Starting out enduro as a beginner?

**NordieBoy** · 12th December 2011, 19:42

Originally Posted by Rupe

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

Originally Posted by NordieBoy

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.

**Rupe** · 12th December 2011, 20:21

Originally Posted by NordieBoy

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

Originally Posted by Rupe

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,

**NordieBoy** · 12th December 2011, 20:46

Originally Posted by flyingcr250

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

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=1PxnI...&feature=g-upl

**NordieBoy** · 12th December 2011, 21:09

Originally Posted by jt119

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

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

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

**nzspokes** · 12th December 2011, 21:13

Originally Posted by NordieBoy

The brakes were... lacking...

Kinda found that with mine on the weekend.

**BoristheBiter** · 13th December 2011, 07:03

Originally Posted by flyingcr250

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

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.

**NordieBoy** · 13th December 2011, 07:45

Originally Posted by nzspokes

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

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

Originally Posted by NordieBoy

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

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.

Wont hold it coming off the trailer even.

**nzspokes** · 13th December 2011, 08:59

Originally Posted by Jay GTI

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.

Can I buy a WR for $600?