Let's talk woods bike options

[Laoch]

http://lancaster.craigslist.org/mcy/4000006015.html

This one?

[Taylor]

Are you looking?

[Laoch]

Are you looking?

Yup.

[Taylor]

Are you looking?

Yup.

Cool, Can't go wrong with KTM's they are sweet bikes an that one looks good. I had one a long time ago and was one of my best bikes. But that was before everybody else was on one. I have to be different you know.

[Laoch]

New topic.

I've been perusing the interweb looking at different bikes for woods riding and there a a great many options.
Based on rider ability, style of riding and some other things, the bike chosen can vary greatly.
So if'n y'all ain't too busy- throw out some ideas for a good woods bike.

Some criteria may help- around 200 lbs, < 300cc, < 37" seat height, should be taggable- usually means come with headlight and taillight at minimum. Multi-way adjustable suspension, E-start with kick would be nice.
What else? Under $3k.

I'd consider myself an average rider, with average mechanical skills and short legs. I also ride conservatively.
Bikes I've looked at- Various KTMs, KDX 200/220/300, CRF230X.

More later...off to work.

[BigBird]

New topic.

I've been perusing the interweb looking at different bikes for woods riding and there a a great many options.
Based on rider ability, style of riding and some other things, the bike chosen can vary greatly.
So if'n y'all ain't too busy- throw out some ideas for a good woods bike.

Some criteria may help- around 200 lbs, < 300cc, < 37" seat height, should be taggable- usually means come with headlight and taillight at minimum. Multi-way adjustable suspension, E-start with kick would be nice.
What else? Under $3k.

I'd consider myself an average rider, with average mechanical skills and short legs. I also ride conservatively.
Bikes I've looked at- Various KTMs, KDX 200/220/300, CRF230X.

More later...off to work.

I don't think there is a KDX 300? but the 200 & 220 are good cheap bikes and can be upgraded to be very good.

Again I don't know of a crf230X but the regular CRF230 is also good, fairly low and easy to ride and available w e-start but HEAVY and somewhat limited in suspension, etc.

KTM XCWs are hard to beat. A 200 is only ~6lbs lighter than a 250 or 300 equipped the same way and lighter than anything else that is good (except probably a KDX).
HOWEVER all XCW KTMs got about 1.5" taller in 2008 and the ones prior to 2008 don't have e-start. The earlier ones aren't short but can be lowered without messing them up (mine is lowered 1.5")

Probably the best long term solution IF YOU CAN DO WITHOUT E-START is a pre 2008 KTM 250/300 XCW.

[Bucho]

I pretty much concur with Sam.

If you can do with out E-start, look for a nice KTM 2-stroke EXC/XCW in your price range.

[BillyGoat]

KDX 200 is "racier" than the KDX 220. For trailriding i'd guess the 220 would be more enjoyable.

[Laoch]

Thanks for the input.
I was thinking KLX300, but with a KLX400 already in the barn....that wouldn't work.
E-start is not required, 2Ts are easier to kick than 400cc thumpers.

[phoo]

You can say that again. My 300 2T starts faster and easier than most 4 strokes and even some 2 strokes with e-start.


Patrick