Advice needed

[Paul Danik]

Hi guys,

   My son-in-law Jason is looking to get a modern, but not new, trail/enduro bike, maybe 2000 - 2005 for occasional family trail rides.  Chad and I ride the small bore 125 and 200 EXC KTMs and maybe that is what Jason will end up with.  My question is what other makes and models should we be considering?  I do feel we want to stick with a 2 stroke.

Thanks
Paul

[Larry Perkins]

Paul,

Though not near the bike the KTM is, the Kawasaki KDX 200 or 220 is an economical decent woods ride.  Lots of lowend and a lot of them around.  If he can spend the extra money the KTM 200 is hard to beat.  We love the new 150 XC that we have been riding but it is a brand new model.

Larry P

[brian kirby]

I like my '99 YZ125. The '96-'04 YZ125 is by far the best of the 125 MX bikes and it makes a fantastic woods/play bike too. They are reliable, parts are cheap and they can be bought for very low prices since all the serious MX guys want four strokes. The '05-'10 aluminum frame bike is even better but they are harder to find a good deal.

There really are no bad bikes from any brand from the early '90s up, but the YZ125 won MXAs bike of the year and every magazine 125 shootout for about 10 years in a row.

If I could not find a YZ125 I agree with Larry on the KDX200/220 and KTM200. If I had my choice of new bikes it would be one of those KTM150s like Larry has.

Brian

'72 Berkshire

[joe novak]

Paul,  I would like to say that I really enjoy my 2002 Honda CRF 200.  I bought it new in 2004, and it was my first new 4 stroke motorcycle.  I chose the CRF 200 over the new model, the CRF 230 which has ONLY electric start.  I am sort of old school, and need that old kick starter on the side.   If I were to choose a moderm 2 stroke motorcycle, it would likely be the KTM 150 or KTM 200.   Joe

[400gs6]

As mentioned, the KDX is a great play bike with decent power that you wont get bored with it too quickly.  They can be had cheap.  I just picked up a super clean '03, original 50 year old owner, bought it to ride with his kids and lost interest. I paid 1200.  

Kurt

[Larry Perkins]

Brian,

We will sell you one of these 150's when the season is over.  Would even entertain certain vintage trades.

Larry P

[Kip Kern]

Paul,  I have had a "08" Husqvarna TE 250 4 Stroke for 2 years now and love it.  Fuel injection promises no carb issues, fantastic components all around, kick and electric start.  The only thing I had done to it was lower it 2" overall as I have a 28" inseam and couldn't touch the ground.  Overall, the bike starts and runs effortless, can be a cow trailer or full blown racer and is 50 state legal!  Doesn't get any better than that!  Good luck on the choice as there are many great choices now and most dealers have a ton of "09's" left on the floor so there are some great deals out there;)

[acemoto]

Paul I have Honda CRF450X its a 2006 the bike has a Rekluse clutch and its a great bike.
If I had to do it over again I would like a 250cc because the 450 is a lot of motor and you can get in trouble with it.

The Honda is bullet proof as long as you change the fluids motor and trans every other time you use it , Never a problem.
Larry

[Gordon Brennan]

quote:Originally posted by acemoto



The Honda is bullet proof as long as you change the fluids motor and trans every other time you use it , Never a problem.
Larry

WOW, That's a lot of oil changes.

[Paul Danik]

Thanks for the advice.  

Personally I prefer the KTM 200, but I don't want our search to overlook another really great machine just because I am "slightly" biased

Paul

[David Laite]

Paul we're all biased one way or the other. I took out my Yamaha XT200 the other day and did some street/woods riding with her following a little maintenance, great machines. A buddy just picked up a 2004 TTR225 for very short ($500) money, another great bike although with a battery and electric start increases the curb weight slightly.

1973 Penton Six Day
1973 Penton Jackpiner
1982 Yamaha XT200
1982 Yamaha XJ650J Maxim
1984 Husqvarna 400WR
1987 Yamaha YZ490
2005 Honda CRF450R

[t20sl]

KDX220 is great.  I have a 1998 with about 800 - 1200 miles.  Pretty much bullet proof and I will probably get a lot of flack but just as capable in the right hands as a KTM.  Not near as expensive in maintenance as modern 4 strokes.  KDX220 has more torque than a 200 but both are very good and worth considering.  CRF230 is a play bike and would probably be "outgrown" soon.

[tomale]

Not much of a 4 stoke guy, I have heard that the modern thumpers need to have topend rebuilds pretty often, like 25-30 hours  any truth to that? My son's first big bike was a Honda XR 200, have to say that it sure was a nice bike it really held up good. when I bought it It needed a topend and it was a bit pricey.. about 800 bucks but that was complete with valves, new timing chain and sprockets.. fresh bore and piston etc.. It was a pleasure to ride in the woods.. but I think I would want just a bit more....

Thom Green,Still crazy after all these years!
76' 250 MC5 (orginal owner)74'
250 hare scrambler (project bike)

[David Laite]

The KDX is a decent bike and again, fairly ecenomical to maintain although their carbs are a little difficult to set up properly. The problem with modern thumpers is valve train wear which on my Honda was an easy fix, titanium and stainless valves. Oil changes are still every 15 hours with HP4 semi-synthetic, once a season on the old four strokes.

1973 Penton Six Day
1973 Penton Jackpiner
1982 Yamaha XT200
1982 Yamaha XJ650J Maxim
1984 Husqvarna 400WR
1987 Yamaha YZ490
2005 Honda CRF450R

[checkcrew]

Paul,

i didn't see it mentioned but don't overlook the GasGas EC200,
a very close 2nd to the KTM and many may say even a better choice,
hope this helps,

regards,

Mike Gallagher, NJ.