyday over a honda! (ever tried to start a crf250r after a small off??? goodluck!!)

I had the 09 250 EXC-F from new to 130+ hours, gave me NO issues at all, did not need rings, not even close, had good valve clearances every check. very reliable, strong and powerfull!! e-start is very convenient on the long trails, tricky hill climbs, and river crossing mishaps etc!! ignore people who say the maintenance is excesive, oil changes are done by u. very easy.... The buy price is all relative (KTM=ready to race) I just bought and vin'd a '09 450 EXC, put some motard rims on and blat to work daily.... I have dirt rims and tyres in the shed for the weekends...

not had any problem starting either of the crfs we have have you ever worked on and priced up parts for a KTM i have not pretty even at trade compare to jappers.

motor_mayhem
15th June 2011, 11:59
HONDA CRF250X= GUTLESS!! id get a ktm anyday over a honda! (ever tried to start a crf250r after a small off??? goodluck!!)

I had the 09 250 EXC-F from new to 130+ hours, gave me NO issues at all, did not need rings, not even close, had good valve clearances every check. very reliable, strong and powerfull!! e-start is very convenient on the long trails, tricky hill climbs, and river crossing mishaps etc!! ignore people who say the maintenance is excesive, oil changes are done by u. very easy.... The buy price is all relative (KTM=ready to race) I just bought and vin'd a '09 450 EXC, put some motard rims on and blat to work daily.... I have dirt rims and tyres in the shed for the weekends...

I would imagine the power difference between CRF250X, WR250R and 250EXCF to be noticable but pretty minimal really. The only numbers I could find on the google machine said the 250X was quicker than the EXC which I doubt. EXCF's are not as quick/powerful as SXF/RMZ/CRF/YZF. They're not designed to be either. They're built for different purposes.

On your "ready to race" theory - how many people who own off road bikes actually race them? Just because race features are available doesn't mean they will be any value to you so why pay extra money for them?

If you have a starting problem with any late model bike the problem will overwhelmingly with your starting method or how your bike is set up rather than the design of the bike itself.

Agree that electric start is easier, and KTM have a much smarter design on their airbox than on most bikes. But it isn't much fun push starting your mate's sxf because the battery doesn't hold charge either.

FTR I currently have an 08 CRF 450 and an 05 525 EXC. Second Honda and second KTM I've owned.

george formby
15th June 2011, 12:04
I've been looking at KDX 200's lately, a bit long in the tooth but heaps about & cheap as chips. Fun trail bikes too.

LankyBastard
15th June 2011, 12:25
I've been looking at KDX 200's lately, a bit long in the tooth but heaps about & cheap as chips. Fun trail bikes too.

Yeah I was looking at them too, also looking at RM250's, KTM 200, 250 and 300exc's.

Hmmm decisions decisions.....

morg_nz
15th June 2011, 12:26
I would imagine the power difference between CRF250X, WR250R and 250EXCF to be noticable but pretty minimal really. The only numbers I could find on the google machine said the 250X was quicker than the EXC which I doubt. EXCF's are not as quick/powerful as SXF/RMZ/CRF/YZF. They're not designed to be either. They're built for different purposes.

On your "ready to race" theory - how many people who own off road bikes actually race them? Just because race features are available doesn't mean they will be any value to you so why pay extra money for them?

If you have a starting problem with any late model bike the problem will overwhelmingly with your starting method or how your bike is set up rather than the design of the bike itself.

Agree that electric start is easier, and KTM have a much smarter design on their airbox than on most bikes. But it isn't much fun push starting your mate's sxf because the battery doesn't hold charge either.

FTR I currently have an 08 CRF 450 and an 05 525 EXC. Second Honda and second KTM I've owned.

i'd go a step further with the ready to race though motor mayhem - what features on a ktm are actually different to a jap bike? White power suspension and a hydraulic clutch. if you take out the hydraulic clutch, then there really isn't anything less 'ready to race' about a jap bike - they all have excellent suspension, which is designed for joe blogs to be able to use without a factory suspension mechanic - so i dont think theres anything different at all.

in fact i might even go so far to say - with their 4t's at least, that they could potentially have less ready to race bikes than the japs as they don't have massive engineering departments and r&d facilities like the jap companies do

ktm owners might go on about brembo brakes, but i've never had a problem stopping on my honda - well no more than staying upright but i dont think any manufacturer has solved that one lol!

ktm84mxc
15th June 2011, 12:38
Here are my views- 2t's are generally 10/15 kg's lighter then an equiv 4t.
200 vrs 300 depends on rider size & ability eg under 70kg's go a 200
any modern 2t will giv u what you want KTM, GasGas, Husky, yz250.
get an enduro model as the set up is more geared to cross country riding
a mx bike can be made woods friendly it just takes time & money
If a cash buyer YOU have the upper hand HAGGLE for a deal.

LankyBastard
15th June 2011, 12:54
Here are my views- 2t's are generally 10/15 kg's lighter then an equiv 4t.
200 vrs 300 depends on rider size & ability eg under 70kg's go a 200
any modern 2t will giv u what you want KTM, GasGas, Husky, yz250.
get an enduro model as the set up is more geared to cross country riding
a mx bike can be made woods friendly it just takes time & money
If a cash buyer YOU have the upper hand HAGGLE for a deal.

Ok, so any recomendations for which of these would be a top pick? Price, best dealers etc?

ktm84mxc
15th June 2011, 13:23
I love my KTM's but they are not every ones choice a GasGas is equally as good, Husky a little more hard core same for YZ/RM
Dealers most will buy from the lowest priced supplier, even if it means driving outa town. Parts & accessories/servicing find some 1 you trust/like & build a history with them it all helps.
Most bikers r a fickle lot & will choose on price rather than loyalty till they need it eg warranty/servicing issues arise.
The bike get 1 with a known service history, a dealer is covered by the consumer guarantees act, TradeME/private sales are not itz buyer beware.

LankyBastard
15th June 2011, 13:48
Couple of ideas;

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dirt-bikes/auction-383360695.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dirt-bikes/auction-378920645.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dirt-bikes/auction-382142617.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dirt-bikes/auction-321123583.htm

george formby
15th June 2011, 14:00
That GAS GAS looks sminky, something different & well regarded.

barty5
15th June 2011, 14:04
That GAS GAS looks sminky, something different & well regarded.

as long as you have lots a gaffa tape to put it back together and can work out which jap bike the borrowed the parts from when its time to replace them.

Bradz
15th June 2011, 14:15
as long as you have lots a gaffa tape to put it back together and can work out which jap bike the borrowed the parts from when its time to replace them.

Hmmm theres no Gaffa holding mine together, value for money the Gasser gets my very unbiased vote, second vote goes to the 06 Ktm.

Reckless
15th June 2011, 15:19
The difference I've found with my Ktm200exc is that you can make it what you like with the adjustable power valve etc. It will deliver power just how you want it to! On the 200 you can turn it as per the conditions in about 1 min on any particular ride. Dual curve ignition to if you buy the $25 after market switch!
Same with the 300 with their different coloured springs for power valve delivery etc (although I don't think its a 1 min change on them) ???

I change my ring every 50 hours and Piston every 100 hrs but Danger got 400 hours out of his 200exc piston and he rides and tunes much faster than me! Gearbox Oil change every 20hours by the book but do mine at 10-15ish!

Barty hates Ktm and if there was a jap brand in the market that fitted the bill I'd def be in for a look but their ain't, their loss for not making 2smokers! Ktm's gain. I did hear the 300exc is the biggest selling dirt bike in the world! But who knows????

My decision came down to power to weight, agility and the fact I could still do all the maintenance and didn't have to risk a valve train drama!

So it was the 200 for good low down torgue (the thing lugs really well) and still the wang for Mx tracks or the 300 for the lecky start and enduro-ness of it! (The 200 and 125 share the same frame and the 250 and 300 the next size).

I came of an MX based 01cr250 (really good bike) but The 125 size frame in the 08 200exc and reading this 240842 on the smaller bike won the day for me and I still love it! yes I'm 90kg all up with gear so I spent the $900 on new springs and valving etc but that should be a given if you want your bike set up correctly! I won't trade it till direct injection or something comes in!

I'm actually a kawasaki man and Rupes Kx250 I liked better than even Steves new ktm350 I rode a few weeks ago! A four stroke will still climb slippery or sandy shit better than a smoker thats for sure!

OH btw remember ktm do a major revision every 3 or so years so the 05-07 are a bracket and the 08 on, are another, so suss this out for your model? Thats why I went for the 08 ova the 07, completely different bike!!

Got sick of the anti Ktm rubbish on here so I haven't been posting for a while, I only posted because your lookin at my particular bike model ish, and why I made my decision to buy it, so take it or leave it! Just my 2c??

barty5
15th June 2011, 15:39
Barty hates Ktm and if there was a jap brand in the market that fitted the bill I'd def be in for a look but their ain't, their loss for not making 2smokers! Ktm's gain. I did hear the 300exc is the biggest selling dirt bike in the world! But who knows????



Im aloud to hate them had 3 of them (2ts and 4s) that we have done complete rebuilds on and all of them where a complete pain in the arse to work on found them to be over engineered and people always complain about the number of parts /moving parts in a bikes motor ive found that KTMs tend to have more than japper in the way of parts and moving parts, which in the long term = more things to break/wear out.

LankyBastard
15th June 2011, 16:06
How bout this? Price looks good.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dirt-bikes/auction-378920645.htm

Reckless
15th June 2011, 16:24
Im aloud to hate them had 3 of them (2ts and 4s) that we have done complete rebuilds on and all of them where a complete pain in the arse to work on found them to be over engineered and people always complain about the number of parts /moving parts in a bikes motor ive found that KTMs tend to have more than japper in the way of parts and moving parts, which in the long term = more things to break/wear out.

Absolutely your allowed your opinion my friend but personally I really really like the power valve design and its adjustability! More moving parts for sure, agreed, but the way the boost ports roll open as the power valve rolls open is simple and brilliant! Never touched mine except for cleaning on a strip down and I sure wish they had this back in the day I was kart racin for better power delivery!

More expensive on parts yes (if you don't buy from overseas) about a $100 on a piston kit incl pin and bearing?? That's once every one or two years.

And would I have anything other than an 200exc for 2stroke woods, mx and general dirt riding??? Well the answer to that is also yes as well!! But (except for gas gas) no one else makes anything???

I tried my best to make my previous post balanced and factually informative??
Each to their own but I felt lanky should at least have a reasoned contribution on both sides of the argument for his sake!


How bout this? Price looks good.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dirt-bikes/auction-378920645.htm

My 2c Lanky is if your into fast (or really fast through the woods) and a bit of mx buy an mx based bike, if your into enduro, woods & trial rides go for the exc? I could not make my Cr as good an enduro/trail bike as Ktm can?? An MX'er is always an Mx'er, especially a 2smoker, its that simple! Depends on your riding! Your call!

ktm84mxc
15th June 2011, 16:25
A few of the RM250s have been known to destroy gear box's, be careful & get it checked out b4 buying.
Buy the best/newest bike u can afford eg 2010 ktm 200 exc 65hrs $8200 neg on trademe, u cud easily knock 5% off the price.

LankyBastard
15th June 2011, 16:40
Thanks guys all this info is awesome!

The 2010 200exc looks great, but ideally I need to look at a bike here in Auckland, I like to get it checked out first.

As for best I can afford, well really I can afford a brand new KTM if i wanted to, but the missus will start complaining if i buy another new bike! And saving up for my second house, with a much bigger garage......

So ok lets bring on the search for a good deal on a newish ktm here in Auckland, Waikato, Northland etc!!!

Reckless
15th June 2011, 16:51
Thanks guys all this info is awesome!

If your leaning towards enduro and the exc Lanky. You should ride the 300 as well, You might like the bigger but lazier grunt of the 300 ova the wang of the 200! And the electric start?? You'll probably love or hate either, although you can change them, its tricky?? LOL!!


OH Btw if your in Aucks ( or anyone else interested anywhere) and a facebooker join us on Auck Dirt riders! here https://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_203709253001973&ap=1

LankyBastard
15th June 2011, 17:00
If your leaning towards enduro and the exc Lanky. You should ride the 300 as well, You might like the bigger but lazier grunt of the 300 ova the wang of the 200! And the electric start?? You'll probably love or hate either, although you can change them, its tricky?? LOL!!


OH Btw if your in Aucks ( or anyone else interested anywhere) and a facebooker join us on Auck Dirt riders! here https://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_203709253001973&ap=1

Request sent....

Found this tasty machine here in west auckland

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dirt-bikes/auction-383514818.htm

Rupe
15th June 2011, 18:12
Request sent....

Found this tasty machine here in west auckland

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dirt-bikes/auction-383514818.htm

I think you need to go ride a few bikes to make your mind up.

A dr200 to a 300 2t is quite a jump. Don't buy into the fact that you need a big hp bike as you are far better to get something you can throw around, and gain confidence quickly on. Lots of corners off road!

have a look at this cross country race results to see that it doesn't really matter what size or make of bike is needed to ride well off road http://www.silverbullet.co.nz/CLUB/CrossCountry/2011/Dirt%20Guide/Rnd1/Rnd1_Senior_Race.pdf

There is some good advice in this thread and some bad, you will need to read between the lines a bit!!

Also if you are a bit new to it all and don't want to buy a lemon, ask on here I'm sure a local guy might come look with you in trade for beer. Or might just be able to advise over the net.

Good luck.

ktm84mxc
15th June 2011, 21:16
Yes Rupe is correct it is a sizable jump in performance & a 300 will demand a lot from a rider if ridden to its potential. But they are so easy to ride just let the motor do the work , wrong gear it will pull/lug u through, deep sand sit back & the torque will make it easy.
most extreme enduro riders choose a 2t simply because they can handle the abuse & b easily fixed on the trail. just ask Taddy or Chris.

LankyBastard
15th June 2011, 22:20
This is not an easy decision! Other guys i ride with are suggesting something like a WR250F, rather than a 2t? I know it is a bit more power, but I have been riding for a few years now and can exercise restraint with the throttle! I am keen to get a bike to grow into, the DR200 was great to get me off the road and into the dirt, but now i do need more power. You all know what i mean :drool:

ktm84mxc
15th June 2011, 22:57
Yep nothing beats a surge off power just a twist away, you obviously have been riding for a while either on road or off & know ur limits. The reason 300's r so popular is they r all things 4 every body, they make a average rider better & a good rider an expert.
Rest assured a 300 has far more limits than 98% off riders will tap into.
A 250f feels flat/linear in its power delivery by comparison.

yokel
16th June 2011, 08:51
This is not an easy decision! Other guys i ride with are suggesting something like a WR250F, rather than a 2t? I know it is a bit more power, but I have been riding for a few years now and can exercise restraint with the throttle! I am keen to get a bike to grow into, the DR200 was great to get me off the road and into the dirt, but now i do need more power. You all know what i mean :drool:

Sounds like your mates dont want you to kick their arses! :lol:

English Kiwi
16th June 2011, 10:44
Thanks guys all this info is awesome!

The 2010 200exc looks great, but ideally I need to look at a bike here in Auckland, I like to get it checked out first.

As for best I can afford, well really I can afford a brand new KTM if i wanted to, but the missus will start complaining if i buy another new bike! And saving up for my second house, with a much bigger garage......

So ok lets bring on the search for a good deal on a newish ktm here in Auckland, Waikato, Northland etc!!!

You're forgetting your Missus reads the forums!! hahaha :)

Rupe
16th June 2011, 22:51
The reason 300's r so popular is they r all things 4 every body, they make a average rider better & a good rider an expert.


Really, how come everyone doesn't have one?

noobi
17th June 2011, 00:44
Really, how come everyone doesn't have one?

Some people prefer heterosexuality over a bike that is " r all things 4 every body" :calm:

t595
17th June 2011, 06:30
Some people prefer heterosexuality over a bike that is " r all things 4 every body" :calm:

Haha this coming from someone who owns a gasgas:killingme

LankyBastard
17th June 2011, 08:06
Might be able to get a new KLX450R for a good price, whats the view on these? Any problems?

Jay GTI
17th June 2011, 09:06
Not riden one, but have read a few reviews. Seems to be a great trail bike, but needs some work if you were to go racing.

From memory, it's a bit heavy, bit on the soft side suspenders-wise but has a strong engine and reasonably comfortable ergos. It's based on the KX-F450, but has sufficient engine work to make it more reliable and less maintenance hungry.

ktm84mxc
17th June 2011, 09:07
Rupe the reason every 1 doesn't have one is itz their choice the same as we all don't drive fords or holdens.
A 300 is easier to ride than a 250 simply because it produces a fatter power curve were most do their riding eg 2500-5000 rpm range.
I didn't say go buy a KTM there are other makes equally as good eg
GasGas, Husky[2t & 4t-300], TM, even a big bore RMZ, KXF, YZF 250......

Rupe
17th June 2011, 12:48
Rupe the reason every 1 doesn't have one is itz their choice the same as we all don't drive fords or holdens.
A 300 is easier to ride than a 250 simply because it produces a fatter power curve were most do their riding eg 2500-5000 rpm range.
I didn't say go buy a KTM there are other makes equally as good eg
GasGas, Husky[2t & 4t-300], TM, even a big bore RMZ, KXF, YZF 250......

Wasn't a dig at the bike brand, ktms make good bikes.

I've seen quite a few newish riders go jump on big bore bikes as they think they need the grunt to get through stuff. A smaller bore bike in the same tough stuff requires you to use more skill. and help build on the fundamentals required to ride well, throttle control, clutch, body english etc. Another great factor is you can be more confident on a smaller bike which increases speed.

Those super quick young kids have come through on small bikes and learnt whats needed to get an 85 up a big hill. By the time they get a larger bike everything is in place to do well.

Does that make sense?

ktm84mxc
17th June 2011, 14:06
Yep it can make sense if lankyb was a youngster/novice but he isn't. And I thought he was asking for an informed opinion/discussion on the merits of bike choices.
The facts are all of the brands & models are pretty equal you just choose 1 & ride it.
KTM just have the biggest model range even down to choice's in those eg 250's sx, sxf, musquin rep,excf, exc, mxc, 6 day[2t &4t].

LankyBastard
17th June 2011, 15:47
All good guys, every bit helps! I would prob put myself in the novice group for dirt riding, been riding road bikes for awhile now (both on and off the track) but and reasonably new to dirt.
Just had someone offer near what i paid for my DR, so seemed a good time to flick it off and upgrade to an actual dirt bike.
I am thinking that 4t might be the way to go for me, purely down to my experience with them, and total lack of knowledge/experience with two strokes. Albeit saying that I'm not one put of by new experiences/learning!!
I will agree that a lighter/less powerful bike would be better, as i know from riding road bikes that you learn core skills much faster when not worrying about whether your over zealous throttle hand is going to cause you grief! Hence my not wanting a 450mxer, (or any mxer really, too snappy, too much maintenance)

I like hearing owners experiences and recommendations regarding their bikes, and any hints/tips/advice is always greatly appreciated!

But after all of this I have been offered a sweet deal on a new 2009 klx450R....:confused:

Rupe
17th June 2011, 18:22
All good guys, every bit helps! I would prob put myself in the novice group for dirt riding, been riding road bikes for awhile now (both on and off the track) but and reasonably new to dirt.
Just had someone offer near what i paid for my DR, so seemed a good time to flick it off and upgrade to an actual dirt bike.
I am thinking that 4t might be the way to go for me, purely down to my experience with them, and total lack of knowledge/experience with two strokes. Albeit saying that I'm not one put of by new experiences/learning!!
I will agree that a lighter/less powerful bike would be better, as i know from riding road bikes that you learn core skills much faster when not worrying about whether your over zealous throttle hand is going to cause you grief! Hence my not wanting a 450mxer, (or any mxer really, too snappy, too much maintenance)

I like hearing owners experiences and recommendations regarding their bikes, and any hints/tips/advice is always greatly appreciated!

But after all of this I have been offered a sweet deal on a new 2009 klx450R....:confused:

just try to ride a few, thats the best way. most dodern bikes are great, just some might suit you better. Good luck

cheese
17th June 2011, 23:08
Come out to the WMCC ride in the weekend and I'm sure some of us will let you have a go on our bikes.

green machine
18th June 2011, 10:17
Are you fit and strong?,because the KLX will be heavy to pick up in when you're tired,i've been through a few bikes and literally come full circle and couldn't be happier.....started with a DR350 just to learn to ride on,after learning the basics,and with no cows to round up moved to a KDX200,was ok but i didn't like the 2 stroke power delivery(2 stroke fans will be bemused but it's just a fact),then came the 08 KXF250,which i loved so much when the 09's came out i upgraded,nice power,light,predictable and perfect for me.....then after what i can only explain as a brain explosion came the 09 KXF450(only been riding for 2 years at this stage)well it was too much for me and the inevitable happened,broken collarbone and 2 fractured vertebrae,knocked my confidence big time and set my riding level back to square one(Rupe nailed it in his post ).
To get rid of it i swapped it for an 08 KTM EXC450,which i quite liked,although still a 450 it wasn't as brutal as the KXF but a 450 is a 450 and i still got caught out now and again,plus it was heavy as f**k and i really struggled in the bush picking it up,was getting to the stage that riding wasn't fun......so to the full circle part,after xmas i thought f**k this and bought a 2010 KXF250 and my passion for riding has returned two fold and the boys reckon my riding level has increased as well,even to the point of dusting a few of them up at the MR's Maize races,much to my pleasure......this is from a guy that until 4 years had never ridden a motorbike,and these are only my opinions,hope this helps,good luck............

ktm84mxc
18th June 2011, 11:21
Well done Green Machine a insightful view.
Yamaha did a lot of work on the optimum size of engine in the late 90's they found a 350/400 cc gives the best in terms of power, torque, control ability & weight etc.
they also saw the American market demands Power above all else hence the 450's made by the manufactures.

rogerh
18th June 2011, 13:55
Don't look at the American market. It is quite misleading. A heap of riding over there is done at pretty serious altitude. Less than an hour out of LA and you are at 2000ft. A good day in Colorado or Utah (where there is some really good riding) you will be at 4000 - 9000 ft. Riding a 450 up there is closer to a 250 at sea level.

All the guys I rode with over there (at 6 - 9000 ft) saw a 525 as a mid sized bike power wise, but they also commented that they were pretty afraid of them at sea level.

Local experience is a much better guide. Green Machines experiences provide a pretty good insight.

LankyBastard
18th June 2011, 18:43
Hey, thanks for the tips green machine. After spending today at the sandpit have def decided against getting a 450, will be waaaayyy to powerful for my skills. The main downside to the DR is the riding position, due to its road bias the ergo'd mean its very hard to ride standing up, the pegs are too close to the bars, which are themselves too low. Likewise since i'm so used to 4 strokes i think best i stay with what i am familiar with. So looking now at a good 250 4 stroke, and i like the look of a few of the kx250f kawi's that were around today, had a chat to the owners who loved them!