Suggestions for "Last Bike"

[jeffg]

This question is somewhat hypothetical in nature, as this might not actually be my last bike...but here goes. I'll be 50 :ohmy: this year and am planning on getting back into trail riding and harescrambles. When I last rode full time I was an A rider in enduros and HS. I'd like to think that I'll still be riding when I'm 60 but who knows at this point. I'm still in decent shape; I run marathons and will also be racing my moutain bike during the week.

The question is this.....If you were going to buy one last bike to keep for a few years, what would it be? I'll be starting off again in Super Senior B/C. Go with a 250 4st? 250 2st? Something like a KDX or XR, and build on it as I get back into the groove? I'm not thinking of a large 4st; I will admit it's too much. I know the bottom line wrt competitiveness is really me and not the bike.

Have at it!

 

[CR Swade]

I would seriously look at the 04 KTM 250RFS. It has arguably the best stock off-road suspension available, great componetry and a mellow engine that allows the bike to handle well and allow you to get back in the groove. As you get back into it, Thumper Racing can punch the 250 to a 300 for under $600 for a big bore kit and the power is damn near perfect for what you are describing. Don't take my word for it though, the 300 kitted 250 is Dick Burleson's favorite bike in his arsenal, in fact one of our local AA riders was 30 seconds per lap faster on his 5 mile practice loop with the 250/300 over his usual mount.

 

[KiwiBird]

Took the words right outa ma mouth Swade. I trail ride with a number of guys (in their 50s) who ride overbored 250 4S bikes.

The KTM 250 can be punched to 300 or 350 depending on your preference.

 

[woodsy]

"in fact one of our local AA riders was 30 seconds per lap faster on his 5 mile practice loop with the 250/300 over his usual mount."
If that is the case and I were him, that 250/300 would BE my usual mount!!
You know what, my good friend "Young Ted" Del Sorta (aka Inca) is going to be 76 this year and is riding one of those AWESOME 250's! He is my hero and if that RFS 250 is good enough for Ted - it is good enough for me!!
On the other hand, a KX500 with a magic button would be GREAT too - come on Kawasaki, ol Woodsy's rootin for ya :) :)

 

[jeffg]

Thanks! It looks like everyone (so far) is jumping on the 250f bandwagon. Probably not a bad way to go in the long term...with 2st's being phased out. Any reason why the KTM would be favored over the Yamaha/Honda/Kawasuki? Is it longevity? Performance? Less mod's required? All of the above?

 

[placelast]

Great question; been thinking the same myself. Thing is, I may already have it! (E tu, KTMboy? Say it ain't so!)

I recently bought a KX/KDX200 hybrid, and thought it would be my retire bike. It'll do, but it doesn't have the grunt and snap my RMX250 does - essentially the "scare" factor that makes riding fun and at times challenge, so I'm going to keep them both until one day in the future when parts are no more, then reconsider. They stopped importing the 250 6 years ago (and development like 15!), and the KDX in the mid-90's. To hold on to some aging beasts sounds crazy to some, but I cannot ride either for all they are worth, so there's not much to gain in a trade up, although it's tempting.

It may be best to try different bikes out before the commitment. That way you have some idea if it's a keeper or not.

Have you considered the new CRF250F? I like the concept, maybe even electric start, but can get by without it. Although I believe you can get a better deal on the KTM250RFS E/XC and believe it's a great mount, I've read there are those who bought it then became disappointed in the power, close-ratio trans and being similar in weight and maintenance compared to the bigger bikes. A big-bore kit would certainly do no harm.

 

[jeffg]

I've always been a believer in the concept that I'm faster on a bike that's easy to ride than on a "fast bike". Therefore, I'm leaning toward a KDX/XR style of bike. I've been faster in the woods on an XR250 than on a KX250 or CR250R :eek: . A 250f style of bike might be the best compromise...though it's hard to argue with either the KDX or XR concept for ease of operation and durability.

Are the older riders among us going the 250f route?

 

[sspmxc400]

The mid-size 4 strokes (I have a KTM mxc400) are pretty hard to overlook. Easy to ride - power when you want it - but not when you don't - reliable.

I'm 42 and went from a xr250 to the KTM 400. The KTM is easier to ride, start, and is much more fun with the power and not any more difficult to control.

I do think that if you like to rev the bike and ride it high in the powerband the 250 4 stroke can get you through the woods pretty quickly.

My 2 cents.