Okay, the dirt bug is biting. Would like to invest around $5K or less.
Options.
XR650L.....heavy, but dual sport, good in the Mtns. "R" would be overkill for eastern woods. DR650Z....same DRZ400....Beem around a while..comments? KLX250S...Lighter....more dirt oriented KLX300R...Dated, but capable. XR400R...discontinued, but plenty decent used units around XR250R....same.
Anyone riding any of the newer 4-strokes.....CRF250X, WR250F???
When my daughter was born, I sold my K75 and got a XR650L thinking that it would be good to play around home with and for short trips to town. Its a great bike.....but you will want less knobby if you intend to ride on the road much. If all you want to ride is trails in the woods, get a smaller bike. The XR650L is great for blasting down a dirt road or thru fields. Great for a grocery run if you change the tires. I guess the key is that its a dual sport, not a dirt or street bike. Now that I've sold you on having one, how would you like to by one? (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/rolleyes.gif)
Ask yourself what are you going to do with the bike? Trail ride, dual sport ride, MX park ride, etc ????
If your new to dirt, take the MSF dirt school and buy a smaller bike used.
You really can't go wrong with something like a DRZ400 as a starter dual sport; the only real problem is suspension. Me, I ride a KTM, great set of springy things at both ends right out of the box (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/fing02.gif)
Grew up on dirt. Put em' away at 17. Last dirt bike was a 1984 CR250R. Still limber.
I like the KTMs, great bikes, but pricy and limited resale in the south. They have my attention though. You're right. The WP suspension bits are sweet.
What kind of riding are you planning on doing? For tight single track, I would stay away from the big heavy bikes. I you want to ride desert, get a 450 or larger. I have 2 CRF250Xs and love them. Way more confortable for tall riders like me, but not as reliable as the Yamaha WRs due to valve issues.
not overkill just right. light weight and plenty powerful enuf. gotta have electric start.
i dont have one personally. i just sell em all. and that would be one of my top picks.
something else to think about is a suzuki drz400sm w/ a 2nd set of knobbys
you would probably wanna stay away from the crf450x, slight overkill in the power dept. i have kids come in and buy CRF450R's and try to bring em back all the time cause they are way to powerful. saying i wish i would of got the 250 unless you wanna pull a sonny bonno.
Have you considered the KTM models? VERY very nice Track, Trail, or SuperMoto versions. Also have a wide range of displacements.
The EXC series are more woods or trails bikes - wider gearboxes, electric system ready for desert lighting (or street kit.) The SX models are race ready. The SM models are SuperMoto specific.
The exc series are a snap to make street legal - BUT these bikes are every bit THE top bikes for dirt use. my 525 EXC is pure dirt bike!!! Till i install the SuperMoto kit; And street and lighting kits are available from many sources, including KTM, Husaberg, Baja Designs, etc.
What was it? 60% or more of the riders at Dakar rode KTM? Sumpin like that. But very popular, to be sure. TOP RATED BIKES to be sure!!
Go to the library and check out the last 6 months or so of Dirt Rider mag. They cover all the different makers, all the models, and all the strong and weak point for each model. Oh, and make sure you check out the "24 hour" shoot-out testing in the june 06 issue. i like Dirt Rider mag as it is better rounded than the motocross mags.
oh, also, i have both 2 stroke and 4 stroke (KTM is the 4 stroke) and the 2 stroke never gets any use anymore.
47 thumbs up on 4 stroke power, and their electric starter (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/fing02.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/fing02.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/fing02.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/fing02.gif)
The bug is sure going around. I found for the dirt the lighter the better. My favorite dirt bike was an old Yamaha 175 enduro. It was under 250 lbs and had plenty of power for anything I would do in the dirt. Handling a 300+ lbs bike in the dirt is a lot of work and limits the kind of dirt I would find enjoyable. Over the years the areas I used to ride in locally have been developed so I have to go some distance to get there. The only reason I went to bigger bikes was for the road. Now I need something to take the freeway and just bought a KLR650. I can do logging roads with it and desert riding but I won't be doing any hill climbing with it and I miss that. If you are like me and not trailering I would recommend getting the bike that would just barely give you performance enough for the road giving you a lighter machine for the dirt. Unless you plan on doing mostly street driving and occasional dirt roads I would rather have a light 250 dual sport than the heavy 650 I have.
The KTMs are ok bikes, but handle like a$$ without suspension mods and a steering damper, and let me tell you about that rock hard seat! Oh, they cost more then any other bike also, but you can get one with a plate which is a major plus here on the left coast.
I echo what the others have asked. What type of riding are you going to do? I personally ride a 250 two stroke and won't ride anything else. Four strokes are for old lazy guys, true they have plenty of power, but all you have to do is just put them in gear and lug around.
Wait....maybe I should get one (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/unsure.gif)
I know, everybody is riding four strokes, young and old, including all the MX stars, but that has only been for the past few years or so. Before that is was two strokes or nothing. I love the hit you feel on a two stroke compared to the torque you get with a four stroke.
Good luck with whatever you buy, the dirt is a great time and exercise as well.
[quote name='artman' date='Feb 23 2007, 09:35 PM' post='358369'] I echo what the others have asked. What type of riding are you going to do? I personally ride a 250 two stroke and won't ride anything else. Four strokes are for old lazy guys, true they have plenty of power, but all you have to do is just put them in gear and lug around.
I know, everybody is riding four strokes, young and old, including all the MX stars, but that has only been for the past few years or so. Before that is was two strokes or nothing. I love the hit you feel on a two stroke compared to the torque you get with a four stroke [/quote
I like the way you think. (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/fing02.gif)
The plan is for aggressive trail riding. Get some playfulness out in the dirt, keep it off the street.
Leaning towards a DRZ400 or KLX300....or, a nice used KTM 400. I am a honda owner to the core, but unless I find a deal on a clean 250X, will probably go with the suzuki.
how does $6300 shipped to a ups freight terminal in your town sound? you could have it by next weekend. Brand New 2007 CRF250X in the crate. (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/fing02.gif) you could finance it for $99m fixed for the life of the loan. (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/warranty.gif)
heres the pricing break down $6095 bike $5 title fee $200 shipping
This is no BS. just great deals (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/biggrin.gif) let me know.
i also carry DRZ's but im not sure what i have in stock. i can find out tomorrow when i go to work.
how does $6300 shipped to a ups freight terminal in your town sound? you could have it by next weekend. Brand New 2007 CRF250X in the crate. (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/fing02.gif) you could finance it for $99m fixed for the life of the loan. (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/warranty.gif)
heres the pricing break down $6095 bike $5 title fee $200 shipping
This is no BS. just great deals (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/biggrin.gif) let me know.
i also carry DRZ's but im not sure what i have in stock. i can find out tomorrow when i go to work.
Thats a sweet deal...considering its shipped. I like your style.... Hit me with some numbers on the DRZ.
ive got DRZ400S7's in blue/white or yellow for $4995 bike $5 title fee $200 shipping
$5200 total.
if you wanna finance i can get you $59m fixed on $01-$5000 or $99m fixed from $5001-$8000 if you finance there is a $10 lein fee
if your serious i can fedex the PW to you on monday, youll have it tuesday. sign it, return it in the fedex envelope i provide. ill have it wed. and it will be on the truck wed. should be there on friday.
ROUSE, Feb 24 2007, 09:02 AMive got DRZ400S7's in blue/white or yellow for $4995 bike $5 title fee $200 shipping
$5200 total.
if you wanna finance i can get you $59m fixed on $01-$5000 or $99m fixed from $5001-$8000 if you finance there is a $10 lein fee
if your serious i can fedex the PW to you on monday, youll have it tuesday. sign it, return it in the fedex envelope i provide. ill have it wed. and it will be on the truck wed. should be there on friday.
DRZ400SM7 IN BLACK FOR $600 MORE Shipping might be a few dollars more. i would have to get a freight quote. it wouldnt be much more tho. $200 shipping was to Darlington SC
Honda 450X, nuff said. Don't go with the 250X, not enough power!! You'll regret it. Spend a little more & get the last dirt bike you'll ever own. Oh by the way don't forget to buy a 150 for the wife
I love my 06 DRZ 400S. It can go everywhere and has just enough power. Its a blast to ride on the street as well. Light weight. Alot of the guys change the pipe and do airbox mods and get more horsepower, just like any other bike but I have left mine stock. Trust me it s a blast. I shopped for everything as well and am very pleased with the DRZ. The reason its horrible in the dirt is the trail wing tires. Change them to knobbies and youll be fine. Sure it weighs alittle more than a crf450x-which is what I wanted but I need something street legal and not as sharp or hard edged. I just wanted some recreational fun. What about an older XR400? I paid $5130 OTD for mine. I love the yellow and blue graphincs
I had a DR650 about 4 or 5 years ago before I traded it for the VFR. The bike was a good bike, but it was to heavy for any serious trail riding and to uncomfortable for any serious street riding.
Personally I would go with the DR400. Its still road capable but lighter and much more dirt oriented. Not sure about having a radiator while trail ridding though. Just seems like a recipe for disaster. Plus switch out the tires and it would make for a great super motard!
Gary: With some of the posts responding back on how heavy some bikes are....maybe you should do a tour of various dealers and sit on the bikes to see which ones really feel good to you as far as balance, seating position, top-heaviness, etc.
Rode a KLX 300 last summer in tight woods and sand for a weekend. It's a really fun bike, light, good pop from the motor (keep it wound up), good suspension. Better suspension for off road than the DR350/400. (I've ridden a 400 quite a bit too) Not near as much grunt for on pavement though. (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/fing02.gif)
artman, Feb 23 2007, 10:35 PMI echo what the others have asked. What type of riding are you going to do? I personally ride a 250 two stroke and won't ride anything else. Four strokes are for old lazy guys, true they have plenty of power, but all you have to do is just put them in gear and lug around.
Wait....maybe I should get one (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/unsure.gif)
I know, everybody is riding four strokes, young and old, including all the MX stars, but that has only been for the past few years or so. Before that is was two strokes or nothing. I love the hit you feel on a two stroke compared to the torque you get with a four stroke.
Good luck with whatever you buy, the dirt is a great time and exercise as well.
Thats awesome, I am the same way. I haved raced moto-x for 18 years and I am die hard 2 stroke. Stay away from a 250 four stroke. The xr 250 is fine, as all xr's are bullet proof. The 250 4 troke mx race bikes are blowing up all the time. The valves are breaking and ruining the head, piston, cylinder. It cost like $120 to do a top end on a two stroke and 2 grand to rebild a trashed 250 four stroke. If you are just wanting to ride trails I would definetly check out the two strokes. You can buy them cheap as everyone wants a 4. For 5 grand I know where you could buy 2, 250 mx bikes, brand new. Almost all the GNCC racers and enduro racers are still on two stroke's because they are lighter and east to handle over 3 hours with the right gearing and fly wheelwight.
If you are lending towards a 4 stroke, consider going to thumpertalk and posting up a question or two, with background info on your skills and intentions.
And one should always buy the smallest bike that will fit your needs.
gg2wheel4me, Feb 23 2007, 07:36 PMThe plan is for aggressive trail riding. Get some playfulness out in the dirt, keep it off the street.
Leaning towards a DRZ400 or KLX300....or, a nice used KTM 400. I am a honda owner to the core, but unless I find a deal on a clean 250X, will probably go with the suzuki.
Can't go wrong with an XR400, it's almost overqualified as a trailbike. Spring the front end, and set the sag, for your weight, and it'll do anything from technical trailriding to "vintage" style MX. Add a Summers Racing fork brace, and the steering is as accurate as any USD, but way more plush.
And hey, it's a Honda, so you know it'll run forever! (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/wink.gif)
Was just over to the another site which has a dirt bike section on the forum and there is a similar thread. It was interesting reading on how people were complaining on how much maintenance and repair costs were on the new 4-stroke machines, there is a strong group of people still pointing the way towards two-strokes.
Hobie1dog, Feb 25 2007, 08:41 PMWas just over to the another site which has a dirt bike section on the forum and there is a similar thread. It was interesting reading on how people were complaining on how much maintenance and repair costs were on the new 4-stroke machines, there is a strong group of people still pointing the way towards two-strokes.
Ive noticed that too. Looking at two strokes as well. I can ring one myself..... Would be nice to find a decent left over 250 MX bike.... Still like the DRZ though. Shopping is the fun part.
Only thing I don't like about two-strokes, is I like to ride in the woods(tight), and while the ring-dingers are manegeable there, the broader spread of power in the 4 is better. Nothing like roosting through a pine chicane only to have a sudden wollop catch you buy surprise... (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/comp13.gif)
SEBSPEED, Feb 25 2007, 08:04 PMOnly thing I don't like about two-strokes, is I like to ride in the woods(tight), and while the ring-dingers are manegeable there, the broader spread of power in the 4 is better. Nothing like roosting through a pine chicane only to have a sudden wollop catch you buy surprise...
I've had the opposite experience...I've ridden my buddy's '04 CRF250X, and compared to my KDX it was way flat on the bottom end. The KDX will chug along at lower RPM's no problem, while his CRF is a slug and really has to have some revs to get any power...and even then it's not that impressive.
On the other hand, I briefly rode a CRF450X...and, oof! ...I'd probably kill myself in no time if I had one. (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/blink.gif)
Hobie1dog, Feb 25 2007, 07:41 PMWas just over to the another site which has a dirt bike section on the forum and there is a similar thread. It was interesting reading on how people were complaining on how much maintenance and repair costs were on the new 4-stroke machines, there is a strong group of people still pointing the way towards two-strokes.
yeh, its hard to beat a 2 stroke 250 maintenance cost wise, better yet a cr500. I ran one of those 5 years, no powvalve to clean, piston, rings and bore job every 2 years.
The problem with the 4 strokes is all valve related, RUN LEADed gas
i saw a crf250 motor all spread out the other day, bad cam chain tensioner $3,000 shopbill
SEBSPEED, Feb 25 2007, 08:04 PMOnly thing I don't like about two-strokes, is I like to ride in the woods(tight), and while the ring-dingers are manegeable there, the broader spread of power in the 4 is better. Nothing like roosting through a pine chicane only to have a sudden wollop catch you buy surprise...
I've had the opposite experience...I've ridden my buddy's '04 CRF250X, and compared to my KDX it was way flat on the bottom end. The KDX will chug along at lower RPM's no problem, while his CRF is a slug and really has to have some revs to get any power...and even then it's not that impressive.
On the other hand, I briefly rode a CRF450X...and, oof! ...I'd probably kill myself in no time if I had one. (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/blink.gif)
im the same. My KTM 200 EXC was a lugging bike. my friend shawn has a YZ450F. i swear the little 200 had more bottom end. i know its more of a matter of riding style but i felt like a newbie on the 450. in tight trails i was constantly stalling the YZ. and he even agreed after the switch off that the KTM was way easier to ride slow. his bike you can actually feel that big piston at low rpm and if you dont keep the revs up it lurched to a halt. and it was a BEAR to restart. technically though that little 200 couldnt match it for power any where. on the top end that YZ was amazing. but the biggest gripe i had was that after 20+ years on two strokes that 4 stroke had no character. it felt oddly like a rheostat. to me that made it feel 50 lbs heavier than it actually was. thats why i loved the vtec transition so much, oddly 2 stroke like
Ive Got a CR250R7 2stroke. that i could blow out. it would be $5699 $5 title and i will cut the shipping down to cost $196. covers the Freight and overnight Fedex fees.
$5900
213lbs and rated at 47.7hp!
this would be a great bike. light weight, and crazy power. just keep a spare plug with you.
I've been riding an old 92 Yamaha WR200 2-stroke for the last 6 or so years. If I were to have to replace it tomorrow it would be with either the new WR250 or the CRF250X. With the type of trails and terrain we have in the south I just don't see an advantage to having one of the bigger thumpers. They're just too heavy and overpowered for the tight hilly trails I typically ride.
SEBSPEED, Feb 25 2007, 08:04 PMOnly thing I don't like about two-strokes, is I like to ride in the woods(tight), and while the ring-dingers are manegeable there, the broader spread of power in the 4 is better. Nothing like roosting through a pine chicane only to have a sudden wollop catch you buy surprise...
I've had the opposite experience...I've ridden my buddy's '04 CRF250X, and compared to my KDX it was way flat on the bottom end. The KDX will chug along at lower RPM's no problem, while his CRF is a slug and really has to have some revs to get any power...and even then it's not that impressive.
On the other hand, I briefly rode a CRF450X...and, oof! ...I'd probably kill myself in no time if I had one. (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/blink.gif)
im the same. My KTM 200 EXC was a lugging bike. my friend shawn has a YZ450F. i swear the little 200 had more bottom end. i know its more of a matter of riding style but i felt like a newbie on the 450. in tight trails i was constantly stalling the YZ. and he even agreed after the switch off that the KTM was way easier to ride slow. his bike you can actually feel that big piston at low rpm and if you dont keep the revs up it lurched to a halt. and it was a BEAR to restart. technically though that little 200 couldnt match it for power any where. on the top end that YZ was amazing. but the biggest gripe i had was that after 20+ years on two strokes that 4 stroke had no character. it felt oddly like a rheostat. to me that made it feel 50 lbs heavier than it actually was. thats why i loved the vtec transition so much, oddly 2 stroke like
My last dirtbike was a RMX 250. Similar to a RM, but "fully loaded". Those trail 2-stroke motors are really sweet machines. Easy to work on, easy to ride, and easy to ride like a MX bike. I consider them the equilivent to the VFR of the motoworld. Easy on the rider, but still more than capable of taking to the MX track. I don't make a business of jumping motorcycles, but I was able to launch my trail bike off of some sand dunes and the bike was more than capable than I was.
Reading this thread makes me a little sad that I sold it, since I will never be able to buy another brand new one, and a replacement will likely be beat up from the previous owner.
If you want some really good info on dirtbikes head over to:
www.dirtrider.net
Good people, and lots of info on mods for every brand and style of bike.
ROUSE, Feb 26 2007, 11:09 AMI also have a CR125R7 I could do for $4850 +$5+$196 $5051 197lbs 34.7HP seat height 37.3" CR250R seat height 37.1"
Does it have a "toggle switch" powerband like the old CR125 Elsinores of 1973? All Hell would break loose at 10k rpm. (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/blink.gif)
Kawasaki KDX 200 or KDX 220. These things have been around forever and are bullet-proof. They were discontinued this year, but plenty of nice used ones are still around. They are slightly heavier than a 250 motocross bike, but turn and go in the tight stuff as good as anything out there. Ditto the comments on race style 4 strokes maintenance costs.
Take a real hard look a the XR400. If you are new to off-roading it's a more than great starting spot. Very capable motor and suspension and NO RADATIORS!!!!. Falling off the bike is a big part of riding in the dirt. And if you're new to the venue exiting the vehicle happens alittle more often. Get a nice used one, beat it to death(and no worries because it's USED) and then decide where your interest lie and focus your next NEW dirtbike towards those interest. IMHO
SEBSPEED, Feb 25 2007, 08:04 PMOnly thing I don't like about two-strokes, is I like to ride in the woods(tight), and while the ring-dingers are manegeable there, the broader spread of power in the 4 is better. Nothing like roosting through a pine chicane only to have a sudden wollop catch you buy surprise...
I've had the opposite experience...I've ridden my buddy's '04 CRF250X, and compared to my KDX it was way flat on the bottom end. The KDX will chug along at lower RPM's no problem, while his CRF is a slug and really has to have some revs to get any power...and even then it's not that impressive.
On the other hand, I briefly rode a CRF450X...and, oof! ...I'd probably kill myself in no time if I had one. (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/blink.gif)
Are you kidding? My CRF250X will chug at almost 1 mph without stalling. Try that on a 2 smoker. Sounds like his bike has a problem. Did he rejet it? This is a must with all modern dirtbikes due to emissions.
Yup, his is all stock except for jet tuning. The KDX will lug around all day at stalling speed w/o clutch with no problem...I guess I figured the thumper would have a more "torquey" feel on the bottom end compared to my two-stroke. I didn't have any stalling problems with his, it just didn't have the "oomph" I thought it should.
kwb377, Feb 27 2007, 12:04 PMYup, his is all stock except for jet tuning. The KDX will lug around all day at stalling speed w/o clutch with no problem...I guess I figured the thumper would have a more "torquey" feel on the bottom end compared to my two-stroke. I didn't have any stalling problems with his, it just didn't have the "oomph" I thought it should.
i feel the same. perhaps it that the bike only fires every other time around... and the kdx and my ftm had fairly big flywheels
Auto clutches are getting very positive reviews for all dirt riding, but for what you guys are discussing they are considered perfect. Personally i'm still just thinking about it
Flailer, Feb 28 2007, 02:26 AMAuto clutches are getting very positive reviews for all dirt riding, but for what you guys are discussing they are considered perfect. Personally i'm still just thinking about it
if you are familiar with the dirt rider magazine Forum built bikes issue, the rekluse had good and bad reviews. id likely run one on a 525 four stroke, but i rather have a regular clutch on a 2 stroke
If you are looking for a bike you can do both on and offroad riding, take a look at the KTM EXC or SXC line. The LC4 line of motors are quite reliable and make some very good power with very easy modifications. My 625SMC Supermotard has the same motor as the SXC, making over 56HP and 46ft/lbs of torque. It will have more than enough power to get your through any kind of riding you want.
Flailer, Feb 28 2007, 02:26 AMAuto clutches are getting very positive reviews for all dirt riding, but for what you guys are discussing they are considered perfect. Personally i'm still just thinking about it
if you are familiar with the dirt rider magazine Forum built bikes issue, the rekluse had good and bad reviews. id likely run one on a 525 four stroke, but i rather have a regular clutch on a 2 stroke
i agree ~ the arm-pulling / hard-hitting concept of a 2 stroke is inconsistent with what i understand to be the normal operating parameters of an auto clutch (further smoothing out of the power.)
THAT SAID; if trail riding / lugging around is what is under discussion, then perhaps an auto clutch is even more important on a 2 stroke than a 4 stroke.
Never mind me though, i'm just thinking out loud, and know that a 4 stroke would be preferred for that anyway.
End of thread · 53 posts recoveredWayback Machine snapshot 2 Mar 2007
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