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Single track/woods motorcycles

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussion' started by ColoradoTJ, Jun 20, 2018.

  1. Jun 20, 2018 at 8:40 AM
    #1
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ [OP] Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    I have been getting rather bored this past couple of years on my days off, and since that’s around 15 days a month without vacation. That’s a lot of boredom.

    As some of you know I do some rather interesting trails with the TJ, but I never go at it alone. That’s a sure way to have a bad day. On average I go Jeeping once every 1.5 months. Again, that sucks ass.

    Anyway, my one true passion in life is motorcycles, and has been a lot of pain as well. Lol. Two knee, wrist and elbow surgeries later.....
    So no more MX tracks for me. I’m not in the physical conditioning to handle that tempo anymore.

    I’ve been out of the game for a while and need some recommendations on machines. I have always owned Yamaha’s and Honda’s in the past, but have noticed there’s new machines out on the market.

    Now, I absolutely love mountain riding and have some of the best riding I’ve ever been on really close. Normally I just buy an MX bike and modify it for trail riding (valve suspension, drop gear ratio, etc). Thinking back on doing this might be the reason for fatigue (riding a fast bike slow kinda thing).
    This time I’m thinking about something totally different.

    1) Good trail bike, like KTM EXC
    D52F78FA-853D-4D53-B48B-EB0EAD07FA2E.jpg
    https://cosprings.craigslist.org/mcy/d/2011-ktm-530-exc-street-legal/6616104404.html

    Other considerations are:

    WR450
    CR450F
    KTM 300 (I’ve heard nothing but raves about this bike, just not sure about going 2 stroke again)

    2) I have considered getting a 4x4 quad. This might keep my need for speed and jumping under raps. Then again...well, it’s me. I could put a blow on it and use it around the house as well. However, I already have a lawn tractor with a snow blower on it.

    I’m a big bore guy, so I would never buy anything under a 450cc in a 4 stroke and 250cc in a 2 stroke.

    I have no interest in a side by side. In CO, most trails are 50” max and are a PITA to navigate.
     
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  2. Jun 20, 2018 at 8:54 AM
    #2
    KnuckleHD

    KnuckleHD New Member

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    Can’t go wrong with the KTM if you can afford it. The clutch and offset rear springs are awesome off-road. I’d still go 4 stroke over 2 stroke, but that’s just a personal preference based on the way I ride. If you’re used to the power band on a 2-stroke, the KTM 300 is an awesome bike. The only downside is that parts are more expensive and there typically aren’t many dealers around. If you’re doing a lot of trail riding it’s only a matter of time until you break the plastics, etc.

    I do a lot of trail riding and love the CRF450x. It’s like the Toyota of trail bikes, you can beat the crap out of it, bog it down, it doesn’t matter, it just keeps going. I think they are easier to wrench on then the KTMs too, if you’re into that kind of thing.

    If you’re really looking for trail riding, stay away from the quads. I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve seen those flip over and seriously hurt people.
    Just my 2cents..
     
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  3. Jun 20, 2018 at 9:22 AM
    #3
    Newm

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    You are on the right track looking at the KTM linked and similar bikes. If you truly just want a singletrack machine IMO a KTM EXC or XCW is the perfect bike for that. Suspension and gear ratios are perfect for singletrack riding. The KTM EXC and XCW fourstorke bikes went fuel injection in 2012 so that in something to consider especially living in Colorado and the extreme elevation changes you can have in just a days ride. Not having to mess with extra brass with a carb is a huge advantage. Another plus of a 2012 or newer KTM is the motor change that year as well. It got more power with lighter weight and a much better chassi. The bike linked is the old style motor and while it's a good engine it separated the engine oil from the gearbox oil which in theory sounds great but in actual execution it proved to be sometimes problematic. Those motors had a somewhat common problem of oil transfer from one side of the case to the other with just a simple o'ring/seal failure (if memory serves me right that was the issues I think). The engine oil level would rise while the gearbox oil would drop.

    Two strokes are fun but for mountain trail riding they take some extra planning and you really have to want to ride a two stroke. Having to carry premix is kind of a pain but the real issue I have had is the fuel mileage sucks on a smoker compared to a four stroke. That becomes very important the farther away from civilisation you want to get. On top of that the vibrations that are just inherent to them can get to you after long days in the saddle. That is unless you get into the model year of 2017 or newer KTM two stroke with the new engine that is counterbalanced and almost four stroke like smoth

    I wouldn't worry about extra expense of parts or lack of availability of parts on a KTM as they rule the woods out your way. The majority of the people you see riding out there are on KTM's and that's another huge plus in an emergency and need parts to get out of the woods.

    If you can't tell I love my KTM's. Been riding and racing them for the past 20 years...so everything I am telling you is from a KTM homer. :)
     
  4. Jun 20, 2018 at 9:28 AM
    #4
    Newm

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    Now you have me daydreaming of summer trips of the past...

    31FHKsUqJkO0sYJukfSc6p8qemOZiT9GOzgZ1WR8_21e3f51cf33b671a42609db53338d3855eee6296.jpg


    What I crave...mountain singletrack!!!


    IyFEXcet5S3_BFn-pV4yP76ly5pyU-4gnB9iXGJb_8d35825f6984e2b67db71fb104eb9fb2cd30c7d4.jpg
     
  5. Jun 20, 2018 at 9:29 AM
    #5
    Baja Mike

    Baja Mike Baja Aficionado

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    The new line of Honda’s look good. But I’m a Yamaha guy myself. Doesn’t hurt that Toyota owns a part of them. Keep it in the family so to speak.

    I’d like to get a WR450 myself. Fuel injection would be nice to have.
     
    ColoradoTJ[OP] likes this.
  6. Jun 20, 2018 at 9:33 AM
    #6
    joonbug

    joonbug °°°°°°°°°°

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    Not considering Husky Chris?husky.png
     
  7. Jun 20, 2018 at 9:36 AM
    #7
    RustyPNW

    RustyPNW New Member

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    +1 about KTM. Husqvarna off-road lineup is nice as well, just not the $$$. I agree with Knuckle, quads are a no go in the woods (IMO) especially single track, they can stick to the dunes. My 2009 CRF450X is a tank and other than normal wear and tear, I've experienced zero issues. The 450X is built for the trails, it will crawl at slow speed with plenty of torque and kick you in the ass when on the throttle. Exhaust and jetting does wonders as well.
    450x.jpg
     
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  8. Jun 20, 2018 at 9:37 AM
    #8
    Newm

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    Good option as well...just stay away from a 2013 or prior IMO.
     
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  9. Jun 20, 2018 at 9:54 AM
    #9
    Wintyfresh

    Wintyfresh New Member

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    I wouldn't recommend any 450 4-stroke for woods/single-track, and I've got two of them ('12 WR450f, '13 YZ450f). For the truly technical stuff I prefer my trials bike ('04 Gas Gas TXT 280 Pro), but mostly I use an '06 YZ250 with a flywheel weight and rekluse clutch. I might consider a 250 4-stroke, but they've always seemed high strung to me and I'm just not up to replacing a top end every ~25 hours. In your shoes and given sufficient budget I'd be looking at the fuel-injected 2-stroke Austrian bikes.
     
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  10. Jun 20, 2018 at 10:10 AM
    #10
    mtTundra

    mtTundra New Member

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    Longer list than the wife needs to know about....
    The KTM 350 might surprise you its only 4-5 hp weaker than the 450 (62hp) vs 350 (58hp) and also lighter. If you're into any technical single track the 350 is an amazing bike.
    The KTM 300 (2 stroke) is so much fun, low center of gravity, and less spinning mass so inertia is reduced making it really nimble and fun to ride.

    I'm not a fan of mixing gas, and having separate fuel cans for everything so I tend to lean to the 4 stokes but I would highly suggest riding the 300 if you have the chance.

    I'm 6'2" 240 lbs. The 350 has plenty of power to haul my ass around.
     
  11. Jun 20, 2018 at 10:16 AM
    #11
    Wintyfresh

    Wintyfresh New Member

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    Fwiw KTM/Husky's TPI 2 strokes include integrated oil tanks; no need to mix gas.
     
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  12. Jun 20, 2018 at 10:36 AM
    #12
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ [OP] Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    So I should probably point out, I don't do slow tech stuff, a trials bike would be a waste of money for me. I do more open, 3rd-5th gear rhythm sections, woods riding.

    Here in CO, there is a ton of trails for quads (4x4 and sport quads alike).

    This is one of my favorite trails. This is 717 Trail in Divide, CO.



     
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  13. Jun 20, 2018 at 11:58 AM
    #13
    Wintyfresh

    Wintyfresh New Member

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    After seeing the trails you ride I change my recommendation to a YZ450FX.
     
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  14. Jun 20, 2018 at 12:21 PM
    #14
    lionix

    lionix The Grey Moose!

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    I vote KTM or Husky 4 stroke! Had my KTM for 17 years since new. Still keeps flying as long as I am still on it in the air.
     
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  15. Jun 20, 2018 at 2:37 PM
    #15
    Sterlinglwood

    Sterlinglwood Never enough!

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    This is when I got her brand new. 2017 450RX. Best bike I’ve owned to date. Ride high speed desert and mountain single track. Very capable

    upload_2018-6-20_14-36-37.jpg
     
  16. Jun 20, 2018 at 2:46 PM
    #16
    dandailey

    dandailey King Tundra

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    ^^^^^
    Likey likey. This is making me want a dirt bike again, damnit.
     
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  17. Jun 21, 2018 at 5:19 AM
    #17
    felixth

    felixth New Member

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    Nothing yet :)
    Wow Newm, that looks like wide open riding compared to single track i had in my mind. Single track here is on side of a mountain with the bars dragging trees on both sides. I guess that's the diff. between east coast riding vs west coast riding. I would go four stroke for sure in the west! Two stroke for east coast.
     
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  18. Jun 21, 2018 at 6:26 AM
    #18
    Newm

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    Oh there is plenty of tight, white knuckle pucker factor high riding. Those pics are above tree line or just busting out of it. Thats when you get to enjoy the views and get to rail the ribbon of single track.

    The altitude is anoter thing to consider when choosing your bike. You lose a ton of power at 10-12K feet. 300 two strokes and 450/500 four strokes just work really well and have the extra power needed to compensate for the 30%+ loss at extreme altitude.
     
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  19. Jun 21, 2018 at 7:35 AM
    #19
    Tacotundra

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    I got the dirtbike bug again also. Been about 2and 1/2 years since I been on the track. Was considering a trail bike but I love motocross to much. I'm gonna get me Ktm 450 later this year. Was considering the new husky but gonna give the ktm a go. I been a Yamaha guy for years.
     
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  20. Jun 21, 2018 at 7:46 AM
    #20
    Vendeta2k

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    E0923C74-4B40-45D9-BC88-1124C50133AB.jpg I have a KTM 350XCFW...great all around bike. A 300XC is more than enough bike for what you want to do...and the new 19's are fuel injected...no more mixing gas! I would personally stay away from a 450 unless you are a big guy and/or are a professional rider. Just my $.02
     
  21. Jun 21, 2018 at 8:37 AM
    #21
    ColoradoTJ

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    How many hours are on it? Damn. It’s not uncommon for me to put 25-50 hours a month on my machines.
     
  22. Jun 21, 2018 at 8:38 AM
    #22
    01erionracing

    01erionracing KJ6RKU

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    I have 2 Husq TE 510 and 250 Italian made both FI and happy so far. The TE250 has no issue at all however the TE510 having little issue here and there and it was corrected at the end.
    Husq.jpg
    Adelanto.jpg
     
  23. Jun 21, 2018 at 8:41 AM
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    01erionracing

    01erionracing KJ6RKU

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    If I am in the market for a dirt bike, KTM will be my next.
     
  24. Jun 21, 2018 at 8:58 AM
    #24
    RustyPNW

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  25. Jun 21, 2018 at 9:21 AM
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    01erionracing

    01erionracing KJ6RKU

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    Its near Kramer Junction.
     
  26. Jun 21, 2018 at 9:35 AM
    #26
    RustyPNW

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    Nice. When I was a kid I rode "Honda Valley" in Hesperia, Dove Springs and Jawbone.
     
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  27. Jun 21, 2018 at 11:02 AM
    #27
    ColoradoTJ

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    From the looks of things and my own research (and the fine people on Tundras.com), I have narrowed it down:

    KTM 450 or larger
    Honda 450RX

    The Yamaha is just way to flippen heavy for this group of bikes. If I decided to use an MX bike for a woods bike, the Yamaha would be my go-to bike. I just don’t like the idea of taking a race bike and trying to make it a woods bike. The reverse wouldn’t work out well either.

    With full riding gear, I will be at 250ish, so a smaller bore bike is just not going to work. Hell, a race 450 is set up for a 165 lb rider. As others have stated, when getting above 8k’, motors start breathing heavy. The extra ass is always welcomed. The only small bore bike as an adult I’ve owned was a Yamaha YZ250F that my wife rode. I would take it out to the track with my 450’s. It was fun to whip around, but I could never clear 115’ tabletops. It was always just a little short. Doubles and rhythm was never a problem.
     
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  28. Jun 21, 2018 at 11:06 AM
    #28
    trey169

    trey169 New Member

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    I've been happy with my Ktm 250 xcf-w, but I live in CA so we have that whole red sticker/green sticker thing to contend with. The Tundra DC works perfect for transport and to get the bed closed

    Bike 1.jpg
    bike 2.jpg
     
  29. Jun 21, 2018 at 12:21 PM
    #29
    01erionracing

    01erionracing KJ6RKU

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    I ride TE250 (stock suspension) faster on the technical trail than my TE510 (re-valved suspension), I am 150 lbs full gears.
     
  30. Jun 21, 2018 at 12:23 PM
    #30
    lionix

    lionix The Grey Moose!

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    Thats why I am looking at the 500. Big guy and professional pace!
     

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