0
After reading Union's woods bike build post I'm kinda jonesing to get myself off of my '91 Honda CR125 that I've been using in the woods for the last couple of years and onto something a little nicer for the woods. Combine that with a decent tax return and things could get ugly for me really quickly.
Now the question that everyone loves to answer, what bike is reccommended as an awesome woods bike?
I purposely left that question vague, now I'll spell out some details that may help guide the answer a bit.
About me:
6' 4"
325 lbs (currently, hoping to lose a few riding the new bike)
Some woods riding experience, not the fastest but can keep a decent pace (at least I think so)
Other possible contributing factors:
I know that whatever bike I buy the suspension will have to be redone for my size.
I don't need the biggest baddest engine. The 125 2 stroke has been plenty of fun in the woods.
I have local access to a Yamaha/Suzuki dealer, this dealer also has access to Honda/Kawasaki/KTM/BMW. Yamaha/Suzuki parts a little quicker to get than the other parts when needed.
Street registerable in MA would be nice. Only to make it possible to do turkey runs/hare scrambles that require road regs.
2 stroke or 4 stroke not a real factor.
Might have some possible track duty thrown in now and then. Meaning, the occasional trip to MX207, the track in Epping or any track in NE if a group is going. I wont be trying to become a track rider on this bike just going to hang with friends and want a bike capable of getting around the track without me killing myself or others.
Obilgatory dumb questions:
Knowing that I am going to have to have the suspension redone anyhow, would I be better off starting out with a woods bike or a motorcross bike? The woods bikes I have seen tend to cost roughly $1000 more for similar bikes. That $1000 could be spent to make the motorcross bike's suspension, rear wheel etc. better for the woods.
Is the geometry of a woods bike different such that it is significantly better in the woods? Would this be addressed during redoing of the suspension?
How about the transmission/gearing/flywheel etc. of the woods bike?
Wow, that wound up longer than I thought it would. Any input you guys have is appreciated.
Thanks
Joel