Dirt Bikes? - Page 2

dansedgli · 14-12-2006, 01:19 PM

Arent the WR style bikes high maintenance though?

I dont really want something that I have to change the oil on every 500kms. Unless I get a dirt bike only bike. Then I wont mind.

At this stage it looks like all rounder is a good choice. I wont be going crusty demon on the thing but I would still want to have a little bit of fun.

I might try and pick up a DRZ/XR 400 cheap then motard it down the track if I feel the need to run it on the road as well. I just need to find space for a second bike somewhere. :(

nugget378 · 14-12-2006, 03:54 PM

Some of the new 4 strokes can be very high maintenance,as much as a 2 stroke or more,it all depends on your useage.
Im quite happy with my old "chook chaser" DR350,does what I need it too and I never have to touch it..

Ford_V8 · 14-12-2006, 04:20 PM

Have you considered either an XR650L or XR650R? They are capable of very high top speeds 160kmh + and still have enough manouverability and low down grunt to bush bash. Being an XR they are super low maintenance and last ages. The ' R ' would probably be ideal for you as they are lighter and quicker, but the ' Ls ' require very little maintaining and have been known to last over 100,00km.
Maybe a tad out of your budget though but I'd say it would be well worth the extra cash.

dansedgli · 14-12-2006, 04:25 PM

I havent looked at those ones.

My mate bought a 1988 XR650 and its a beast. I can barely touch the ground when Im on it though. Its way too big for me.

Im 5'8 or so. Short legs stumpy body :P

Im open to all suggestions that would do the job at the moment. I wont be doing 50 foot jumps or anything, mainly commuting and trail riding.

Tocchi · 14-12-2006, 04:26 PM

i ahvent read all the posts but

2 strokes dont like prolonged high speed - riding it at 90kmh for more than a quick spurt will hurt it.

the 4 stroke will be better, cos if it needs fuel you can just go to a servo, and you dont need to take oil with you everywhere.

so im saying go with a 4 stroke.

if you have the cash go with a KTM. factory standards are brembos, V-force reeds, etc - quality builds too

dansedgli · 14-12-2006, 04:28 PM

Yeah I was going to get a 2 stroke as a dirt only basher but now Im kinda leaning towards something I can ride to work as well, which would be a 4 stroke of some description.

sleepa · 14-12-2006, 04:52 PM

If you do want a bike to do both mucking about on the dirt and commuting I vote for the DR-Z400 as well. They have plenty of grunt and whilst a little heavy off road it really depends on the terrain in your local area. I usually ride tight single track so the DR-Zs are a bit of a handfull, but in more open terrain they rock.

I own a '99 RMX 250. If you were just going to ride off road I would recommend one whole heartedly. They go like a cut cat and are really nimble. You get used to the power pretty quickly and they are a hoot. 2 Stroke maintenance is not that big a deal, the highly strung 4 strokes like the WR-Fs require more maintenance as you have to be really careful with the valve clearances. BUT- on the highway RMXs suck! Sitting on 90+ km/h on tarmac is pretty unpleasant, the bike is screaming and you get a huge amount of vibration. My legs were numb after 15 minutes the last time I rode tarmac.

dansedgli · 14-12-2006, 04:56 PM

Thanks guys, Ill keep an eye out for a DRZ400e and see how I go.

Hopefully one pops up cheap soon.

Tocchi · 14-12-2006, 05:37 PM

good luck. maybe get some 'top speed, low acceleration' sprockets. cos that way the bike wont kick up so much on gear changes (its like that on 125s and 250s)

AC/DC · 14-12-2006, 10:07 PM

Go weird and look for a mid 90's Husqvarna 430 2 stroke... you will need a very strong left leg to kick it over, or otherwise you will have to get off to kick it !

I had one for a while, it was very scarey.

You never mentioned how tall or heavy you are ?

you mentioned that you have only ridden rentals, so I guess you are no expert yet ? ...

If that is the case, you cannot go wrong with something like a Honda XR250..

4 stroke, 2 stroke, doesnt really matter, , the 4 stroke wont scare you like a larger 2 stroke will....

Even ridden a Husaberg 501 ?..... ITs a full on race enduro bike, with electric start, so when you bog it in the bottom of a creek / huge rut, , you dont have to think about the left hand kick !

AC/DC

ThoR_ · 15-12-2006, 02:27 AM

i have a 1997 XR400R....i love it. It`s road registered but i dont have a license...i take it aorund the block a couple of times to run it every week or two.. and she`s loud

AWD Chaser · 15-12-2006, 09:45 AM

Just a note, if you plan on swapping the wheels etc, when you want to go on dirt, you will need - rims, tyres, front sproket, rear sproket, and a chain. You can't use the same chain over different sized sprokets - it won't fit. Just keep two rims with dirt tyres on them in the shed, and when you change them over, just whack on your road cog... otherwise its about a 2 hours job...