Sandpit-first ride after 3 months

[Reckless]

Well I got back on the bike after 3 months or so! There where 4 of us, so had some company for a play on a what turned out to be fine, rain free afternoon. With the weather not looking so good on Sat and I haven't been on the bike for a while we decided to try the Sandpit, Haven't been out there for a year or so and never to the new carpark area etc.
I must say isn't this Auckland city screwed! Motorway jammed at Ellerslie on S/Hwy 1, then again at Rosebenk road on S/Hwy16 at 11:00 on a Saturday!! They should start sacking people for the cock up they call the Auckland transport system!!!
Anyway Sandpit new carpark was easy to find and well set up got there just after lunch and left about 4 or so. My hour meter showed 2.5 hours in the saddle. So not to bad for the first time out in the sand for an old bugger thats only ridden MX for 2 years after a looooonnnggg time away! I must say my first impression was that the sandpit was much better organised and looked after, the second one was, shit I hate that deep sand. Anyway we ventured out and did some yellow tracks, then the convict track. Then we found some red arrowed tracks through the forest. Looked like no bikes had been through and the only guide apart from the red arrows on the trees where what looked like a quad had gone though and flattened the flax/grass. It was bloody great! I must say the Ktm exc handled that stuff much better than the Cr250 would have. Stand up, 2nd gear, slow, torque type stuff and no clutching it. Shit I'm glad I picked the Ktm 200 nice light 125 chassis and Ktm have done quite a good job on the engine. I had been adjusting the power valve to take some of the hit out of it and it works a treat! I reckon after a while getting used to the power valve adjustments you can dial in any setting you like. E.G. xx setting for fast open stuff, x setting for tight technical or real muddy tracks where you don't want the 2 stroke hit. My setting gave smooth power but still easy to lift the front over those nasty slippery roots on a 45° across the tracks.
Then we went for a hoon on the MX track I only did a lap or so as I buried the front and tossed myself over the bars. Then to the sand bowl and on out through the cutting on the other side and through the forest for a while. Then a last loop god knows where but on the blue and yellow trails. I must say by this time I wasn't loving the sand but planing along quite nicely over the top and a reasonable speed in 3rd or 4th gear thinking if I came out here more often and got better at this I might even get to like the sand. Once you get fast enough to sit on top of it like a water skier its not to bad. Then I started to fall off, 3 times soon after each other and I knew I was to shagged to anticipate and correct the bike quickly enough over those whoops and I was gonna get hurt soon. So I stuck it it 3rd, stood up quite straight legged and kepted it plaining over the top of the sand on the green tracks to home.
All in all best tracks we did where the red ones in the forest over and around those flax type plants, bloody great!
The sandpit was as good as I have ever seen it! Good on ya KTM boy!
The only pain was a little from my AC joint I shagged in the road bike accident at xmas and only towards the end of the ride. Kidney stone removal operation 100% good.
Love the Ktm 200 exc very very under-rated bike. Once I put the straight taper needle in and get Danger to go over the shocks it should be brilliant for my Son. Now I can't wait for the 08 Ktm 200 exc if I can get it!

Damn its good to be back in the saddle! Oh did I say I loved the Ktm 200 !!!:2thumbsup

Looks like its gonna be to wet for Ardmore on Wednesday BUGGER!!

[Danger]

You must be talking about the new trail, I think its called the Caterpillar? Hook a right at the intersection (two red arrows) and its a good trail to finish the ride on. Its taking a while for it to get worn in but its fun like it is. Lots of tight turns.
I was riding with the Silver Fox last week and he jumped on my 200 for a blat (telling me to watch out for the torque on his 300) only for him to be surprised at just how much torque the little 200 had. To be fair his 300 was not jetted correctly and was down on midrange due to that fact. But the beauty of the 200 is you can scream it like a 125 or torque it on those tricky tight climbs out of corners with tree roots all over the place.

[Reckless]

Yeh Danger there where some quite good tricky steep down and ups in the gullies as well. Was a good trail so different from the deep sand ones.

I think the 200 is all the power I'm going to need for a while, nearly as much as the Cr250 and the 125 Chassis size, better brakes, braided lines make it a better package. I certainly couldn't tap it out at any time on Sunday and I did try a few times. I reckon the 200 would make a better cross platform bike (MX and Enduro) than the 300 because as you say you can scream it like a 125 if you want to but it will still dig you out of a hole in second with virtually no revs on.

[camchain]

Good report on what sounds like an excellent day Reckless. (You might have seen my mate out there on his big yellow HL500 Yamaha). Keep riding the sand, you'll really start to like it the more you do it. Excellent for fitness and also good for the quick and deft reactions required for slippery winter riding. A mate of mine won't ride Woodhill but I reckon he's missing out big time. We are really, really fortunate to have a place like this to ride at. Ditto to Danger - Support the Sandpit. Those guys have done an incredible job breathing new life into it.

You jokers enjoying the EXC 200 is causing some discomfort. Sold the KLX 3 weeks a go and going a bit stir crazy without a bike (getting more work done though, just as well as don't have enough cash yet for better bike).

Camchain is over-tensioned (but still rattling) and lurking about on Trademe a bit too often now. NO decent EXC200s' in Nth Island for months! Now looking at 250fs and the odd RM250 like Danger's. All the tidy late model EXCs still seem to be in the Sth Island and languishing without buyers to boot. Nice '07 250 just sitting there for $7500 ono. That '06 200 in Ashburton has dropped to $6500.

Check this: A dealer on Trademe is selling brand new Gassers for rock bottom prices ($7500 for EC200) - but in Christchurch of course. WTF?!

Any news on that leased '08 EXC200 Reckless?

[Ktmboy]

Thanks Reckless,

We now have a world renown and very experienced course designer on board. "Chop"

He is in demand these days so is very hard to track(no puns please) down.

We have one more track finished complete with logs and some neat down hills and just have to arrow off. We are purposly leaving a log across the entrance to signify that it is indeed red. Chop is putting in another red course as well (when he can get time off from his design duties with "Uncle") which does have one hell of an expansion chamber crushing log.

Picture of Chop c/w his bush attire.

[camchain]

Looks like Chop (pictured in green Long Johns) may be related to the Undies man? Any recent sitings of this elusive creature KTMboy?

Mate rang me on Sunday reporting his recent exporations of the new tracks. Painful to listen too as bikeless at present! Really keen to get out there and get amongst it, keep up the great work.

[chop]

Thanks for that Ktmboy. It is indeed a chamber killer but thats part of the fun!!! That is indeed a nice photo however the chap bears a striking resembilance to yourself

[Reckless]

No news on the 08 200 yet I just called my guy and all is well but the new 09 range isn't in yet so might have to wait till then to get it. He may not want to give up his 08 early B4 he gets the 09 model. We still have to agree on final price yet as well although I've been given a ballpark.

I just did a T/Me search no Ktm 200's came up although when they are there they seem to sit for a while. Everyone wants the big 300 and 450cc bikes I suppose. Makes me worry a bit about resale. I still think $6500-00 for that Ashburton one is to much for an 06 bike with the 09's coming out in a few weeks.

The old yellow Yamaha that sits on a rack on his vans rear tow bar. Olins twin shocks on the rear of it. If thats the one he was pitting next to us. Followed me all the way back to Pakuranga Plaza where we went different ways. Didn't get a chance to talk to him as he seemed to know damn near everyone out there and was always either out riding or talking to someone.
Seemed like a nice guy though.

The Ec 200 has all the fruit on them. Good bikes I think, but haven't ridden one. Only $400-00 to get one to Auck but depends if they are an 07 or 08 model. I couldn't find them when I did a search but if he's still got some new 07 200's probably only worth that price. They have a following but I wouldn't go there myself.

[daytona 2]

man the best track at the sand pit that coastal road and ...it not challenging but its fun to throttle it and get the 4 stroke roar...:2thumbsup


buy he way ktm boy..at the moment the blue tracks are easyer than the yellow tracks...not as much deep sand on the enduro tracks..lots of fun

[camchain]

Hi Reckless. Trademe search throws up weird results. Eg. You get different bikes if add/remove space between model name and engine size eg wrf250 - wrf 250. Search funtions drive me nuts. It's piss poor and easy to fix, just bad code writing.

That rough 06 exc200 in Huntly which I thought was sold, is back up again.

I really have my heart set on an EXC200 but the Gassers always rate so well even compared to the venerable KTMs. Dare I say it, but I have the feeling the Gasser may even handle better out of the crate than the KTM? (Uh-Oh I sense a repremand might be coming from Katoomers)

I reckon the unfortunate brand name was a real marketing blunder. Here in NZ we tend to shy away from anything a bit out of the ordinary. Noticed Husky have had a price drop as well.

Thumbing through latest Kiwi Rider at SuperMkt last night saw Gas Gas importer ad with EC200 at $7000! It has to go on my possibles list at that price. I know they are good machines. Rudecopp seems to be real happy with his.

The ChCh dealer has the higher price on first page, if you go deeper you see the actual price - as if they are too embarrassed to admit it. The worry is that this might be a going out of business 'fire sale' - no more parts backup? (Like what happened to the VOR?!) As far as resale goes nothing seems to be moving very quickly at the moment anyway. Have noticed increase in amount of used dirt bikes on Trademe. Strapped for cash = sell toys.

The YelloYam. Yeah that's the guy. It's basically a works replica machine from the late 70's. HL500 is based on TT500. It's a beautiful bike. He built it himself from parts from US,UK and Aus. He's a good bloke and pretty damn quick on it too.

Good luck with that lease job. '09s can't be too far away now. Apols for the pry and it's your biz, but tempted to ask what ballpark $ is and does she have a sister?

[Ktmboy]

Qoute; really have my heart set on an EXC200 but the Gassers always rate so well even compared to the venerable KTMs. Dare I say it, but I have the feeling the Gasser may even handle better out of the crate than the KTM? (Uh-Oh I sense a repremand might be coming from Katoomers)


Didn't take long, did it.
Absolutely no comparison IMO. I road a few Gassers before I bought my EXc 200.
Maybe the suspension set up wasn't right. Bus and a Ferrari.

[Danger]

Ditto on that one KTMboy.

[Reckless]

Havn't ridden a Gasser so you'll have to go with Ktm Boy and Dangers recommendations. I don't personaly no Ktm boy but I'm very sure Danger wouldn't put Ktm in front of the Gas Gas unless he genuinly thought the Ktm was better! even though he owns a Exc200. Also there's the problem of finding a Gas gas man when you try and resell! Depends a bit if its a keeper or you want to move it on in a year or so I guess.

I got all impatient and offered that Huntly guy $5500-00 cash when he first put his bike up, was going to get into the car and go down and get it that day. Now don't know what he'll except but I'm waiting for the one I have an option on. They say the first offer is always the best, anyways his loss!
No the 08 hasn't got a sister as I asked when 2_slo was looking for one-sorry mate! Still kicking myself for not going for that 07 a few months ago for $6500-00. Who knows about the 08 they might put huge money on it, or it might be a pig, and I might be cussing them for making me wait so long and end up with nothing. I'll PM u my ballpark. I'm pretty much hoping my good mates rep there will lead to a good deal for all concerned. But life has a habit of not working out like that sometimes. AH well, we shall see!!!!

[camchain]

Hmmm. Some more food for thought there. Not a big fan of public transport. Really - that different?! Thought they'd be real similar.

The Rain in Spain Falls Mainly on camChain

[Rupe]

Hmmm. Some more food for thought there. Not a big fan of public transport. Really - that different?! Thought they'd be real similar.

The Rain in Spain Falls Mainly on camChain

I wouldn't buy into it to much, you know those ktm riders seem to be up their own arses:girlfight: after all mine has the same front end as a ktm. Have a look on thumper talk for a more balanced opinion.

By the way ktm boys, did you see which enduro bike won an 11 enduro bike magazine shot out???? It wasn't the ktm as it came middle pack:whistle:

Anyway why don't you demo one of each camchain, as it will be more down to personal preferance. If you like the ride, and the price is right go for what you want.

[Danger]

: after all mine has the same front end as a ktm.

Yeah and that was a real high standard to aim for (insert sarcasm here). And most Gas Gas have Marzocchi forks, an even higher standard (insert even more sarcasm). No offence to you Rupecop or other Gas Gas owners. Some people love the Gas Gas, I'm just not one of them. I have to say if forced to be seen on one that I would prefer the WP forks as you have even with their short comings because they are fixed easier than the Marzocchi forks in my opinion.
I would be interested Rupecop if you could get back to us with the offset of the triple clamps on your Gas Gas. It might have a number on the top clamp somewhere. There is more to handling than chucking on a set of WP forks. I just know that the Gas Gas I have riden have either handled like my old 1987 TT250 or have had me feeling like I have a 40 gallon drum between my legs. That might be just the kind of bike someone wants though.


:By the way ktm boys, did you see which enduro bike won an 11 enduro bike magazine shot out???? It wasn't the ktm as it came middle pack:whistle:


No not sure I've read that one but I gave up on reading bike magazine tests sometime ago depending on the magazine in question. Some magazines simply seem to continuley praise the virtues of their free ride bike of the year (why else are they given a bike to ride for free do you think)? There is never a bad bike in many of these magazines. Usually takes me all of 3 mins to glance through many of these magazines to see there is nothing of interest in most of them of any real value. ADB seems to be one of the better ones and they seem to love the WR's.
Did Gas Gas win? Which magazine? Most of them will not rate the KTM that highly either because KTM do require intelligent setup. Most magazino's are not that intelligent or have the time to set the bikes up correctly. Thats why it takes an intelligent rider to own a KTM.
I personally know a magazine bike tester. He came in with wide eyes and good intention. He is actually a very good rider (unlike some of them) and a good bike tester (unlike most of them). One of his first bike tests and wow, what a revelation! This bike was not all good. But wait. A call from said bikes importers to the boss and his ass was hauled over the coals. "No no no you can't say that!" Welcome to the life of a bike mag journo. Can you guess what the bike was that he tested? I will tell you Rupecop privatley if you really want to know.
I see he now has a free bike for the year to use. Bit of a shame that happens really. Also that sponsored riders get to test and evaluate many of these bikes. Well duh! But nice lark if you can get it.

So yeah try a Gas Gas. It might just suit you. You have my opinion but everyone has one of those and thats all it is. Although I do have a number of freinds that have converted from Gas Gas to KTM and would never go back. I don't think Rupecop could ever be seen on a KTM now tho eh? Doomed for ever Rupecop.:third:

I should add I'm not really championing KTM either. I think they are over priced for what they offer. Buy second hand would be my advice. If I had to buy a new bike and it was my only bike it would not be KTM. I may buy a new KTM for other reasons than for enjoyment but I sure would not enjoy paying out the premium to own one.

[barty5]

I have noticed that most KTM riders seam to be the older generation ( likley due to the cost of them) have ridin a couple cant say i enjoyed the set much but guess as with all bikes need to be set up for the rider.

[Danger]

Well yeah Barty, you use a YZ450F for trailriding. Your a special case lol!
And with age comes knowledge, experience and wisdom (so they say).

[cheese]

:girlfight::girlfight::girlfight::girlfight::girlf ight:

Crikey put the nails away girls!

All comes down to what you like really. But support places a big card for me. I think that most brands are pretty good. The big thing that lets gassers down is support in NZ for them. The closest place in Auckland rhymes with dyke port who are a pack of homos and then the best place is in Chch!

Anyway most average riders will just adapt to the little imperfections that their bikes have. To be honest any factory bike out of the box isn't going to handle right for anyone cause we are all different. You should spend a bit of money and get the thing set up properly and it will far better spent money on any go fast parts. No point having a fast bike if you can't turn a corner!

[Danger]

Who you calling a girl Cheese Burger? I'll see you on the trails! And when did we swap bodies? I want my old one back ha ha!

[Reckless]

Careful!!:calm:
He's been running! Whatever that is! And eating right! I'm to old for that as well!
So cheese has got a new improved body for what I read.:Playnice:

BTW I'll see how my weekend goes. I might come out to play!

[Danger]

Careful!!:calm:
He's been running! Whatever that is! And eating right! I'm to old for that as well!
So cheese has got a new improved body for what I read.:Playnice:


Thats what I mean! I'm the Chunky Monkey now! :doh:

[Rupe]

christ danger that was an essay, I don't even try to understand the full workings of a bikes suspension as you do. But compared to other bikes I've ridden I like it. Surely it can't be as bad as a bus!!!
Anyway, could be worse, it could be a suzuki!

Each to there own, back the thread topic me thinks.

[Danger]

Can you get back to me on the triple clamp offset? I'm genuinely interested. It might have a number like 20 or 22 on it somewhere.

If your happy thats the main thing. Each bike is different and suits a different rider. Everyone should try before they buy.

[cheese]

LOL Greg you will still be much quicker than me cause even though I fitter now that I've been in ages, I've not got faster! LOL I'm quickly getting tubby again though cause I've not been doing much lately in teh fitness department and I'm just eating normally now not doing the body for life thing. Might Give Rick the run around..... LOL

Anyway yes back On topic!

[Buddy L]

Anyway, could be worse, it could be a suzuki!




Thats the harshest thing i have heard all day:baby:
makes me want to go and spend some money on my self.

[barty5]

Thats the harshest thing i have heard all day:baby:
makes me want to go and spend some money on my self.

Would that be on a box tissues???

[barty5]

Well yeah Barty, you use a YZ450F for trailriding. Your a special case lol!
And with age comes knowledge, experience and wisdom (so they say).

Ah for me was a case of allways wanted one but in saying that i do like the raw power and the way it handles is great havnt come across anything i cant get through appart from the odd places where everyone seam to struggle. Its a lot easyer to ride than the 426 was. But we would all be a bunch of boring fuckers if we all rode the same bike wouldnt we.

[dammad1]

At the end of the day what bike you ride means fuck all. The most important thing is that your comfortable with what you ride.
The whole reason I like this sport is because you dont need the latest and greatest bike to kick ass, when I had my Kdx I used to laugh when I would go flying past guys on there fancy new bikes, but If you can afford to buy something new then why not? and if you like they way one brand looks and feels compared to another brand then go for it, who cares what anyone else thinks.

[camchain]

I enjoy reading all the different opinions here. With a pinch of curry and a bit of a stir here and there, the result is great entertainment as well as being informative. Bon apetit.

[Reckless]

At the end of the day what bike you ride means fuck all. The most important thing is that your comfortable with what you ride.
The whole reason I like this sport is because you dont need the latest and greatest bike to kick ass, when I had my Kdx I used to laugh when I would go flying past guys on there fancy new bikes, but If you can afford to buy something new then why not? and if you like they way one brand looks and feels compared to another brand then go for it, who cares what anyone else thinks.

I agree with you 100% I'd Just like to put forward though, us 2smoke fans have to go with Ktm as they are the only ones that aren't fazing out 2strokes!! I reckon it might be a silly move by the others!


I enjoy reading all the different opinions here. With a pinch of curry and a bit of a stir here and there, the result is great entertainment as well as being informative. Bon apetit.

Haha you got that right. At least we carry on in here pretty much the same as face to face!!

[dammad1]

I agree with you 100% I'd Just like to put forward though, us 2smoke fans have to go with Ktm as they are the only ones that aren't fazing out 2strokes!! I reckon it might be a silly move by the others!


Thats dead right.