I am looking at a KTM300, but I do love thumpers.
I have been emailing the US importer for TM's for about a year with respect to their new 400. Back in February he got his first evaluation model and expected inventory in 90 days. I haven't heard from him since, but the bikes should be here any day now. I think it was Cycle World magazine that did a quick evaluation of the bike. They said it had old-world low end but also made blistering horsepower on top. That would be my bike of choice if I had the cash and they were available.
My local Husky dealer, I currently ride a 360, mentioned checking out
www.husqvarna.it. You can switch the site to English and read all about their new 400. It sounds really impressive. This is not to mention that Husky won the world 400cc enduro championship on the bike and also the heavyweight class as well. Their presence in America has been lackluster until that last two years and it nice seeing them do well again. They have always done well in Europe though.
I have also owned a 610 and basically liked the bike. At 5'9", it was a little large for me in most respects. I sold it for a 99 Husky 250 which was sold for the 2000 360. If that new 400 was available, it might be my first choice. I would like to own something different than a Husky for a change.
How about a new Vertemati for $9,500 US? That is a seriously expensive bike, but with works WP suspension and billet everything, it is probably worth it if one had the cash.
I am curious about the 2002 VOR's can anyone post a link to their site? I know the Vertemati brothers developed their first bike and I am pleased to see they have taken the initiative to improve the bike on their own.
So many bikes so little money.
Greg M
P.S. And that Gas Gas would also be cool. Hey wait a minute, maybe Cannondale has the bugs worked out and the new bikes with the "max air" intake will really rip? Like I said, so many bikes so little cash.