What Trail Bike?

[Ollie GBR]

Not quite sure where to put this

Anyway, I'm looking to get into the trail bike scene. Lots of clubs around organising events, and I'm looking to get tooled up

So, what bike is best for trail riding events? 2 or 4 stroke?
I don't think I need anything bigger than a 250, but my last trail bike was a TS125 in the mid 90's, I've no idea what's out there that's suitable today
I'm not looking at spending much, but it needs to be realiable, easy to service and fun to ride

All help/advice appreciated

Cheers
Ollie

 

[richie]

Not quite sure where to put this

Anyway, I'm looking to get into the trail bike scene. Lots of clubs around organising events, and I'm looking to get tooled up

So, what bike is best for trail riding events? 2 or 4 stroke?
I don't think I need anything bigger than a 250, but my last trail bike was a TS125 in the mid 90's, I've no idea what's out there that's suitable today
I'm not looking at spending much, but it needs to be realiable, easy to service and fun to ride

All help/advice appreciated

Cheers
Ollie

Bigger, but the DR400 seems to be the choice ride for price and reliability...

 

[Losttheplot]

Ollie,

what sort of use is the bike having? are you just interested in competing, or would it be for trail use as well?


Nathan

 

[DollyRocket]

If you're after a good bike for mucking around off-road and green laning then you can't go far wrong with a DRZ-400 as a starter. I have one and it's far easier to pick up than a GS when you throw it in a ditch. A few guys here have theirs up for sale at the moment.

 

[Brian E]

WRF250

 

[Tarmac Teaser]

XR400

 

[steveh]

if you are competing

2 stroke, nothing bigger then a 250. The 4 stroke 250's are good too though they don't give you the same buz as a stroker on the pipe.

KTM, YAM WR, GAS GAS all quality kit.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

KTM 950 Super Enduro...............that should do the trick

 

[Hustler]

2 stroke, nothing bigger then a 250. The 4 stroke 250's are good too though they don't give you the same buz as a stroker on the pipe.

KTM, YAM WR, GAS GAS all quality kit.

Yup, seconded.
And this lot will have some local events for you - http://www.tbec.co.uk/

 

[Pipster]

So, what bike is best for trail riding events? 2 or 4 stroke?
I don't think I need anything bigger than a 250,

Depends what you mean by trail riding events If your looking to do the Green laning, uk rallies ,long distance trials ect, a DRZ400 Suzuki Enduro spec not the steel tank trail version ...Lots to choose from a very popular bike

But if your thinking of doing Hare and hounds events or Enduro events they are a lot harder going for the newbie ...You'll find this type of event a lot easier on a pogo ...WRF 250 Yam ,was the best of the early four stroke bikes from 2003 fitted with a electric start ...if your buying new then there all very good CRF,Honda ect...or Two stroke a KTM 200 EXC cracking little bike

Have fun

 

[BAKERMAN]

As above, 250 don`t let your ego take you higher.

 

[Ollie GBR]

Ollie,

what sort of use is the bike having? are you just interested in competing, or would it be for trail use as well?


Nathan

Nathan,
I want to use my GS for trail riding, this new edition will be for competitions.
I've already had a chat with Dave from TBEC, and this seams like a good club with one competition each month for all levels.

Thanks,
Ollie

 

[steveh]

tbec

Nathan,
I want to use my GS for trail riding, this new edition will be for competitions.
I've already had a chat with Dave from TBEC, and this seams like a good club with one competition each month for all levels.

Thanks,
Ollie

brilliantly run, best club I've attended can't reccomend them highly enough (much prefer to wor etc and others)

 

[Losttheplot]

Nathan,
I want to use my GS for trail riding, this new edition will be for competitions.
I've already had a chat with Dave from TBEC, and this seams like a good club with one competition each month for all levels.

Thanks,
Ollie

Hi Ollie,

If it's purely competition use, then i'd look out for a well maintained KTM 200 exc. A mate lent me one to do the dawn to dusk on a few years back, and compared to the husky 450 that i rode on the first lap (which nearly killed me), the little ktm was like riding a mountain bike. you notice the small engine on the long straights, but it should improve your bike handling as you won't want to come off the gas for the corners

While the 4 stroke bikes are fantastic, my personal opinion is the 2 strokes are much easier to look after. You'll still need to change gearbox oil regularly, but you shouldn't have the worry about checking valves and hot starting. When it comes around to rebuild time, at worst you may just need a new piston and ring, wheres as a 4 stroke bike could require the valves replacing, and all the grief that goes with doing that.

That said the WR's do seem to be pretty bullet proof and highly rated...

The DRZ previously mentioned is also a good bike, but to heavy for competitive use unless your a masochist (sp?)

Guess the best thing to do is get out and try a few before you buy...if possible.

hth

nathan

 

[Tarmac Teaser]

Hi Ollie,

That said the WR's do seem to be pretty bullet proof and highly rated...

nathan

Be careful with the Wr's as although they are good they have a known problem with the starter gear which can be a real pain to sort unless they have improved it recently.

2 strokes are great for muddy conditions, I would go for either a Ktm 300exc or a Gasgas 300. They have roughly the same power as a 450 4 stroke and much easier to handle.

 

[Pipster]

Be careful with the Wr's as although they are good they have a known problem with the starter gear which can be a real pain to sort unless they have improved it recently.

2 strokes are great for muddy conditions, I would go for either a Ktm 300exc or a Gasgas 300. They have roughly the same power as a 450 4 stroke and much easier to handle.

Don't you like the guy A fecking 300cc two stroke for a novice offroader Sorry mate thats not good advice

 

[Ollie GBR]

Cheers Guys, I'm pretty much sold on the KTM 200, just got to find one in my price range

 

[Flipfly]

Don't you like the guy A fecking 300cc two stroke for a novice offroader Sorry mate thats not good advice

First off road bike was a Husky 610 left kicker

Replaced with a KTM300exc Amazing fun but far too much off a handful when racing. Never had to worry about front end grip for some reason

Best off road bike I've ever ridden was my little 400 berg. It was reliable and had just the right amount of poke. 450 was more of a handful.

Adie Smith came howling past me on a 200EXC when I was on the 300, says it all really, it definately comes down to rider ability, very few can ride a 300 to the max.


Make sure you get the autolube version of the 200exc

 

[Fanum]

Another vote for a DRZ400, because of the practicalities...you can ride it TO the green lanes rather than having to trailer it if you're going more than 50 miles.......it'll cope with motorways if you have to and keep up very well in traffic, as well as being a good mild mannered trail bike.

Once you've got into it a little bit you could decide which way to go but the smaller bikes tend to be more focussed on their own niche of riding terrain/style.

 

[Losttheplot]

Cheers Guys, I'm pretty much sold on the KTM 200, just got to find one in my price range

As mentioned the gas gas 200 is also worth a look, may come up in the same condition but at a cheaper price (they are cheaper to start with), it's all a bit hazy now, but i rode one a few years back that had some power valve or exhaust modification (american i think?), and this gave the bike masses amount of bottom end torque...almost on par with my Te 410 husqvarna that i had at the time.

Good choice anyhow!!