Dipping my toe into off-roading
Discussion
Hey all,
I’m 37 and have been road riding on and off for about 10 years. I’m planning to do my first track day soon, but lately I’ve been really interested in trying off-road riding—not just for fun, but also to help build confidence and skills that will transfer over to road and track riding.
There’s a local MX track that looks like a blast and is super affordable, so it seems like a great way to get started without breaking the bank like regular track days can. The big challenge I’m facing is picking the right bike.
I’m on the shorter side at 5'5" and about 60kg, so the tall seat heights on many off-road bikes have always been a bit of a barrier. I don’t want to go all-in on a full MX bike since they tend to be pretty maintenance-intensive. From what I’ve read, an enduro might be a better all-rounder—less maintenance, more versatile, and potentially road legal, which adds more flexibility (although not a must, as I already have three road bikes and a trailer).
One bike that’s really stuck with me is the Husqvarna 701 SM. I almost pulled the trigger on one last year. I know it’s a supermoto, but I’ve heard you can swap in enduro wheels. That said, I’m guessing it wouldn’t be ideal for an MX track due to its weight and suspension setup.
So, I’m looking for advice on what bikes to consider—ideally something 4-stroke, relatively manageable for someone of my height and weight, and versatile enough to hit the MX track now and then while still being fun and not a total maintenance hog.
Also looking to do a MX experience day first before I pull the trigger on a bike/gear to see if it's actually for me!
Cheers in advance for any recommendations or insights!
I’m 37 and have been road riding on and off for about 10 years. I’m planning to do my first track day soon, but lately I’ve been really interested in trying off-road riding—not just for fun, but also to help build confidence and skills that will transfer over to road and track riding.
There’s a local MX track that looks like a blast and is super affordable, so it seems like a great way to get started without breaking the bank like regular track days can. The big challenge I’m facing is picking the right bike.
I’m on the shorter side at 5'5" and about 60kg, so the tall seat heights on many off-road bikes have always been a bit of a barrier. I don’t want to go all-in on a full MX bike since they tend to be pretty maintenance-intensive. From what I’ve read, an enduro might be a better all-rounder—less maintenance, more versatile, and potentially road legal, which adds more flexibility (although not a must, as I already have three road bikes and a trailer).
One bike that’s really stuck with me is the Husqvarna 701 SM. I almost pulled the trigger on one last year. I know it’s a supermoto, but I’ve heard you can swap in enduro wheels. That said, I’m guessing it wouldn’t be ideal for an MX track due to its weight and suspension setup.
So, I’m looking for advice on what bikes to consider—ideally something 4-stroke, relatively manageable for someone of my height and weight, and versatile enough to hit the MX track now and then while still being fun and not a total maintenance hog.
Also looking to do a MX experience day first before I pull the trigger on a bike/gear to see if it's actually for me!
Cheers in advance for any recommendations or insights!
One thing to take into account if you are swapping wheels on a 701, the Supermoto has a bigger front disc and a radial mount caliper so it might be easier to buy an enduro.
A Supermoto with some all terrain adventure tyres might be a good way to get a versatile bike.
For more general off roading you might find something like a Beta Alp or Sherco Long Ride a lot more fun and easy going, and then when you want to go to an MX track, hire an MX bike.
A Supermoto with some all terrain adventure tyres might be a good way to get a versatile bike.
For more general off roading you might find something like a Beta Alp or Sherco Long Ride a lot more fun and easy going, and then when you want to go to an MX track, hire an MX bike.
You could look at 'experience days', have a go doing green lane type of riding and/or trials bikes.
Wrong end of the country for the OP, but I can recommend:
https://www.tricksinthesticks.co.uk/
Someone who can not only ride, but IMHO is talented at teaching what he knows.
It costs, but so does buying the wrong bike.
Biggest problem is often finding somewhere fun to ride without annoying people or breaking the law.
If you have that locally, I'd suggest having a go at whatever works for you there.
Wrong end of the country for the OP, but I can recommend:
https://www.tricksinthesticks.co.uk/
Someone who can not only ride, but IMHO is talented at teaching what he knows.
It costs, but so does buying the wrong bike.
Biggest problem is often finding somewhere fun to ride without annoying people or breaking the law.
If you have that locally, I'd suggest having a go at whatever works for you there.
MitsuJa said:
One thing to take into account if you are swapping wheels on a 701, the Supermoto has a bigger front disc and a radial mount caliper so it might be easier to buy an enduro.
A Supermoto with some all terrain adventure tyres might be a good way to get a versatile bike.
For more general off roading you might find something like a Beta Alp or Sherco Long Ride a lot more fun and easy going, and then when you want to go to an MX track, hire an MX bike.
Yeah I have seen that, it does work - all that's required is the enduro wheels and you just need to lightly grind the back of the SM front caliper to give enough clearance. Then just put the SM spacers and discs onto the enduro wheels and you're good to go. I know getting an enduro would make more sense but I prefer the styling of the SM.A Supermoto with some all terrain adventure tyres might be a good way to get a versatile bike.
For more general off roading you might find something like a Beta Alp or Sherco Long Ride a lot more fun and easy going, and then when you want to go to an MX track, hire an MX bike.
As someone else who has only tried off roading a few times in almost 20 years of riding (I'm 34) I'd say low weight and ability to withstand damage are most important for a newbie.
I've taken both my V Strom 1050XT and my CBF500 offroad (where no CBF should really be going....) and the CBF was VASTLY more manageable despite lack of clearance and 100% road tyres - and I wasn't concerned if I dropped it.
Get an old s
tter you won't worry about dropping. The MT230s also look good if you can deal with the VERY basic tech. It'll ceratinly be easier to manage than the above and you won't care when you drop it.
I've taken both my V Strom 1050XT and my CBF500 offroad (where no CBF should really be going....) and the CBF was VASTLY more manageable despite lack of clearance and 100% road tyres - and I wasn't concerned if I dropped it.
Get an old s
tter you won't worry about dropping. The MT230s also look good if you can deal with the VERY basic tech. It'll ceratinly be easier to manage than the above and you won't care when you drop it. I was in the same boat as you (sort of) ~5 years ago.
My group of TT mates wanted to move from taking MTB's to the TT, to enduro's, so I was sort of rail-roaded into it.
I did a fair bit of research and ended up buying a Reiju 450 Marathon. Yamaha engine, good wheels, suspension, but half the price of a Yamaha / Honda / KTM. Any enduro around £2k with an MOT will hold it's money so no need to worry if you don't enjoy it.
I've done the Isle of Man green lanes, some here in Worcestershire, and a weekend in Radnor Forest.
For me it's the safer alternative to a superbike on the road, and a different type of excitement / adventure.
If I was to start again, I'd try and get a 250 4 stroke or a 125 - 300cc 2 stroke enduro as a 450 can be a bit much sometimes, even if a 450 is a bit better on the tarmac.
Have a go.
Good luck.
My group of TT mates wanted to move from taking MTB's to the TT, to enduro's, so I was sort of rail-roaded into it.
I did a fair bit of research and ended up buying a Reiju 450 Marathon. Yamaha engine, good wheels, suspension, but half the price of a Yamaha / Honda / KTM. Any enduro around £2k with an MOT will hold it's money so no need to worry if you don't enjoy it.
I've done the Isle of Man green lanes, some here in Worcestershire, and a weekend in Radnor Forest.
For me it's the safer alternative to a superbike on the road, and a different type of excitement / adventure.
If I was to start again, I'd try and get a 250 4 stroke or a 125 - 300cc 2 stroke enduro as a 450 can be a bit much sometimes, even if a 450 is a bit better on the tarmac.
Have a go.
Good luck.
I know it's a bit of a trek but Drumclog offroad centre just outside Strathaven is great fun. Monster bit of land to play on. Can go as easy or as hardcore as you like. Can camp or hire some of their glamping pod things. Have been a few times and always good. Also did their quad trek which was a good way to see just how big their site is. Has the motorcross track next door too but they are separate businesses.
I would look for something you could also use on the road and get out and about doing a bit of green laning also. Something like a crf 250, wr250 or ktm 250, 300 or 350. Personally speaking you don t want something heavy or something expensive that you ll be disheartened in dropping/damaging etc. granted something road legal will never be as good as a fully fledged motocross bike on a track, it will offer more scope for different riding. I started out green lane riding before getting onto the roads, it ll bring your road riding on so much more. Getting out and about in the winter/wetter days when no one else is keeps you sharp for the summer 
701 SM is a terrible idea
They are NOT the same as the enduro and even the 701 enduro is a terrible idea as a starting point for MX
I've just sold my 701
VERY tall
50% heavier than an MX bike and far more expensive to buy and repair
An enduro bike isn't a bad idea for many reasons - at least with a V5 you've got half a chance it isn't stolen
I'd also look for an enduro practise track if possible - MX tracks tend to be more crowded, shorter and require you to jump - if you ride over the jumps you're liable to be hit by someone jumping them
They are NOT the same as the enduro and even the 701 enduro is a terrible idea as a starting point for MX
I've just sold my 701
VERY tall
50% heavier than an MX bike and far more expensive to buy and repair
An enduro bike isn't a bad idea for many reasons - at least with a V5 you've got half a chance it isn't stolen
I'd also look for an enduro practise track if possible - MX tracks tend to be more crowded, shorter and require you to jump - if you ride over the jumps you're liable to be hit by someone jumping them
Edited by KTMsm on Friday 25th July 11:25
In my experience of taking an enduro bike (EXC) to MX tracks, they mostly make you remove the side stand and headlights etc. I’d imagine it would be really annoying and time consuming having to remove all the extras a bike intended for road use would be (screen, indicators, centre stand etc.)
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff