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Hello, now I know many have asked before but I am seeking advice on a first petrol bike. I have had a few experience days, big enduro circuits 70 -80 miles, fireroads, singletrack, roads etc. I have ridden only four strokes, KTM 250, 350 exc-f, CRF230. Even the the 350 I really liked the linear power, and I certainly would not want anything heavier to man handle over logs etc.
So what I am after is something that is a jack of all and master of none, something I can get round an MX course on, do some Enduro and Green Laning. Bear in mind I am a beginner so I am not going to be doing 20ft gap jumps on the MX track, nor climbing near vertical Extreme enduro.
I kind of know whats on the market, my concern is getting to thorough bred, because where I live is not a lot of byways, so typically will be riding to my mates putting the bike on a truck and driving off to an event on private land.
But at the same time it would be nice to have a bike I could pootle on down green lanes, or take the back roads to work on. And I am wondering which if any off-road bikes could cope with a longer twisty tarmac without requiring a full engine rebuild every 6hours.
I am kind of thinking some 4four stroke 250 - 350. I know 450 have longer legs but thats to much bike for me atm.
Added to this equation is my friend is selling his Husky TE300 2 stroke 2014, the advantage is that I know it is in good order, a good price, and he would throw in all the stuff, guards, mooses, spare tyres, stand etc. Plus all he and his mates either ride KTM or Husky 2 stroke, so getting spares, or help when out riding would be easier. But my concern is firstly the power curve and secondly is it to thorough bred to do some green laning, as I say a competent novice, so I dont need nor ever likley to need Graham Jarvis performance. I could see even just refuelling being a pain.
For me, just like my mountain biking, where I am going and what I am seeing is as much a part of the experience as the jumps, drop offs and whoops.
Anyone else out there do similar riding mix?
I have been thinking about a 70’s or 80’s old school enduro or trials, but nothing as new as your requirements.
I have only one thought and that’s the bike your mate has for sale, you know it’s history and those bikes are very popular.. for good reason.
For that reason I’d be inclined to buy that and get used to the power issues you point out.. surely you can get a tuning kit(s) that could alter all aspects of the powerband??
In best STW tradition of recommending what you ride...
(no, really, don't - I'm just an idiot)
Rachel
I’d go the KTM 350. If your riding mates are running Husky’s and KTM the majority of your regular servicing for brakes, suspension and bearings are going to be the same so spares etc and setup know how can be shared amongst you. These are all competition machines so will require more servicing if you want to keep it running right, nothing worse than traveling for a while to reach the area where you can ride then not be able to due to mechanical problems.
If you don’t want to spend as much time maintaining the bike look great something more road biased but lose out off-road
Get a shot on his 2 stroke and see what you think. They are much more "snappy", 4 stroke is much "smoother". Slow throttle is a cheap mod if required, flywheel weight can normally be fitted as well if required.
2 Stroke are basic and easy/cheap to fix, but will wear faster.
I've a Honda XR400 and a KTM 525, the XR has been mine from new, perfect for what you want. The KTM is a weapon ,if you want it to be. Had that from new as well.
PM me if you want to buy them. I need the space in the garage for my new toy.
Some good points there guys cheers. I think I def need to swing my leg over the Husky and see. I did 80miles north of Brisbane last month in the Glass Mountains, just awesome terrain. If anyone is in Brisbane I can highly recommend Brisbane Dirt Bike Rentals http://www.brisbanedirtbikerentals.com.au/, a days guiding, with bike, and all the kit, or just hire the bike.
I see my riding in the UK being all about learning the skills for doing epics abroad. They are all going to Romania for a week, but I am no way up to speed to keep up with those guys just yet. I guess like mountain biking its a learning curve and you need to just try a few machines before knowing what works for you. I guess if I can get a good deal on the Husky, if it is not right for me, I can move it on with out much loss. Good idea on modifying the throttle.
I saw a guy in the Dales on one of these...
http://www.gasgasmotos.es/en/trial/522-contact-280-es-usa.html
I think It's the same engine as the full trials version but with more useable gearing. Not much heavier either so easy to haul about over rocks etc.
Dunno how far a 3.5 ltr fuel tank would get you though.
Been reading up about the Beta RR390 now that looks like a good all rounder.
DR350.old but reliable all rounder without beaking the bank.
Had a DR350 and they're ok, I alsi had a Honda CRM250R which was much, much better and a Yamaha XT600E which was much, much worse. Current bike (not used in years) is a Gas-Gas Pampera.
These days I'd probably go with a Beta Alp.
Buy a Japanese 4 stroke, if you can afford it a Yamaha WR250f it will last longer than any euro 4 stroke ( please note this is based on a lot of experience over 35 years)
If you have any sense buy a 300cc 2 stroke of any euro brand (ktm, beta, TM) why?
1. Top end rebuild on 2 stroke £200 and you can probably do it yourself
2. Top end rebuild on a 4 stroke? No change from a £1000 - you can reduce this if you can do a top end rebuild yourself.
If a modern 4 stroke really let's go.....