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Hi guys,
I don't have much of a goal to this post, but I think that by typing things out it may help me decide whether or not to pull the trigger.
Here's my thought, I'm thinking about getting a dirtbike (I don't own one currently), specifically the KTM 150 XC or SX, with the 250 xc/sx being a second choice.
The catalyst:
I just discovered that there is the Rockingham recreational train near my house (I live in Salem, NH), and dirtbikes are allowed. I had thought that there was nowhere to ride nearby, but supposedly it's about 12 miles long, and is run by the state, so I think it's legit. I found the link HERE.
My background:
I've been riding dirtbikes since I was 10, and other than the last 3 years I've always owned at least one. I'm 31 now. I got pretty big into the motocross scene during my college summers, and got so far as to be sponsored by No Fear. I was pretty fast and got a lot of my riding ability from racing. In fact, my Hyper 821 feels (to me) like a big dirtbike, which I think is partially why I like it so much.
Fast forward and a couple years ago I sold my dirtbike (a CRF-450r) because I was living in a small apartment, didn't have many tracks to ride at, and didn't feel the desire to race anymore. I was pretty far from my friends that raced, so being by myself made it harder to motivate to go ride/race/practice. At the time, the only riding I did was track riding. At the time money was also not very abundant, so that played a role. Now however I have more than enough money, a huge garage, and the itch.
The idea:
I think I'd like to get another bike, and get back into some level of trail riding. No interest in racing MX, but I would like something fast enough that if I happened to be near an open practice somewhere, I could hop in and clear some jumps. The main thing holding me back is that I didn't think there was anywhere nearby to ride. Knowing that there's at least an old rail trail that I can legally ride nearby lowers that hurdle a bit. I know it's not single track, and I know it's pretty flat/boring (I've now watched every youtube video of it that there is), but it looks fun nonetheless. Also it's less than 15 min from my house. I'm thinking that having a close place to putt around on would be enough for me to have fun for now, and then once I have the bike, that's incentive to go look a little further away for bigger/better options occasionally. I don't know that I'd get out a lot, but 5 or 6 times/year seems like enough for me to be content.
The bike:
The number one thing I'm looking for is fun and light. I don't care too much about top speed or abundant power. I've owned a number of both trail and MX bikes, and they've all been 4 strokes. I am pretty handy, having torn down some of the modern Suzuki and Honda engines to rebuild them, and have a good working knowledge of engines in general. I'm interested in a 2 stroke since I've never owned one, they're easier to do maintenance on, and honestly just because I think the simpler design is cooler. The KTM 150sx/xc is the top of my list. Everything I've read has said that they're a total hoot to ride, and they make everyone smile. The light weight really appeals to me so I can muscle it around. Sure I'm a bit big for it (6'4", 215lbs), but I'm very athletic, and have a pretty deep skillset. Besides, I'll probably just drop it off at Factory Connection to get the suspension set for my weight/ability. As far as the motor I think it'll be enough for me (Remember those years ago when Ryan Hughes raced the KTM 125sx in the Nationals?) That's kind of what I envision.
I'm looking at used, though I could buy new with no loan. I don't need it off the showroom floor, and don't want to pay a premium. I'm looking at 2013+, and see a good number on Craigslist. I will consider the 250/300's as well, as they seem great, but I kind of like the idea of a motor that you really have to manage, versus something more powerful. I suppose it'll depend on availability if I decide to buy.
Anyway, I'm trying to convince myself, but having not ridden the 150 before, or that trail, I'm just a little unsure. Is this a stupid decision, and I should just save my money for something else? Or is this something that will be fun, and hopefully I can find other places that aren't super far away to ride occasionally?
Do any of you have that bike?
I'm open for any thoughts you might have in either direction.
Thanks for listening,
-Fr333zy
EDIT - I'm also curious how far 1 tank of gas in the 150sx would go, would that be able to do 24 miles (there and back) on the Rockingham trail?