2strokemx vs. 2stroke enduro

[dprider]

Hello all. I am a big fan of two strokes but have never owned/ridden one. I currently have an '05 DR650 that I have ridden on trails(a few pretty knarly ones I might add) so I'm not new to dirt riding. I ride more(and prefer) enduro style stuff than fast MX.
My question is this: is it really worth getting a less expensive MXer(yz,kx,rm) and modding it for enduro work as opposed to getting an actual 2stroke enduro(ec, xc)?

Any input is appresiated. Thanks! :)

 

[2 strokes for life]

I think it deppends how far you go in modding a MXer to do enduro work. If you did the basics on a YZ250 brand new like skid plate, rad gaurds, bottom end pipe, and hand gaurds you would come over the price of a KTM 200XC-(w) witch is sweet for tight gnarly trails and smaller hills. Now if you did what Berry Hawk did to his YZ250 you would be able to buy a KTM 300XC-(W) for the same price and same with a TM 300EN, GasGas 300EC and Huaquvarna WR250.

 

[dirt bike dave]

So much depends on suspension set up for you and your preferences. The stock enduro bikes suspension might be closer to what you want offroad, but you are likely to have to modify either to be optimum for you.

The enduro model will probably already have a big tank, which is nice if you like to take long rides. It will also have an 18" rear wheel, which is something you probably would not pay to change if you buy an MX bike.

My old bike was an enduro/crosscountry equipped '99 Honda CR250 I bought from a former district enduro champ. It was like a magazine project bike, with all the trick stuff. The end result was it was a great offroad bike. Gentle as a kitten when crawling through technical terrain, but a real tiger on faster trails. The close ratio gearbox was rarely a problem in the woods, as it had enough motor to pull first gear in even the nastiest stuff. But in the desert, I wanted a 6th gear that was not there.

My current ride is an '02 250 exc with Novation suspension. Like the modified MX bike, it is light and nimble, with plush suspension, good low end and it rips on top.

If you are buying used, it is certainly possible to find an MX bike that has the offroad gear you are looking for. That way you get the goodies and don't have to
pay retail price for them.

Bottom line is a well set up 250 two stroke is tons of fun offroad, even if it started life as an MX bike.

 

[rmc_olderthandirt]

"enduro" means different things to different people. What aspect of enduro are you interested in?

For some, enduro is just a long ride, which means a big gas tank. Buy the bike you want, change the tank and you're all set.

For others, enduro means that it has to have lights. You can add lights and the lighting coil to a MX bike but it can get somewhat expensive.

Enduro for others might mean that it has an odometer that can be read to 1/100th of a mile and set to a tenth. If that is all you need keep your MX bike and buy a computer.

In some places, enduro means that the bike be street legal so you can ride from one section of the course to another on public roads. Forget the MX bike for this application.

Rod

 

[dprider]

When I say "enduro type stuff" I basically mean long, moderate to hard trail riding. Think GNCC. I understand how "enduro" can be a skewed term. Mostly I am just looking for opinions of others riders. I have done some research into enduro type mods for YZ250(larger fuel tank, hand guards, skid plate, pipe), mostly basic stuff. I just have a natural attraction to Euro bikes, and if they make a 2stroke enduro, why not? Most of the time the enduros are mxers with altered suspension, fuel tank, gear ratios, anyway right?
Guess I just have to weigh my options/preferances. lights are the biggest issue to me. I may not need lights right away, but I know I will want some later.
In that case it's probably better to get an enduro that already has lighting.

 

[UTDesertman]

I have a 98 CR250 that is set up as an enduro/trail bike. In UT you can go from alpine to desert in 30 min. I had the suspension re-valved, added a Clarke tank, a skid plate, and some hand guards. I did this over a couple of years so the cost was spread out. I also changed the gearing and it works out great. The MX tranny is great for the hills but the gearing helps open it up a bit out in the desert. Get a good used bike and start there like I did.

 

[adam_co]

so what is the ktm 250 two stroke then is it enduro or mx or maybe sx because i am looking for a 250 2 stroke and i am thinking of geting a cr/kx/yz/rm but i seen a road leagal ktm 250 the other day and it was wicked didnt seem much different to a cr250 to me like just it was road legal but still sounded like a real crosser like the cr or kx or whatever

 

[CHR!S]

so what is the ktm 250 two stroke then is it enduro or mx or maybe sx because i am looking for a 250 2 stroke and i am thinking of geting a cr/kx/yz/rm but i seen a road leagal ktm 250 the other day and it was wicked didnt seem much different to a cr250 to me like just it was road legal but still sounded like a real crosser like the cr or kx or whatever

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