• There has been a recent cluster of spammers accessing BARFer accounts and posting spam. To safeguard your account, please consider changing your password. It would be even better to take the additional step of enabling 2 Factor Authentication (2FA) on your BARF account. Read more here.

what trail bike would you pick?

spikespiegel

spikespiegel

ADVRider
Joined
Apr 3, 2008
Location
Folsom/Sacramento
Moto(s)
2009 KLR650
2016 BMWS1000RR
2014 MV AGUSTA RIVALE 800
Name
Spike
Hi all, im researching what bike to pick for a trail bike. I've got a 2016 kx450F and that thing is an absolute monster for trails.. Way too much power and harsh of a motor to negotiate through tight trails (read; i dont have the skills to handle it) so i'm using that bike for MX tracks and supermoto fun.

Now, for trail bikes, theres obviously 2 categories, plated and offroad only.

For plated i've narrowed it down to a Yamaha WR250R and a KTM 690 Enduro R. KTM is much heavier than the WR, also more expensive, but way more power. I like the yammy for it's price and weight!

There's also the world of trail specific bikes and right now the KTM Freeride 350 looks best on paper (although not sure if its available in US? ) What are your suggestions for offroad only as well as plated.

Not considering DR or DRZ from Suzuki. Would love some feedback! Thanks
 
Wet weight is listed at 295 for the 250, 306 for the 690.

Neither are that great for singletrack. 350 or 500 exc are much better options.
 
If you're willing to spend the coin for a new KTM and are looking for a little less BRAAAAP than the KX450F, it's a no brainer -> 350EXC.
 
I've ridden both and I'd take a DRZ over a 690 for trail riding anyday.
But neither are good choices for single track. Both way too heavy.

If big bucks is an option for sure KTM/Husqvarna EXC/FE bikes is the way to go.
If not pre-owned CRF250X and WR250F are great choices.
I loved my 250X. Never had an issue with it not being Fi and I actually prefer the power delivery of a carburated bike.
 
Get a heavier flywheel for your KX.
 
my thing has always been light weight. My dirtbikes are all 230 (?) pounds or less. The weight makes a big difference after a couple hours, if not immediately.
My Alta (nest week!) is gonna be a pig at 251 pounds, but the weight is low and little rotational mass. We shall see.

2001 two strokes are cheap, powerful, light, green stickers and smell good. Great. They smell great.
 
As a trail bike, a TW200 can't be beat. Picking your path thru open country at walking speeds, paddling if needed, easy. Suspension will limit top end in dirt to 25 mph or so, unless on a graded dirt road. I ride with ATVs in the desert, I can go anywhere they can, but soft sand washes will give me the workout. With this bike it is more Honda trail 90, vs an enduro type dirt bike.
 
If you want the handling of a proper dirt bike; KTM 250/350/500 EXC-F is your ticket, or the Husky equivalent(FE series), or any of the plated 2017 Beta's (RR-S).

The WR250R is a decent dual sport bike, good for fire roads and light use on single track, but it's low, heavy, and doesn't like much being in the air. The above listed bikes can do it all; the larger displacement is obviously better for freeway work.

If you don't care about it being plated, go for a newer WR250F.
 
Freeride had me so interested in the concept but from all I have read it is an over-neutered bike.
You are nuts to consider a 690 for singletrack if the 450 is "too much"
The 350s from husky and ktm are the perfect combination for "lighter, easier 4 stroke do it all trail bikes with plates."
 
We saw a Beta X-trainer today. Very nice. Like a modern KDX. 300 cc
 
what type of trail riding do you plan to do? where?

what is your skill level?

what is your budget?
 
My KLX140L gets around pretty well on the trail :) They just came out with a full size KLX140G.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top