I'm looking for a new ride

[Ayrtonsenna]

Hi Guys
Just sold my 450 Exc…time for a new bike (Budget of 7/8k comfortable - 10k Not happy but could make it happen )
I did have a Husaberg FE250 2013 lined up…but the deal fell through… “Ive sold it- you ?#$&! what” - wasn't a happy camper.
So I turn to you for guidance, to help me through this difficult time….I find my self walking into the garage late at night steering endlessly into an empty void, where the mighty 450 once stood, thinking…did I do the right thing.
At this stage, I’m really enjoying the trail rides but would like to think of doing a few Enduro’s….the 450 was great for open farm land, firebreaks, flat out- but I figure anyone can go fast, I’d like to slow it down / technical riding / steep decants, tight forest tracks, jumping logs- with a little less baggage.

Prefer a four stroke….low hours…late model Husaberg / Husqvarna / KTM - personal preference type of thing.
I’m in my late 30s / 6 foot / 85Kg…brown hair , blue eyes…like long walks on the beach- lol - relax I’m married!

So I was thinking..
Husaberg FE250 - can’t find one in my budget
Husqvarna FE250- can’t find one in my budget
KTM EXCF 250 - apparently a little gutless?
KTM XCF 250 / 350 - make a good Enduro bike?
Open to suggestions..

I tend to read far to much online…getting my self incredibly confused…….please point me in the right irection! :)

Ants

[pete.ktm]

looking to do the same. although i still have my 450 and after the first ride last weekend after winter/injured they are fucking awesome bikes. apart from being heavy pigs.

waiting to see the reviews on the new yamaha yzfx and wrf 250's before i decide but will probably end up with a 350exc-f. would prefer a 350xc with the non-pds suspension but i'm not too thrilled about no kick start and possibly more maintenance needed due to it being basically a race bike.

let us know what you find.

[Ayrtonsenna]

Hi Pete
Yes….few key points there- XC- no kick start??? saving weight apparently…..you have to wonder….higher revering engine -more service intervals - 350EXCF maybe the go…I’d like to hear from anyone that has one..wonder if I’d notice alot of difference between the 450 and 350…?

A

[Tazz]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dirt-bikes/auction-800544533.htm

[Ayrtonsenna]

God help me.....started looking at a new Husq FE250

[pete.ktm]

God help me.....started looking at a new Husq FE250

yeah do it bro! nice bikes.

then you can tell me how you like a 250 vs 450 before i make the same mistake, lol.

you not interested in the FE350? or the slightly more main stream KTM 250/350xc's?

guy on the thumpertalk yamaha thread reckons he's got a ride on the new yammie 250's on dec 6th, i'm holding out till then before i put some serious thought into my next one.

[thorns]

God help me.....started looking at a new Husq FE250


Try take one for a ride if you can before buying. I went to a Husky demo day earlier this year, and this was by far the most disappointing bike there thinking it could be quite a good casual enduro bike, but after riding, no way could I own one, spun one lap and gave it back to them.

I'm 6ft3, 105kgs, and the TE125 was a quicker and much more fun bike than that.

If your coming off a 450, I think you might be disappointed by the FE250, really was just a slow boring bike I found, and even a couple of the beginner riders there on the day thought the same.

[Shane06]

Just curious, how come you guys aren't looking at 2stk 300s those new huskys look good

[thorns]

Just curious, how come you guys aren't looking at 2stk 300s those new huskys look good


Can confirm, those 300 smokers are a great bike. Having ridden 250 motocross smokers, thought a 300 would just be insane, but actually really easy to crawl around in, great traction. Not much of a top end, but hell, with the torque those things have you can just run a taller gear everywhere.

If I was buying an enduro/trail bike, would be number 1 on my list.

[pete.ktm]

Just curious, how come you guys aren't looking at 2stk 300s those new huskys look good

thought about it a lot.

but basically just never had the chance to ride one and the 250 2-strokes i have rode were buzzy/racer/loop it easy as type machines. i know the 300's arn't like that but until i get a good ride on one i probably won't be convinced.

last two ktm demo days i couldn't get a ride on one, too popular. did i miss the wellington demo day this year?

[Ayrtonsenna]

Try take one for a ride if you can before buying. I went to a Husky demo day earlier this year, and this was by far the most disappointing bike there thinking it could be quite a good casual enduro bike, but after riding, no way could I own one, spun one lap and gave it back to them.

I'm 6ft3, 105kgs, and the TE125 was a quicker and much more fun bike than that.

If your coming off a 450, I think you might be disappointed by the FE250, really was just a slow boring bike I found, and even a couple of the beginner riders there on the day thought the same.

Shit really? I was on the invite list- last Husq day here in Chch "apparently" there was a problem with there email system and I mist out- Buga! Last KTM day I went to fell in love with the 450, and had to have one. So a little guttered I didn't get the opportunity this time.

[Ayrtonsenna]

yeah do it bro! nice bikes.

then you can tell me how you like a 250 vs 450 before i make the same mistake, lol.

you not interested in the FE350? or the slightly more main stream KTM 250/350xc's?

guy on the thumpertalk yamaha thread reckons he's got a ride on the new yammie 250's on dec 6th, i'm holding out till then before i put some serious thought into my next one.

Yeah thanks! mistake....lol....350 you recon? could be a good compromise..

[Ayrtonsenna]

Just curious, how come you guys aren't looking at 2stk 300s those new huskys look good

I've owed a few two smokes...back in the day- young fella - the 4s now feel more "planted" to me - 2s are twitchy- maybe just me :brick:

[Ayrtonsenna]

So.......anyone out there who's running a FC250 in enduro / trails ?

[thorns]

Rode the fc250 at that demo day as well. Really fast bike, but all the power is pretty much above 10k rpm. Not sure it would work that well on tighter trails.

For me I would rate the bikes they had on demo day like this:

Fe450 (was really impressed by this bike, seemed as fast as my kx450, would be good trail riding, and fun day mx ie grassroots mx days
Te300 - absolute tractor, would be pick if all I did was enduro riding, not like any two stroke I've ridden, stupid amounts of traction and could crawl up anything it felt like. Didn't rev out up top, so just need to short shift, it's like a diesel almost
Te125 - seriously stupid amounts of fun, surprising for a small bore
Fc250- pretty much have to ride like a two stroke, drop out of the power window and your going nowhere fast
Fe250- less said the better

Was gutted they didn't have a fe350 to try out, apparently they sell them to fast to have any demo bikes available.

[Shane06]

The whole ease of maintenance thing was the deciding factor I didn't want to be one of the guys selling a late model 4 stroke frame on trade me so sold the 450 and sick to the yz250. I guess it's all personal preference and maintenance budget

[Ayrtonsenna]

So I brought a...Enduro....Injected four stroke...Akro pipe.....arrives on wednesday.....the plot thickens :banana:

[pete.ktm]

So I brought a...Enduro....Injected four stroke...Akro pipe.....arrives on wednesday.....the plot thickens :banana:

what colour and size?

looking at a ktm 350 exc in TSS over the weekend but then i wondered if i really want to spend $15k + all the other little bits like radiator/handle bar/case guards etc when you can get some pretty well looked after >2011 bikes for $8k.

so i'm still waiting for the new yamaha 250's be get ridden and reviewed and then try and get a ride on a 300 two stroke just to get that out of my system and then i'll get something.

And it might still be the new 350 in TSS coz the AA just sent me some e-mail saying "If you fancy a new car, boat, motorbike, campervan or other vehicle for the summer, we can help you out."

[Jimmy]

try and get a ride on a 300 two stroke just to get that out of my system and then i'll get something.

Pete - you may remember me when we'd ride the Horowhenua events b4 I moved to Ak. I traded the 450 two years ago for a '13 300exc and it has proved itself over and over. More fun than the 450, easier haul out of trouble, tracks superbly, more than enough torque hence the 3 stroker name, and pre mix and oil changes are a breeze. And plenty quick enough too. I've done 100 hours on it now and absolutely no regrets. It's now or never mate!!

[pete.ktm]

Pete - you may remember me when we'd ride the Horowhenua events b4 I moved to Ak. I traded the 450 two years ago for a '13 300exc and it has proved itself over and over.

hey

glad to see you're still riding hard!

yeah, the more i think about it the keener i am on the 300. hopefully the one on trademe in porirua doesn't go before i stop dicking around.

cheers for your input!!

[Ayrtonsenna]

what colour and size?

looking at a ktm 350 exc in TSS over the weekend but then i wondered if i really want to spend $15k + all the other little bits like radiator/handle bar/case guards etc when you can get some pretty well looked after >2011 bikes for $8k.

so i'm still waiting for the new yamaha 250's be get ridden and reviewed and then try and get a ride on a 300 two stroke just to get that out of my system and then i'll get something.

And it might still be the new 350 in TSS coz the AA just sent me some e-mail saying "If you fancy a new car, boat, motorbike, campervan or other vehicle for the summer, we can help you out."

Husaberg....couldn't afford what I really wanted.....have a problem with paying over 10k for a dry bike....its just not right

[Reckless]

Ktm 300exc would be my choice Chris Birch cant be that wrong for that many years and as I understand it its the biggest selling enduro bike??
You can make it deliver power how you like by swapping power valve springs etc.

Mind you Chris Birch is on a 200exc atm finally seen the light LMAO ;)

Anyway god luck with your new ride :)

[Ayrtonsenna]

Mt Grey this weekend, haven't done this one....looks ok : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3ePCuMla8A

I'm sure the Husabergs going to love it...cant wait ! first time I've had her out..

A

[pete.ktm]

I'm sure the Husabergs going to love it...cant wait ! first time I've had her out..
A

so what model you get?

i'm leaning toward a ktm 300 2 stroke or 2015 yamaha wr250 but need a good ride on a 300 and the reports of the yahama are only just starting to appear.

had another ride in the weekend and the 450exc is a freakin nice bike for just tooling around, let me know if you miss yours after the ride on your new one and maybe i'll just be boring and just get a later model 450.

[Ayrtonsenna]

HI Pete, I brought a 2014 Fe250...haven't really had the chance to take it out...crazy busy at work. Its going to be interesting alright....looking forward to playing with the map switch. I'll probably make a vid- think its the last organised ride of the year!

Appreciate everyones input....funny when I think about it....everyone said don't buy a 450......and I brought one....don't buy a FE250...and I did...slow learner?

A

[pete.ktm]

HI Pete, I brought a 2014 Fe250...A

excellent, would be really interested to hear what you think about it compared to the 450, power and ride-ability wise.

and pretty sweet looking bike, good choice!



.everyone said don't buy a 450......and I brought one....don't buy a FE250...and I did...slow learner?


hey what are the odds of being wrong twice? lol.

[Ayrtonsenna]

I must admit was a little apprehensive, had I made the right decision, watching the 450 get loaded up on someone else’s trailer and driven away was hard.

The 450 was a monster, a super charged tractor, which needed respect, it could easily lead you astray like an x girl friend, she was hard work but a lot of fun.

One thing to remember, anyone can go fast…its just a matter of turning the right wrist….yes it takes balls but there’s not a lot of skill in that…..I figure you need to learn to how to ride slow to go fast.

Right then……KTM 450 08 v Husaberg FE250 14

Gearbox:
First thing I noticed, was the amount of gear changes……I’d leave the 450 in 2-3 gear- that pretty much covered a lot of the obstacles encounted , slipping the clutch as I pointed her in the general direction. The FE requires more attention, changing up and down, keeping her in that sweet spot, I felt more engaged…and in control, ensuring the bike was balanced, and not laboured.

Brakes:
Rear felt non-existent, and the front felt vague. I had a play with the brake bias…and have decided to try some different pads. The 450 was very strong in the front, with an adequate rear, more than enough to pull Boris into line.

Power:
Deciding to run the stock map on the first lap, I was tempted to have a fairly relaxed loop…….wrong…….red mist…..first open section I came to…..I nailed it…..listening to the Akro pipe sing…while I snapped through the gearbox…..and ladies, I was very surprised…there would only be a few bike lengths in it agents a 450 I’m sure of it….dam.
Second lap…I ran the Mild map…thinking would I notice a difference?…..yes the bike became very crisp…and sharp, almost like a SX….this made the bike feel more assertive and switchy….
I had hoped to try the “wild” over the third lap, but starting falling behind the bike, and decided to leave it.

As noted above I felt myself constantly changing gear on the FE running quickly out of power, where the 450 would keep accelerating.
Boris never really minded what gear you were in…..in some ways, it may have made me become lazy, stalling the FE several times.

450 going warp fact 9 was a thing of beauty…..I’d think to myself- shit if I step off now I’m gone…yet…you’d still be holding her wide open…almost in a trance.

Weight:
There’s not a lot of difference between the two…with the 450 being another 9Kg heaver……the FE felt a little light in the front….a little nervous at high speed, but around the tight stuff it felt precise.
The 450 always felt planted….solid….but heavy.

Suspension:
Loved the 450 front end….would soak up anything….yet hard enough. FE has had suspension work done by the previous owner, its currently set for a 75-85Kg pilot - I’m currently 87Kg (Chocolate bars..mmmm) it felt very soft….I need to have a play…set the sag etc before really making a comment…early days..


So……to be honest I’m a little surprised….it wasn’t really the bike I was expecting….I had this perception, that reliving myself of the 450 would lead to early nights and hot chocolate. I was wrong.

Bring on 2015!


Ants

[pete.ktm]

cheers for the report, you write ride reviews just like my mate morgan, lol.

sounds similar to other guys experiences i've read of going from a 450 to a 250. a lot more gear changes :(

did you do any tight/forest stuff? could you feel the 250 being easier to change direction through the trees?

like you my 450's front end feels so good, a lot of other bikes i've tried have very loose feeling front ends and i hate them (but maybe could probably get used to it or change the fork height/install stabiliser or something) but i'll be trying to get a decent ride on a model before i get it. but not always easy to do.

interested to see what you think after a couple more rides.

[pete.ktm]

Pete - you may remember me when we'd ride the Horowhenua events b4 I moved to Ak. I traded the 450 two years ago for a '13 300exc and it has proved itself over and over. More fun than the 450, easier haul out of trouble, tracks superbly, more than enough torque hence the 3 stroker name, and pre mix and oil changes are a breeze. And plenty quick enough too. I've done 100 hours on it now and absolutely no regrets. It's now or never mate!!

ha ha you are right!

picked up a '11 300exc locally just before xmas and had a first proper ride on it today at one of the HMCC rides.

pretty awesome little bike, sooo light compared to the 450 and so fun when the power hits.

Did a quick swap with Colins WR450 and man that felt like a big heavy couch after the 300 (although it does have very nice suspension).

Cheers