Advice wanted about what bike to buy

[Waikato Matt]

Hi everyone,

I live in Te Aroha Waikato, and I am trying to get as much advice as possible on buying a new bike please. So before I go out and spend the $$$ and make the wrong choice, can anyone help me, and put me in to the right model.
My budget is 10k FIRM, not a cent more. I have been waiting all year for the 2016 models to come out, in the hope to grab a 2015 run out deal with my money.

I'm after brand new, i'm an older guy in my forties, and i'm fussy.
What i'm after, is a bike I can jump on after work, head off down the road, explore some off road gravel roads, get into the bush on, head into the Thompson track with, and just generally have a few hours of fun on, two to three times a week, weather being the key factor.

I like the idea of two strokes, purely as I grew up on Honda CR250s and the like. I love the buzz of a two stroke, and do not intend to ride hard out for hours and hours at a time, due to my age, and fitness level. Just a fun bike, to put a smile on my face, that can be ridden off road, with no racing in mind. Was thinking the KTM EXC300, but sadley 10k will not buy me one brand new.

That being said, I am not opposed to the new 4 stroke bikes, so long as they have some WOW factor, not after a tractor, and also it's just the thought of not many hours required before rebuilding them, and the cost of doing so, scares the heck out of me. ( TBH I'm not up on the play of the modern 4 stoke ) However, I have looked at the Honda crf 450 X as well as it's little brother the crf250 X as possible bikes of choice. All of which can be purchased under, or on my 10k budget.

Any help, advice, and information would really be great. Thanks in advance.

[mossy1200]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dirt-bikes/auction-840400155.htm

Get one of these while they are cheap. Its the enduro version so less rebuilding. Less top end power and not as capable doing big jumps.

[eldog]

Hi everyone,

I live in Te Aroha Waikato, and I am trying to get as much advice as possible on buying a new bike please. So before I go out and spend the $$$ and make the wrong choice, can anyone help me, and put me in to the right model.

What i'm after, is a bike I can jump on after work.
I like the idea of two strokes, purely as I grew up on Honda CR250s and the like. I love the buzz of a two stroke, and do not intend to ride hard out for hours and hours at a time
That being said, I am not opposed to the new 4 stroke bikes, so long as they have some WOW factor, not after a tractor, and also it's just the thought of not many hours required before rebuilding them, and the cost of doing so, scares the heck out of me. ( TBH I'm not up on the play of the modern 4 stoke ).

age is no barrier
dont be settled on a bike till after you test ride then go back and test ride it again.
Its a bit like buying your first house, the house looks great on the second visit you spot different things.
Myself 4 stokes but I am not familiar with the sort of riding you are after.
Most modern bikes seem to be reliable as long as they are serviced.

If you are worried about $ then look at service interval and get a quote so at least you know what you are in for. I found out the hard way, I didnt realise air cooled smaller bikes have a shorted service interval.

Check out what features you need, you need to think about height, range etc.
if you are going out on gravel and dont have much experience a smaller bike is a good start to get the basics right.

Something i have found, my ideas/tastes about riding and bikes has changed since I started.

have fun

[Waikato Matt]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dirt-bikes/auction-840400155.htm

Get one of these while they are cheap. Its the enduro version so less rebuilding. Less top end power and not as capable doing big jumps.

Thanks for that mate. I did throw a leg over this model, as to the Honda crf 450x, both bikes felt very heavy for me. Strange as i'm 5.11 and 85kgs, but the weight just felt a tad on the heavy side. There is no question the price tag of 8999k is hard to go past.

[mossy1200]

Thanks for that mate. I did throw a leg over this model, as to the Honda crf 450x, both bikes felt very heavy for me. Strange as i'm 5.11 and 85kgs, but the weight just felt a tad on the heavy side. There is no question the price tag of 8999k is hard to go past.

Yep that's the enduro in it rather than MX and the bigger cc. Will be easier to ride than a 2 smoke.
A demo bike would tell you quickly if its you or not.
4 stroke rmz250 or kx250f is the only other real options in your price range. Problem being will the power still be ok in 3 months time.

2 smokes will be over 10k but you may find the 4 strokes a better bike to explore on anyway.

[george formby]

Hmmm. Road legal? Sounds like you need a new, old school trailie. I've been looking for such a thing myself. The closest for me would be a WR250r or some such. The KTM, Beta, Sherco, 300cc and 250cc street legal (just) 2t enduro bikes look great but I doubt they are as comfortable or have the range and low maintenance of the old school bikes.

Best of luck. I will watch this thread with interest.

[pipe]

Almost get a YZ250 for that budget not that suitable for back road exploring but lot of fun for trail rides.
Can get a Wr250R new round 10k but its more a trail bike then enduro/MX

[Waikato Matt]

Hey thanks guys for the feedback. Yeah it's a bloody hard one to solve. All the bikes that can fit the bill, are out of my price range, like the KTM EXC250/300 models. The ones that are in my price range feel to heavy, and are not road legal ( CRFs and KXL can not be compliant with out a lot of $ ) sad but true, to heavy anyway. I have been quoted a great deal on a new 2014 CRF 450x Honda with black rims, at a run out of $10,400. But just felt to big for me. Same with the KLX450r at 8500k, just to heavy at 126kgs.

I do see that Yamaha for 2016 are bringing out a YZ250X 2 stroke, again, wont be road legal but, at 103kgs, would suit me better. but at a guess will be 13 to 14k, so no point waiting for that to arrive. Bummer as it has the 18 inch rear wheel, wide ratio 5 speed box, softer suspension, and a few other trail ride tricks, like kick stand etc

I think at the end of the day, I have two or three choices for my budget. Either go with the 4 bangers but be prepared to join a gym to hold them up on rides.
Or, buy the current YZ250 2015 model, or 2014 KTM XC both on run out deals, both within my budget, and just make do, take the chance with country back roads and the fact we live in a one cop town anyway. ( as long as you stick to the back roads, and don't go being stupid, they seem to leave you alone ) Buy a small trailer if I want to venture further than what's on offer just down the road ( Thompsons track etc ) OR con the wife into opening up the wallet and getting the right bike for another 2.5 to 3k. ( can use the excuse the tickets will add up pretty fast if I get caught lol ).........Na, the truth is we are tapped at 10k, there is no more money in the kitty.

Will keeps you guys posted on how I go.
Thanks again.

[george formby]

I still reckon the WR ticks the boxes. Apparently very reliable, too. 135kg but probably less tiring to ride than a 450.
Have a read of this article. http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/2013/03/article/2013-yamaha-wr250r-comparison/

Some lateral thinking. OK the TE is a grand over budget, but...
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dirt-bikes/auction-867680985.htm

And Gasgas have gone bust..
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dirt-bikes/auction-908558815.htm

[Ender EnZed]

Not quite new but within budget. (http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dual-purpose/auction-945602708.htm) Probably just as heavy as the other 450s though.

[Tazz]

Not quite new but within budget. (http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dual-purpose/auction-945602708.htm) Probably just as heavy as the other 450s though.

I was going to link this. Wish I had the cash to 'up year'.

Also punches in a shade lighter than a WR250R last time I checked? The only bike you are really going to win with weight wise that I can think of has already been ruled out, and that's the KTM300. They are around 100kg from memory but I'm not sure if that is wet or dry.

Those other linked bikes you won't be getting road legal for 10k or under.

An easy under 10k puts you on a DRZ250, DR650 or something along those lines I would have thought. New that is.

[puddytat]

Whats the problem with a 125kg bike.....are you built like Mr Bean?
That WR is the shizz...

[FlangMasterJ]

It's only heavy when you fall off.

[Stylo]

Whats the problem with a 125kg bike.....are you built like Mr Bean?
That WR is the shizz...

We've come a long way by the sound of it then,

A KX500 weighs in at 101kg, no gas but ready to go....

Go figure

[puddytat]

It's only heavy when you fall off.

That's what I was thinking....I can pick my 4hundy up, piece of piss. Mind you Im 72kg of lean & mean.:laugh:

Maybe Matt....are you carrying your spare tyre round your waist or is that the Waikato?:drinkup:;)

[Tazz]

We've come a long way by the sound of it then,

A KX500 weighs in at 101kg, no gas but ready to go....

Go figure

Apples with apples you'd want to compare it to a YZF450, which is approx 112kg wet and has the same peak amount of horsies as a KX500 (if 55 is correct), except you can actually use them.

Throw in other (standard) 'upgrades' (by comparison) like the suspension, servicing/reliability, ease of tune, lecky leg to just name a few and yeah, we've come a long way :niceone:

[Waikato Matt]

Whats the problem with a 125kg bike.....are you built like Mr Bean?
That WR is the shizz...

Ba hahaha, i'm 5.11, 85 kgs, but have very short legs lol, and the bigger 450 bikes just feel wrong and uncomfortable to me. Having ridden XR200 and 250s as a kid, then converting to the 2 stroke bikes CR125 and CR250s, the big thumpers just feel wrong to me. Hey, that's just my opinion, not at all knocking those bikes.....

[Waikato Matt]

I still reckon the WR ticks the boxes. Apparently very reliable, too. 135kg but probably less tiring to ride than a 450.
Have a read of this article. http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/2013/03/article/2013-yamaha-wr250r-comparison/

Some lateral thinking. OK the TE is a grand over budget, but...
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dirt-bikes/auction-867680985.htm

And Gasgas have gone bust..
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dirt-bikes/auction-908558815.htm


That TE is on my watch list, have sent them an email asking on a quote to North Island for shipping. I have to say, I really like the GAS GAS, but was put off due to the company going under, so future parts etc, and warranty claims could be a drama.....

[Waikato Matt]

That's what I was thinking....I can pick my 4hundy up, piece of piss. Mind you Im 72kg of lean & mean.:laugh:

Maybe Matt....are you carrying your spare tyre round your waist or is that the Waikato?:drinkup:;)

LOL excellent........:yes:

[Waikato Matt]

Just an update, have sent emails off to all the bikes I have saved on my watch list on trade me. Telling each dealer the budget, and what i'm after. Will wait to hear back from them all.
I would say at this stage, it looks as though I will get a bike delivered to my door for my budget, but it just won't be road legal right now.

Honda CRF450X 2014 with black rims......10,400 delivered. To heavy at 122kgs no fuel

Kawasaki KLX450R 8,500k delivered. To heavy at 126kgs no fuel

Honda CRF250x 2014 with black rims 9,400 delivered ( feels ok at 115kgs ) but not sold on the performance of the 250 four stroke X model ( think I would get bored with it after a few rides )

Bikes on the email list TE 250 and a demo TE300, both may come in right on budget.
Found a very nice GAS GAS 300 in Auckland, trying to see what will happen with warranties and parts supplie.

Cheers again guys, not an easy task, but seems to have some light at the end of the tunnel.

[scott411]

Just an update, have sent emails off to all the bikes I have saved on my watch list on trade me. Telling each dealer the budget, and what i'm after. Will wait to hear back from them all.
I would say at this stage, it looks as though I will get a bike delivered to my door for my budget, but it just won't be road legal right now.

Honda CRF450X 2014 with black rims......10,400 delivered. To heavy at 122kgs no fuel

Kawasaki KLX450R 8,500k delivered. To heavy at 126kgs no fuel

Honda CRF250x 2014 with black rims 9,400 delivered ( feels ok at 115kgs ) but not sold on the performance of the 250 four stroke X model ( think I would get bored with it after a few rides )

Bikes on the email list TE 250 and a demo TE300, both may come in right on budget.
Found a very nice GAS GAS 300 in Auckland, trying to see what will happen with warranties and parts supplie.

Cheers again guys, not an easy task, but seems to have some light at the end of the tunnel.

see what dealers have demos, Mr Motorcycles in pukekohe usually have a few, and the KTM demo days are coming up, might be worth seeing whyteline in Pearoa as they have just taken on kawasaki as well and i am pretty sure they have a demo 250F,

riding the bikes will tell you alot more than sitting on them,

[gwynfryn]

Pretty sure there's no way to road register a klx450 or crf250/450x.
If you want to go fast/race go 250. If you want to muck around farm/beach ride get a 450.
A 300 2st will do it all.

Using a modern mx/enduro bike on the road is dumb.

[Waikato Matt]

Have any of you guys had GAS GAS before.......My understanding is the company has gone under, but still making parts in the factory.

They have massive discounts because of it, so much so, that a brand new 2015 EC300 2 stroke road compliant version comes in bang on my budget.

Apart from the seat and main frame, everything else on the GAS GAS can be replaced using after market parts, should then need arise.

Have no idea on the is brand what so ever.........thoughts ???

On another note, walked in to a shop today with 10k cash folding, wanted a bike that was 10,900. Was shown the door.......so I left. The dealers all say that there simply isn't much margin in there prices, must be true if they let me walk.

[Waikato Matt]

Pretty sure there's no way to road register a klx450 or crf250/450x.
If you want to go fast/race go 250. If you want to muck around farm/beach ride get a 450.
A 300 2st will do it all.

Using a modern mx/enduro bike on the road is dumb.

You are correct, you can not road register either of the bikes above.

Would be helpful if you explained why it's dumb in your opinion. Why would they make them road registerable in the first place, if it's a dumb idea to ride them on the road ??? Sorry, don't understand what you mean.

[gwynfryn]

You are correct, you can not road register either of the bikes above.

Would be helpful if you explained why it's dumb in your opinion. Why would they make them road registerable in the first place, if it's a dumb idea to ride them on the road ??? Sorry, don't understand what you mean.

They are road registerable(is this a word) because of the Australian ADR rules where they must be registered to ride off road in most states. We get Aussy market bikes.

Its dumb because these bikes are designed to be raced hard off road with no compromises to street riding. They are high maintenance with short rebuild intervals. There is no cush drive, and they have off road ratios. Even DOT tires will wear fast on the road. The 4 strokes have very tight engine tolerances and don't carry much oil. They vibrate like anything on the road and the seats are not sofas. Mind you you will be stopping every 80km to fuel up.
With the 2 strokes(mx and enduro) they don't like constant throttle openings for any length of time, you really need to ride out of the power band on the road, hard to do unless you gear it to the moon.
Why clock up hours on the road?

I've tried having one bike in the past and it was an utter failure. I had to change sprockets and tyres and strip off indicators, chain guard , number plate to use off road and the xr400 was arguably more durable engine wise than todays enduro bikes.

My current Husqvarna 2 str came with all the ADR gear but I would never consider using it on the road.

The only bike that offers some off road ability that I would consider using(a little) on the road is a Yamaha wr250.

Get 2 bikes or one and a trailer.

Good luck

[Deanzo]

Have any of you guys had GAS GAS before.......My understanding is the company has gone under, but still making parts in the factory.

They have massive discounts because of it, so much so, that a brand new 2015 EC300 2 stroke road compliant version comes in bang on my budget.

Apart from the seat and main frame, everything else on the GAS GAS can be replaced using after market parts, should then need arise.

Have no idea on the is brand what so ever.........thoughts ???

On another note, walked in to a shop today with 10k cash folding, wanted a bike that was 10,900. Was shown the door.......so I left. The dealers all say that there simply isn't much margin in there prices, must be true if they let me walk.


I don't own a Gas Gas, but....
I've ridden both the 300F and 300 2T.
Two of my riding mates have EC300's.

I'm a four stroke guy, but didn't care for the 300F, but really liked the EC300, it's not what I would buy for myself, but I do like it.

Warranties on dirt bikes just suck anyhow, and even before Gas Gas went under, going by my friends, didn't seem to count for anything any how.
They buy their aftermarket part online from over seas, with out much issue.

Another friend works in a bike shop (new), as I understand it, there is no money in the bikes, they make their money in the aftermarket parts, oil, tyres etc etc.

[Waikato Matt]

They are road registerable(is this a word) because of the Australian ADR rules where they must be registered to ride off road in most states. We get Aussy market bikes.

Its dumb because these bikes are designed to be raced hard off road with no compromises to street riding. They are high maintenance with short rebuild intervals. There is no cush drive, and they have off road ratios. Even DOT tires will wear fast on the road. The 4 strokes have very tight engine tolerances and don't carry much oil. They vibrate like anything on the road and the seats are not sofas. Mind you you will be stopping every 80km to fuel up.
With the 2 strokes(mx and enduro) they don't like constant throttle openings for any length of time, you really need to ride out of the power band on the road, hard to do unless you gear it to the moon.
Why clock up hours on the road?

I've tried having one bike in the past and it was an utter failure. I had to change sprockets and tyres and strip off indicators, chain guard , number plate to use off road and the xr400 was arguably more durable engine wise than todays enduro bikes.

My current Husqvarna 2 str came with all the ADR gear but I would never consider using it on the road.

The only bike that offers some off road ability that I would consider using(a little) on the road is a Yamaha wr250.

Get 2 bikes or one and a trailer.

Good luck

Thanks mate, that helps me understand what you were meaning. I have no intention to ride far, most tracks or farm rides are within 10 minutes of my house, but I get what your saying now. Cheers......
And NO, that word I just made up, sounded good at the time....Ba hahah :rolleyes:

[Waikato Matt]

Spoke with a very very nice guy today from Hamilton. English guy, Gas Gas dealer.
Has given me sum VERY good prices EC 2t range of bikes 2015 and 2015 models, nothing matches the prices at all, and I have done my homework.

So off tomorrow to visit his shop, and pick the right bike for me.

Have taken into account what gwynfryn has said, and if you go the rego way, it's about $1500 more than the same bike but none road worthy. For that price I can buy a small trailer and tow bar for the car. I had no idea the 2 strokes even warrantable, can't handle road riding......so that's an eye opener, and something to consider for sure. ( changes my plans and way of thinking now )

What I was trying to avoid, was getting caught zipping down to the Thompson's track 5 minutes down the road for a quick after work ride over daylight savings/summer time, getting busted by the local cop, and having my bike impounded.....Most police down here do turn a blind eye, but hey, if it's not road legal, and you get the wrong cop, they have every right to take it off ya, not to mention the ticket cost even if they do let you ride home again.

So at least I have the brand sorted, it fits the budget, they look very nice, if nobody buys the company, or bails them out, I can always just purchase after market parts should anything fail.

Thanks to everyone for your help and advice, I'm very grateful.

[gwynfryn]

I wouldn't hesitate to use for short rides like you have indicated, just not regular commuting or tackling the Coro loop with your mates on sport bikes etc. Farm rego?

[Waikato Matt]

I wouldn't hesitate to use for short rides like you have indicated, just not regular commuting or tackling the Coro loop with your mates on sport bikes etc. Farm rego?

Yes, just very short rides mate to local farm and trails..... I'm lucky I live so close to a few rides.

I have heard of farm rego, don't no anything about it, will google to see......

[mossy1200]

Yes, just very short rides mate to local farm and trails..... I'm lucky I live so close to a few rides.

I have heard of farm rego, don't no anything about it, will google to see......

Personally I cant understand if your after a farm ride and trail ride bike why 120-130kg is heavy. I big 4stroker will pull you places that a 2 smoke would need be ridden with full commitment to go. People race this weight bike in preference to a lighter 2 smoke.
I think you need ride one of these bikes to judge the weight rather than sit in a shop on one. Most can be lowered a little if you want the weight down a bit also.

[Waikato Matt]

Personally I cant understand if your after a farm ride and trail ride bike why 120-130kg is heavy. I big 4stroker will pull you places that a 2 smoke would need be ridden with full commitment to go. People race this weight bike in preference to a lighter 2 smoke.
I think you need ride one of these bikes to judge the weight rather than sit in a shop on one. Most can be lowered a little if you want the weight down a bit also.

TBH I have gotten it in my head that the 4 strokes require to much maintenance, that and the fact I like the feel of the weight of a 2 stroke. But you are right, sitting on one, to riding on, is totally different.
The problem is, every single shop I have gone into, has no demo bikes in my price range. I have not found one shop, that has anything I can afford, to test ride. :weep:

[Ender EnZed]

The problem is, every single shop I have gone into, has no demo bikes in my price range. I have not found one shop, that has anything I can afford, to test ride. :weep:

Any similar-ish used bikes at the same shop available? If you're about to drop $10k on a new one they might be willing to bungie a dealer plate on and let you go for a ride. Not very legal but I've seen it done.

[Waikato Matt]

Any similar-ish used bikes at the same shop available? If you're about to drop $10k on a new one they might be willing to bungie a dealer plate on and let you go for a ride. Not very legal but I've seen it done.

Yeah I have asked, but no luck so far, bloody frustrating let me tell ya. I have to say, the Kawasaki KXL450r today, did feel nice to sit on, the seat wasn't to hard, I felt I could sit on it, and my feet could touch the ground, but again, no test ride, no demo, and I had to drive over to Matamata to view that one.

Sometimes when you ask questions, you can end up even more confused...... A friend of a friend told me tonight he wouldn't go near Gas Gas for any amount of money, he rides motorcross, and says the Gassrs are......well you no. :confused:

[puddytat]

Sometimes when you ask questions, you can end up even more confused......:

Aint that the truth.....all the opinions doesn't change the fact that its YOU that still has to make the decision.

[Waikato Matt]

Aint that the truth.....all the opinions doesn't change the fact that its YOU that still has to make the decision.

TBH I have saved for this for some time now, but it's starting to do my head in. How in the hell dealers expect to sell bikes that are very expensive, yet not one dealer i have been to, can offer a test ride.....is well, beyond me.

The other think that got me today was, one shop, has pics of bikes for sale, I drive over there, walk in the shop, only to find they don't have them in stock on the floor.......you have to order it !!!! WTF, are you kidding me ??? True story.

[Ender EnZed]

Sometimes when you ask questions, you can end up even more confused...... A friend of a friend told me tonight he wouldn't go near Gas Gas for any amount of money, he rides motorcross, and says the Gassrs are......well you no. :confused:

F5 Dave (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/member.php/984-F5-Dave) is an active member here who owns and I've seen talk about Gas Gas. Probably worth pointing him towards this thread.

[Waikato Matt]

F5 Dave (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/member.php/984-F5-Dave) is an active member here who owns and I've seen talk about Gas Gas. Probably worth pointing him towards this thread.

That would be great, as I like the look of them, I can afford them, but have heard conflicting stories about them, so any help on the brand, from someone who owns one, would be perfect. Just tried to send him a PM, but I don't have that privilege being a new member as yet....

[puddytat]

TBH I have saved for this for some time now, but it's starting to do my head in. How in the hell dealers expect to sell bikes that are very expensive, yet not one dealer i have been to, can offer a test ride.....is well, beyond me.

The other think that got me today was, one shop, has pics of bikes for sale, I drive over there, walk in the shop, only to find they don't have them in stock on the floor.......you have to order it !!!! WTF, are you kidding me ??? True story.

Well that's our rockstar economy for ya eh....progress is a bitch. It'd certainly help businesses, if they didn't have to pay a stupid fucking provisional tax.
What ever you get your going to love....for a while.
And then you can get another when you sick of it & have thrashed the shit out of it & the scratches wont buff out.:2thumbsup

[george formby]

That would be great, as I like the look of them, I can afford them, but have heard conflicting stories about them, so any help on the brand, from someone who owns one, would be perfect. Just tried to send him a PM, but I don't have that privilege being a new member as yet....

I bought a GG Randonne from the Trademe out fit, Premier Motorcycles I think in Tauranga. Ok, different league of bike but they were great to deal with. I did the whole deal over the phone and am happy. Give them a tinkle.

The bike...... I love it! A combination of good design and cost effectiveness. Another way to say it, would be built down to a price but well thought through. Typical Euro and is brilliant fun.

I have read that there are a plenty of spares available for the foreseeable future. A question to ask the dealer..

If you can get a test ride on a big 4t that you don't want to buy, bluff it. At least you get the experience, I don't think they are that different across the range.

[Ender EnZed]

Just tried to send him a PM, but I don't have that privilege being a new member as yet....

I've sent him a link to this thread.

[mossy1200]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dirt-bikes/auction-941937757.htm

There is your test ride and likely you could take it away for 8k afterwards.
There is your test ride and likely you will take it away for 8k afterwards.

[F5 Dave]

Personally I cant understand if your after a farm ride and trail ride bike why 120-130kg is heavy. I big 4stroker will pull you places that a 2 smoke would need be ridden with full commitment to go. People race this weight bike in preference to a lighter 2 smoke.
I think you need ride one of these bikes to judge the weight rather than sit in a shop on one. Most can be lowered a little if you want the weight down a bit also.
I think you are thinking MX bikes. And besides youre enormous.

Matt, I've had GG200 then a 300. They are getting on as my 300 is an 07.
They make great trail bikes. A bunch of us have had them and they've been great. I liked the 200 I rode as it was light and fun so I bought one and had a few good years on it. But a mate got the 300 and it was the same but with grunt. Great for getting up hills.
Same mate bought a new WR450 and likes it in the wide open, also got a rekluse for it. But he has kept the GG and always chooses it for difficult or muddy rides.

I don't lose any sleep over the factory having issues. Heck Ducati went to the wall about 6 times since the 80s. Parts are easy to get, consumables like filters and pads are same as CR250.

Your mate who sez they are shit is entitled to his opinion. But the same sort of person will favour Holdens over Fords with a passion even though they are both taxis from the same mould. People form opinions over stuff they know nothing about.

Anyone who sez 2 strokes are peaky is clearly of the ilk that has only ridden something small and assumed they are all like that. Pub experts.

Oh yeah ktms are shit I rode a doggy one once, and I hear water is bad for you and tastes terrible.

[scott411]

They are road registerable(is this a word) because of the Australian ADR rules where they must be registered to ride off road in most states. We get Aussy market bikes.

Its dumb because these bikes are designed to be raced hard off road with no compromises to street riding. They are high maintenance with short rebuild intervals. There is no cush drive, and they have off road ratios. Even DOT tires will wear fast on the road. The 4 strokes have very tight engine tolerances and don't carry much oil. They vibrate like anything on the road and the seats are not sofas. Mind you you will be stopping every 80km to fuel up.
With the 2 strokes(mx and enduro) they don't like constant throttle openings for any length of time, you really need to ride out of the power band on the road, hard to do unless you gear it to the moon.
Why clock up hours on the road?

I've tried having one bike in the past and it was an utter failure. I had to change sprockets and tyres and strip off indicators, chain guard , number plate to use off road and the xr400 was arguably more durable engine wise than todays enduro bikes.

My current Husqvarna 2 str came with all the ADR gear but I would never consider using it on the road.

The only bike that offers some off road ability that I would consider using(a little) on the road is a Yamaha wr250.

Get 2 bikes or one and a trailer.

Good luck


you are wrong about the KLX450 and CRFX , we do not get the aussie models, and they are not registered with LTNZ when they come in, they are almost impossible to register here,

[Waikato Matt]

I think you are thinking MX bikes. And besides youre enormous.

Matt, I've had GG200 then a 300. They are getting on as my 300 is an 07.
They make great trail bikes. A bunch of us have had them and they've been great. I liked the 200 I rode as it was light and fun so I bought one and had a few good years on it. But a mate got the 300 and it was the same but with grunt. Great for getting up hills.
Same mate bought a new WR450 and likes it in the wide open, also got a rekluse for it. But he has kept the GG and always chooses it for difficult or muddy rides.

I don't lose any sleep over the factory having issues. Heck Ducati went to the wall about 6 times since the 80s. Parts are easy to get, consumables like filters and pads are same as CR250.

Your mate who sez they are shit is entitled to his opinion. But the same sort of person will favour Holdens over Fords with a passion even though they are both taxis from the same mould. People form opinions over stuff they know nothing about.

Anyone who sez 2 strokes are peaky is clearly of the ilk that has only ridden something small and assumed they are all like that. Pub experts.

Oh yeah ktms are shit I rode a doggy one once, and I hear water is bad for you and tastes terrible.

Thank you mate for that. I was heading over Saturday to Hamilton to a Gas Gas dealer. Have spoken to him, and he is very very easy to deal with, lovely guy. However his shop is not open in the weekends........Dam no one is making this easy for me LOL.

[gwynfryn]

you are wrong about the KLX450 and CRFX , we do not get the aussie models, and they are not registered with LTNZ when they come in, they are almost impossible to register here,

Thats what I told him earlier #22

[Waikato Matt]

Thats what I told him earlier #22

If you read my posts, I said that they can not be put on the road way before you posted.......so yeah, thanks for that, but I already said that.

[mossy1200]

If you read my posts, I said that they can not be put on the road way before you posted.......so yeah, thanks for that, but I already said that.

If you take one of these bike and get it on the road you will need run rubbish road legal tyres and getting a light bike wont matter. A light bike with road tyres will be rubbish in the sticky stuff anyway.

Towbar and trailer with the money you don't spend on the bike. Demo was 8400 before negotiation and then you can take it further from home when you want a change from the local spots. Theres some fun enduro organised events to try no doubt.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dirt-bikes/auction-941937757.htm and there it is again one you can test ride prior to purchase.

[Stylo]

Probably not what he's looking for ...

As he said in the first post,


'I like the idea of two strokes, purely as I grew up on Honda CR250s and the like. I love the buzz of a two stroke, and do not intend to ride hard out for hours and hours at a time, due to my age, and fitness level. Just a fun bike, to put a smile on my face, that can be ridden off road, with no racing in mind. Was thinking the KTM EXC300, but sadley 10k will not buy me one brand new. '

[george formby]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dirt-bikes/auction-941937757.htm

There is your test ride and likely you could take it away for 8k afterwards.
There is your test ride and likely you will take it away for 8k afterwards. please call for viewings and a teat ride.

I'm booked in!:headbang:

[Waikato Matt]

Probably not what he's looking for ...

As he said in the first post,


'I like the idea of two strokes, purely as I grew up on Honda CR250s and the like. I love the buzz of a two stroke, and do not intend to ride hard out for hours and hours at a time, due to my age, and fitness level. Just a fun bike, to put a smile on my face, that can be ridden off road, with no racing in mind. Was thinking the KTM EXC300, but sadley 10k will not buy me one brand new. '

YES.

Thanks everyone for help, advice and input. Have settled on a 2 stroke EC300 2015 Gas Gas. Brand new right on my budget. Cheers.

[Stylo]

YES.

Thanks everyone for help, advice and input. Have settled on a 2 stroke EC300 2015 Gas Gas. Brand new right on my budget. Cheers.

Well done Matt, hope you have some fun on that GG

[flashg]

Well done Matt, hope you have some fun on that GG


I saw what you did there. GG as in horse ? Should be a good ride, be easy to break in.

[J.A.W.]

YES.

Thanks everyone for help, advice and input. Have settled on a 2 stroke EC300 2015 Gas Gas. Brand new right on my budget. Cheers.

Well done, good pick.. have fun, & be sure to report back here on how you are getting on together.. give 'er heaps!

Might be worth a check on some dirt bike sites - for set-up tips..

[Tazz]

Schweeeet! Enjoy dude.

[Waikato Matt]

Thanks everyone.......5 more sleeps.....lol

[gwynfryn]

Great choice.
Now just don't ask for opinions on oils and pre-mix ratios lol.

[F5 Dave]

Ooh, ooh, 1/2 amsoil and 1/2 tealeaves

And 1/2 petrol and 1/2 rocket fuel. And a dash of Tabasco.

Hope you enjoy.