WTB: Inexpensive Dirtybike

[typeone]

i'd skip the 250x, it's too similar to what you have. maybe not in specs but by FEEL as you learn, it will be.

try to stick with a 2T meant for woods. they're less fatiguing.

if your budget is now $2200, i'm not sure why you don't have a KTM 200 in the garage. (skip the GasGas)

[bryco13]

Budget didn't go up, just got better at low balling.

[nhbubba]

try to stick with a 2T meant for woods. they're less fatiguing.

I don't know about this. (It is probably true, I just am too new/dumb to know for sure.) But variety is the spice of life. Git somethin' different.

[typeone]

def a personal preference... it doesn't mean it's true for everyone, but... i base the statement on watching newer dirt riders get tired and frustrated with 4-strokes as a first real off-road toy. i don't mean kid-sized bikes on flat double-track roads but true, adult-sized dirt bikes on New England trails. the magic button can alleviate some of the frustration, but a lot of negatives still exist (to me)...

they carry their weight high so they feel bigger on the trail, harder to flick around, requires more energy/strength. when you wreck, they can be harder to start OR the process for starting isn't second nature yet (decomp lever? hot-start button, huh?). the kickstart levers are generally long and require full, solid kicks (with NO throttle input). that's hard stuff when your brain and body are fried. when the trail gets gnarly (MUD) they can overheat. shit, if it idles too long it can overheat. the list goes on...

i'm not debating or anything, just my view on the topic.

[Chippertheripper]

I'm with Clinton on this one. There are instances where a woodsy 4t is better, but most times the 2t is the easier bike to ride for long periods.
The 4t is more stable (willing to go straight) through the really rocky stuff (choppy rocks), but almost everywhere else I'll take a smoker.

[maxim_X]

Fully agree. Falling and stalling and trying to lift and start a hot 450 can be quite a task, especially in a race situation with other bike ripping past you. The way 2 strokes make power, it's more smooth and predicable with low throttle inputs, like the ones you use in the woods, where a four stoke can really crack when you open the throttle. It's great for MX but not to nice when tip-toeing though the woods.

[bryco13]

Seeing a lot of ktm 125sx's out there for cheap. Any years to stay away from?

[Chippertheripper]

Let me ask you this: do you want to sneak through the woods, or do you want everyone to know you're out there??

[bryco13]

I'm on legal trails, so they can know I'm there, and a quieter bike can be nice. Do like the sound of a 2t though.

[loudbeard]

2 stroke IS the quiet one. Maybe not sitting on top of it, but stand 100 yards away...1/4 mile away... You'll hear that 4t bark at a much greater distance.

[bstnsboy]

How about an old school KTM 300 and its in oxford! 1991 ktm 300 exc all original

[nhbubba]

I think what Chip may have been trying to say is that a 125 is going to be "on the pipe" all the time to get out of its own way. Where a 250-300 is going to be at idle doing the same work. Meaning the bigger 2t is actually more stealth.

I do not think my 200 is that loud. But then I do not ride it that hard. I think the bike is well suited to how I ride right now.

2t's have torque. This was a misconception I had. They will tractor. They will pull a hillclimb in the wrong gear. My 200 just has way less of a flywheel than my 400 4t dual-sport has. This took me a while to get used to. The 400 4t will nearly come to a dead stop before it stalls. The 200 requires throttle and/or you be quick on the clutch under the same treatment. Both will chugalug.

[Petorius]

How does the NESR hive mind feel about WR250s? WR250F seems like the better woods bike, yes?

[nhbubba]

I hear Chip loves them. Just what I hear.

[Kurlon]

2 stroke IS the quiet one. Maybe not sitting on top of it, but stand 100 yards away...1/4 mile away... You'll hear that 4t bark at a much greater distance.

On my 250 2T this weekend at the track I could be on the pipe and hear the thumpers behind me getting a shot of juice from their accelerator pumps as they whacked it to get by me.

[bryco13]

Going into this I think I had a lot of misconceptions about the whole 2 stroke option. Which is why I like asking these questions here, even though opinions are just that, this site offers a pretty good variety of them, and people are able to explain why they have them, or base them on actual experience. Out of the bikes I've checked out so far, the crf250x is my favorite, as I can just chug along on it in the woods like my wr, cause it is just like my wr. I also really like the idea of a 200cc 2t. Once again, I find myself not knowing exactly what I want. I do appreciate all the input so far though.

[Petorius]

Lol, just realized that the point of this thread is to provide opinions OTHER THAN a WR. Sorry for the attempted thread jack.

[bryco13]

It's ok, the wr250r I can't say good enough about. Just want something I feel less guilty about beating on.

[nhbubba]

3 pages in and I'm honstly still not understanding why you don't just go out and thrash the WR250. I thought that was supposed to be the does-everything-good-nuf, silver bullet. I've had moments considering clearing my garage of my 200 2t and 400 dual-sport and replacing them both with a WR like you have. Shows what I know.

[bryco13]

2 silly reasons.
1. I like using it to commute and enjoy it's uprightness on the road. And want to keep it road worthy.
2. Want something my brother can use when he visits, that I can also use to get better off road and beat up on.

[nhbubba]

Road worth and trail worth are not mutually exclusive.
The buddy bike aspect makes sense I suppose.

I still say go for a 2-smoke if for no other reason than to add some variety to your life.

[Petorius]

1. I like using it to commute and enjoy it's uprightness on the road. And want to keep it road worthy.

Are you worried more about crash damage or tire choice?

[bryco13]

Strictly crash damage. First ride out lost a blinker, due to my lack of off road skill. Don't want to keep replacing stuff on it. Eventually it will be a full dirty toy, but for the next couple years I'd like to keep it in good shape.

[breakdirt916]

I've had moments considering clearing my garage of my 200 2t and 400 dual-sport and replacing them both with a WR like you have.

uh no...the replacement would be an 350 EXC-F

@ OP - I think the 250x will do it...it's a lot of fun and excellent to learn on

[nhbubba]

Blinker on the tail or front? Replace the tail with a more trail friendly tail.. that still has blinkers. I like the UFO one on my DRZ.