Kawasaki Sportsbike Riders Club - Australia - Online Forum

Ok, I'm a while away from getting dirty, but keeping my eye open just in case a bargain happens my way.

Question is, what to look for? I rode MX for years before I went road, so don't want anything I will grow out of too quickly. I've ridden every MX 2T from 80cc to 500cc and enjoy a good dose of power.

However, I'm looking at trail riding so want something I can rec register. Not keen on the big 4t MX horror stories, but are the same reliability issues on things like the xr600?

Is lower grunt but lower weight going to be easier to flick through the scrub.

I guess I'd look at 250-300cc 2t or 400-600 4t??

So what's good, what's to avoid & would it be worth finding a full on 2t MX KX250 or similar that has been converted for rego?

DRZ400E very reliable, then get a set of Motard rims and you have a very versatile bike

Anything 250 to 300 2t will blow your socks off . 400 -600 4t will depend on the state of tune . As Paul suggests , DRZ 400 is a great all rounder , softer power . Bit heavy and tall .
But , if you are an ex MX hero from days gone by , the DRZ may lack a bit of excitement for you .

Better hire a WR 450 from Garners Mike and come out for a ride . That will give you a good indication on where YOU want to be with a more modern dirt bike . Also you could swap bikes with others to see whats what .
You may find a WR250 4T could be your cup o tea .

have been keeping an eye out for a bargain, and you can generally get a reasonable nick KTM exc400/450 around 02-03 for $3000 and are a nice bike to ride.

What about for heavy set types? I've ridden a KLX400 as well as YZ450 and they both felt underpowered, but they were also in motard trim. I am thinking I may need to go something like Wattie's KTM to be able to move my big arse around. I also HAVE to have a motard set up when I get my dirty so that is a factor to consider as well.

Nelso wrote:What about for heavy set types? I've ridden a KLX400 as well as YZ450 and they both felt underpowered, but they were also in motard trim. I am thinking I may need to go something like Wattie's KTM to be able to move my big arse around. I also HAVE to have a motard set up when I get my dirty so that is a factor to consider as well.

You are going to need a big banger to get any thrills in Motard trim . YZ450 will feel Plenty powerfull in the bush . 80kph on a Motard will be pussying whereas 80kph down some greasy single track will be bordering on suicide

Depends if your going new or 2nd hand?

Knowing your an ex MXer and crave a bit of poke I can recommend any 300 2t for lightness and fun or a +500cc 4t for the grunt and versatility, the only 450's I would look at these days would be the new model KTM450exc or Berg.450.

Euro bikes seem to be the pick atm for trail/enduros. KTM, Husaberg, Husqvarna, GasGas, TM and all make 300-2t's as well as the big bangers.

Older skool I would be aiming at the KTM 500's, 2008 onwards FI huskyTE510, any 300 2T enduro, husaberg 450-650. The older it gets and the more Jap it is the more it will cost you sooner.

Whatever you do dont buy a grenading CRF Honda

Gave a few sportsbikes a fright on the drz400e w motard trim last friday but on the road its def underpowered but lotsa fun!

Will be looking 2nd hand, and may consider motard duties at a later stage. Initially will be for shits n giggles similar to the recent weekend ride.

so when are we changing the name of this place to KDRC ???

Mike - get a 250 or 300 2T. These are light, fast, can be regoed - and should suit your ex-MX background.

Nelso - try and blag a ride on something like a CR500 mate - that won't feel underpowered !!

Ah so your enjoying the drz firey?
Good to hear buddy

timmyrocks wrote:Ah so your enjoying the drz firey?
Good to hear buddy

Its had a few hundred kays of motard! But am itching for a dirty day to be confirmed this saturday or the following weekend hint hint nudge nudge

Gosling1 wrote:so when are we changing the name of this place to KDRC ???

Mike - get a 250 or 300 2T. These are light, fast, can be regoed - and should suit your ex-MX background.

Nelso - try and blag a ride on something like a CR500 mate - that won't feel underpowered !!

+10000
cr500's go like raped apes; the will scare 9 colours of shit out of you when it comes on pipe (on the road it's just plain scary, on dirt, well its better )

Gosling1 wrote:Nelso - try and blag a ride on something like a CR500 mate - that won't feel underpowered !!

I'd love to, but it needs to be registrable.

WooHoo Mikes got the bug too..
Shits and giggles is what its about..

All i'll contribute is: MAKE SURE IT'S GOT ELECTRIC START !

fireyrob wrote:

timmyrocks wrote:Ah so your enjoying the drz firey?
Good to hear buddy

Its had a few hundred kays of motard! But am itching for a dirty day to be confirmed this saturday or the following weekend hint hint nudge nudge

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