I'm thinking of getting into dirt. What bike?

**Brett** · 1st April 2014, 21:54

Originally Posted by ktm84mxc

Jays right on some points a MX bike is designed mainly for a MX/SX track and can be hard work in the forest but can be made to work. A Enduro/ cross country bike is suited to that environment but will be a struggle on a MX/SX track but can be made to work by firming up the suspension etc.
Brett decide were you plan on doing most of your riding and pick a style of bike best suited to the conditions likely to be found.

Trails etc. is my plan, but honestly mate - I have no idea what tracks are out there nor which bikes are best suited to which environments. I may find that I love MX and spend more time at the local MZ track. I just don't know. Have found a 2010 CRF250r I can get for sub $5k and a 2012 CRF450r with circa 60 hrs for $5.5k. Decision is split, I also don't have the time to go view them right now (working 8 til 8 or so). I started this whole process looking at a 250 enduro

and have gone off course looking at 250 and 450 mx bikes. Sick of looking, just want one now.

**gwynfryn** · 2nd April 2014, 08:12

If you are at all competitive and want to go fast get a 250. If you want to sit down and have a bit of fun get a 450. If you change your mind sell it.

**Drew** · 2nd April 2014, 14:11

GL145 works fucken mint for me.

**thorns** · 2nd April 2014, 16:05

I'd say go the 450,

Less stressed motor / longer lasting if well maintained
Power when you need it, but still smooth and controllable
Can lug it when your tired
Add a throttle cam system thingy, and then you'd pretty much have a 250f to ride by twisting it up to half way, then just twist that throttle wide open when you really want to move.

Being a bigger guy like yourself, and having owned a 250f, I found pretty quickly they were a bit boring to ride when lugging a large rider. There's only one way to ride it, and that is wide open, throttle at the stops. They make impressive power, and rev like mad, but it also means, your always working the engine hard and up near the limiter to get anywhere fast. Where as on a 450, with power and torque to burn, pretty much anyone who isn't a pro cant ride one of these things wide open, you can short shift and it doesn't matter, want to carry a higher gear, doesn't matter....... Yes, they can get you into trouble if your not careful, but a bad whiskey throttle at the wrong time on any bike and your taking a dirt sample.

But in saying all this, best way is to try ride a 450 and a 250 on a track/trail and see for yourself. Everything else is just each persons personal opinion/preference, what works for me, isn't going to work for everyone else.

**Brett** · 3rd April 2014, 20:47

Righto, decision has been made - for the better or the worse. I am deciding between two bikes.

2009 CRF450r

approx 60 hrs total, mostly trail riding. Wiseco piston put in 10 hours ago. new clutch and chain. $4800.

2012 CRF450r (as discussed earlier)

Ex nationals race bike for a season.
had full rebuild 2.8 hours ago (top and bottom)
also new clutch
pro curcuit pipe and standard pipe
near new tyres
brand new graphics and seat cover
k&n air filter
old spare plastics
brand new linkage bearings
suspension revalved at preformance factory
upgraded ecu and comes with standard
well serviced and greased oftenly and services were every 5 hours
renthal fatbars and renthal clamps

$5500.

I am going to go for one of these bikes...just which one is the question. Want to decide tonight and pick up on Friday or Sat. Thoughts? (particularly on the ex-race bike..if it has just had a full rebuild and check over, presumably it should be pretty tight?

**george formby** · 3rd April 2014, 21:06

Hmm.
2009, trail ridden. new piston, new clutch @ 60 hours or so. $4800. Anal owner, high maintenance bike, something unsaid? 5 hours a ride, 12 rides or 24 for fucking about?

2012, competition bike as above + plastics, pipes etc. $5500.

And why go for a wiseco piston over original?

My instincts for better or worse lean towards the later model bike unless it's being sold by a skint teenager.

**Brett** · 3rd April 2014, 22:10

Originally Posted by george formby

Hmm.
2009, trail ridden. new piston, new clutch @ 60 hours or so. $4800. Anal owner, high maintenance bike, something unsaid? 5 hours a ride, 12 rides or 24 for fucking about?

2012, competition bike as above + plastics, pipes etc. $5500.

And why go for a wiseco piston over original?

My instincts for better or worse lean towards the later model bike unless it's being sold by a skint teenager.

Sellers comments:

2012 bike being sold due to replaced by new bike.
2009 bike - apparently all work done by previous (first) owner who wanted to go Motox with it, but wifey stopped him. Second owner bought then hurt knee & couldn't ride, decided to now sell.

Those are the stories. Might just have to pick one and go with it. A risk either way, 2009 bike is in Rotorua, 2012 in Stratford. Either way a decent drive from Auckland to view. I'm leaning to the 2012 bike due to recent re-build and suspension re-valving.

**leathel** · 4th April 2014, 06:29

I would be looking at the wear on the frame and cases of the 2009... may be the hour meter was put on after a good bit of work hence new piston/clutch

Or Someone had a shed pony and wanted to have the best clutch and bits (in his mind) but if its the later there will be little wear on the frame and engine cases

**Brett** · 4th April 2014, 07:38

Originally Posted by leathel

I would be looking at the wear on the frame and cases of the 2009... may be the hour meter was put on after a good bit of work hence new piston/clutch

Or Someone had a shed pony and wanted to have the best clutch and bits (in his mind) but if its the later there will be little wear on the frame and engine cases

Good points, cheers.

**flashg** · 5th April 2014, 19:09

Originally Posted by Brett

Righto...decided that I would like to do some dirt riding. Looking to do trail riding largely. My dirt riding pals have suggested a 250cc is easier to ride/less work than the larger bikes. I have someone possibly keen to do a swap + cash deal on my CBR1000rr for a 2009 Honda crf250x. What are people's thoughts on this bike? Any other model recommendations to look at? I am not Brand/make loyal. I want something that is not too painful maintenance wise, is reasonably powerful (I am 6ft 3, 100kg) and handles well. I am keen to stay 4 stroke.

Fire thoughts away.

Cheers

Have you thought about a WR 250R a great bike with long life engine ( 40,000 kms valve check ) fuel injected, will do trail, even play on MX tracks, go adventure riding, ride to work. Most versatile 250 out there. You won't be doing top end @ 100 hours either.
I have WR 450 2012 i think a 250 would be more fun. I'm sure I'd be faster on a 250.
An enduro bike will last longer than a MX bike (engine not so stressed) that means less money spent on rebuilds.

My 2 cents

**Jay GTI** · 6th April 2014, 10:52

Doesn't make a great deal of sense to have a new clutch on a 60hr bike, I'd go for the 2012. It's a race bike, so it will have had a harder life, but it should have been looked after better. Being greased regularly (linkages etc) shows the owner knows how to maintain a bike.

**Brett** · 6th April 2014, 20:53

For better or worse, I just won an auction on trademe for a 2011 Kwaka KFX450. Guess I'm going to find out whether a 450 is too much bike now aren't I. Honest progress reports to follow.

**flashg** · 6th April 2014, 21:27

Nice bike. Look after it and you'll have shit loads of fun. And you will get used to the power I'm sure.

**thorns** · 6th April 2014, 21:31

Originally Posted by Brett

For better or worse, I just won an auction on trademe for a 2011 Kwaka KFX450. Guess I'm going to find out whether a 450 is too much bike now aren't I. Honest progress reports to follow.

You chose the right colour!