Heading back to the dirt, what bike?

[2_SL0]

Ok, everywhere I read on the net they state overseas that a WR or similar is a better trail bike than say a YZF, however in NZ I think a large majority ride a YZF or similar as a trail bike. Is this because realistically our trails are more similar to a MX track landscape, or we just all really dumb? The majority of my riding will be done at say the Sandpit and the odd family day or trail day etc.
Im looking at the following, KXF250 (05 or 06) YZF 250 (05) WR250 (03-06) KTM 200 EXC (03+). My only concern with the YZF and KXF is overheating during trail riding, is this a problem here?
Off to ride a WR250 today.

[Wellyman]

I Ride an 03,Gas Gas EC250, And Its a great, torquey bike.
Ask rupecopp, he has a ec200 at the moment, but great bikes. I got some parts for mine from a shop in hellinsville, genuine too, so not too hard.
Cheers,
WM

P.S do replace the stock handguards if you do buy a gasser, I had a very highspeed off today and completley demolished mine.

[2_SL0]

Rode the WR, very very easy bike to ride. So Im thinking its down to WR 250, throw on MX plastics and away I go. Or KTM EXC200 and do similar.
Unless anyone can tell me that for say Sandpit etc a YZF/KXF 250 is going to be better.

[dammad1]

Big difference between the wr and the 200 exc, did you manage to try a 200 yet?

[2_SL0]

Yep I agree, its two very different approaches to the problem. But both appear to have the right credentials for me.

[Ktmboy]

Either or. Both very good bikes, its just now down to your personal preference.
You really can't go wrong with either. 2t of 4t??? Ahhh, the debate rages on.

[Wellyman]

2 Stroke! 2 Stroke! 2 Stroke! 2 Stroke! 2 Stroke! 2 Stroke! 2 Stroke! 2 Stroke! 2 Stroke! 2 Stroke! 2 Stroke! 2 Stroke! 2 Stroke! 2 Stroke! 2 Stroke! 2 Stroke! 2 Stroke! 2 Stroke! 2 Stroke! 2 Stroke! 2 Stroke! 2 Stroke! 2 Stroke! 2 Stroke! 2 Stroke! 2 Stroke! 2 Stroke!
WM

[jimmy 2006]

just buy a bike and ride it......

[Buddy L]

your not going to overheat a modern 4t MXer unless your sitting in the mud reving the tits off it for a hand full full of minutes.
Been trail riding, MXing, stuck everywhere and never lost any water.
Installed a overflow bottle just incase the thing boils, but hasn't yet.

[camchain]

Get a piece of paper and write down your priorities. This can be revealing. Want and need are usually different

Some observations after recent Trademe and other Net digging.

1. A lot of 4 strokes MXers being sold by owners saying they are going to 2t

- I think regular racers finding 4t maintenance expense a bit tough to live with and the bills come in big hits.

3. 3 recent WR 250f for sale by owners willing to trade YZ 250f

- Possibly ridden MX version and loved the extra punch. CRF250x is about 9hp down on R (But x has much better bottom end (talking performance, not iffy CRF crank life!!!) How much time do you spend at full throttle at high revs?

Seems like it's horses for courses. MX versions less expensive to buy but dearer to run. Personally the different/lower state of tune in enduro version has some appeal. I reckon I can go faster (in most situations) with suspension rather than HP. MX suspension has to deal with big jumps, not carving around in rocks and tree roots. My ideal bike would be a 350 in a lower state of tune (like DRZ400) than current serious dirt bikes. I'd rather have a piston with a proper skirt that lasts a bit longer, and slightly larger engine oil capacities again.

My only 4 stroke choice for a serious dirt machine is a stressed out little 250 or a brute of a 450. 350's likely to come if AMA rule change happens.

[2_SL0]

Agreed Camchain, I would throw into that, a nice light weight option and we would have the perfect bike.

I appear to be swaying more and more to a MX bike. YZF 250 etc.

[crazyxr250rider]

Stay away from older KXF/RMZ250's they've had lots of valve issues ,Im shure a search of previous posts will enlighten you ive explained this way too many times.....

[2_SL0]

Been told to stay away from them and early Honda's I have read were not good. So that just leaves the YZF 250, WR 250, and the trusty EXC. The WR's seem to pricy for what they are, so that leaves the YZF and EXC.

[cheese]

its the old fuck one goat story again.

I think that the 04 and 05 KX and RMZ's had issues wiht over heating and some valve issues.

Personally any modern 4 stroke is going to require alot of maintenance so 2 strokes are gettign a bit more popular. The people that really win with the new 4s are teh bike shops cause they get to charge you $500 - $700 to fit a new piston and check your valves.

[cowpoos]

Been told to stay away from them and early Honda's I have read were not good. So that just leaves the YZF 250, WR 250, and the trusty EXC. The WR's seem to pricy for what they are, so that leaves the YZF and EXC.

I have a mint...07 RMZ250 low hours...still original tyres on it...for 6k
Nothing at all wrong with it...just need to sell it to get a new road race bike if your interested?