Brother In Law

[Crunch]

Ok, so my brother in law is thinking about getting a brand new KX 250F to go trail riding with. That's what the sales man was trying to talk him into.

He is 50 years old and has never ridden a bike before. I’m a bit concerned for his safety! I’ve never ridden a 250F before but I'm familiar with the KDX 200 and was wondering if anyone can give me an idea of what the difference is between the 250F and the KDX when it comes to trail riding?

I just don't want my brother in law to hurt himself by getting too much bike and not knowing what to do with it. Thanks for the input!

 

[_JOE_]

The 250f is a very rideable bike. They make smooth tractable power and are easy to ride slow. They are pretty high maintenance though.....

 

[cornishwrecker220]

Ive heard that the 450r makes for a better trail bike...yep the 250s are more to maintain. If he just wants to trail ride then why not look at the ktm 300 or even better the easier to ride husaberg 300? :)

 

[mudpack]

The KX's make miserable trail bikes, especially for a novice rider. An experienced rider could probably make one work, a neophyte will be very frustrated.

Difference: the KDX was designed as a enduro/trail bike, very controllable, easy to ride, not intimidating, comfortable for long hours in the saddle.

The KX was designed as a motocross bike, a competition machine. I have ridden them. They are happiest when ridden at high speed, at full throttle, on a wide open track (no trees, no roots, no rocks, no tight clutch-slipping-in-first-gear corners). The suspension is much stiffer, in keeping with the high-speed and big jumps commonly found on MX tracks.

The only similarity between the two bikes is they are both made by Kawasaki and have the same color tires. ;)

EDITED to correct spelling

 

[Bonehead]

NO Not for a NOVICE

 

[JDS1017]

I race hare scrambles, and I have a 1994 kx125. It's more mild for woods, and my suspension is very soft. I would say a new Kawasaki would not be the answer. The new ones rip way to hard for trails. Especially for a beginner. If he really wants something new I would recommend a ktm 200 or 300. Another option is a crf250 or 450x. If I were him I wouldn't get a new bike. He doesn't really know if he will love riding.

 

[argclh6670]

Just look for a well maintenanced 220 or 200, easy to work on and as you know are a very good bike for novice to expert riders. Check the link below for lots of great KDX info.
http://kdxrider.net/forums/index.php

 

[geoffro]

I also say stay away from a mx bike for trail riding UNLESS you are experienced.
Its not designed for it, small flywheel, hard suspension, no side stand... I could carry on. Fire that salesmen!!!!