Starting out enduro as a beginner? [Archive]

Jamie L

6th December 2011, 08:54

Devil

6th December 2011, 09:21

How about a 2006 KTM 200EXC with about 107hrs on it? $4.2k

barty5

6th December 2011, 09:29

Id go for what you feel more comfortable with but in saying that check out what spares are like for the TE before running out and buying as im sure $$ wise in the long run you may find the Honda cheaper on part/ availability.

Ps: not to push you in that direction but will have a 07 crf250 for sale shortly with brand new rod/ bearings and piston new fork seals hr meter said 120ish hrs start date jan 2007

noobi

6th December 2011, 09:48

You could use either type of bike, but you have to be comfortable riding it for 5+ hours at a time. Typically enduro bikes have smoother power and plusher suspension making it more forgiving to ride for hours at a time. However, you could have any bikes suspension revalved for plushness, but that's an extra cost.
The actual riding is pretty similar to what you would encounter on a trail ride, most of the enduros are forest based with the exception being Oparau, so experience with forest riding helps plenty.

They have classes to accommodate most levels of skill, the only prerequisite is that you are semi competent, as there aren't usually marshals around to help you out.
Here's a good write up on how to enduro in NZ http://www.silverbullet.co.nz/news.php?id=4534

Rupe

6th December 2011, 18:24

what about doing cross countries? bit of travelling for you to do an enduro series.

I thought husky's depreciate pretty quick. Would the other have to be honda?

There is no real set bike to use, only personal choices, just get something modern and well maintained.

NordieBoy

11th December 2011, 21:27

I would have started on the XR. Worse bikes out there for beginning on.

BoristheBiter

12th December 2011, 07:47

Hey there, would like some help about taking up enduros, as it looks awesome, but i am a little intimidated by the fact that it looks like you have to have a top bike, lots of flash gear, and be an awesome rider. which i am none of those things.

ok a little about me...
I am 21 years old, have done a bit of trail riding on my old xr250, and am fairly confident on a bike but not awesome. I am between bikes at the moment and was thinking of getting either a 2007 honda crf250r and trail ride it as these are cheap and fun, or do i spend a little more and go for a Husqvarna te250 2005, as this is more my style and may suit enduros.

any advice is more than welcome, Cheers

I would have started on the XR. Worse bikes out there for beginning on.

I ride a '00 XR250. a great bike to learn on. light, nippy with a good solid engine and some good lower power that forgives the odd mistake and is dirt cheap to fix. I have been on that for over 8 hours and didn't hurt and at my age it is something of a rarity.

When I get a new one I would look at the KTM's. just the fact that there are so many to choose from depending on how you ride to what you ride.
Personally i will get the 350 EXCF.

NordieBoy

12th December 2011, 09:17

2 stroke starter bike - KDX200.
4 stroke starter bike - XR250 (maybe even one of those weird modern ones with only one rear shock).

flyingcr250

12th December 2011, 10:27

Enduros are good fun, itll take a couple of goes to get used to the rules and the way things work, you do need to be reasonably bike fit as you can be on the bike for about 5 hours with some rest stops between each stage to refuel drink eat etc (depending on how fast you are), as for which bike, id go fo the latest model bike you can afford, xr's and kdx's are ok but i guarantee youll have out grown them within a few months,

Since you live in whangarei, maybe you could do a couple of coaching days with either mike bennett or one of the neild boys up at the farm.co.nz? Any pro lessons is money well spent.

Pornstar

12th December 2011, 10:50

I would have started on the XR. Worse bikes out there for beginning on.No offence there Nordie but I question your Impartiality, " what bike should I get for Trail rides?" XR, Enduro? XR, AMA Super X? ...XR, how bout Moto GP?...XR......with universals:eek:

NordieBoy

12th December 2011, 14:13

No offence there Nordie but I question your Impartiality, " what bike should I get for Trail rides?" XR, Enduro? XR, AMA Super X? ...XR, how bout Moto GP?...XR......with universals:eek:

No offence there Porny, but don't be stupid.

Moto GP would need a 19" front conversion and Shinko 705's FTW!

Anyway I ride a TT350 now. Single shock, disc front - welcome to the future baby!

Rupe

12th December 2011, 16:53

2 stroke starter bike - KDX200.
4 stroke starter bike - XR250 (maybe even one of those weird modern ones with only one rear shock).

maybe 15 years ago. not now though, bikes have changed for the better

nzspokes

12th December 2011, 16:58

Nah, XR200r is where its at. 82 was the best year.:bleh:

cheese

12th December 2011, 18:57

Any modern 4 stroke 250 would suit a beginner. Better to get right into it than buy a 1995 remade KDX or aircooled 200kg XR250 farm hack.

BoristheBiter

12th December 2011, 19:04

Any modern 4 stroke 250 would suit a beginner. Better to get right into it than buy a 1995 remade KDX or aircooled 200kg XR250 farm hack.

200kg? I think there might be a slight exaggeration.
But like you said any 4 stroke would be good.

NordieBoy

12th December 2011, 19:42

maybe 15 years ago. not now though, bikes have changed for the better

Really?
How much for a "modern" starter bike?

I'd be more inclined to get some skills together on a bike that would sell for as much as it cost and wouldn't be able to do warp factor 9.

But I wouldn't say no to a KTM 350 Freeride...

nzspokes

12th December 2011, 19:56

Really?
How much for a "modern" starter bike?

I'd be more inclined to get some skills together on a bike that would sell for as much as it cost and wouldn't be able to do warp factor 9.

But I wouldn't say no to a KTM 350 Freeride...

Me XR cost $400 and ive put another $200 into it. Goes fast enough to scare me. :niceone:

Rupe

12th December 2011, 20:21

Really?
How much for a "modern" starter bike?

I'd be more inclined to get some skills together on a bike that would sell for as much as it cost and wouldn't be able to do warp factor 9.

But I wouldn't say no to a KTM 350 Freeride...

2-3k can get a real good bike these days. If the guy wants to buy something to race I can't see an XR or KDX being the best choice. Besides he already has an XR and realises their limitations.

Each to their own I guess though

flyingcr250

12th December 2011, 20:34

2-3k can get a real good bike these days. If the guy wants to buy something to race I can't see an XR or KDX being the best choice. Besides he already has an XR and realises their limitations.

Each to their own I guess though

No way would i want to do a 5 hour enduro on an old xr, :laugh:

NordieBoy

12th December 2011, 20:46

No way would i want to do a 5 hour enduro on an old xr, :laugh:

Works Performance rear shocks, YSS PD valves in the front and the old XR didn't get last at the 6 hour...

Engine, suspension and ergos were fine. The brakes were... lacking...

Wouldn't want to ironman it though.

jt119

12th December 2011, 20:56

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PxnIerVHO8&feature=g-upl

NordieBoy

12th December 2011, 21:09

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PxnIerVHO8&feature=g-upl

Even I was willing him to keep on the gas just a little more :D

I think the bike was not being pushed to it's limits somehow...

nzspokes

12th December 2011, 21:13

The brakes were... lacking...

Kinda found that with mine on the weekend.

BoristheBiter

13th December 2011, 07:03

No way would i want to do a 5 hour enduro on an old xr, :laugh:

Funny that, I guess that's like when me on my 250 and the misses on a 200 just float up some hill climb or a river crossing while everyone else is just looking at it.

It's not the bike, its the rider. When i got some coaching off Birchy he showed me what my XR could do, I still haven't been able to repeat it.

And if you can't handle being on a XR for 5 hours stop stitting down.:bleh:

NordieBoy

13th December 2011, 07:45

Kinda found that with mine on the weekend.

I'd just like the same brakes at the bottom of the hill as at the top.
Is that too much to ask?

Oh and after the 6hr, the brakes weren't even bedded in yet :D
We got truck material bonded to the shoes to make them last...

Jay GTI

13th December 2011, 07:55

I think it's had an XR, i.e. the OP has already moved on.

The XR is a worthy enough bike, a mate has a 400 with CR250 forks, worked shock, some engine tweaking, decent bars and controls etc... it's a good bike. But it's just that, a good bike, but it feels dated. While the pro-XR crowd I'm sure can give countless examples of why their XRs are fine, can climb or ride anything, be fine for enduro etc., if I had the option of an XR, or something more modern, the XR wouldn't get a look in.

Personally I'd buy a WR250, it's head and shoulders better than the XR, still has it's own shortcomings, but it's such an easy bike to ride at reasonable pace straight out of the box. It would be an ideal entry level enduro bike, that won't take much investment to turn into a race bike when rider skill increases to suit.

NordieBoy

13th December 2011, 08:38

As always, it comes down to budget.

nzspokes

13th December 2011, 08:59

I'd just like the same brakes at the bottom of the hill as at the top.
Is that too much to ask?

Oh and after the 6hr, the brakes weren't even bedded in yet :D
We got truck material bonded to the shoes to make them last...

My rear is fine but the front I pull it and nothing happens. :facepalm:

Wont hold it coming off the trailer even.

nzspokes

13th December 2011, 08:59

Jay GTI

13th December 2011, 10:36

Can I buy a WR for $600?

Sure, if you don't mind that the frame and engine numbers are missing... :innocent:

As always, it comes down to budget.

if he's looking at an 07 CRF250, he can afford a similar age WR250.

NordieBoy

13th December 2011, 12:36

My rear is fine but the front I pull it and nothing happens. :facepalm:

Wont hold it coming off the trailer even.

Teflon lined cable.

They gave us a non-lined cable to start with and you couldn't do a thing with it.

nzspokes

13th December 2011, 12:51

Teflon lined cable.

They gave us a non-lined cable to start with and you couldn't do a thing with it.

I used a special gortex branded one. fail. Gunna make a new one as I cant buy a new one.

NordieBoy

13th December 2011, 13:58

I used a special gortex branded one. fail. Gunna make a new one as I cant buy a new one.

I bought an OEM one for the '79 XR250.

Tried Econohonda?

nzspokes

13th December 2011, 14:31

I bought an OEM one for the '79 XR250.

Tried Econohonda?

Nah, I will make one. Will be the best ever!!

NordieBoy

13th December 2011, 17:20

Nah, I will make one. Will be the best ever!!

Hydraulic line to the drum brake? :woohoo:

Pornstar

14th December 2011, 07:06

Whats up Nordie? are you like the SPCA or cats protection league for XR's, making sure they are well homed and cared for.:rolleyes:

NordieBoy

14th December 2011, 07:32

Whats up Nordie? are you like the SPCA or cats protection league for XR's, making sure they are well homed and cared for.:rolleyes:

In my experience, the XR's are great if you don't want to get last.

There are better options, yes, but if you're on a budget...

If Chris Birch is willing to do the Dakar on an XR250 then it should be good enough for anyone.

Jay GTI

14th December 2011, 07:47

In my experience, the XR's are great if you don't want to get last.

There are better options, yes, but if you're on a budget...

If Chris Birch is willing to do the Dakar on an XR250 then it should be good enough for anyone.

Jesus, you're like a dog with a bone...:laugh:

But as budget keeps coming up with this whole XR thing (and ignoring that the OP has enough for a decent bike, whatever that will be), those XRs aren't cheap for what they are... probably because there are plenty of guys out there my age that remember when the old red and blue XR250s were the coolest bike to have and us not so well-off types could only make do with an XR200, with a drum brake front and only one carb... so our fond memories are probably keeping the prices for decent ones pretty strong... in fact I've nearly hit buy now on a few over the last couple of years (before I came to my senses and went back to looking at porn).

nzspokes

14th December 2011, 07:54

Jesus, you're like a dog with a bone...:laugh:

But as budget keeps coming up with this whole XR thing (and ignoring that the OP has enough for a decent bike, whatever that will be), those XRs aren't cheap for what they are... probably because there are plenty of guys out there my age that remember when the old red and blue XR250s were the coolest bike to have and us not so well-off types could only make do with an XR200, with a drum brake front and only one carb... so our fond memories are probably keeping the prices for decent ones pretty strong... in fact I've nearly hit buy now on a few over the last couple of years (before I came to my senses and went back to looking at porn).

So what else could I have got in a trail bike that goes strong for $600?

Not everybody has a huge budget.

BoristheBiter

14th December 2011, 08:00

Jesus, you're like a dog with a bone...:laugh:

But as budget keeps coming up with this whole XR thing (and ignoring that the OP has enough for a decent bike, whatever that will be), those XRs aren't cheap for what they are... probably because there are plenty of guys out there my age that remember when the old red and blue XR250s were the coolest bike to have and us not so well-off types could only make do with an XR200, with a drum brake front and only one carb... so our fond memories are probably keeping the prices for decent ones pretty strong... in fact I've nearly hit buy now on a few over the last couple of years (before I came to my senses and went back to looking at porn).

See that's the thing, the XR is a decent bike.
It's a basic bike that just keeps going and if it does break down out on a track it is easily fixed with minimal tooling. (in 11 years mine never has)
It all comes down to personal preference, I hate 2 smokers but to some they are the tops, I don't bag them because of it.

I will stand by what NB said If Chris is doing the Dakar on one that's good enough for me.

nzspokes

14th December 2011, 08:03

Hydraulic line to the drum brake? :woohoo:

Thats no a bad idea.

NordieBoy

14th December 2011, 08:06

I will stand by what NB said If Chris is doing the Dakar on one that's good enough for me.

He may be modifying it a little to look and handle just like a KTM450 but in essence it's an XR...

Orange is just faded red after all...

Jay GTI

14th December 2011, 08:27

So what else could I have got in a trail bike that goes strong for $600?

Not everybody has a huge budget.

Not sure if you noticed, but you're not the OP, so this should be about his budget, not yours... jeez this place isn't all about you, you know...;)

Disclaimer: I am being a cheeky twat, please don't take that as offensive in any way...

Jay GTI

14th December 2011, 08:36

He may be modifying it a little to look and handle just like a KTM450 but in essence it's an XR...

Orange is just faded red after all...

Um yes, was wondering about that one, considering he is indeed riding a KTM450 rally bike in the Dakar. Mind you, the article I read had a pic of Levi Sherwood with "Chris Birch in action" under it...

Pornstar

14th December 2011, 11:34

talk about thread hijacking

nzspokes

14th December 2011, 11:35

Not sure if you noticed, but you're not the OP

You realise this is KB right?

Jay GTI

14th December 2011, 12:05

You realise this is KB right?

Ha ha yep, hence my post being tongue in cheek (no "cheeky sarcasm" unfortunately, hence disclaimer).

Rupe

14th December 2011, 14:55

So what else could I have got in a trail bike that goes strong for $600?

Not everybody has a huge budget.
Maybe you just got what you paid for.

Pornstar

14th December 2011, 15:12

Meanwhile back at the farm, Jamie L has left and decided to look for a less contenious sport.:baby:

Jay GTI

14th December 2011, 15:22

Meanwhile back at the farm, Jamie L has left and decided to look for a less contenious sport.:baby:

Hey this is KB, we've covered his requirements already, now it's time to talk about Chris Birch and make sorded comments about touching each other inappropriately...

...well maybe not the second bit.... yet...

gwynfryn

14th December 2011, 15:55

nzspokes

14th December 2011, 15:58

Maybe you just got what you paid for.

i did and real happy with it. :cool:

Jay GTI

14th December 2011, 16:04

I am between bikes at the moment

I'm sure I'm not reading that wrong...

NordieBoy

14th December 2011, 16:24

I'm sure I'm not reading that wrong...

Sounds like a threesome...

BoristheBiter

15th December 2011, 08:11

Just ride the xr. Then when you come last you have an excuse and if you dont you can skite about being faster on an old bike. Win win situation.
If you have outgrown the xr and its holding you back then I sugest you take the big leap to a kdx200.

So does that mean because i finished mid pack in the 2-man solo if i had another bike i would have won? If only that was the case.:facepalm:

NordieBoy

15th December 2011, 13:31

Just get a TT350 or DR650.
<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/pGrORyGvprU?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

cave weta

15th December 2011, 14:31

What is going on in here? I turn my back for one minite and this nice man's first ever thread gets hijacked and turned into a slinging match about whether XRs still have a place in our history.
Get this thread back on track now.

Don't make me come in there and delete 1/2 of your drivvle.:Police:

nzspokes

15th December 2011, 17:14

Just get a TT350 or DR650.

Dont care what bike ya ride, that looks fun.

Pornstar

15th December 2011, 22:58

Is that you in that vid Nordie? thrashin that poor defenceless TT? Not to shabby.:niceone:

NordieBoy

16th December 2011, 07:42

Is that you in that vid Nordie? thrashin that poor defenceless TT? Not to shabby.:niceone:

Shit no!

I'd hardly get out of 2nd gear in that sort of stuff.

Although I did do a wheelie once...

They've got another vid somewhere of the TT and a Berg being thrashed too.

Jamie L

19th December 2011, 19:40

flyingcr250

19th December 2011, 20:02

well i have ended up with a 2008 YZ250F, White plastics, looks and goes awesome. I guess my next question is can i start enduro riding with it??

I dont want to be highly competitive, i just want to have fun on my new bike, but do a little more than just trail ride.

Any suggestions to good rides or does my bike have to meet certain regulations??

Cheers, Jamie

DIVERS DO IT DEEPER!

SWEET!

I think for the average rider there arent any regulations you need to meet, just make sure your exhaust isnt overly loud and you should be sweet, id still get some hand guards, radiator braces and a skid plate etc.. And maybe wrap some old inner tube around your radiator hoses to stop stones and sticks puncturing the hoses,
Enduros are good fun.

noobi

19th December 2011, 22:23

...does my bike have to meet certain regulations??

Nope, if you're competing in the national classes, then you need to have lights, they don't need to work, they just have to be there.
Otherwise, just show up, pay the entry, and probably for a day license and you're good to go.

Get all the guards CR suggested above.

Read the link I posted earlier in the thread if you haven't already, that gives a good explanation on the format of enduros. If you are familiar with rally driving, its exactly like that, but on bikes.

Only other thing is riding fitness, enduros are a long day out on the bike.

motor_mayhem

19th December 2011, 23:28

While YZF's aren't particularly known for overheating I would probably still get a catch tank as you may spend some time with the engine revving and not going too far.

When I was learning to ride I tried an enduro and the plastic t joint in my cooling system melted and I lost most of the water, had to limp home on the second lap.

Jamie L

21st December 2011, 18:21

Catch tank??? is this an addition to the radiator to hold more water?

browny

21st December 2011, 18:42

SWEET!

I think for the average rider there arent any regulations you need to meet, just make sure your exhaust isnt overly loud and you should be sweet, id still get some hand guards, radiator braces and a skid plate etc.. And maybe wrap some old inner tube around your radiator hoses to stop stones and sticks puncturing the hoses,
Enduros are good fun.

what do they deem "overly loud". am keen to try enduros also. big berg got some noise with her tho.

noobi

21st December 2011, 19:26

Catch tank??? is this an addition to the radiator to hold more water?

Like this http://www.mrmotorcycles.co.nz/product_info.php?cPath=38_79&products_id=1458
Catches the coolant your bike spews out when it gets hot.

NordieBoy

21st December 2011, 19:40

what do they deem "overly loud". am keen to try enduros also. big berg got some noise with her tho.

96dB, 0.5m away, 45deg, level with pipe at about half revs or so.

BoristheBiter

21st December 2011, 19:41

Only other thing is riding fitness, enduros are a long day out on the bike.

Tell me about it.
I thought i was bike fit, then i raced in the two man. There is a big difference from riding for 3+ hours and racing for 3+ hours.

noobi

21st December 2011, 19:49

Tell me about it.
I thought i was bike fit, then i raced in the two man. There is a big difference from riding for 3+ hours and racing for 3+ hours.

Yep. I could probably ride for 8 hours in a day, but find it very difficult to 'race' for 3 hours without breaks.
Enduros may be riding for 5-6 hours, but you only 'race' for about 1 hour, with breaks in between. Even then, you are only racing against the clock, not other people.

BoristheBiter

21st December 2011, 19:56

Yep. I could probably ride for 8 hours in a day, but find it very difficult to 'race' for 3 hours without breaks.
Enduros may be riding for 5-6 hours, but you only 'race' for about 1 hour, with breaks in between. Even then, you are only racing against the clock, not other people.

So not like ROA or romaniacs then?

noobi

22nd December 2011, 16:48

So not like ROA or romaniacs then?

Lol, no. There are only a few events like that in NZ, and they are only single day events. The No Way In Hell Hard Enduro, the Root 100 and the Nutbuster.
They couldn't run the National series in such a way that 6 people finished.

BoristheBiter

22nd December 2011, 19:11

Lol, no. There are only a few events like that in NZ, and they are only single day events. The No Way In Hell Hard Enduro, the Root 100 and the Nutbuster.
They couldn't run the National series in such a way that 6 people finished.

Yeah, I answered my question today.
The 2-man (solo) I did, ROA and romaniacs are more cross country than standard enduro, as enduro are the same course and you get points for better times.

That's about right, yes?

noobi

22nd December 2011, 19:50

Yeah, I answered my question today.
The 2-man (solo) I did, ROA and romaniacs are more cross country than standard enduro, as enduro are the same course and you get points for better times.

That's about right, yes?

Yes, but you get less points for a better time. A point per second during timed tests, loose 60 points for every minute you are behind where you should be at checks, and there are point penalties for other things too, like not being able to cold start your bike and ride it X meters in one minute, or not having lights on a bike competing in expert class at National events.
Fewest points wins.
The course is like a trail ride with more than one track, you start in the pits, ride a lap, come back to the pits, refuel, eat whatever, then go and ride the other track, come back to the pits, repeat. The timed tests are somewhere in the lap.

BoristheBiter

22nd December 2011, 19:54

Yes, but you get less points for a better time. A point per second during timed tests, loose 60 points for every minute you are behind where you should be at checks, and there are point penalties for other things too, like not being able to cold start your bike and ride it X meters in one minute, or not having lights on a bike competing in expert class at National events.
Fewest points wins.
The course is like a trail ride with more than one track, you start in the pits, ride a lap, come back to the pits, refuel, eat whatever, then go and ride the other track, come back to the pits, repeat. The timed tests are somewhere in the lap.

I defintly prefer XC then, cold start my XR and ride x distance:facepalm:I would lose right there.

noobi

22nd December 2011, 20:25

I defintly prefer XC then, cold start my XR and ride x distance:facepalm:I would lose right there.

You would probably loose more in being late to checks than the 60 points you get for failing the cold start test.
I think its only 20m or so you have to ride.