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Oh, and shame on me for not posting more stoke in the midst of this ultra-moist atmospheric river we're enduring...
I picked up a brand new KTM 350 XC-F back in early November with the intention of campaigning it in some desert races, GPs, XCs, and a few eight and twelve-hour night races.
New chassis, new motor, and new suspension. It's some delicious schnitzel!
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Did the new generation 4 strokes also get the new plastic rad cap that nobody can seem to remove without tools?Quote:
Originally Posted by Bobcat Sig
Wow that thing is hawt.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bobcat Sig
Sure did. But I was able to get it off relatively easily when I drained the coolant to install a radiator fan.Quote:
Originally Posted by Percy Rideout
I've seen a few companies whip up a 3D-printed thing to make the fill cap easier to open. For me, it's a non-issue. My Beta has a very similar cap.
Haha... I like that the KTMs are much lighter. Unfortunately my wallet would be a lot lighter too....Quote:
Originally Posted by Bobcat Sig
Considering a new bike. Currently on a WR250R. Great bike but I want something more trail specific, and something with enough power to run a Timbersled kit on next winter. Also need it to be able to be street legal just for getting to trails around the house and such (not planning on long rode miles). So far the list includes YZ450FX, CRF450RL, WR450F, and maybe a KTM 500 EXC. Some friends have said a two stroke could be good too but I'm not really interested in two strokes.
Mostly ride single track and some desert riding in the summer. Would like more low end power for grunting up tech terrain.
Any input?
Any of those 4t bikes will be fine, but a 300 2t will be better for tech terrain and will also be great with a sled conversion. The serious moto / sled people in my circle say that the idea of converting to a sled and back is attractive but the reality is not. It's a lot of work, and the sled use is brutal on the motor with tons of WOT time, so rebuilds are frequent. 2t rebuilds are WAY less $, and the newer injected ones don't require any jetting or BS when going to altitude or in different temps. Whether your can plate one depends on your state laws.
Any of the motos you listed will have more than double the power, better suspension, and 50-75# less weight than your WRR, but they will require a lot more maintenance. Honestly, they are all so good that you can pick your color and he a dick about it.
I'd get a KTM/Husky 300 or Beta 500 personally.
Quote:
Originally Posted by climberevan
Good info, thanks.
I'm honestly leaning toward the YZ just because I like Yamaha (blue). It seems to get the best reviews for what I like to ride. I almost bought a CRF the other day but I'm wary of their performance at the low end. Reports of jerky throttle in lower gears and such.
I have a few friends who convert theirs every year, including one guy I know who has a Moto shop that will convert it for a reasonable rate. I also have my own shop to work on it in so if it takes a Saturday in mud season so be it. I'm pretty handy with that stuff.
I feel like I'm reluctant to get a KTM because of what I call the "Yeti" effect. Where people are so fucking annoying about being part of the "Tribe" and so proud of their orange bike that they never shut up about it. It is all in good fun though, I have plenty of friends w/ KTMs and they are all far better riders than me.
A buddy just got a Beta 500, maybe I'll ride it soon and check it out.
I dont have much time to jump on this Convo but saw the word snow bike. I've ridden a 300 2 stoke and a 450 4 stoke snow bike back to back. The 2 stoke just is not nearly the fun or practical experience as the 4 stoke. It's not bad but it's the dynamics of the bike that just doesn't feel right.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. The 350 is the best for an all season technical riding bike. It's the perfect balance IMO
Get over the KTM thing BTW. There are now three colors of them red, orange, and white. They actually all ride a little different surprisingly. Engineers are magicians
450MX bike or nothing when it comes to a snow bike. Even the 500's get complaints because they have more linear power and don't have the same "snap" that 450 MX bikes do on the snow. These things get the absolute piss revved out of them in fresh snow.Quote:
Originally Posted by Name Redacted
But, the technical singletrack you describe for summer riding would suck on a 450, more geared to a 250/300 2T. I also rode a 300XCW snow bike once. Would not recommend a 2T for a snow bike.
Yeah another reason that I'm looking at the YZ is the engine mapping tuner app. Makes a 450 seem more doable on single track. I ride a pretty fair amount on the WRR so the YZ has got to be better than that.Quote:
Originally Posted by Percy Rideout
My buddy is selling his 350. This thing is mint and a killer deal. He is too busy to ride.
https://denver.craigslist.org/mcy/d/...594383171.html
Quote:
Originally Posted by simple
Dang that is nice, but I think I want the bigger cc. Would be perfect for the single track but not for the timber sled.
Wanna buy my 450? As you know it’s dialed for desert expeditions.Quote:
Originally Posted by Name Redacted
After picking up the injected 300 xcw(?) in the fall I’m kinda wondering what I need a 4t 450 for. Alas this is the wrong season and frame of mind to be thinking about this….and from my point of view, potentially making bad decisions while under the influence of deep powder. Hahahahaha
Maybe. what are the details? Pics? I don't quite remember it. Seemed to run well in the desert though. Speaking of which, I need to get out and ride the swell this spring.Quote:
Originally Posted by jmedslc
I mean, our buddy rides a newer 450X in all the same technical singletrack as us here in the colorado high country. He just complains and spins his tire/flames out when it gets really hard. Guy is built like a gorilla so that helps when he has to muscle his bike over or around things, but some rides look extra tiring for him due to bike choice.Quote:
Originally Posted by Name Redacted
but yea, the YZ 4T would be on my short list for a snowbike.
Just went to the powersports dealer. So much new hotness on the showroom floor.
Fucking SXS have gotten gigantic. The tires are huge! The suspension is like 4 feet long. Running boards just to get in the door.
Where do people think they can drive these monsters? Just their size will limit them to roads and desert spots. That isn't going to last long these punters will take them off trail so they can get their shred on
SXS are the scourge of the off-road world. They took the classiness of quads and turned it up to 11.Quote:
Originally Posted by simple
Around here they think they can go on all of the singletrack and when they encounter an obstacle, they go around it. Muh freedumbs!
Yeah going to the dealer they turned it up to 13 this year. The amount of $$$ sitting on the floor is bonkers
I hate how much of bikes and quads and boats have just turned into a dick swinging contest about who can spend the most money and be the most annoying driven by people who barely ride, instead of people just buying what they want and having fun with it.
Just a bunch of dudes being miserable out there
Ha...no fucks given. Full throttle life! That's nothing new. Conspicuous consumption has always been a thing in the pricy toy world. There is always a bigger douche with a bigger wallets.
Just have the bigger smile, go deeper and have more adventure. When it comes to playing hard, everyone knows who the A Team really is.
Sent from my Turbo 850 Flatbrimed Highhorse
I got my WRR for 1/3 the price of my mountain bike.
Cheer up. Just do your thing and don't worry so much about other folks.Quote:
Originally Posted by Supermoon
Oh I don't really care about what people think about me, it's more the in dealerships, forums, the areas to recreate in, etc. the vibes are just bad compared to say five or ten years ago.Quote:
Originally Posted by Timberridge
You're taking about skiing, right? ;-)Quote:
Originally Posted by Supermoon