Off road events-beginner

[shadude]

Hi all,

I’d really appreciate it if you experienced off roaders could comment on the following please.

I have 12 odd years road riding (5 years spent club road racing during that time) experience spread over 20 odd years. I’m relatively new to off road riding. Did BMW offroad on a 1200GS level 1/2. Did a KTM 690 super enduro try out day with Desert Rose Adventure riding. Handled both bikes fairly well so about up to level 2ish ability. I’m confident that I could handle a KTM 400 EXC.

I’m looking for a green lane / club event bike. Like the idea of rally events. I’ve not much idea on what events are available, but would like to start with the U.K. Then possibly an event a year in Europe (club level [amateur] only of course) as per events mentioned in this forum. I’m thinking of buying a new KTM 400 EXC.

So questions for you please.

1) KTM 400 EXC. Is this a good bike to last me a number of years for green lane / club event / rally events? Or should I be looking at something else. Would like to ride to green lanes-live in Herts.
2) When does the 2010 UK season start? What’s the first event? How do I find out when and where the events are?
3) Would try to get a new 09 bike as they are about £1000 cheaper than 2010. What should a cash buyer with no trade in expect as a reduction on a new bike?

Thanks

 

[newbuild100]

Not sure i can answer 3 for you but yes, the bike mentioned is fine for hare n hounds and rallys etc. There are events every weekend, look on WWW.enduronews.com, at the EVENTS page.
The first rally of next year will be the Red kite i think, in Wales, at Easter.
Like you, I was many years roadbiking before i took the plunge into the off road world(30 years actually). Whilst ill never win anything i enjoy it soooo much. i wish Id started years ago. Have a go at the Red kite, its laid back, a good laugh and easier than any mad 2 hour "race" to start with. Have fun.

 

[newbuild100]

http://www.enduronews.com/events10.htm

 

[ONYERBIKE]

This may be of interest to you, I'm tempted myself!
I looked on www.autotrader.co.uk/bikes and it came up with a great deal on a brand new 09 plated Husaberg FE450 at £3895, as far as I know they come out of the same factory as the KTM's anyway as they were bought out a few years back, alot of the technology on the new KTM's come from the original Husaberg design.
This was the company doing the deal, I think they have 3 left.
www.ams4ktm.co.uk

I rode with Greg Masters from this forum last Sunday and he has one, rates it very highly. (southeast section offroad ride Sunday 22nd)

 

[ONYERBIKE]

Just realised you are in Hertfordshire as well, come along for one of the offroad rides here, great day out

 

[Timpo]

400exc is probably the best all-rounder by ktm.
Start with some trail riding, and in the areas of the events you fancy.
Get used to the cold and conditions...... this will need investment in clothing and equipment. If you do this wrong, it will cost you dearly........
The UK rally scene is growing, the Hare Scramble events do well too.... Wirral Off Road events seems to be some of the best........ but the timecard enduro scene is dying.... why, I don't know.....

Timpo.

 

[Greg Masters]

400exc is probably the best all-rounder by ktm.

Timpo.

Has someone got your log-in again??!!

The Husaberg is a really great bike; but a KTM EXC (250/400/450) is equally good. I rode a G450X at the weekend - it's really very different in feel to the Husaberg but equally able.

I'll be organising another New Year easy trail ride around Hertfordshire - probably on Saturday 2 January 2010. It'll be at a very steady pace and suitable for all riders and either a trail bike or a well-riden GS with suitable tyres. See here for videos, photos and report on last year's event. Watch the forum for details of this year's event.

Greg

 

[BAKERMAN]

HUSKVANA 310

 

[LiquidLAN]

Has someone got your log-in again??!!

The Husaberg is a really great bike; but a KTM EXC (250/400/450) is equally good.

these guys have all got a lot more experience off-road than I have, so I might get shot down here, but one thing I have noticed about off-road events is that is not always the big capacity bikes that are at the front.

The Tidworth enduro this weekend one of the front runners I believe was on a 144cc machine, apparently he uses it for everything that doesnt have big long straights

you might find a 250 is a better starting point as it'll be lighter, easier to control and less hassle to pick up

All of these bikes need a lot of maintenance and I dont believe the 250's need more than the 400/450s

 

[Timpo]

400exc is probably the best all-rounder by ktm.

Has someone got your log-in again??!!

No, not this time.......

The 400 is the best all rounder from ktm...... the lad has listed a few 'wants', you know, what he needs to do with his bike, so the 400 is the best to do well in all the points. There will be machines that outshine it in each field, but if he wants ktm to cover a bit of it all, then it's the 400 for the job, imo.


Greg, can you put some details to me about the trail ride on 2nd Jan, I fancy a trip out somewhere..... I'll be with 650XC.

Timpo.

 

[Greg Masters]

Greg, can you put some details to me about the trail ride on 2nd Jan, I fancy a trip out somewhere..... I'll be with 650XC.

Timpo.

Details are here.

Greg

 

[Wreford Miles]

For Hertfordshire Lanes and Rallies a 650XC is perfect - If you want to do a more technical events you may want a 400 but...

It will require servicing
If you fancy a riding hampshire/surrey you'll be thinking do I really want to do that many road miles
If you fancy riding Sailsbury plain you'll be thinking I need a trailer
If you fancy doing some North wales trails you'll definatley need a trailer

With a 650XC with MT21's you can just get on a ride.... the but with a 650 is when you get to a 'very' technical section you'll think 'I wish I had a 400'

On the other hand that will be more about your skill than than the bike's ability to ride it so you could always just get better... And that's not as easy as said which is why I take the easy route given the choice

 

[LiquidLAN]

For Hertfordshire Lanes and Rallies a 650XC is perfect - If you want to do a more technical events you may want a 400 but...

It will require servicing
If you fancy a riding hampshire/surrey you'll be thinking do I really want to do that many road miles
If you fancy riding Sailsbury plain you'll be thinking I need a trailer
If you fancy doing some North wales trails you'll definatley need a trailer

With a 650XC with MT21's you can just get on a ride.... the but with a 650 is when you get to a 'very' technical section you'll think 'I wish I had a 400'

On the other hand that will be more about your skill than than the bike's ability to ride it so you could always just get better... And that's not as easy as said which is why I take the easy route given the choice

you could apply the same reasoning to the KTM 690R... and you'll have riden one of those if you've done the Patsy Quick day

you want to talk to Nathan (Losttheplot) if you want to know what the 650XC is like on events, he ran in the SETRA Enduro at Tidworth last weekend and did bloody well completing 6 laps! I'm pretty sure his was the biggest bike running though there was a lot of talk here of a 1200 outing entering the event

It would have been interesting to have seen someone there on a 690R, I'm pretty sure it would have been more than capable, it curtainly felt as light as my 450 when it cae to picking one up many many times

got to agree with WMs comments about a trailer, but when you get one you'll end up looking at everyone else who arrives in a van and wonder why you didnt get one of those instead I've got a 250 and a 450 and dont really like either on the road, they both lack the presence of the BM, they are ok, but I'd not really want to do many road miles on either.

edit:

The 400 is the best all rounder from ktm...... the lad has listed a few 'wants', you know, what he needs to do with his bike, so the 400 is the best to do well in all the points. There will be machines that outshine it in each field, but if he wants ktm to cover a bit of it all, then it's the 400 for the job, imo.
Timpo.

See nicely done, but shot down all the same

 

[Jay B]

you could apply the same reasoning to the KTM 690R... and you'll have riden one of those if you've done the Patsy Quick day

you want to talk to Nathan (Losttheplot) if you want to know what the 650XC is like on events, he ran in the SETRA Enduro at Tidworth last weekend and did bloody well completing 6 laps! I'm pretty sure his was the biggest bike running though there was a lot of talk here of a 1200 outing entering the event

It would have been interesting to have seen someone there on a 690R, I'm pretty sure it would have been more than capable, it curtainly felt as light as my 450 when it cae to picking one up many many times

got to agree with WMs comments about a trailer, but when you get one you'll end up looking at everyone else who arrives in a van and wonder why you didnt get one of those instead I've got a 250 and a 450 and dont really like either on the road, they both lack the presence of the BM, they are ok, but I'd not really want to do many road miles on either.

edit:

See nicely done, but shot down all the same

A safe bet is to start on a 250 4 stroke something really reliable like the Yamaha wr250f its a solid performer that will handle anything a green lane can throw up.Be prepared to change when you find yourself working the gearbox relentlessy to get that extra bit of power.
When you reach this point I would suggest you try a 450 4 stroke this will challenge you again and allow you to develop your riding skills as its power will be more than enough.
There really is not much in weight difference between all the various makes but you will find the feel and suspension varies massively.I found the power of the G450X from BMW very severe and its set up quite harsh.I swapped to a Husky TE450 and its perfect much more comfortable.The key to this is ride the bikes then decide,everyone has an opinion.
There are some very good deals around at the momment but its not worth saving a few quid and not be 100% comfortable / commited / and confident in your new machine.The maintence on any Enduro specific machine is pretty much the same,be prepared to be changing oil and filters reguarly and adjusting chain tension etc.I think its only BMW and Husky who still give a 2 year warranty although I have heard KTM are quite realistic in there approach to real mechanical issues but strickly speaking I think its only 3 or 6 months warranty,same as Yamaha.If you decide to go for something like the KTM 690 or Husky 610 or G650X they have sensible maintence schedules and have full real world warranty.
The 400 you are looking at is a great bike and will be perfect for what your looking at but blag a few test rides before you take the plunge.

Jay B

 

[shadude]

Thanks all for the excellent response. A few more questions please
As said by newbuild 100, I’m really just after a bike to compete in a laid back event and have a good laugh. I will have to have a look at enduronews.

08 FE 450 sounds good for the money ONYERBIKE if they still have them when I make my mind up/convince the misses that I need a second bike. Does this have a friendly power delivery or is it a bit two stroke like? I need to get out on a ride out but at the moment my 1200GS hasn’t been offroad (not sure I want to smash up 10K of bike-my riding may suffer as I’d be looking not to drop it too much, I think) and I rely on it for 400 miles a week commute, I know whimp.

LiquidLAN I’m thinking of at least 400 so that I can ride to green lanes on the road. Also bigger capacity does interest me more, maybe more biased rally than enduro?

Wreford Miles, can you buy a 650 XC new? If so, how much? Have they stopped making these? Why? I did think about the trailer issue. Hence trying a 690 enduro R (less need for a trailer). Do you ride a 650 XC to North Wales trails? 650XC does sound about right for me if they’re not too expensive.

JAY B I’ll have to check out the Husky 610 and as said a bargain is not always best in the long run.

690 enduro R is 7K new, getting a bit high for an offroad bike?

Would a 690 and 650XC be similar bikes. Are there any other bikes in this class? Able to ride to say, Sailsbury plain and still be reasonably good offroad. Husky 610? Or maybe I should get a 400ish capacity and get a means to transport it?

Thanks again for you comments, I appreciate that the best answer is not the same for each of us.

 

[Greg Masters]

08 FE 450 sounds good for the money ONYERBIKE if they still have them when I make my mind up/convince the misses that I need a second bike. Does this have a friendly power delivery or is it a bit two stroke like?

Look here. An unused 2008 model Husaberg FE450 for under £4k. You will not find better trail riding bike value anywhere.

The power delivery is smooth - not at all 2-stroke like. The bike does have plenty of power and a 6-speed box. Top speed for road use is more about tyre limitations than power.

You'll need a decent sump guard (about £100) and change the gearing fo the sprockets that come with the bike and you're good to go.

Greg

 

[LiquidLAN]

I think its only BMW and Husky who still give a 2 year warranty although I have heard KTM are quite realistic in there approach to real mechanical issues but strickly speaking I think its only 3 or 6 months warranty,same as Yamaha.If you decide to go for something like the KTM 690 or Husky 610 or G650X they have sensible maintence schedules and have full real world warranty.

Are the warranties on this kind of bikes actually worth anything? I'd got the impression that the first time you rode offroad your warranty was invalid anyway? I maybe wrong, I'm just going on some of the extended warranty stuff and some comments I'd heard/read in the past.

Would a 690 and 650XC be similar bikes. Are there any other bikes in this class? Able to ride to say, Sailsbury plain and still be reasonably good offroad. Husky 610? Or maybe I should get a 400ish capacity and get a means to transport it?

Thanks again for you comments, I appreciate that the best answer is not the same for each of us.

maybe I'm just not very hardcore, but I think I'd still look at some form of bike transport if I was heading over to Wales for an event, but then I'll trailer my bike down to Larkhill (a couple of miles from me) for a horse riding event as its just nice to have the extra bits of comfort plus I've always figured its easier to drive if your bashed up a bit than ride, warmer too

 

[ONYERBIKE]

Thanks all for the excellent response. A few more questions please
As said by newbuild 100, I’m really just after a bike to compete in a laid back event and have a good laugh. I will have to have a look at enduronews.

08 FE 450 sounds good for the money ONYERBIKE if they still have them when I make my mind up/convince the misses that I need a second bike. Does this have a friendly power delivery or is it a bit two stroke like? I need to get out on a ride out but at the moment my 1200GS hasn’t been offroad (not sure I want to smash up 10K of bike-my riding may suffer as I’d be looking not to drop it too much, I think) and I rely on it for 400 miles a week commute, I know whimp.

LiquidLAN I’m thinking of at least 400 so that I can ride to green lanes on the road. Also bigger capacity does interest me more, maybe more biased rally than enduro?

Wreford Miles, can you buy a 650 XC new? If so, how much? Have they stopped making these? Why? I did think about the trailer issue. Hence trying a 690 enduro R (less need for a trailer). Do you ride a 650 XC to North Wales trails? 650XC does sound about right for me if they’re not too expensive.

JAY B I’ll have to check out the Husky 610 and as said a bargain is not always best in the long run.

690 enduro R is 7K new, getting a bit high for an offroad bike?

Would a 690 and 650XC be similar bikes. Are there any other bikes in this class? Able to ride to say, Sailsbury plain and still be reasonably good offroad. Husky 610? Or maybe I should get a 400ish capacity and get a means to transport it?

Thanks again for you comments, I appreciate that the best answer is not the same for each of us.

The 650 XC is a great bike, depending on the levels of comfort that you expect from a off road biased bike, I rode mine back from France when I come back to the UK in the summer and it was ok, the tanks a bit of a pain in that you need to fill it up so often but hey it isn't designed for touring, once you get used to the bike its fine. I am also relatively new to offroad and the bike is very forgiving, it sure is alot better offroad than I am. The only thing that I don't get on with is the height of the bike on the rear air shock but even this you get used to with enough hours riding it, or leave it a little bit under inflated.
You can buy my French registered 08 bike with all the bits for £4000 if you like, then I can go and get me a Husaberg!

 

[shadude]

Husabergs are go

All, thanks again for your time in answering my questions

Thanks ONYERBIKE and Greg for the Husaberg information.

My new 08 Husaberg FE 450 arrives next week

Greg, can you advise on where you got your bashplate from please

Now to get the 450 run in and out onto the trails!

 

[Greg Masters]

My new 08 Husaberg FE 450 arrives next week

Greg, can you advise on where you got your bashplate from please

I used the factory sumpguard (not the skidplate - the picture is wrong in the link). There are others available but I'd go for 4mm, not 3mm plate.

I also found bar-risers were a necessity. Depending on the style, KTM ones
probably fit. This eBay vendor makes really nice risers in a variety of heights.

I put a slightly stiffer rear spring on the bike to cope with my marginally above average weight.

Change the sprockets and chain for the off-road gearing. Change the back fender to the higher style. You should get all the bits for both mods with the bike.

Here's mine earlier this year:

You'll love the bike!!

Greg