when does a powerband kick in?

[trailrider190]

hi, im looking into getting a bike for trail riding and most people are recommending a yz125 or bikes like that, i was just wondering like if i am going slow up a hill or something with high rmps' and i gonna flip cause of the powerband? I dont want it to kick in at the wrong times, but will it? thanks, Ryan

 

[Amber Farris]

A powerband hits differently from bike to bike. You are just going to have to ride one easy until you know how and when the power hits. You will also need to learn how to feather your clutch so you can keep the RPMs up and keep the power smooth for technical slow stuff. It just takes some finese. I have looped it going up a hill once when I had my KX100. I was just learning and really blipped the throttle going up a hill and my tire just hooked up. IF you learn throttle control you problably wont loop it, but you will be wheeling up some hills. ;)

 

[xsnrg]

You are getting bad advice. 125cc 2strokes are generally not good trail bikes. They have very little low end and the power band does hit abruptly.

Especially if it is your first, think 4stroke or a more mild mannered 2stroke like a KDX. Mild mannered that is in the useability of the power, not the lack thereof. If you go 2stroke, I reccomend a bike like the KDX, if not, I'd suggest an air-cooled 4stroke for your first bike like an XR200,250 or 400 depending on your size. You can then leap to a 4stroke MX bike or a bigger 2stroke depending on where your riding interest leans (MX track, trails, fast, or leisure).

 

[KAWIDUDE-1]

I agree with xsnrg. I jumped up to a KX250 from an xr100, and I ride in the trails. From what I've heard 250's have alot more bottom end then 125's, but I still find my 250 lacking alot sometimes, these bikes were not really made to be lugged around out of the powerband. I really enjoy riding my 2 stroke in the tight trails, but it does take alot of practice feathering the clutch, and it took me a while to get used to it. I'd tend to stay away from 125's, look at an xr250, or possibly a 400. As far as when does a powerband kick in, I'd say it varies from bike to bike.. you'd have to ride it and find out for yourself.