New to the boards

[phirechick]

ladies,

I have been browsing for a few months, so I finally decided to say "hello" to everyone. I think this is a great board with the more input the better.
I've been riding since I was twelve with my first real bike being a 1981 YZ 80, I loved that bike. I currently ride a 2000 KDX 200 and would like to start doing some Hare Scrambles again if time ever allows. I am once again shopping for another bike most likely a KTM or a KLX 300. My biggest problem being height challenged. 5''4.
Just want something I'm comfortable on.
So what is everyone doing for Thanksgiving, any big rides planned?
Our family will be heading to the Dunes in Oregon,so if anyone is around then let me know!
Happy Trails,
Wendy

 

[firecracker22]

Hello, and welcome. Hope you like it here. You're lucky you've been riding that long. I wish I had started at 12! Hare scrambles are a lot of fun and I really enjoy the few I've done. I hope to do more next year as soon as my knee is back together.

The KTM would be a good choice--much lighter than a KDX, and more powerful. They are well suited to smaller riders too as I know quite a few who ride them and have never heard a complaint about the ergos yet. If you're interested, I've got a real clean 01 (3 months of riding) for a low price . . . and already set up for a female rider.

Again, welcome! Glad you found us!

 

[Michelle]

Welcome to DRN, Wendy :)
Bbbom is bound to give you her opinion of the KLX ;) (it's always
quiet on the weekends, hence the lack of welcomes so far).
So you looking at a KTM? Four stroke or two? If you're looking for a
200, do check out FC's picture page - it looks good :)
Keep an eye on the ride reports & places to ride forums, too, as
there's often talk about upcoming rides being unorganised.
Have a great thanksgiving & safe ride.

 

[bbbom]

Welcome phirechick,

KLX300 is a great woods/trail bike with plenty of power, it was my first bike when I started riding 3 years ago. I fell in love with the power of the CR500 about a year & a half ago and my poor KLX300 has been sitting ever since. I did have trouble getting the front end of the KLX over obstacles but after getting used to lofting the frontend on my 500 (or more accurately controlling it's loft), I found that I could do it on the KLX too. Experience and seattime does wonders!

I actually rode mine a few months back and it was a nice break from my 500. Much more relaxing to ride but my 500 is still my favorite bike, especially since I finally pulled off my first real wheelie Sunday. Only about 30 feet but weeeee what a rush! The KLX tractors through anything and it doesn't have the 2 stroke wheelie hit but that hit is what I like. :eek:

As for Thanksgiving get togethers - Endoqwest and company have been touting the Thank & Spank in Jawbone Canyon in the Organized Rides Forum. Sounds like a great get together, wish we could make the trip but not this year.

I still have the 98KLX300 up for sale (I don't work too hard on selling stuff - too busy with everything else guess that explains why I have so much stuff sitting around the place!). Pics are in my photo album under For Sale.

email me if you want any info on it. It is definitely set up for trails with all the guards, 33mm Mikuni Carb & Stroker Header Pipe. The poor thing hasn't been ridden except once since July of 2000 when I got my 500. It's on it's 2nd set of tires and they look nearly new. Just not right to have an orphaned bike sitting while all the others go out & play! :(

 

[LoriKTM]

Welcome, Wendy! Glad you found us.

The KDX is a great bike, I rode the wheels off one for five years before getting my KTM. The KLX is a good bike too, but it's essentially the 4-stroke version of your KDX. You wouldn't really get anything more other than extra weight (and harder starting!) over your KDX.

I'm vertically challenged as well, but don't worry about seat height on bikes as much anymore. I just have the suspension shortened to bring it to my level!

 

[KTMster]

phirechick, welcome aboard! Are you in Southern California or Northern California? I am in Southern California. I do the local Hare & Hounds, European Scrambles & Desert Scrambles. The Desert Scrambles is the new name for Hare Scrambles in the district I race in, they just changed the name. :think Racing is just a glorified trail ride for me--I've gotta say that since I am so slow. :confused:

I had an '00 KLX300 before my KTM. They're both great bikes but I do prefer the KTM. I too am height challenged at 5'2. I also had an '00 TTR225, what a lead sled with NO suspension or brakes.....don't even want to go there!

Let me know if you ever want any info. on the local races.

We'll be out in Lucerne Valley for a Desert Scramble Thanksgiving weekend. I will be working the finish line and my husband is racing it. I hope you have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving in Oregon!

 

[CJ Rider]

Welcome phirechick! 'Gotta check out these Dunes in Oregon someday. I read a lot about 'em here and they sound like a lot of fun. We're headed back to Moab for this holiday since that's a little closer for us. We'll have to swap ride reports afterwards!

Funny, with all these bikes for sale we should just all swap when the music stops just like in musical chairs!

 

[bbbom]

Hey Jen, we can lower the suspension on the CR a bit if you land on it! ;) :)

 

[CJ Rider]

KEWL! I'd LIKE that! (I wouldn't know what to DO with all that power, but it'd be humerous to watch me try!!!)

 

[nkd]

Hi Wendy and welcome

I have been riding since I was 12 too!!! My first bike was a 72
honda Z50 then a 74 Harley Z-90 that I turned into a dirt bike!
Oh, those were the days. I have been riding for almost 30 years now,
it doesn't seem possible!!! I will always love it.

I recently bought a XR250 and am really happy with it and also my
2002 CR125 but they are both pretty tall. I think the KLX is pretty
tall too. It's tough, a friend of mine is only 5 foot and she now
rides a KX100 and is really happy with it. Good luck and welcome to
DRN. Have a fun weekend riding, I am heading up to NY State to
ride with all my nieces and nephews! It will be a great Thanksgiving!
Nancy;)

 

[Karna&Justin]

WELCOME!

Hello Wendy!

I am currently riding a 2000 KDX 200, also. My husband is on his way
home right now with my new suspension (we took it to Aftershocks to
have it revalved and lowered 1") . I will let you know how it feels...I too, am
hoping for a KTM someday but I am sure the new suspension will keep
me satisfied for a while (at least it better as it is costing us an arm and
a leg).
Justin and I are leaving early Friday morning to go to Clear Creek, CA (have you ever ridden there before?). If you want more details about
the location, etc. I'd be happy to embelish (sp?). Where in CA are you from and where do you normally ride???

Have a Happy T-Day!
Karna