Looking for a new trail bike

[g00ner]

After having my Gas Gas EC200 nicked I'm after a replacement. It was my first 2-stroke and I loved it
The only negatives for me were the lack of electric start and the need to plan every ride with a refuel in mind

Whatever I get will be used for trail riding and I want to enter some rallies etc - I had entered the Cambrian till my bike was nicked

So, head says:
TTR250 - had one before, couldn't fault it but the Gasser trumped it for fun
DRZ - low maintenance and great engine but the GG's low weight was one of the best things about it
CCM 404e - can be pricy for the age? Bit tall for little legs like mine?
Berg FE450 - look lovely but one litre oil capacity means many oil changes?

Heart says another Gasser..but the 300 this time. More of the same must equal better right?

Any bikes I should be considering? Anyone using a EC300 can say if there is that much difference in the the 300 over my little little one?

 

[Paul Young]

You said you loved the 2stroke, then list 4 different 4stroke options...

I'm like you & love the simplicity, lightness & power and of a 2stroke so I'm biased when I suggest a crm250. However, there are still some really good examples around & they've proved to be very popular & capable.

 

[Losttheplot]

IIRC the EC 300 is available with electric start, as is KTM's EXC 300. (not that i'm trying to lead you astray!)

The drz is a dependable workhorse- just get the suspension sorted for your weight and riding style.

I'd also look at the WR450 as well- it seems a tried a trusted engine by most..

Depends how much tinker time you have to do things like oil changes etc. The more race focussed bikes will need more attention- not so good if you tight on prep time.


As for the TTR, not putting the bike down, but won't it feel a little "slow" after the gasser?

 

[mb4807]

Not the DRZ

It's few years since I sold my CRM 250 Active Radical, but it was a fantastic bike. I've had a DRZ 400 for 6 years (just got rid of it last week) and whilst dependable enough, it was never as capable or as much fun as the CRM was. It's just so heavy for starters. I'd suggest a CRM AR as it pulled from low down and had the top end fun 2 strokes are known for and was much easier to ride in the technical terrain than the DRZ was and did trialsy type stuff better too, but maybe the Gas Gas 300 is the way to go...

 

[g00ner]

mentioned the four strokes as they appear more 'sensible, I'll give the CRM consideration too, don't seem to be many AR models about though..

 

[Hustler]

KTM 2 stroke, choice of loads.
And I'd consider a 125cc as plenty of power for stuff like the Cambrian and even less weight.

 

[Richeyroo]

Surely a 125 2stroke would be wasted on the Cambrian - that place is the natural territory of mighty booming 650cc 4strokes

 

[Hustler]

Surely a 125 2stroke would be wasted on the Cambrian - that place is the natural territory of mighty booming 650cc 4strokes

You may well be right.
I've only done it the once and that was on a little 250cc Pampera.
I just think that 125's are somewhat under rated, easy to handle, lightweight machines but most people consider them too small.

 

[g00ner]

A 125 would be fine if it could pull a 15 stone me plus all my riding kit without breaking sweat or itself

After a lot of reading I'm swaying towards the EC300 still, mainly cos my EC200 was so smooth over rough ground and the 300 seems to be a bit more of a tractor

 

[earthmover]

There is a fairly substantial jump from the 200 to the 300, see if you can get a ride on one to help you make up your mind. They (300's) are a fantastic piece of kit, ride a higher gear and they'll pull tree stumps out of the ground and be as docile as a big pussy cat. Tweak it's tail however...........
DAMHIK
Mark

 

[Timpo]

Husaberg 570FE......

 

[Timolgra]

Husaberg 570FE......

.....

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

I'll give the CRM consideration too, don't seem to be many AR models about though..

That's because a bloke over on CRM250.com who lives over Glos way has bought them all

 

[moly]

Husaberg 570FE......

and arms and shoulders like the hulk !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[mb4807]

long in the tooth

I'll give the CRM consideration too, don't seem to be many AR models about though..

I guess CRM's are getting a bit long in the tooth now. I think my AR model was a 1998 and that was the latest version at the time. And with them being grey imports I guess there simply weren't that many in the UK. The boys up at Leisure Trail in Nottingham sold a lot of them and will be able to help you out, but that EC300 looks like a great option to me.

 

[g00ner]

There is a clean looking WR200 on eBay for not a lot of cash compared to the EC300 I was looking at, anyone know anything about them?

 

[Losttheplot]

There is a clean looking WR200 on eBay for not a lot of cash compared to the EC300 I was looking at, anyone know anything about them?

If it's the one in Greatham, Hampshire it looks very tidy.

IIRC these bikes were actually labelled as DT200 WR's, and they did have a good reputation on what was rides.org.

Looks like a clean tidy bike, but age and rarity might mean parts could be a problem, where as the same money may get you a much newer gas gas in similar condition?

 

[Losttheplot]

If it's the one in Greatham, Hampshire it looks very tidy.

IIRC these bikes were actually labelled as DT200 WR's, and they did have a good reputation on what was rides.org.

Looks like a clean tidy bike, but age and rarity might mean parts could be a problem, where as the same money may get you a much newer gas gas in similar condition?

Just dug out TBM's buyers guide (it's something they produce annually), and this is what they say about the WR200 (not the DT200wr trail bike as i first thought it was):

"Brilliant Clubman enduro bike with lightweight chasis and "soft-tune" engine, with plenty of power and largish tank. Easy to ride with nice light front end. "

 

[g00ner]

That's the one - Been to see it, rode it around the sellers garden, liked it and bought it
Probably could have found a newer bike for the money but it was original, honest and just felt 'right'. Found out you can order all new parts for it despite it being 20years old too which helped

 

[Timpo]

My first TRF bike was a WR200, and I loved it. The only ball-ache was mixing oil in the fuel......