CHANGSTAR: Audiophile Headphone Reviews and Early 90s Style BBS
Non-Audio Stuff => Car Talk => Topic started by: funkmeister on July 06, 2013, 05:42:03 PM
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Ahoy
Numero uno, I'm a former scooter rider (the real deal, not some gay Vespa) who has only a bit of time on anything else. I stepped up to a WR250X for a bit, but it was too tall and I sold it to get ahead on my mortgage anyway. I had fun on it for sure, though. :)p1
I wanna get back into riding but I'm not interested in the freeway, so I'm torn between something super fun (or dangerous) like the Honda Grom, another scooter like the PCX 150 or just a standard motorcycle.
Any of you riders? Any of you wanna share regrets or good experiences to help steer me a bit?
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I ride. I know @cee tee did as well. Not sure if we need a new thread or if the car guys are ok with some two wheel love here.
I've moved mostly to the dirt and rally riding, but I can manage to get my fat ass around the track. I'll bet some Bay Area riders can name the track and probably the turn...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v152/shipsupt/OLD/HT4U0484.jpg)
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I ride....
(http://putts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/FJR1300/i-8r5tsGG/0/L/CRW_8000-L.jpg)
(http://putts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Yellow-Mule/i-XTLFcZN/0/XL/P1010576-XL.jpg)
(http://putts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Death-Valley-2013/i-KPZL9KV/0/L/P1010100-L.jpg)
(http://putts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Rides/Raidersburgh/i-MQPH7jF/0/L/CRW_4256-L.jpg)
....quite a bit.
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I was thinking of getting a Yammy WR250R, but like you said, it's too tall. I'm more interested in the Kawasaki KLXs as I can actually fit on it, but I'm sort of discouraged by owning one because of the dreary weather we have here in Vancouver.
Maybe soon...
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I love crotch rockets, but avoid them like the plague. Every time I think about getting one I remind myself I'll be dead in 3-4 months. Guaranteed. Cars are better for my level of mental instability.
That being said: :P :P :P
(http://richvibe.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/2013-YAMAHA-YZF-R1.jpg)
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Thar be riders here! :)p15
@planx, don't let the dreary weather stop you. I rode year round as long as there wasn't standing ice, snow, or slush. Rain or shine, I dressed the part and rode in to work. I also had gloves with a wiper on the thumb to maintain visibility. I think having a low torque motor with a CVT automatic transmission had a lot to do with keeping traction in adverse conditions but there were times I'd just slow it down and drag my boots on the ground... like when I was going over a bridge. I never laid it down. The cool thing is that I had a cheap china-moto (brand was SUNL) so I wasn't afraid to abuse it. I had a lot of fun because of that. I took it off road and to mountain tops that others wouldn't without a dirt bike.
Here's a pic:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7307/9235437742_55617e8e3f.jpg)
Then I stepped up to the WR250X. Despite the SuMo setup with street tires, I rode that through some Utah backcountry and had a lot of fun doing it. This one was harder because of its height, but I got in and out of places the scooter could only dream of. Dry creeks and ruts were made butter smooth by this guy but because of the street tires I had a lot of wheel spin and the front tire plowed and washed through the sand a lot.
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5343/9235442002_6634370d35.jpg)
I never had a bad ride. Sometimes if I was grumping around the house the wife would kick me out and tell me to not come back 'til I was normal again. I'd jump on the bike and be back after about an hour and in a much better mood. She loved having that arrow in her quiver.
Anyway, Tyll, I didn't know about your dual-sport riding, just your FJR because of posts from your IF job. That is one very fast touring bike. I'm with @analixus in thinking I'd be in a n early grave (or wheelchair) if I get into something very sporty.
Aah... life on two wheels.
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Anyway, Tyll, I didn't know about your dual-sport riding, just your FJR because of posts from your IF job. That is one very fast touring bike. I'm with @anilaxus in thinking I'd be in a n early grave (or wheelchair) if I get into something very sporty.
Aah... life on two wheels.
The FJR is my only modern bike. Everything else has carbs and can be fixed by me without some computer telling me what's wrong.
The FJR is fast, but it's big. Not too tempting to take it to 10/10 for me. I like the edge...but I like to stay ten feet from it. I'm pretty conservative really, but I know that many would just want to wick that bike up.
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I used to ride a cbr600f3 and a kawasaki kdx250. Now I only ride a scooter LOL
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I also ride... an FJR...
(http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/9615/y0vm.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/5/y0vm.jpg/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
California Superbike School
(http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/2117/61qd.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/28/61qd.jpg/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
Just out of the ferry in Ancona Italy
FJR is great fun, but it is big and heavy... very torquey and powerful...got to think ahead, and drive sensibly...
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I also ride... an FJR...
FJR is great fun, but it is big and heavy... very torquey and powerful...got to think ahead, and drive sensibly...
Nice!
I'd love to go to that school.
Yup. Must be in control on the FJR. It feels planted as hell...at 90 MPH.
Shit happens quick at 90, no room to let it get away from you.
(Up here in Montana there's plenty of room to cruise along. Thank you Valentine radar detector.)
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Love the FJR, but that's a big bike to flip around on the track! :-0
I did Superbike school years ago, 5 times! I did level 1-4 and CodeRace! It is a great school and took my riding to a new level, both on the track and on the street.
Tyll, do not pass go , do not collect any more headphones, go directly to Keith Code's school and have a blast! I highly recommend it, FWIW.
Another great school for dirt and street riders is Rich Olivers mystery school - http://richoliver.net (http://richoliver.net)
If you're serious about adventure riding talk to my good friend Dave at RMS and see if they've got a rally school planned:http://www.rallymanagementservices.com (http://www.rallymanagementservices.com) These guys are hard core rally guys who actually ride a lot including Rally Dos Sertoes, Dakar, and more....
Want to plan a cool ride yourself? Check out this new site that lets you build your own road books using google earth! http://www.rallynavigator.com (http://www.rallynavigator.com)
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(Up here in Montana there's plenty of room to cruise along. Thank you Valentine radar detector.)
No laser traps up there?
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(Up here in Montana there's plenty of room to cruise along. Thank you Valentine radar detector.)
No laser traps up there?
You're talking about a state that didn't even have a speed limit back in the 90s.
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Hmm...very attractive, I wonder if there are enough twisties? Think I'd loose it going straight for too long.
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The fun is in the bends obviously... a couple of months ago, i completed the 36hour Moto Guzzi Club endurance here in Greece (some say it is tougher than the Ducati equivalent in Italy, but i cannot say).
About 1700km of pure twisty roads (some gravel too) on secondary roads and all this in 36hours (one hotel stop for sleep)... it was really something... many people thought the FJR would be too much for these roads, but i made it ok.
I must agree with shipsupt who sounds like a hell of an experienced biker, that the schools are absolutely necessary to be able to command your machine. Things that you do unconsciously become apparent and you learn to control them.
The FJR handles well, and in my humble opinion it is the best sport tourer. On track it didn't show any weaknesses and we were not laping any slower than the Busas for example... (twisty track only one extended straight)... the problem i found is that if you push it, the brakes give up on you due to the weight.
There is nothing more fun than controlling your bike exactly like YOU want to in a curve.
Yes Tyll, 90mph... hmmm... you guys are unlucky in the States with these speed limits... but yes the FJR is rock solid at 120kmph, we tend to cruise a little faster though here in Greece and in Europe generally.
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(Up here in Montana there's plenty of room to cruise along. Thank you Valentine radar detector.)
No laser traps up there?
The Valentine has a laser detector...but I've never seen it go off.
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My one track day of the year.. his past sunday at the Ridge.
(http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/8615/yhut.png)
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Hmm, I might actually pick up a $5000~ dual-sport soon... Anyone have experience with the KLX250s or CRF250L?
Like I said on the previous page, the WR250R is too tall for me so that's off the list unless I want to hyper-extend my leg at every red light.
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I had a DR650. It was a solid bike that did everthing OK, but nothing outstanding. I had it set up for both adventure riding and had some super motard rims to throw on as well for the street. The motor was bullet proof, but not exciting. Since the KLX is essentially the same bike as the the DR I'd think it would be similar in a lot of ways.
I don't know much about the CRF, but Honda always makes a solid bike, and this one is pretty much a direct competitor to the KLX.
Great starter bikes, really versatile. If you're not planning to push them too hard off road, and you're not expecting huge excitement from these motors you probably can't go wrong.
Be sure to go and sit on a few. First, thy can surprise you with their height if that's an issue. Second, sometimes the smallest ergo item can make all the difference for you when you are in the saddle all day. Since you are talking similar price and features, it may just come down to which bike 'feels' better for you.
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Thanks for the advice. I was thinking of the Suzuki DR-Z400 as well, but it seemed rather outdated and the fuel economy sucks compared to the 250s offered with the other companies.
How did the 650 do on hot days? When I went to the Suzuki dealer a while back, the sales rep warned me about going too slowly on the 650 and it overheating due to the air-cooled engine.
I need to go ride the bikes myself, but I don't have a motorcycle license yet so they won't let me take it for a spin. From just reading the seat heights, the Kawasaki and Honda SHOULD be okay heights.
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Wow, I've never heard about a 650 overheating! I rode in plenty of hot weather, all kinds of conditions, never a problem.
Go sit on 'em at the shop. Those listed seat heights never really tell you how you'll fit.
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Certainly will! It's rather difficult for me to go to one as all the dealers are pretty far away, but when I'm in the area, a simple drop-in should help. I'm just worried that all of them will be too high for me just like how the Yamaha was. I found the Suzuki 650 to be lower than the 400, but I managed to fit on both of them. I'm 5'8-5'9 if that's of any help.
I'm not a fan of dropping the travel on both the rear and front because I mtn bike a lot and I know how important bike geometry is, especially off the road.
Just seeing all the dual-sports in my area is making me itch with an uncontrollable desire to ride one asap...
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Planx, what kind of terrain will you be riding on and what kinds of roads (and road speeds) will be involved? We can help narrow things down a bit.
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Well, I live in Vancouver near plenty of mountains for one. I can literally just ride 5 minutes up from where I live to some logging roads.
I'll mostly be riding on light dirt roads and some bush singletrack. Seeing how it's bloody rainy here, tires that can eat through wet roots might be a worthy consideration, but I don't want to go overboard with costs. Might ride to some sick MX tracks and maybe do some jumps while I'm at it.
On the road, I'll mostly be commuting to school with it if I get it. My school is about 20kms away from my house and no need to take the highway to get there. Just normal city driving most of the time, and if I need to really get to places, the absolute maximum I'll be travelling at would be 70-80mph.
The only problem is, commuting to my school might be suicidal during the winter because my school is quite literally situated on top of a relatively high mountain and it snows quite often up there. I'm no pussy when it comes to rain, but I would never ride on snow/ice/anything below 8 degrees celsius (do your own conversion my southern neighbours).
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Well, keep in mind that while these bikes are pretty capable off-road, they are not full moto bikes. Depending on how hard you're riding, these bikes are not ideal for sick MX and jumps. You need to consider a proper MX bike for that. It'll get you around a track at a moderate pace and it will eat up those trails, roots and all.
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Well my friend owns the WR250R and he thrashes around a MX track pretty hard and he even said it's quite the capable dual-sport.
This is primarily the reason why I wanted the Yammy at first, but again, I don't fit... :)p18
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MX bikes are best for MX jumps, but the most capable dual-sport out there for this would be the WR but it will be hard to want to take to any speed over 60mph, though it can go well beyond that. It's a tall bike but it has 9" or more of travel. I ran that thing over a dry creek rut without even feeling it. It soaked it up so nicely. It was just 1.5" too tall for me.
Well... if I were in your situation, I'd prioritize things my way. So don't follow me on this because it will irritate you. Anyway, to me, the jumps take a back seat to everything else. So I'd look at something that can get me to school and I also ride year-round so I'd forsake some top speed for something that works well in cold. That would put me on a TW200. It's ugly and I'd never take it up to 60mph but it's probably the best winter bike there is and is awesome on trails... especially soggy stuff as long as it isn't caking a few inches of mud on the tires.
If I were you, I'd look the CRF250L. It's not as tall as the WR so it's already better stock. But if the geometry can be maintained with a 1" lowering kit then I'd look very seriously at that option because this bike might be THE ONE for what you've described. It's light enough to throw around on the MX track a bit (not like a bike that's 70 lbs. lighter but still fun) and it has lots of suspension travel. It is also fuel injected so the winter startup is great.
It would be great if you could get something used but I'm not coming up with anything that can tick all the boxes. Anybody else wanna chime in here?
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I'd recommend the KLR as a great all around bike.
But I have a milk crate with blinkers for a tramp stamp.
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Update to my Dually progress. Just went to Yamaha today to sit on the WR250r again, but unfortunately they sold out of the 2013 WR250r models. But in good news, the "even higher" seat height WR250F was there and for some reason, I found it to be a little comfortable. Two feet down was still quite difficult, but with one foot down, it wasn't that bad, well not as bad as I remember with the previous WR250R I sat on... Maybe it was lowered slightly and maybe the suspension was quite soft. Either way, I'm certainly going to wait for the 2014 models to come in and see how that feels with 0.6 inches lowered. If I need more, I will look into the Yamalink that drops 1-2 inches from what I'm told.
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I'd recommend the KLR as a great all around bike.
But I have a milk crate with blinkers for a tramp stamp.
There is a reason they've been making essentially the same bike for almost 30 years now! :)p6
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I'm a newer rider. Currently on a CBR250R that I regularly take up to GMR. Lots of fun up there!
Currently looking into a new bike and thinking Street Triple or Monster (leaning towards the Triumph). Wish that new Yamaha triple were out already. I would love to get a supersport, but my hamstrings/hips tend to cramp up if the rider triangle is too small. Love the performance though. It's been a lot of fun doing test rides these past few months.
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So I have a question. Never been into Harleys, cruisers or choppers myself but, I once saw a Harley in some sort of dark British racing green that was so slick, sleek and vintage looking I still can't get it out of my head. Absolutely one of the classiest bikes I have ever seen. It still haunts me that I have no idea what it was when it sped by. If anyone has any thoughts on what it might have been let me know. I know it was a Harley but have never seen one like it since or on the website. Not sure if there was any other custom work done. It had styling cues like something from the 40s-60s. Sorry if my bike history is weak and not precise enough.
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Did it sort of look flat-track-ish like this:
(http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h83/luckydave215/Painted003.jpg)
Or was it more beach like:
(http://www.fratfury.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/DP-Customs-Beach-Cruiser-11.jpg)
We can narrow it down!
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More like the bottom one but even better still. Defintely had the rear fender but sleeker and more flowing. Kind of like that but taken to the next level looking more refined and upscale. Lines flowed just a bit more and all the paint, chrome, wheels and engine were just gorgeous. I have a feeling it also had some devil in the details that rounded out the whole effect like a Moth amp does if you catch my drift. I don't recall how big or wide the tires were but definitely not as thick as the first pic, likely closer to the second once again.
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I'm a newer rider. Currently on a CBR250R that I regularly take up to GMR. Lots of fun up there!
Currently looking into a new bike and thinking Street Triple or Monster (leaning towards the Triumph). Wish that new Yamaha triple were out already. I would love to get a supersport, but my hamstrings/hips tend to cramp up if the rider triangle is too small. Love the performance though. It's been a lot of fun doing test rides these past few months.
Street triple for sure!
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I'm a newer rider. Currently on a CBR250R that I regularly take up to GMR. Lots of fun up there!
Currently looking into a new bike and thinking Street Triple or Monster (leaning towards the Triumph). Wish that new Yamaha triple were out already. I would love to get a supersport, but my hamstrings/hips tend to cramp up if the rider triangle is too small. Love the performance though. It's been a lot of fun doing test rides these past few months.
Street triple for sure!
It's a bike I've wanted since its release in 2007. The test ride only strengthened that. Currently saving up, but taking test rides of anything I can in the meantime just to make sure.
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More like the bottom one but even better still. Defintely had the rear fender but sleeker and more flowing. Kind of like that but taken to the next level looking more refined and upscale. Lines flowed just a bit more and all the paint, chrome, wheels and engine were just gorgeous. I have a feeling it also had some devil in the details that rounded out the whole effect like a Moth amp does if you catch my drift. I don't recall how big or wide the tires were but definitely not as thick as the first pic, likely closer to the second once again.
The only one that stirs me from Harley is the Sportster SuperLow. Harley can customize anything so standard colors mean nothing.
(http://www.harley-davidson.com/en_US/Media/images/2013-Motorcycles/sportster/superlow/gallery/large/13-hd-superlow-2.jpg)
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Though I'd be more interested (read interested at all) in that Harley if it had more cornering clearance and didn't weigh so dang much. I prefer something much more maneuverable. :wheel:
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I must have this thread all to myself. Anyway, I'm digging the new KTM 350 EXC-F. Have a look: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OavZcU-yp0 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OavZcU-yp0)
They have a lowering kit which I'd probably need. I'm also a very lightweight rider, so I'd be fine with the weight restrictions of that kit.
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Big KTM fan here. Had a 525 EXC for desert and rally riding and a 250 XC-W for day rides, messing on the moto track, etc... Love the orange and black!
I dig the fact that they sell the bike with good parts on it. You really don't need to do much to race these bikes.
That 350 EXC-F looks nice!
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Oh gawd. I don't need to know or see this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_rFXubdWFs
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(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KWa-HrmHPLM/VC4yCE8b9GI/AAAAAAABSKI/bOMutw37lw4/s1600/2015-ducati-scrambler-01.jpg)
I want one of these
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Oh gawd. I don't need to know or see this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_rFXubdWFs
Have you seen the Kawasaki H2 and H2R?
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The kawi H2 and H2R is ridiculous..but makes me wonder, one off on the track and all that lovely machinery disintegrating into a pile of crap.
The new Honda superbike is looking promising indeed too. I'd love ot get one of those over the yamaha R1M (as much of a yammy roadbike fan i am..stil ride my Honda CRF250R)
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Have you seen the Kawasaki H2 and H2R?
H2R is a great looking and sounding bike but I'm more of a corner carver than a power guy. Plus even a belt driven compressor will have a little lag and hurt response around town with the lower compression ratio. Pretty, but too heavy and not nearly as sophisticated as the Yamaha chassis and active Ohlins suspension.
"The electronics is where the MotoGP inspiration comes in. It’s got the lot, starting with a six-axis “Inertial Measurement Unit” (IMU) that uses gyros and accelerometers to measure pitch, roll, yaw, and acceleration from front to back, left to right and up to down. This unit communicates with the Yamaha Ride Control ECU to provide data for a brim-full goodie bag of rider assist, safety and go-fast features including:
Adjustable and user-programmable power delivery modes
Lean angle sensitive traction control
4-stage slide control to manage powerslides
4-stage lift control to dial in your maximum wheelie settings
Full-throttle launch control (one of the most terrifying experiences you can have on two wheels)
Quickshifter for upshifts only
Slipper clutch to keep the rear from losing traction on high-rpm downshifts
Linked ABS braking designed to help keep the rear down under hard braking
It also features fully electronic, active Ohlins suspension that takes data from the IMU on speed, attitude, lean angle, acceleration and brake pressure in order to constantly update rebound and compression damping for the ideal ride, be it on the street or track. More advanced users can switch to manual mode and adjust everything in fine detail without getting the screwdrivers out at all.
The other key selling point for the R1M is an advanced datalogging GPS system that communicates via WiFi with an iOS or Android app to give riders a huge range of data about the track season they’ve just completed, including the ability to make settings changes to re-upload back to the R1M. "
Both would be nice to have both though! Just need to sell your dCS gear.
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Forgot George Clooney was in this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyFEcgMYT24
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I must have this thread all to myself. Anyway, I'm digging the new KTM 350 EXC-F.
Hi funkmeister,
I can confirm that if you are lightweight, the KTM 350 EXC-F is great bike. Its not too heavy, for enduro use its maybe the most wanted bike in here. The parts are top quality, just like shipsupt said, excel rims, hydraulic clutch etc.. I am about 77-80kg and i have the KTM 530 EXC. My friend has the 350 SX. The 530EXC torque/power curve is easier to handle than 450. So i would suggest either 350EXC or 530EXC.
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Hi funkmeister,
I can confirm that if you are lightweight, the KTM 350 EXC-F is great bike. Its not too heavy, for enduro use its maybe the most wanted bike in here. The parts are top quality, just like shipsupt said, excel rims, hydraulic clutch etc.. I am about 77-80kg and i have the KTM 530 EXC. My friend has the 350 SX. The 530EXC torque/power curve is easier to handle than 450. So i would suggest either 350EXC or 530EXC.
Also look into the new Beta 300RR if you like strokers..a buddy just got one and its friggin sweet! tons of low grunt and winds up way faster and harder than i can handle it.
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Oh gawd. I don't need to know or see this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_rFXubdWFs
Put that motor and some of the electronics (like the slide control) in a naked model next year Yamaha. My Speed Triple's starting to feel a bit worn after 4.5 years (a miracle for anything made in England, I tell you) and I'd love a streetfighter version of the R1. Anyone who's seen the stripped bike will agree with me. That frame is simply gorgeous!!