Minimalist Touring Thread (250cc and under)

[Klay]

I think I'd get the expedition model. What a cool bike!

[sandalscout]

Originally Posted by dfye55

I'd buy if it were available today at $3995, wonder what i'll think if it takes a year or longer to be available. The reservation is good for any of the future models, dirt, dual sport, adventure, etc.

I first visited FXBikes.com at least 8 months ago, might have been a year ago. They've had that $2000 discount and reservation program on their site since then, at least. They are very cool looking bikes, and I see the appeal and potential, but they are on the "5th generation" of development right now and haven't sold any bikes yet..... I'm not holding my breath, but it would be cool to see them released.

[frog13]

Originally Posted by Spud Rider

If you act today, you can save $2,000! I quote from the following website.

http://www.fxbikes.com/sales/

"Team FX discount price is US$3995 ex factory if you make a reservation now! All you’ll need to do is provide us with plenty of feedback, suggestions, photos…and video if you can."

Spud

Eeeeeeek!...I'll stick with my TW thank you!.

[Stani]

Well I´m not all that up with these minimal bikes since I do a quite few enduro trails a year.
I just can´t figure out what the fx is good for. But if people are having fun with em that´s good for me.

I had some time on my hand in 2012 and bo a pile of bought a pile of rust for 400 Euros, spent some 600 Euros in parts as well as somwhere around 200 hours in tim and out cam my perfect minimal fun bike:


Gilrea RX 200/ 1984
200 cc, 2-stroke
somewhere around 20 horsepower
enough suspension
weight, 140 kg

I know it´s old school, front brake is terrible makes a lot of noise and doesn´t have a whole lot of power, but in the dirt it´s still a lot of fun and even though it´s old the bike is allways reliable. For the longer trails I still have my BMW.

I wish everyone in the forum a happy new year and fun as well as safe riding in 2013.

[MikeFX]

Originally Posted by bross

Mountain bike parts.

Mike here from FX Bikes. Hope you don't mind me clarifying a few points :)
Actually there are almost zero mountain bike parts on these bikes.
The forks are oversized downhill (DH) mountain bike forks with enduro springs, discontinued because too heavy for bicycles...just right for us.
The handlebars are from DH mountain bikes...that's about it now.
We tried DH wheels and brakes (6-pot titanium by Hope no less) but have shifted to moto/enduro tires, rims, spokes, hubs front and rear.
See more specs at www.fxbikes.com/bikes

[MikeFX]

Originally Posted by sandalscout

Yep. I have a feeling that the engine is super light also, at least compared to most 250s and 650s. It's only got a 4 speed in it, SOHC, etc.

Yes, FX engines are 40-50lb. A TW200 engine is around 80-90lb.

A key difference is tire size and weight. A TW tire is maybe 30lb or more...this is spinning and unsprung weight, by far the worst kind to have on a motorcycle.

Requires bigger tubes, rims, spokes, hubs, sprocket, chain, suspension, engine...its a "vicious cycle" if you'll excuse the pun.

FX tires are 19" x 3", about 10lb each. The virtuous cycle brings total weight of the bike down to 125lb, so traction from such a small tire is excellent, unless you really want to ride in soft sand.

[MikeFX]

Originally Posted by Marx

The FX bikes sounds great, but couldn't someone like Honda leapfrog them straight outa the water with throwing road gear onto a CR150r http://www.honda-motorcycles.org/images/2009CRF150R.jpg or CR150F http://www.honda-motorcycles.org/images/2009CRF150R.jpg ?

CRF150R big wheel is designed for 12 year old motocross racers, so the wheelbase and overall geometry is cramped for adult riding.

Awesome powerful engine, but it is for racing and does have similar rebuild requirements to the other new-generation 4-strokes like the CRF250 and 450.

FX has similar geometry to CRF230/250, with lower seat, so it is a fully adult-sized trail/dual/adventure bike.

[blaisew]

I like it! Looking forward to seeing one in the flesh.

[GlennR]

MikeFX,
I'm sure some folks prefer low-tech low-maintenance engines, and I'm sure the lightweight FX design can only handle a limited amount of power, I'd be interested in more power & more gears. Maybe a 2-stroke, 6 speed? A lot of riders would be happy to rebuild a simple 2-stroke, every year or two, for twice the Hp.

btw, How much weight difference between a 19" and an 18" rear wheel & tire?

[jon_l]

Originally Posted by dfye55

Any advice on riding the UTBDT http://www.backcountrydiscoveryroutes.com/UTBDR or COBDT http://www.backcountrydiscoveryroutes.com/COBDR on a 250cc dual sport?

What gear to take, what to leave at home? How to prep the bike?

Thx

Some good info here: http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=820992

[Hawk62cj5]

The FX would be nice to hang off the back of a camper or RV

[bhd1223]

I'd like to get a test ride on one of those FX bikes. Very similar to an idea I've had for a long time. Seems sort of like a hybrid trials/trails bike.

[dfye55]

Originally Posted by GlennR

MikeFX,
I'm sure some folks prefer low-tech low-maintenance engines, and I'm sure the lightweight FX design can only handle a limited amount of power, I'd be interested in more power & more gears. Maybe a 2-stroke, 6 speed? A lot of riders would be happy to rebuild a simple 2-stroke, every year or two, for twice the Hp.
?

I had a 99 Saturn that fit my needs perfectly, when it came time to replace it, Saturn no longer had a basic efficient car, I had to switch companies. In my perspective, Saturn had let customer input encourage them to move to more horsepower, bigger cars like all the other companies. Saturn is gone now, I believe largely because they left the basic car concept they built the business on.

I encourage FX Bikes to stick with the concept and not try to be everything for everybody. my 2 cents.

[GlennR]

Originally Posted by dfye55

I had a 99 Saturn that fit my needs perfectly, when it came time to replace it, Saturn no longer had a basic efficient car, I had to switch companies. In my perspective, Saturn had let customer input encourage them to move to more horsepower, bigger cars like all the other companies. Saturn is gone now, I believe largely because they left the basic car concept they built the business on.

I encourage FX Bikes to stick with the concept and not try to be everything for everybody. my 2 cents.

I understand what you're saying, but if the bike can accomodate a variety of engines then it will appeal to a larger market.

Offering consumers a lot of engine size options has worked well for KTM.

I agree their ultra-light motorcycle concept is a great thing. But, do they think agressive riders will remain satisfied with a "beginner engine"? Or will their concept be wisked away by the established motorcycle companies who will boost the Hp a bit more?

Everyone wants a lighter off-road bike, but nobody wants to ride a moped.

[sandalscout]

Originally Posted by GlennR

nobody wants to ride a moped.

Have you ever ridden one??? They are cool in their own way!