Which KTM / Husqvarna for green lane

[PT1984]

Im currently looking for a bike to dip my toes into light off road riding. The Derbyshire Peaks are within 20 miles.

I need to expand my search from CRF300L but I’m confused with the KTM and Husky ranges. Im looking for used and 4 stroke. But have an absolute preference for it not to be competition / enduro spec requiring maintenance on hours.

TIA.

[Steve Bass]

Anything 250 in the 4T flavour will be great for green laning. Don't worry about service schedules on hours, that only applies to fully raced bikes. For bimbling around just cleaning the airfilter every ride and an oil and filter change every 5 to 10 is fine.
Buy on condition but don't be fooled by a shiny new set of plastics hiding the original sin, and accept that the massive offroad capability comes at a significant cost in on road refinery. Be honest about the road to dirt ratio you'll be riding and go from there.
Although you mention a 4T machine, don't overlook the smaller capacity two stroke bikes, like Ktm 150 or Beta 200's. Immense fun, very light and easy to manage, especially if you get brave and up the ante a bit, with bags of go but not overly grunty or revvy like the 300/250 models.
The motors are a doddle to work on and much cheaper than a valve job on a 4T.
I'm currently running a Beta 390RRS which is a fantastic bike but to be honest, I'd look at a Beta 200 2T next as my local riding spot is more tight trails and woodland tracks than real offroad.

Edited by Steve Bass on Friday 12th December 17:29

[Birky_41]

I would echo the 2 stroke bit. The 250f and 350f 4 strokes have lots of tractability but the 2 strokes are great at chugging these days, are light and easy to look after

I have an older WR300 Husky and it's been the best sub £3k fully setup I've ever had

[Kawasicki]

I bought an old 2005 525exc. It was a joy to ride, easy to modulate power delivery with a super pleasant soft response at low rpm, and a stomping mid range. The top end was nuts, but I’d say I used the top end maybe twice a year. I kept the bike 5 years and it was really reliable and the valve clearances were a doddle to check and adjust (it barely needed adjustment anyway).

All my riding mates said it was too much bike, I loved it.

[Gnits]

I had a Husky FE350 (there is a KTM equivalent too) which was awesome but moved to a 500 because the gearing is longer so I can do road miles at 60 mph with less fuss. The throttle control on the 350 was more precise than the 500 but I have to travel to places and carry luggage too so 500 works well for me.

Both bikes weigh just over 100 kg.
I do oil changes on the 500 at 1000 miles or thereabouts and they take about 20 mins from start to finish.
To check valves prob takes about the same amount of time and is so simple even I can do it.

I have also got a Husky 701 but for me that is not as good off road as the turning circle is a bit limited and it is a good 50kg heavier meaning I'd need more skill to handle it in any situ compared to the 500.
I am sure there are other great bikes out there but I really love my little 500.

[quigonjay]

If looking for something similar to the CRF300 how about a Rieju 300 Aventura? Can't see any used ones (not even sure they are out yet) but at £4600 new surely has to be considered? 20 ltr tank for all day riding

https://rieju.com/gb/adventure/121/1990/aventura-r...

[Alex9]

quigonjay said:

If looking for something similar to the CRF300 how about a Rieju 300 Aventura? Can't see any used ones (not even sure they are out yet) but at £4600 new surely has to be considered? 20 ltr tank for all day riding

https://rieju.com/gb/adventure/121/1990/aventura-r...

They're not out yet, but I understand it's imminent, I've put my name down for one as I'm looking for something lighter than the Africa Twin for green lanes. It's done everything I've asked of it so far but my fitness isn't keeping up!