Next bike advice!

[andy 101]

Part of your problem probably stems from the difficulties starting a bike due to your hieght. An electric start would cure that. Problem solved.
When you are actually riding the height issue is not an issue anymore (hopefully you are standing up 90% of the time) and a 2t will actually encourage you to stand up as opposed to a 4t which encourages a rider to sit in the arm chair. I'm riding a 4t now after 10yrs of 2t and I have definitely noticed that I sit down alot more.

Secondly the modern enduro style bikes like the KTM200 exc 2013(electric start) are very very easy to ride and have a wide range of power. They are not an MX bike that will rip your arms off and chuck you into a tree.
Also they have 6 gears, an 18 inch rear tyre (more rubber and cushioning) and a dual band mapping switch.A bit like a fork hoist that has the rabbit and a turtle button. Bottom end power to boot.

I think Cyclespot Euro are going to have a demo day at The Sandpit soon and that would be the ideal time to try the 2t's.

Please give us non bike owners, notice when the demo days are on, I think I need another bike not sure but may go 250 4t this time.

[oldguy]

When you are actually riding the height issue is not an issue anymore (hopefully you are standing up 90% of the time) and a 2t will actually encourage you to stand up


as opposed to a 4t which encourages a rider to sit in the arm chair. I'm riding a 4t now after 10yrs of 2t and I have definitely noticed that I sit down alot more.

I would agree with that statement, I refuse to lower my bike, even with my big fat ass on it, still don't lower enough for me to get both feet on the ground, just ride it.

and here I thought it had to do with you getting a little older

Oh and next bike, you will fit in here nicely, if you go orange and a 2T

[Chia]

Hiya - I'm 5'2 (shorty!!) and I ride a Husaberg TE 125. I haven't lowered it at all and the power on it is really smooth, there's no on/off 2t power and it's got quite a bit of torque down low for a 125! So I would definitely recommend one. Prior to this bike I had a KTM 150 sx on which the power was different to the 125 but it was still an awesome little bike so you won't go wrong with either.

I wouldn't go down the 250 4t road as I used to ride one of those too and just found it too heavy to man-handle.

If you setup your suspension with the right springs for your weight front and back, and learn to ride without putting your feet down too much then you'll be fine with not lowering any of your bikes

[L Rider]

Please give us non bike owners, notice when the demo days are on, I think I need another bike not sure but may go 250 4t this time.

You may want to call the KTM dealers re the demo days - they usually have a list of pple who take priority.

South Auckland Motors and Cyclespot Euro will both be doing them at different times.

[English Kiwi]

Hi All,

Thanks for all your advice on bikes

Went to the Demo day Cyclesport held today and rode 2 bikes. First was the 200 XC-W, this was quite scary with the power and not being used to 2t's...

The next bike was awesome! I rode the new 350 Freeride! All I can say with this bike is... EPIC!!!! Just what I was after, something bigger than my current bike, but not full size (the 200 I really struggled on!) Throttle was nice and smooth, and by no means snappy.

So after the demo day, I have put my name down for the Freeride I would happily recommend this anyone looking to upgrade

Thanks again for all your help

[mattnzl]

Cool, as a "shortish" guy I'd be keen to hear your review when you get it. Just to give you some encouragement, look what it's capable of
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-20xs65ct7o

[English Kiwi]

Cool, as a "shortish" guy I'd be keen to hear your review when you get it. Just to give you some encouragement, look what it's capable of

Those guys are INSANE!!!

I'll definately let you know what it's like I should get it soon

The other half had a go on it as well, but he's 6ft and wasn't right for him! But if your "shortish" then you'll be sweet! I'm sure a KTM dealer down there will have the Demo bikes soon

[takitimu]

Cool, as a "shortish" guy I'd be keen to hear your review when you get it. Just to give you some encouragement, look what it's capable of
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-20xs65ct7o

I only rode it for a few minutes, but it's very light & low, very torquey, but kinda weak. Put it this way it'll pull up a hill perfectly, but it won't ever pull your arms off ( or even think about it ). Given it's the 350 motor from the sx-f detuned, I'm sure it can be re-invigorated if you want.
It's the perfect bike I think for someone shorter & for learning on, it deserves to sell bucketloads.
( It's not gutless, I seem to recall ktmboy mentioned it threw him off ).

[L Rider]

Hi All,

Thanks for all your advice on bikes

Went to the Demo day Cyclesport held today and rode 2 bikes. First was the 200 XC-W, this was quite scary with the power and not being used to 2t's...

The next bike was awesome! I rode the new 350 Freeride! All I can say with this bike is... EPIC!!!! Just what I was after, something bigger than my current bike, but not full size (the 200 I really struggled on!) Throttle was nice and smooth, and by no means snappy.

So after the demo day, I have put my name down for the Freeride I would happily recommend this anyone looking to upgrade

Thanks again for all your help

Yay, glad you got along to one of the demo days. Thats interesting how you found the 200 XC-W. So glad you have found what you like. Just shows though that a bike thats perfect for 1 person isn't for another. Definately got to try bikes for yourself & get WHAT YOU like not what other people say will be right for you.
It'll be like xmas at yours when you get it.

[Ktmboy]

( It's not gutless, I seem to recall ktmboy mentioned it threw him off ).

Well not really in that sense. Put it this way, we had a wee moment going over a log (in the carpark in front of the VIP's and the press).
Rather large wash out on the other side and we ended up side down. Funny as

I think they will sell a few of the Freeride for the casual trail riders and especially ladies. Quite a neat bike and would be cool to fang a round town on. Only problem would be keeping the front wheel on the ground between lights.