Traildale1
Member
- Apr 22, 2000
- 34
- 0
I need another bike. Well I don't really neeeeed one, but you know. Given your vast experience, what bike should I look for? Here's the story:
1st bike - 1975 Yamaha DT250 (yes I am that old) - driver's license revoked two weeks later.
2nd bike - 1976 Yamaha IT175
Sold them both in 1979 and didn't ride again until 1999.
Bought a 1999 Suzuki DR350S dual sport - 700 miles of street riding to get used to it - 1st off-road ride and I dumped it and the pig landed on top of me, breaking two ribs. Sold it an bought a lighter bike.
Enter the 2000 KDX220. Been riding it off-road for the last 2 years, with a little MX track riding. Starting to push the limits of the suspension (already beefed up on both ends). Comfortable jumping singles and clearing small tabletops.
I tried a friend's RM250 on an MX track. It has a stiffer than stock suspension and RG3 suspension work. After 30 minutes, I was hitting jumps I never thought of trying before and clearing my first double (a long but relatively safe step-up). I'm hooked on air time! What a difference a real MX bike makes - literally launching out of the corners. It was a blast to ride, but to be honest, I probably never had it over half throttle for more than a few seconds the whole ride, and when I did, it nearly pulled my arms off - yea I know I gotta get way forward on the bike BEFORE it hits - learned that one the hard way.
Next chapter - man meets irresistible force in the form of a WR250F and I just had to buy it. KDX pales in comparison. WR is much better in the woods, on the track, in the garage, on the trailer . . . This is EXACTLY the bike I always wanted for woods riding and I can also clear step-up doubles pinned in third (with my eyes wide shut).
The problem is that I have (finally) realized that I can't have it both ways - a good woods bike and a MX track play bike in one. Soft enough for the woods equals major bottoming out on the track. Smooth enough power in the woods equals HOPE it hits soon enough to clear the whole jump, not 90% of the jump - that last 10% hurts.
I'm looking for a bike that will be strictly a track play bike. I have no intent, or desire (or talent) for racing, so that's not even a consideration. Any real woods riding is nearly 3 hours away and those trips take some planning, and lots of time. I can play ride local MX tracks within an hour of home almost anytime.
So, the question is: "What bike should a 6' 1" 220 lb 43-year-old kid get for playing on an MX track?"
And remember, I hate heavy bikes (I still cringe every time I see a DR350). I've been racing mountain bikes for 6 years and I'm conditioned to be able to flick the bike around.
Some off-the-top thoughts are:
YZ250 or CR250 with some added flywheel weight to ease the hit
YZ250F
YZ400F or 426F
Cannondale vapor bike
Honda CR450F
KTM400SX
Others?
Lots of you have probably gone down this same path already, and of course I had to post this in the Thumper forum because this is where all the smart guys hang out.
Just to clarify-
I have the WR250F and I'm setting it up for pure woods riding.
I'd like a 2nd bike just for the MX track.
What do you recommend and why?
Thanks!
1st bike - 1975 Yamaha DT250 (yes I am that old) - driver's license revoked two weeks later.
2nd bike - 1976 Yamaha IT175
Sold them both in 1979 and didn't ride again until 1999.
Bought a 1999 Suzuki DR350S dual sport - 700 miles of street riding to get used to it - 1st off-road ride and I dumped it and the pig landed on top of me, breaking two ribs. Sold it an bought a lighter bike.
Enter the 2000 KDX220. Been riding it off-road for the last 2 years, with a little MX track riding. Starting to push the limits of the suspension (already beefed up on both ends). Comfortable jumping singles and clearing small tabletops.
I tried a friend's RM250 on an MX track. It has a stiffer than stock suspension and RG3 suspension work. After 30 minutes, I was hitting jumps I never thought of trying before and clearing my first double (a long but relatively safe step-up). I'm hooked on air time! What a difference a real MX bike makes - literally launching out of the corners. It was a blast to ride, but to be honest, I probably never had it over half throttle for more than a few seconds the whole ride, and when I did, it nearly pulled my arms off - yea I know I gotta get way forward on the bike BEFORE it hits - learned that one the hard way.
Next chapter - man meets irresistible force in the form of a WR250F and I just had to buy it. KDX pales in comparison. WR is much better in the woods, on the track, in the garage, on the trailer . . . This is EXACTLY the bike I always wanted for woods riding and I can also clear step-up doubles pinned in third (with my eyes wide shut).
The problem is that I have (finally) realized that I can't have it both ways - a good woods bike and a MX track play bike in one. Soft enough for the woods equals major bottoming out on the track. Smooth enough power in the woods equals HOPE it hits soon enough to clear the whole jump, not 90% of the jump - that last 10% hurts.
I'm looking for a bike that will be strictly a track play bike. I have no intent, or desire (or talent) for racing, so that's not even a consideration. Any real woods riding is nearly 3 hours away and those trips take some planning, and lots of time. I can play ride local MX tracks within an hour of home almost anytime.
So, the question is: "What bike should a 6' 1" 220 lb 43-year-old kid get for playing on an MX track?"
And remember, I hate heavy bikes (I still cringe every time I see a DR350). I've been racing mountain bikes for 6 years and I'm conditioned to be able to flick the bike around.
Some off-the-top thoughts are:
YZ250 or CR250 with some added flywheel weight to ease the hit
YZ250F
YZ400F or 426F
Cannondale vapor bike
Honda CR450F
KTM400SX
Others?
Lots of you have probably gone down this same path already, and of course I had to post this in the Thumper forum because this is where all the smart guys hang out.
Just to clarify-
I have the WR250F and I'm setting it up for pure woods riding.
I'd like a 2nd bike just for the MX track.
What do you recommend and why?
Thanks!
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