What will your next bike be?

Sandman 2.0 · Oct 15, 2008

It's been pretty quiet in here for the last year. Is because a large majority of KDX'ers have traded to something else....the 4 stroke revolution perhaps? If you are like me, you are always wondering what bike should I get next. What would be better than the KDX for woods riding. Now last weekend at one of my favorite ride areas, you would hardly know there was ever a 4 stroke revolution. There were lots of 2 strokes, YZ's, KX's, quite a lot of KDX's, a few CR 250s and even 125's. The 4 strokes were amongst the minority. I didn't see one WR250F or CRF250X. The 4 strokes were MX bikes. I've looked at the spec sheets for 4 stroke of road machines and they appear to be really heavy compared to the KDX or MX machines. I don't plan on getting rid of my KDX anytime soon but I just couldn't see myself riding some of the 4 stroke off road tanks they are currently producing. I guess if anything I'd convert a MX bike due to the significantly lower weight....so what would you buy next?

Tom68 · Oct 15, 2008

KTM300, KTM530, WR450F, IT465, YZ125 That would just about keep me happy. As a 160lb 43 YO rider that loves tight stuff riding a 300lb bike that I fall off plenty, you don't need to concern yourself too much with weight unless you're racing or you ride in boggy areas and get stuck a lot.

joebiodiesel · Oct 15, 2008

A KTM 300 XC-W. I don't do any MX or track riding at all. I'm strictly a recreational trail rider. The 300 XC-W is really the only practical replacement for a KDX, at least for me.
Joe

ascracer · Oct 15, 2008

Well if I could I'd buy another new KDX, however I have been drooling over a KTM 250XCW with the button. I'd just be happy to ride I'm layed up for awhile right now had a disagreement with the bike last weekend something torn in the knee :(

jackflack44 · Oct 15, 2008

KX125, or 250f, and a KDX. I ride green :cool:

mandark1967 · Oct 15, 2008

I just sold my KDX220 in preparation of getting a Dual Purpose bike so I could enjoy the ride to where I ride off road.

I'd love to find a decent on/off road thumper under 650cc that puts out about 32-40hp but it's damn near impossible to locate a reasonably-priced bike that doesn't require a 9 hour trip to buy.

I have seen a few new 650s for sale (XLs, DRs and KLRs) but I don't want anything that big.

Unfortunately, the leftover 08 on/off 400s are costing $1500 more than the 650s here near memphis because they're all based on the motocross bikes.

That leaves me with the thumper 250s like the Yamaha or Kawasaki. They're a little light on power for me...

firffighter · Oct 15, 2008

KTM 300, 250, 200 or Gasgas or Husky 2-stroke. They are the only current manufacturers who are still producing great off-road 2-strokes. I would love to try the new Husky 250 many have said it is an old world 2-stoke meaning it produces great smooth power and can slice and dice in the woods. I have also heard great things about the gasgas as far a power delivery and suspension.

Too bad the Japanese manufacturers are too stupid to figure out that at every off-road event both in the US and abroad, the line-up is a sea of orange 2-stokes. They are really missing out on a very large portion of the market, yet they still have been cramming the heavy 450 4-stoke down our throats as the be all end all of off-road bikes.

longtime coming · Oct 15, 2008

I sometimes ride my son's '08 KTM200. That is a spectacular bike. I also sometimes ride my other son's '06 Cr125. The Honda is also a spectacular bike. But when I jump back on to the KDX (the "couch"), I can go slow and just enjoy the cushy seat and suspension. I always want to have a bike like a KDX around here (a really good, honest to goodness trail bike). I have yearned for a KTM300 at times, but then I saw that Skorpa trail bike in a magazine lately. Now that is a new age honest to goodness trail bike....

RM85rider123 · Oct 16, 2008

XR250R, or a 125 2 stroke.

WILEECOYOTE · Oct 16, 2008

Staying Green KLX450R The only one I want.

Sandman 2.0 · Oct 16, 2008

Too bad the Japanese manufacturers are too stupid to figure out that at every off-road event both in the US and abroad, the line-up is a sea of orange 2-stokes. They are really missing out on a very large portion of the market, yet they still have been cramming the heavy 450 4-stoke down our throats as the be all end all of off-road bikes.[/QUOTE]

Well said. My local Yam/Kaw dealer sells every YZ250 2 stroke he can get. You'd think that would tell someone something! As I understand it, Yamaha is going to sell them in the states at least until 2010. The WR250F and Honda CRF250X are certainly praised in some circles. I've never tried one but would like to as a comparison to my KDX. Maybe they don't feel as heavy as the numbers would indicate. I'm sure electric start is a beautiful thing on a 4 stroke after a spill. I know I wish my wifes XR100 had one the other day after she dropped it and floaded the crap outta it.

firffighter · Oct 16, 2008

I've spent considerable time on the WR250 an '05 with the free mods done. It is a nice little bike with outstanding suspension, but has no where near the snap of a KDX. You cant loft the front end unless it is a planned event with the use of the clutch.

It does not make good low end power (not as good as my KDX220) with its power curve more in the mid range area. It wont even lug as well as my KDX220.

The e-start certainly is nice and it has nice ergos and components.

Oh yeah, and it feels much heavier than the KDX and a ton heavier than my KTM 200's I had.

Sandman 2.0 · Oct 16, 2008

Oh yeah, and it feels much heavier than the KDX and a ton heavier than my KTM 200's I had.[/QUOTE]

That's the biggest issue I have with the 4 stroke trailbikes, weight. At 5' 6" and 29" inseam 150 lbs, I really feel the weight. My CR 250 seems significantly lighter than my KDX. It is a pleasure to toss about in a sand pit though a bit peaky in tight woods sections. I keep going back to converted MX bikes if I had to buy a 4 stroke. I've talked to some guys with KXF250's and they claim it makes a nice woods bike.

sr5bidder · Oct 31, 2008

mandark1967 said:
I just sold my KDX220 in preparation of getting a Dual Purpose bike so I could enjoy the ride to where I ride off road.

I'd love to find a decent on/off road thumper under 650cc that puts out about 32-40hp but it's damn near impossible to locate a reasonably-priced bike that doesn't require a 9 hour trip to buy.

I have seen a few new 650s for sale (XLs, DRs and KLRs) but I don't want anything that big.

Unfortunately, the leftover 08 on/off 400s are costing $1500 more than the 650s here near memphis because they're all based on the motocross bikes.

That leaves me with the thumper 250s like the Yamaha or Kawasaki. They're a little light on power for me...

Mandark

you should look for the yamaha xt350 real sharp ones can go for 1700 I got mine for 200 bucks and did 250 bucks in repairs "piston job" it is a 96 model and looks real good.
the xt350 pulls really decent completly stock and the rpm's gives it very long legs, you can unleach alot more with a pipe.
but like all dualsports you real have to look at the suspension
dont get me wrong this thing was very good at durhamtown plantation for the shakedown after break in feels really light and does the tight stuff good, but leave the ground more than 2ft you had better hold on cause it gets squirely as it bottoms out upon landing.

On the road it can maintain 65mph with no problems and I don't feel like I'm gonna cook it either at that speed

What will your next bike be?

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