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A trail bike with some juice?

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Posted by: KTA---------------------

I currently ride a kx250, and although i love the power it can be a handful in the woods. I live on the east coast, and the trails near me are really tight and gnarly, so i have been looking into a four stroke thats a little more slow riding friendly. Although i don't want to loose all the power of the two stroke i have now. As far as "trail" bikes i have been looking at the xr250 and the xr400, i think i would really like the power of the 400, but the weight is about 40lbs more than my current bike, and im not a very big guy. I was wondering which four strokes you guys think are the best for this riding, and still have enough juice to satisfy my 2 stroke streak?


Posted by: Adrenaline---------------------

WRF250
WRF450
520 e/xc
400 e/xc
250e/xc
200e/xc
125e/xc
WR's are yamaha enduro models based on the YZF's. The 250, 200 and 125 are two stroke KTM models. The 400 and 520 are KTM four stroke models.
Wieght issue- the ktm 4-strokes are the lightest. The YZ250F will be right at your KX250 wieght.


Posted by: KTMdude911---------------------

Adrenaline i was going to say the same thing.


Posted by: Danny8785---------------------

I dont want to offend any thumps around here, but why not go with the kdx200 or 220? More power then a xr250, lighter weight then an xr400.
Reliabilty is very good, and it has a little more power than the xr250.

Good luck with your decision!


Posted by: Jim Z.---------------------

I think that a WR250F would be a good choice for you if your set on a thumper. The KDX 200 or 220 are also good bikes if your KX 250 is to much for you now and you want to stick with a two-stroke. I rode a 96' KDX 200 before my DRZ 400. I loved the bike for really really tight stuff.

Another option is making your KX more rider friendly. Maybe a flywheel weight, different gearing, or something like that. A lot cheaper than a new bike.


Posted by: jsmith811---------------------

2002 YZF 250.


Posted by: Jamo---------------------

Does the xr250 produce more low end power than a wr250f ?


Posted by: Jim Z.---------------------

The XR makes more snap off of the very bottom, but the WR takes over and is still reaching for peak revs when the XR signs off.


Posted by: jsmith811---------------------

Sorry to disagree Jim, but I have both a 2001 XR and 2001 WR in my garage, The WR has alot more bottom, mid & top. No comparison in power. Not knocking the XR by no means, but the power isn't comparable.


Posted by: BigBore---------------------

I know you're asking about four-strokes, but I'm curious....have you ridden a KTM E/XC? I've ridden several 250 MX bikes, and thought they'd be awful for really tight, nasty muddy trails. The weak low end and hard mid range hit just would not work that well.

Just a few weekends ago, I got a chance to ride a '01 KTM 250 E/XC in some really sloppy muddy singletrack. I was blown away by how well it performed! I had no idea a two-stroke could be this tractable. No uncontrollable blast of wheelspin, just a nice smooth pull. Hands down, the best bike for tight woods I've ever ridden (yes, I've ridden the 200, too).

If possible, I recommend giving a KTM a shot, see how you like it.


Posted by: Jim Z.---------------------

jsmith, I do believe the XR will snap better off of the very very bottom, right after that the WR takes over. I could still be wrong, but a least let me keep my pride..................j/k about the whole pride thing.


Posted by: Fred T---------------------

http://husqvarnausa.com/2002models/.../TE250_1024.jpg

Details:
http://husqvarnausa.com


Posted by: jsmith811---------------------

that te250 is UGLY. just stick with the proven yamaha 4 stroker.


Posted by: One Dollar---------------------

Quote:
Originally posted by jsmith811
that te250 is UGLY. just stick with the proven yamaha 4 stroker.


You saying Husky is not proven??? Obviously you must be a young rider.

One thing that Yamaha has proven over Husky is that they spend a WHOLE lot more money on advertising. Lets see a new Husky thumper that weighs less and has an e-start and costs only $500 more than the finicky kick start yamaha. Hmmmm. yea I'll go with the overadvertised one that my leg can get more of a workout on.


Posted by: bdunn---------------------

The electric start thing is something to consider when you are changing from a 2s ... especially if you can get it at a weight similar to the non-electric crowd.

Since you are a 250 2s rider you will probably want one of the larger 4s's or you will be disappointed. The list Adrenaline posted has most of the likely candidates of which the KTM 400 and 520 should be on your test ride list. The new Huskies sound pretty good on paper ... I would love to try a TE450.


Posted by: Ando---------------------

The Husky is a good bike, however make no mistake, it is significantly heavier then a YZ250F, Dry weight is listed as 232 for Husky, add ~ 12lbs for fluids and you have a weight very close to the YZ426, with much less power. I think the 250 was introduced mainly to compete in under 250cc classes and is very similiar to the 450(same frame+engine). So there would not be much to recomend it over the 450. An electric start Husky 450 at ~245lbs. would be pretty cool though.


Posted by: woods_rider1---------------------

KTA
I currently ride a KTM 250 after being on a KDX for 8 years. I had the opportunity to ride a newer XR 400 this weekend and absolutely HATED it!! it was heavy, undersprung, underpowered, ergos were cramped, and the handling sucked. I use my KTM 100% in the woods and can tell you for a fact that I have never ridden a better handling bike in the woods. If you are coming off a KX dont step down to older technology, and dont limit yourself to the "big 4".


Posted by: HiG4s---------------------

Quote:
Originally posted by Ando
The Husky is a good bike, however make no mistake, it is significantly heavier then a YZ250F, Dry weight is listed as 232 for Husky, add ~ 12lbs for fluids and you have a weight very close to the YZ426, with much less power. I think the 250 was introduced mainly to compete in under 250cc classes and is very similiar to the 450(same frame+engine). So there would not be much to recomend it over the 450. An electric start Husky 450 at ~245lbs. would be pretty cool though.


And what is the weight of a YZ250f or 450f seeing as Yamaha will not publish it? and the Husky 450 is 237 dry. Both the Husky 250 and 450 are on the same frame.

This would be my choices for what your riding seeing as you say you like the power, personally for woods I would be happy with a 200 2-stroke or a 250 4-stroke. All of these bikes are slow rider friendly without giving up much on an MX bike.
1 Husqvarna TE450 4-stroke
2 Husqvarna WR250 2-stroke
3 KTM EXC 250 2-stroke
4 KTM EXC 400 4-stroke
5 Yamaha WR426f 4-stroke
if moneys no object
Gas Gas 250ec 2-stroke

If you really want some serious power.
Husqvarna WR360 2-stroke
KTM EXC 380 2-stroke
KTM EXC 520 4-stroke
if money is no object
VOR 503 enduro 4-stroke

Of course if money is no object you can pick what ever MX bike you like best and convert it.


Posted by: moto614---------------------

easy there one dollar,i think what jsmith811 is talking about is the fact that this is an all new husky motor and it is not yet proven in the real world i have seen many people slobbering over specs but the real bike has yet to be seen and/or ridden by someone that's impartial (does this remind any one of cannondale a couple of years ago?)having owned many motorcycles including a few huskys(including a tc510) and cagivas for that matter and knowing their track record the bike/s will fall short in some category i.e. suspension,weight,ect,i know this is not the old husqvarna either and they seem to have been making progress as of late.so i know what is coming next a flurry of flames but I've been around the block with euro bikes in the past and the painful truth is they are so close to greatness it hurts,yes even ktm, although i hope they prove me wrong in this regard and this may totaly invalidate my whole reply but yes i do own a yamaha yz four-stroke and really like it but i am holding my judgment till i get to ride one(MGORMAN????) i know it doesn't sound like it but the new huskys interest me but i can't help but be skeptical, sorry :think


Posted by: KTMdude911---------------------

I think another bike that could be looked at is a Cannondale.I know they are pricey and haven't been proven like the jap or european bikes.I still think it might be a good choice.


Posted by: One Dollar---------------------

I understand your view and it is very valid. I have always loved the Huskies since I was riding in the 70's but never have been able to afford one so my view is a little biased . Heck I'm 42 now and i still can't afford one Good thing is by the time I can all the 'bugs' will be figured out and I will really have a good review. But even if I had the cash I still would go e-button over kick for any new thumper, it just makes too much sense.


Posted by: Tye---------------------

I would definitely give the 250EXC a try. Perferrably 01 or newer...I am still amazed by how well my EXC performs in even the snottiest conditions, and it still goes like hell out in the open. Its light and handles good. The attention to detail and the quality of the workmanship on it is second to none.

BTW that was my 250EXC that BigBore can't stop raving about.


Posted by: HiG4s---------------------

read a post wrong and replied. Tried to delete this but is would only let me edit.


Posted by: HomeMadeSin---------------------

What about the Husabergs? They look pretty damn sweet. Damn, I need to hit the lotto!:D


Posted by: jboomer---------------------

I ride an '01 KX250 and live in Stafford too. I know your problem with being slick. Why not try a flywheel weight? Steahly makes several different sizes for your bike and they run around $100. That'll probably be my next mod. I just bolted on a PC pipe and shorty silencer (I'm more into MX) and believe it or not, but it spread my power out so much that it is much easier to ride now than when stock, even though it increased the hp. In fact, I was out this morning and you know what the woods are like right now!


Posted by: DahlElama---------------------

I know... you asked about 4strokes... but if you want a 2 stroke bike that is friendlier than your KX in the woods and on the trails, look at the Gas Gas XC bikes. Out of the box they have a more linear and 'friendly' powerband than a MX bike, and you certainly wont give up any power. My 250XC rocks in the woods and carves the tight stuff.


Posted by: justql---------------------

Thank You entangidahl. I was wondering if anyone was going to mention the best trail bike there is.


Posted by: HGilliam---------------------

Right brand but wrong model for the best Trail bike: GasGas Pampera 250 or 280. Notice I said best trail bike not enduro or harescrambler or desert racer!

Toolman


Posted by: BunduBasher---------------------

The Pampera is a great trail bike, and is an absolute mountain goat, it is however on the small side, so if you are over 200, and taller than 5'10" then you may need a bigger bike. The P250 is the ultimate trail bike for the ladies, and the P280 is a winner for us shorter guys (the girls will love the P280 too). If you like a fun, torquey, nimble and fairly quick/powerful bike, the Pampera may be the bike for you. (If you can get your hands on one !). If you like the woods, and go fast, the GG200EC is probably the best woods bike out there, The KTM200EC has a bit more power, but you can't beat the GG for handling and balance.

I think my next job will be as a GG salesman !!


Posted by: HGilliam---------------------

BunduBasher, you aready are a GG salesman, you just haven't figured out how to get paid for it!

I wonder If they would put the 320 trials motor in a regular XC frame for the larger guys and gals? GasGas are you listening?

Toolman


Posted by: BunduBasher---------------------

Send suggestions to:
Olga in spain at 'officegg@gasgasmotos.es'
or Dale Malsek USA at gasusa@qni.com

Yeah, the GG200EC is the ultimate KDX hmmmm !!


Posted by: PsychoCW---------------------

you might want to check out this review on the husky....sounds like a sweet machine. I'm seriously considering trading in the KTM for a 450. http://www.husky.com.au/html/bikete...te250/te250.htm
I currently ride a KTM250exc and it is smooth as silk in the tight woods. My brother just got a 520exc.....it will rip your arms off if you are not careful and the engine braking takes some getting used to....but overall its the sweetest bike I've riden. If you are a smaller dude you might take a 400exc for tight woods tough.

JMHO:confused:



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