Printable View
2 days ago an 18 wheeler parked not too far from the hut and the driver unloaded about 18-20 new BMWs for the group of latinos from Miami to do some riding in and around GTNP and YNP.
It has rained more in the last day and 1/2 than almost all summer.
What new MX bike should I get? My 450 is too much, I'm not into the swing of things like I was before. Keeping it, but it's going to take me many months to build back the skill to whip that thing around like I was.
A KTM 350 is way more than I want to spend, and I had one before I broke my neck so I'd feel dumb doing over again in the current market.
250 four stroke, 150 two stroke, maybe 250 two stroke (not much less beastly than a 450 tbh)
MX bike? Pick a color and get that one. Out of the 250s the Kawasaki is a beast and the Yamaha is right there. They are all about the same IMO. I would do the Husky because white is nice.
They are all similar. I'm not a Suzuki/Honda guy, mainly because I feel they are a bit too front end handling for my style, but they are all more similar than say how different skis are different.Quote:
Originally Posted by simple
I'm trying to decide engine size from what I listed. 150-250 two stroke, YZ or SX, or a YZ/KX 250 four stroke. I'd love a 125 2t to regain confidence, but I'm 210lbs and riding at 5500-8000ft on the weekly basis. I had a 125 a few years back and sold because it's not enough power at altitude. I go down to sea level to ride monthly too, and the 450 is just ridiculous, but I don't go enough to justify another 125. Trying to find and "in-between" bike to get confident again, since I broke my neck.
edit: sorry. getting a little aggro hyphy on moto
I think there are perhaps 1000 threads on MX forums asking the 250 vs. 350 vs. 450 question which can be further divided into the 2 vs 4 stroke dilemma. It's a question that may never be answered--like where Upstate begins.
The goldilocks bike you seek (assuming you're going to ride trails and not actual MX) is a 200. Snag a KTM 200exc if you can find one, or the new Beta if your pockets are a little deeper.Quote:
Originally Posted by AEvospace
They are light, flickable, and the engine tune is friendly. At 210# you will be able to use all of the power regularly without scaring yourself.
So I had a KX250 for a couple of years, then got a KDX 250 for 3 years before it was stolen. At the time I was a fairly strong young little guy (probably 160 soaking wet and aged 25 to 30). Mainly rode in the mountains west of Calgary (Waiparous, Nordegg, Bragg Cr) with them. The KX 250 had a great top end but because it was a full on MX bike the power band was smaller than the KDX. Also I liked the low to mid power of the KDX, just way friendlier for rugged mountain style riding. Both were 2 strokes. I think there's a good argument for a 4 stroke bike doing the type of riding I did back in the day on my Kawies.Quote:
Originally Posted by AEvospace
Fast forward to today, where I mtn bike for my thrills in the mountains and ride big couches on the road.
Last weekend took my Thunderbird for a rip Terrace to Telkwa. Stopped at the Seven Sisters to pay homage and play safe. Lovely little 3 hour ride and got to play music all night on my buddy's wicked outdoor stage, all electrified with tons of great musicians. Fun times in the hood!!
Attachment 383296
Wow that looks like a fun road trip
I did a little trip from PDX up to Everett, WA the other day to watch a minor league baseball game. Their team is called the Aquasox which I think is funny and seemed like as good of a reason to ride as any.
I made a little video about it and put it up on a YouTube channel. Making stuff like this is fun when you’re traveling solo as a way to pass the time. Still figuring out how to film from the motorcycle. Anyway, check it out!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1qq...ature=youtu.be
Anyone have any interest in a Corbin seat for a xr650l?Attachment 383663
250 2 stroke if you're just riding MX for shits and giggles. The 2 stroke "fun factor" cannot be overstated.Quote:
Originally Posted by AEvospace
So much fun. I love 250 smokers, I've had at least 5 now in my life. Taking off-road out of consideration, at sea level a 250 two stroke is a lot of bike on the track, mainly in the corners but also when you get tired. I'm not in MX shape right now at all. I had a 2014 KTM 250SX a few years back, and it was probably little more snappy than my YZ450F. They are much easier to control in terms of engine inertia or whatever, and overall weight and feel though. On a 450, I feel like I'm just trying to avoid whiskey throttle the entire time, and I get tired much faster than I would on a smaller bike. 2 years ago, pre-injury, I could actually ride these things harder, but now I need months of seat time before I'm anywhere near that.
I do love the bigger bikes off road, more than on the track, although would like a softer sprung/small wheeld off road specific bike.
I was thinking about getting a KTM 150 two stroke, just so I can get back into railing corners better (harder to manage leaning the big bikes over). However for the next year I will be riding at 5500ft mainly, sometimes off roading up to 8000ish, where the power loss on a 150 might be too much even with proper carb settings. A YZ250F has more power and torque to begin with, and with FI it should lose a little less power.
A 350 would work as well. They are more powerful than a 250 smoker too, but much easier to practice on especially with engine maps and traction control now. As I said, I sold my 2018 FC350 post injury, and I'd feel pretty stupid about buying another one in the current market.
I'm planning on moving next summer closer to sea level, so I'm going to take that into consideration as well.
Any opinions on motorcycle carriers? I have a small bike (XT225 275lbs) I’d like to haul. Carriers range from $160 at Harbor freight to $800 Versa Hauler. I wouldn’t mind saving some bucks but I definitely don’t want the bike flying off the highway.
Versahaul is the jam. Can attach a bike rack to the end of it.
The Harbor Freight one from 4-5 years ago had a lot of play in it. That may be fine for some but it made me anxious. I returned mine and bought a new trailer for $700. I don't regret but I understand a trailer is a bit much.
275lbs isn't that much weight. I want to get a smaller hitch rack for my 250lbs and under stuff, that attaches to the footpegs, and save the trailer for street bikes. I'm just wondering if the being attached to the footpeg/frame is better than tires, wheels and suspension taking more impact of driving? Not much movement when tightened, so wear and tear shouldn't be too bad on the frame
Attachment 383885
Did a shake down ride today. About 40 pavement miles and 130 on gravel and forest service. Super fun.
Attachment 383886
Pulled over and yelled at these gabronis to get the fuck out of the river. Not only were they in illegal area for offroad travel, they were also in an awesome fishery. Surprise...not from around here. First time in their new RZR-bought when they moved up from guess where. I told them if they promised not to do it again, I wouldn't turn their pics over to authorities. They truly seemed apologetic.
Attachment 383887
My buddy's F800GS is so much more efficient. He used 2.7 gals. I used 4.6. I was on the throttle a lot more than he was but not two gallons worth. Still fun.
Sweet, Gary!Quote:
Originally Posted by garyfromterrace
I will be rolling from Wenatchee to Anchorage up the Cassiar, on my new to me 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure, next week.
Maybe I'll see you out there.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...9f144214_z.jpg
I like your fanny pack tank bag!Quote:
Originally Posted by Supermoon
Fun trip idea.
I have the Ultimate MX Hauler and have done some long and rough road trips with it, it has been excellent!Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Toad
The engineering is very cool, as the bike is loaded on the engine and frame as opposed to the wheels, so bumps and bounces barely effect the rig.
You get what you pay for.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...7e078520_z.jpg
https://mojomotosport.com/collection...mate-mx-hauler
I would say that $7 is worth damn near double the horses...Quote:
Originally Posted by Conundrum
Looks fun.
So stoked to ride the Big Beast!
Yeah, our bikes are within a few pounds of each other and the HP is pretty obvious if I want to catch up or drop him in the straightaways. Plus, this is my sixth motorcycle and I've been riding for 25 years but not much in the last four. This is his first bike and he's still riding on his learners endorsement. I think he's going to want to go bigger on the next bike, especially after riding mine. He's already talking about it.
Your bike is sweet. That's going to be an epic trip.
If you go with one of the cheaper carriers, make sure it comes with, or budget in a hitch stabilizer.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Toad
FKNA! What a great trip.Quote:
Originally Posted by DeathVan
We put down 400 miles in the swell this weekend. Attachment 383996Attachment 383997Attachment 383998
Nice! I have been eating to get out and ride there. Sounds hot right now though.Quote:
Originally Posted by jmedslc
It was pretty warm in the high 90s. If you keep moving and keep hydrated, you don't feel the heat too much. We spent a bit of time in the Henry mountains going up and over bull creek pass so that helped with staying cool. On SAT, we left camp at 0930 just as the sun was coming up over the canyon and rolled in at 845pm at 268miles on the day. No problem with heat at the camp! hahahaha....Quote:
Originally Posted by Name Redacted
Nice, need to get out there this fall hopefully. Love to explore some of that area. I’m curious, what do you use for navigation out there? Just maps and gps? Anything like COTREX in CO? Always looking for something like that for UT.Quote:
Originally Posted by jmedslc