New bike suggestions?

[thorns]

Hi, I am a new member here, just looking for some opinions on a new bike. I have not ridden a trail bike for about 12 years, and am keen to get back into it that I am working full time and can afford it. Have been looking for a suitable bike to get started up on again. Have thought about a proper MX'er, but in all honestly don't know if I'd make the most of it, so have been looking at options like the more on the enduro/trail side. The KLX300 has jumped out at me due the cheap price for a brand new bike. Could anyone offer any opinions on these? 6995 seems almost to good to be true! Would this bike suit a rider like myself, who's abilities are not going to be that flash to start with, but will still allow me to "grow into it"? If not, what are the other options available that you would recommend? I am quite a large guy, about 6ft 3 and 110kgs, so I guess I need to take that into account.

Also, wouldn't mind something that is reasonably low maintenance. So yeah, any opinions would be great in steering me in the right direction.

Cheers
Paul

[scott411]

you will be quite big on a klx300, but i have seen guys your size ride them well, once you got up and running you may look at heavier front fork springs,

another option if you want something a bit bigger the drz400e is a great bike, taller with a bit more grunt, and at $8250 with a pipe its a great deal as well,
both have been around a while, have hop up parts around, and both are very reliable and low maitence,

[camchain]

I got back into dirt bikes a year ago after over 20 years off. Bought a KLX300. I'm a tad under 6' and around 80kg. I've found KLX a bit cramped for my hight esp. standing. Like you I considered something a bit sexier but I thought why wear out a competition type machine while I'm getting the dirt legs back? The KLX was an excellent choice for me (But ready for something better now). Also a higher performance machine lets you know it works better when you push it harder = more crashes than necessary to begin with. Here's another thought: When I think back how slow I was a year ago compared to my pace now, I was crazy to push as hard as I was and crashed too often for nothing. A few months later, I'm much faster, safer with much less effort. Take your time and ride within your limits and your limit will constantly improve.

I agree with Scott though, I think the DRZ400 would be a better bike for a man of your calibre/stature. DRZ has a good beefy powerplant but still easy to use. The KLX is not known for it's engine performance, but they can be woken up a bit with a large bore header (original is same size as KLX250 = tiny) and a dynojet carb kit. Riding a dirt bike fast is more about pace than accelleration so power for me has been very adequate and easy to apply (Especially in the greasy hill climbs where you might fly pass the guys trying to get traction on MX bikes). In the end what swayed me towards KLX compared to DRZ was it's light weight, but if I were your size I'd go DRZ, you'll have a ball - and enjoy the electric start! KLX can be a pig to get going if it flames out with a hot engine and a lung full of wet fuel, or after tipping over and flooding! (Full throttle and kick)

If you do go KLX there are a number of simple things I've done to mine to improve it, ie shift star mod = better gear shifting and no more jumping out of gear. Ping the forum again and I can list tweaks. There was an excellent U.K. KLX website but it died a while ago. Thumpertalk.com is worth a look to get an idea on what any particular model is like to live with.

Enjoy your new bike whatever you get! Buy a note book and keep a maintenance log.