Best bike for a newb interested in enduros and hare scrambles

[Tbone]

Go a local race and see what people are racing and pay attention to what guys in your class are doing well on. Talk to some of them..ask questions. I know I love talking motorcycles, even more so to someone looking to get someone involved in a sport I love.

[5th-Elefant]

Originally Posted by novaboy

So, what I may do is pick up a used XR or KLX, get used to riding, try a race, and then if I'm hooked, sell it again in the spring along with my Ninja 400R and get a new bike, 200XCW or TXC250/310, etc. If I don't like racing, then I have a cheap trail bike to horse around on.

That's like doing your first ultra-marathon in an old pair of work boots and overalls. If you enjoy it buy some running shoes and shorts...

Get a KTM200EXC.

[kenny61]

200 EXC

[zenjen]

Originally Posted by 5th-Elefant

That's like doing your first ultra-marathon in an old pair of work boots and overalls. If you enjoy it buy some running shoes and shorts...

[novaboy]

Originally Posted by 5th-Elefant

That's like doing your first ultra-marathon in an old pair of work boots and overalls. If you enjoy it buy some running shoes and shorts...

Get a KTM200EXC.

That's funny, how did you know that was I was training in. LOL

[novaboy]

What's everyone's thoughts on a Husky WR125?

[Brodovitch]

finicky, the power is either on or off, and you need to be a racing god that never lets go of the throttle
to make them go fast...

what the others said, go with the KTM 200, just my 2c

[Future ten]

The 300 is an icon of a bike in the senior classes. A do it all do it anywhere bike. very capable on an MX track too. great bike.

My last steel framed CR 250 (96) with a fly wheel weight and light kit was a weapon in the woods. any CR for that matter when set up.

[Tbone]

I'm racing a 2009 250xc right now (44 yo B rider) in 2hr hare scrambles. I strted on a RM125 (underpowered for my 240lbs) then a KTM 300 (great bike, it was just 10 years old and technology had gotten better) Any 200-250-300CC 2 stroke would be the way to go.The more modern the better. I'm really liking my 250 having raced it this whole year as it's a good split between power and weight.

[yeroc40]

Sounds like similar advice I was given when I had the same question.

Unfortunately, not being able to sell my current ride, I will be trying my first HS on a CRF450R.

[Tbone]

Originally Posted by yeroc40

Unfortunately, not being able to sell my current ride, I will be trying my first HS on a CRF450R.

They say God loves children and fools..

[barnyard]

Originally Posted by yeroc40

Unfortunately, not being able to sell my current ride, I will be trying my first HS on a CRF450R.

I friend of mine did his 1st 2 years of HS on a CRF450. He HATED it until he had the suspension revalved for HS. Once he had the revalve, he said that it was waaaaaay easier to ride. He was also less exhausted by the end of a race.

So, if you can afford it, it could make for a more positive experience and it will certainly make it more enjoyable.

[novaboy]

So what you're all saying is a 200XC. LOL

[barnyard]

Originally Posted by novaboy

So what you're all saying is a 200XC. LOL

or xcw.

My daughter has a 200xcw, it is a TON of fun to ride.

[Motorhead1812]

At 42, I decided to get back into off road riding after a 25 year break. I wanted to do some enduros, hare scrambles and dual sport rides but did not want to break the bank $. Some observations: in the woods, weight is your enemy no matter how it is distributed. An XR will feel much heavier than most bikes and is underpowered to boot. A 450 or larger motor is a handful no matter how you try to tame it down. If you were racing MX or desert it is the go-to model, in tight woods and rocks it is a liability.

A racing 4 stroke makes twice as much power as an XR but will require a higher maintenance level. Unless you know the history of a racing 4 stroke motor be prepared for a rebuild in the future. They can be expensive - like $2000 expensive when things go wrong. 250Fs get worked pretty hard to make power, eventually they need some attention.

I went with a 2005 KTM 250 EXC/XC-W (2 stroke) for my first 2 years of racing. It had been raced by the two previous owners and had all of the enduro gear installed including an ICO enduro computer. 2 full years of racing and no isssues with the bike. It is plated and I have done 10 dual sport rides with it. Deadly reliable and it will go anywhere and through anything. Last year I ponied up for a new KTM 300xc. After 16 enduros, 11 hare scrambles and 4 dual sport rides I gave it a fresh piston and rings, new brakes and tires and I am ready to go at a full season again including 2 nationals already. I ride tighter east coast singletrack in a mix of sandy terrain and hardcore rock racing.

I bought my 250 for less than half of your budget and did well with it. In the northeast US $4,500 should get you a 2009 or 2010 250 XCW or maybe a 300. The 2008 and newer KTMs use an updated chassis and some of them are electric start. I didn't think I would like E start but my 300s works flawlessly and button starting the bike in a mudhole or on the side of a hill makes life easier. 2009 and newer KTMs have better forks than older models. 2009, 2010 and 2011 XCWs are essentially unchanged so the bike condition should be the determining factor.

The senior (40+) class is open to all bikes so resist the temptation to go big. Most Vet and SR racers are on 250s 300s and 400s because of the weight/power relationship. A 125 is too tiring to keep on the pipe all day, but that is the only way it will be competitive.

Look for something that has been maintained and maybe has some extras - I use a steering damper and a Rekluse auto clutch both will make you smoother and faster with less fatigue.