Suggestions for "Last Bike"

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.

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.

"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 :) :)

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.

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.