New Bike

[northernboy]

I currently have three bikes, an R1200GS, a Husqvarna WR250, and a Honds PS125i. I am going to get rid of the Husqvarna (which is a real wrench, as it is in perfect condition, and not worth much money, but the wife will not allow 4 bikes), and get another similar bike (but one that is actualy useable, and not a completely OTT motocross nutter nachine).

I will want to run it both as a supermoto and as a dirt bike, which means it needs to be a properly competent machine for real off-road riding (for example, not a bike like my BMW), but also able to chug across London, and out on the road to tracks while on knobblies.

Any particular thoughts?

The first things that spring to mind are

KTM 450 or 525
Honda CRF 450
Yamaha WR450
Or another Husqvarna, but newer and a 4 stroke.

So, in the words of the Bloodhound Gang, I'd apereciate your input...

[biker's nemesis]

I had a KTM 640LC4 a couple of years ago but alas sold it and my 99 R1, to get an 04 R1.(which I snapped in half)

I tried it off road but found it to be too heavy, fine for greenlaning but anything more serious and you were sunk.

My Brother-in-law had a Suzuki DRZ 400 which IMO was a really good all rounder. He managed to get a second hand set of wheels, complete with discs and spacer for the caliper, finished off with a pair of Bridgestone BT 020 tyres,£700, all in IIRC.

I would ring him to ask, but I suspect he is finishing off a second bottle of red, which I imagine would lead to some silly answers.

John.

[northernboy]

I finished the wine, and the beers, and I am now on the vodka red bull...

Anyhoo...

That is a beautiful bike, but, for what I want, I think the LC4 is just a bit too far towards the road side of the equation.

maybe one of the KTM Enduro bikes is the way to go.

if I had the first idea how to post pictures, I'd be showing everyone a picture now of me on an EXC 400 in Morocco...

[northernboy]

And another thing...

I rode a DRZ down in Baja last year, and, despite it being supposed to be a plodder, it really was a great bike to cover the miles across the roof of the peninsula.

I played on a YZ250R, which was great for half an hour in the dunes, but I could not trust for the actual trip.

So many bikes, so little idea.

[anonymous-user]

Can't you give the Husky to your wife? That way you wouldn't have 4 bikes as she'd have one.....

Best thing I ever did was get my wife to pass her bike test. Now, she finds babysitters so that we can go out for rides - I don't need to come up with reasons any more....

[northernboy]

As happy as I am to be a part of a partnership...

The bikes are for me. She is about to get a shiny Z4, or Boxster, that she can ride around in, but I like to ride on my own. I like to feel like I am about to die, she likes to pootle, so it would, sadly, not work.

And I woudl not wish the husky on anyone. It is evil.

[biker's nemesis]

northernboy said:

I currently have three bikes, an R1200GS, a Husqvarna WR250, and a Honds PS125i. I am going to get rid of the Husqvarna (which is a real wrench, as it is in perfect condition, and not worth much money, but the wife will not allow 4 bikes), and get another similar bike (but one that is actualy useable, and not a completely OTT motocross nutter nachine).

I will want to run it both as a supermoto and as a dirt bike, which means it needs to be a properly competent machine for real off-road riding (for example, not a bike like my BMW), but also able to chug across London, and out on the road to tracks while on knobblies.

Any particular thoughts?

The first things that spring to mind are

KTM 450 or 525
Honda CRF 450
Yamaha WR450
Or another Husqvarna, but newer and a 4 stroke.

So, in the words of the Bloodhound Gang, I'd apereciate your input...

I've heard and seen some horror stories about some of the newer,smaller four strokes. If you are after something that takes not much looking after,but is still capable of all round fun, I'll say it again DRZ 400.





Oh, and learn to post pictures, I would be interested to see some of your photos.

[stig]

biker's nemesis said:

northernboy said:

I currently have three bikes, an R1200GS, a Husqvarna WR250, and a Honds PS125i. I am going to get rid of the Husqvarna (which is a real wrench, as it is in perfect condition, and not worth much money, but the wife will not allow 4 bikes), and get another similar bike (but one that is actualy useable, and not a completely OTT motocross nutter nachine).

I will want to run it both as a supermoto and as a dirt bike, which means it needs to be a properly competent machine for real off-road riding (for example, not a bike like my BMW), but also able to chug across London, and out on the road to tracks while on knobblies.

Any particular thoughts?

The first things that spring to mind are

KTM 450 or 525
Honda CRF 450
Yamaha WR450
Or another Husqvarna, but newer and a 4 stroke.

So, in the words of the Bloodhound Gang, I'd apereciate your input...

I've heard and seen some horror stories about some of the newer,smaller four strokes. If you are after something that takes not much looking after,but is still capable of all round fun, I'll say it again DRZ 400.

Oh, and learn to post pictures, I would be interested to see some of your photos.

+1 on the DRZ. Here's mine

[northernboy]

That looks quite nice. Is it any good on a motocross course, though?

Even if not, I suppose I ought to have a look at one.

My last dirt bike was a Yamaha DT175, which was great. I guess the DR-Z might be similar.

[anonymous-user]

Husaberg FS650e



112kg, 65BHP, wp suspension, beringer radial brakes & elec start too. mines an 05 model and has been completely reliable.. pre 04 are not noted for their reliability though!

Edited by JS99 on Monday 30th April 22:23

Edited by JS99 on Monday 30th April 22:25

[northernboy]

Well, nice though that is, it is less powerful than my bike, heavier, and takes more maintenance.

So, if anything, it is in the wrong direction from where I want to go.

I think that the DR-Z looks more like what I am after.

[ferrisbueller]

northernboy said:

Honda CRF 450

I know of someone who has one of these for sale if you're interested. It's mint, never been used and sits in his garage, just because it's pretty.

FWIW, I'm not a biker but my of my friends who are, the most knowledgable and enthusiastic one just traded a WR400 for a KTM 250 which he roads, tracks, off-roads and enduros and he loves it to bits.

[anonymous-user]

northernboy said:

Well, nice though that is, it is less powerful than my bike, heavier, and takes more maintenance.

So, if anything, it is in the wrong direction from where I want to go.

I think that the DR-Z looks more like what I am after.

Less powerful? what than a WR250... i think not!

If you're looking for more power & less weight you'll not find it with a DRZ!

I'm pretty sure the berg 650 is the lightest, most powerful STANDARD street legal enduro/supermoto single cylinder 4-stroke you can buy.

[northernboy]

JS99 said:

northernboy said:

Well, nice though that is, it is less powerful than my bike, heavier, and takes more maintenance.

So, if anything, it is in the wrong direction from where I want to go.

I think that the DR-Z looks more like what I am after.

Less powerful? what than a WR250... i think not!

If you're looking for more power & less weight you'll not find it with a DRZ!

I'm pretty sure the berg 650 is the lightest, most powerful STANDARD street legal enduro/supermoto single cylinder 4-stroke you can buy.

Look, I really do not know what point you are trying to make here. I clearly asked for help picking a bike that was less extreme than mine, and a bike like the DR-Z fits the bill perfectly.

Your suggestion is just ridiculous, and not at all what I asked for. It is great that you love your bike, but it is unarguable that it is heavier than mine, and yes, it probably is less powerful, too. What is so shocking about this?

And it is a bit silly that you feel the need to point out that the DR-Z is heavier and less powerful. Of course it bloody well is. It will complement the other bikes in the collection quite nicely, though.

Edited by northernboy on Friday 4th May 00:17

[anonymous-user]

northernboy said:

JS99 said:

northernboy said:

Well, nice though that is, it is less powerful than my bike, heavier, and takes more maintenance.

So, if anything, it is in the wrong direction from where I want to go.

I think that the DR-Z looks more like what I am after.

Less powerful? what than a WR250... i think not!

If you're looking for more power & less weight you'll not find it with a DRZ!

I'm pretty sure the berg 650 is the lightest, most powerful STANDARD street legal enduro/supermoto single cylinder 4-stroke you can buy.

Look, I really do not know what point you are trying to make here. I clearly asked for help picking a bike that was less extreme than mine, and a bike like the DR-Z fits the bill perfectly.

Your suggestion is just ridiculous, and not at all what I asked for. It is great that you love your bike, but it is unarguable that it is heavier than mine, and yes, it probably is less powerful, too. What is so shocking about this?

And it is a bit silly that you feel the need to point out that the DR-Z is heavier and less powerful. Of course it bloody well is. It will complement the other bikes in the collection quite nicely, though.

Edited by northernboy on Friday 4th May 00:17

[Quote Northernboy]:Any particular thoughts?

The first things that spring to mind are

KTM 450 or 525
Honda CRF 450
Yamaha WR450....
[Quote Northernboy]


Based on them bikes, I thought you'd be intresested in a Berg as the bikes you quoted are more extreme than your current bike... only trying to be helpful.

You replied telling me that your bike is lighter & more powerful... i corrected you on the power claim i never said your bike wasn't lighter!

You said that mine being heavier & 'less' powerful than your bike,if anything it'd be the wrong direction you'd want to take.... so i pointed out that the DRZ wouldn't be the right one

Are you on meds?

[northernboy]

Jesus yes. Of all sorts. It is a condition of the job. At a minimum, we need to do crack a couple of times a week.

Sorry for the attitude on the reply, though but.

Husabergs are great, but I am really looking for a much gentler engine. I hope a CRF 450 will fit the bill, but maybe a DR-Z is more sensible.

I did a huge ride down Baja last year, and it was on an old-fashioned honda trail bike. That is the sort of thing that I think that I want. Go out in the morning, press the button, and ride. A husaberg needs effort to use, which is not what I am looking for.

[anonymous-user]

northernboy said:

.

Sorry for the attitude on the reply, though but.

No worries

[grayxr]

Hi,
Have you tried a xr 650,I have 2 in past 4 years,used it on and off road,hill climbing in supermoto trim,green laning and track days .
Excellent build quality awsome power pulls 110mph in supermoto trim,not many 600 sportbikes will stay with it on a track day.
3 sets of wheels gives you plenty of choice ,off road,road, and slicks for track.
Down side it is only kick start,but due to the automatic de-compressor I am able to start the bike in trainers.
Would post pics ,but do not know how.

[northernboy]

I have not tried one, no. It was an XR400 that I did Baja on, and I was quite impressed by it. Is the bigger one any heavier?