new woods bike

[evinT]

Hi, I'm 21 5' 11" and 240 lbs. I have ridden an 89 KDX 200 for the past four years. I'm a very aggressive rider in the woods. I do not want to sound cocky in the least, but to give you guys an idea of the kind of riding I do--I'm always the first one to go up the hills while everyone else is arguing about who goes first and most of the time nobody else but me ever goes up the hills--and I ride with an experienced group of people. I usually find the steepest hills, usually with some type of vert at the top, and try it without second thought. I also like tight, technical situations where I have to have massive low-end torque. This and the hills is where the KDX 200 isn't quite cutting it anymore. On large steep hills, it tends to always cut out at midway to the top of the hill and I usually have to clutch it to pull the rest of the way up. I have my KDX tuned for low end torque and I think I've squeezed just about everything I can out of it--fatty pipe and silencer, low tension reeds, reed spacer, large rear and small front sprocket, carb settings, and countless other things. Plus, I'm finally ready for a NEW bike anyway.

My question is: is this years KDX 200 or 220 going to be much different than my 89 as far as power goes? I know the 220 is tuned to have more low end, but would it even be enough for me--being that I'm pushing 240? Also, I'm sticking with 2 stroke enduros when I get a new bike; so are there any other bikes out there that would suit me? What about the KTM 250 or 300 EXE? I really love the KDX and I don't want to stray far from handling characteristics, etc.

Thanks for any comments

 

[TimberPig]

The newer KDX's are significantly improved over your 89, but A KTM EXC or similar would be a bigger step up. I would say that you should go for the 250 by what you have said. The newer KDX has a much improved chassis, but the power output isn't that different. A 250 or even 300 2 stroke enduro bike would be a bigger upgrade for you.

 

[dirt bike dave]

I used to ride a modded '90 KDX ages ago. Rode a friend's '05 250 exc recently. It is vastly superior to any KDX I've ever ridden. VASTLY superior. Personally, I prefer the 250 to the 300, but plenty of guys feel the other way.

 

[YamaB]

At your size and your riding style, I think the 300 might be your best bet... Those things are torque monsters and are probably one of the best bikes for hill climbing ever...

 

[evinT]

Thanks for all the responses. I'm going to the dealer next week to check out the KTMs.

 

[SpeedyManiac]

I actually think you are the perfect candidate for a GasGas EC300. Make sure it is a european version with the heavier ignition and flywheel. This way it makes smooth power, but a lot more than your KDX and not as violent as a KTM. It is also extremely nimble in the woods and has much better components than a KDX.

 

[Enduro1]

You should maybe consider a Gas Gas 250 or 300 bike, these have plenty of torque, but are also very quick, a great woods and enduro bike at the same time.