I want to go trail riding... where to start?

[robb86]

Been riding street bikes for awhile, though I haven't owned/ridden a street bike since February of this year. Guess the bike itch is back and I feel like scratching it (I need a darn hobby, lol). I was poking around on YouTube and watched several videos of folks having a blast at Highland Park. Checked their website and noticed they rent bikes and gear, I proceeded to do a couple of searches online to see where/how to start. I got a whole lot of good information about trying different bikes but nothing about how exactly to get started?

I haven't been on a dirt bike in about 10 years, even back then we just put about, no real challenges. My brother (17) has a little 250 Raptor four wheeler, that's the only recent dirt riding I've done. I would thus rank my skills as - uber dirt noob with some street experience.

Do I just show up there, rent a bike and gear?
Would I be better off ordering my own gear? Noticed the are seems to be inexpensive gear available all over the web.
What gear do I need?
Is it okay to go riding alone for a noobie or would it be better to find a buddy to tag along?
Better to go ride on a weekday or weekend for an uber-noob?
Whats the riding season?
How welcome are four-wheelers (quads/atv's, whatever you wanna call them)?
Can a four-wheeler and rental bike ride together (In case I want to bring along my younger brother)?

Thanks in advance, seems like a great mix of folks and great time outdoors.

[Blownhotrodder]

You can rent a bike but if you wreck it and really screw it up then you have to pay to fix it. If your really serious about riding then Id just get a clean cheap bike and some gear and go have a blast. I would suggest riding with someone just incase something happens and you need a hand but you could ride alone if you ride reasonably and not try to be the next JS7. I wear a decent helmet, roost protector, neck brace, motorcross boots, and riding pants, jersey, and gloves. Quads and bikes can ride together unless you go on the single track and the quad would be too wide. You can ride all year, personally myself and most my buddies ride when its cooler rather than be in the heat.

[robb86]

Thanks, great info!

I assume there are easy (noobie) trails to start out with?
Is there is sort of free-range area, where you can just ride about?
How about riding etiquette, are there some rules a noob should be aware of? (I understand each park has their own rules, but general dirt/trial riding etiquette)

[Blownhotrodder]

Dont know where youd be riding but im sure just about everywhere will have an area to just ride around in. Etiquette? Parking area is not a riding area, watch behind for faster riders and let them by, dont stop in the middle of a trail, pick up your trash.

[KTM Rider]

IMO you should not worry about people behind you. Faster riders have an obligation to pass you cleanly. Doesnt mean they all will but they should. At most pay to ride private facilities you shouldnt have a problem with them dont anything other than that:up:

Now if you are aware of someone behind you then sure letting them by is a nice gesture but you should focus on your riding instead of being distracted by worrying about people behind you

[BlueLghtning]

Hey Robb. Highland Park is a great place to ride and they have everything from beginner to advanced trails (1 Diamond to 6 Diamond). and they are all very well marked and one way only so you don't have to worry about on coming traffic. You could just do loops on the two perimeter trails until you get comfy and then venture on to the 2D trails. They also have 3 MXGP tracks with one of them being pretty small and fun and easy to ride. They do welcome ATV's although they aren't allowed on the 3 MXGP tracks near the entrance and aren't allowed on the single track trails, but you wouldn't be hitting those anyways. I haven't been there over most of the summer, so not sure what has changed since last time I was there, but they did have a MXGP track near the top of the outside perimeter that ATV's are welcome on. Its in rough shape, but if your buddy on an ATV really wanted to hit a MX track, he could there.

If you want the park to yourself, go on a weekday, but even during the weekends, its really not that crowded and with over 80 miles of trails, you usually don't run into people except on the main trails. I would suggest having a friend along though just to have someone to keep an eye on you.

As for renting a bike, during the week, you probably have your choice, but on weekends, you should make a reservation as they often are all reserved. They do make you put a deposit down, but unless you really screw the bike up, most everyone gets their deposits back. They are dirt bikes and expect them to be dropped. But if you start breaking plastics or bend something major by throwing it into a tree, yeah you'd probably get charged. Dirt bikes are tough though and take a lot of abuse. (Just ask my wife! :lol:) The bikes are usually less then a year old, so you get to ride the latest bikes. Get something small and forgiving for your first rental. You do not need a monster bike out there.

As for gear, you should at a minimum have dirt bike boots, dirt helmet & goggles and a chest protector. Elbow and knee pads are pretty cheap. They do rent boots there and I would strongly suggest doing that if you don't own any by the time you go. I would suggest though buying your own dirt bike helmet and goggles that fit. Before you drop a lot of money on new gear, check out GOR (GeorgiaOffroad.com) or CL and try to find some used good gear.

[robb86]

Dan, Thank you! Those were the kind of details I have been looking for but I've mostly been finding threads about what kind of bikes to buy, which I still have no idea what would be a good starter bike. I'm still set on renting a bike first to see how I like the overall experience. I'm already on the hunt for some bargain gear, gonna call ahead and reserve a bike, take it slow and get comfortable/learn.

Any suggestions on what bike to rent? I'm 5'11" @ 180lbs, with very basic dirt riding skills.
I was thinking about trying a KTM 200XCW or Yamaha TR230.

[MX Tuner]

The KTM 200 is a much more capable bike than the TTR230. The TTR is an air cooled four stroke that is overweight and under suspended. You'd have much more fun on the KTM. One sure fire way to ruin your day is renting too much bike until you know what you're ready for. Don't hesitate to buy an inexpensive new helmet, goggles and gloves but I'd highly suggest NOT buying new boots and having to break them in on your first rides getting back into it. That could dramatically add another challenge to your first rides.

Be careful buying cheap dirt bikes. If you get something cheap ($1000-1500), you can easily inherit a bike you'll have to spend $500 just to get safe and/or reliable enough to get you back to the truck.

Don't skimp on tires- if there is one thing a novice rider can't compensate for is worn tires. An advanced rider can two wheel drift pushing a dirt bike closer to its limits.

When it comes to street riders taking up dirt bikes- the most common (and bordering on comical) mistake is watching the street bike guy move his body weight from side to side. A dirt bike requires completely opposite body language (weighting the outside peg in a corner helps on a dirt bike) as well as needing you to move forwards and backwards more than you ever did on a street bike. For a dirt bike to turn well, you need to get the majority of your body weight over the front end to get the front end to bite. Keep your upper torso over the bars- they have seat all the way up to the gas cap for a reason- use it!

Tire pressures- a safe pressure to begin with is 13psi front and rear unless you have a reason to vary from that. In mud, you can run 11psi or so to help traction. In rocky terrain, you might want to run 15psi or so to help reduce/prevent pinch flats when (not if) you hit rocks.

Good luck and remember to have fun. Don't try to impress anyone, just have fun.

What size shoe do you wear? I may have some boots.

[BlueLghtning]

Mark is right, skip the TT230. Its way under sprung and overweight. You would be fine with the KTM 200XCW. It is a 2 stroke, but very light and easy to ride and easy to start. They used to rent a KTM 250 XCF which was a 250 4 stroke, but it doesn't look like its in its rental fleet anymore. That was a fun bike. The 200 will treat you fine.

Also his suggestion about not wearing new boots is spot on. Its rough sometimes breaking in new MX boots. I would definitely rent a pair from them or borrow a used pair your first time out.

[robb86]

Thanks Dan & Mark. Wouldn't even have thought of new boots being an issue on a first ride but it makes complete sense now that you mentioned it.

Called and reserved a 200XCW for Sunday. Actually taking my girlfriend along (she'll be rocking the Yamaha Raptor 250). She saw some videos of a couple riding together last night on atv's at highland park (on some wide trials) and asked if she could tag along. Already got gloves for both of us and one helmet. Gonna pick-up another inexpensive helmet and some goggles. Just going to rent some boots when we get there. She psyched and I'm pretty psyched she asked to part-take in my new adventure/itch.

As for bikes, I've been looking at mostly KTM's. Trying to figure out the 2stroke vs. 4stroke thing but it seems like its more of a rider preference. Really diggin' the 2012 KTM XCF-W, but not sure I want to buy a brand new bike and haven't been able to find any used 2011's. Any specific model recommendations?

[MX Tuner]

Yeah, don't fall for the KTM hype. The two strokes and a lot of the single cam four strokes are pretty bulletproof but they can be pricey to maintain. They make some very good bikes but so do the Japs along with some other Euros. There are a lot of people under the misconception KTM's are superior to everything else out there. They have their quirks just like every other bike on the planet. That being said, the KTM 200 or 250 two strokes are a couple I'd seriously consider. I'd shy away from any twin cam KTM's. They can have reliability issues. There are some very good buys on used bikes. But whatever you do, have a used bike checked out by someone who knows dirt bikes.

Also, you have to be extremely careful buying any brand used water cooled four stroke. They have amazing performance but it comes at a price- that price is increased maintenance costs. A Jap two stroke typically cost half as much to rebuild when (not if) it comes time.

A Kawasaki KDX 200 or 220 are extremely reliable bikes. But since they quit making them a few years ago, you can find them that are pretty worn and/or neglected. That translates into increased costs trying to bring a used bike up to reliable status.

[KTM Rider]

Dude....KTMs ARE the best :lol:

[SKnight]

When it comes to street riders taking up dirt bikes- the most common (and bordering on comical) mistake is watching the street bike guy move his body weight from side to side. A dirt bike requires completely opposite body language (weighting the outside peg in a corner helps on a dirt bike) as well as needing you to move forwards and backwards more than you ever did on a street bike. For a dirt bike to turn well, you need to get the majority of your body weight over the front end to get the front end to bite. Keep your upper torso over the bars- they have seat all the way up to the gas cap for a reason- use it!



That's the truth! First dirt outing on my WR450 (I can't seem to do anything small.) I'd get into a rythym and forget what I was sitting on. Dig into a corner leaning into the turn, the front wheel would get goofy in the rut, slam to the lock and down I'd go. Didn't take long to change that habit.

[2old2care]

Yamaha is having a demo day for all of their 2011 dirt bikes this weekend at Durhamtown near Union Point, GA. Maybe you could get two days of dirt in this weekend.

[robb86]

We headed out to Highland Park yesterday morning, little Raptor 250 in tow. Arrived a little early, they open at 9am but we enjoyed the peaceful surroundings and cool weather over breakfast. Checked in, they went over everything. They were super friendly, eager to help and explained everything in detail. Got boots, rental bike (KTM 200XC) and discussed the map and a few trails and off we went. I took a few laps around the parking lot, just to familiarize myself with the KTM. Bike felt great, I kept wanting to grab the front brake and tried to really focus on slow maneuvering and using the rear brake.

Around 9:30am we hit the inner loop for a first go around. We rode at our pace (read slow) and hugging the right shoulder to let faster riders by, which there were a few. It was my girlfriends first time riding up and down hills with the Raptor, she did great! We didn't go too fast, kept a good pace and it was an absolute blast. The hill decent at the end of loop was very intimidating at first, I grabbed the front brake and realized my mistake immediately. Didn't go down once but had that one "pucker up" moment. I haven't been on a dirt bike since 2000, 11 years! Even back then we rode on mostly in flat field, building our own little ramps to get some very minor air. Did the outer loop two more times, taking breaks in-between in the parking area. Headed over to the office for a burger ($2) and hotdog ($1), basic but delicious and can't beat it at those prices. Also chatted with the staff about the trails.

After lunch we did the inner loop, trail #5, #9 and #2. Trail #2 is rated a 2diamond, I beg to differ about its rating. It caught us off guard, it has a lot of down hill, hair pin and back up hill parts (massive loose rocks everywhere). We made it through at our pace, it was a blast but just a little unexpected. We did like the challenge but we might want to work our way up to higher rated trails.

Overall we did the inner loop six times, first three times by itself and the last three times with some of the easier trails. My girlfriend did great, stalled once due to being in the incorrect gear (she lost count, haha), I was uber proud of her and she had a blast. She loved trail #5 but wanted to try the outer loop right before we left. My butt was killing me, it still hurts right now, haha. So I chickened out and said we'll come back another day to continue the fun. We also enjoyed watching the guys riding the MX track and the kids on the peewee track.

As for buying a bike, I am undecided. I loved riding the KTM however I 'm considering purchasing a four-wheeler as well now over a dirt-bike. I don't see my girlfriend getting on a dirt bike (ever), she loves the Raptor (4 wheels) thus my considering a quad as well. Figuring I can always rent a bike at Highland park to scratch the dirt bike itch but I can ride the quad easily/enjoyably with my girlfriend.

Anyone have any recommendations on quads?
How about places to ride quads? MotoMountain, Durhamtown... the place in Macon?

[BlueLghtning]

We headed out to Highland Park yesterday morning, little Raptor 250 in tow. Arrived a little early, they open at 9am but we enjoyed the peaceful surroundings and cool weather over breakfast. Checked in, they went over everything. They were super friendly, eager to help and explained everything in detail. Got boots, rental bike (KTM 200XC) and discussed the map and a few trails and off we went. I took a few laps around the parking lot, just to familiarize myself with the KTM. Bike felt great, I kept wanting to grab the front brake and tried to really focus on slow maneuvering and using the rear brake.

Around 9:30am we hit the inner loop for a first go around. We rode at our pace (read slow) and hugging the right shoulder to let faster riders by, which there were a few. It was my girlfriends first time riding up and down hills with the Raptor, she did great! We didn't go too fast, kept a good pace and it was an absolute blast. The hill decent at the end of loop was very intimidating at first, I grabbed the front brake and realized my mistake immediately. Didn't go down once but had that one "pucker up" moment. I haven't been on a dirt bike since 2000, 11 years! Even back then we rode on mostly in flat field, building our own little ramps to get some very minor air. Did the outer loop two more times, taking breaks in-between in the parking area. Headed over to the office for a burger ($2) and hotdog ($1), basic but delicious and can't beat it at those prices. Also chatted with the staff about the trails.

After lunch we did the inner loop, trail #5, #9 and #2. Trail #2 is rated a 2diamond, I beg to differ about its rating. It caught us off guard, it has a lot of down hill, hair pin and back up hill parts (massive loose rocks everywhere). We made it through at our pace, it was a blast but just a little unexpected. We did like the challenge but we might want to work our way up to higher rated trails.

Overall we did the inner loop six times, first three times by itself and the last three times with some of the easier trails. My girlfriend did great, stalled once due to being in the incorrect gear (she lost count, haha), I was uber proud of her and she had a blast. She loved trail #5 but wanted to try the outer loop right before we left. My butt was killing me, it still hurts right now, haha. So I chickened out and said we'll come back another day to continue the fun. We also enjoyed watching the guys riding the MX track and the kids on the peewee track.

As for buying a bike, I am undecided. I loved riding the KTM however I 'm considering purchasing a four-wheeler as well now over a dirt-bike. I don't see my girlfriend getting on a dirt bike (ever), she loves the Raptor (4 wheels) thus my considering a quad as well. Figuring I can always rent a bike at Highland park to scratch the dirt bike itch but I can ride the quad easily/enjoyably with my girlfriend.

Anyone have any recommendations on quads?
How about places to ride quads? MotoMountain, Durhamtown... the place in Macon?

Glad you guys had a good time. Trail 2 can be a bit intimidating the first time you see it, but its really not too bad. I did it on a Vstrom once! :D. There are several 2D trails on the outside perimeter that a are a lot of fun.

I think dirt biking is a lot more fun. I used to ride quads, but the dirt bike is just so much more enjoyable to me and I would bet with some good instruction and a peer group, your gf might enjoy dirt biking too. HP has a beginner dirt bike course that would be the first place I would have your GF go and get some professional instruction. She'll use their bikes and get first hand instruction. They ride the Yamaha's so probably the TTR125 or something for her. They'll spend much of the day in an enclosed enduro area doing drills and stuff. They also offer a very beginner dirt bike course up in Alpharetta at the MSF course. Once she gets that down and gets comfortable, there is a great group of girls that ride at HP called the Spa Day girls. Every other Month, Paul Wright (owner) gives a full day of instruction to the spa day girls for free. There is probably a group of 10-12 girls that do this pretty regularly and love it. Your GF could rent a bike for that too for her first time to see how it goes. My wife hasn't been out there most of the summer, but she did this a lot and it was her favorite thing. That was actually how I got my wife to enjoy dirt biking was by getting her out there with the Spa Day girls and from that point she was hooked. The girls would take your gf in under her wings and make her feel so welcome out there. Best of all, you could go out there yourself and enjoy the day playing and not feel guilty because she'd be having a blast on her own.

[Blownhotrodder]

I tried dirtbikes and as much as I wanted to I just couldnt like it as much as riding my quad. Whatever you decide on you will have fun so dont sweat the decision too much.

[MrBlah]

if you think that trail had pucker factor, wait till you see the 5 diamond stuff

[KTM Rider]

or the 6 :lol:

[robb86]

Dan, thanks... we'll look into that come spring time. I think she watched a video on YouTube about a SpaDay, teaching a group how to cross downed trees.

Trail #2 wasn't terrifying, just caught us off guard as the other 2diamond trails were all really, really mellow. I enjoyed the challenge but also knew I was somewhat on the edge of my riding abilities on the first day and didn't want to push my luck. All in all we loved it, the girlfriend actually asked when we can go out again last night, guess we found a new hobby.

We watched several videos of guys doing the single track, some amazing riding.

Can anyone recommend a decent trial atv?

[robb86]

Welp, picked up a 09 YFZ450R for myself and an 09 Raptor 350 (YFM350) for the girlfriend. Spent the whole day Sunday at Highland Park Resort, had a blast. The girlfriend is loving it, so much so that she's pre-planning trips for the weekends ahead. Guess we're hooked, its a great getaway from the usual.

Both bikes are gently used , the YFZ450R is absolutely mint and the Raptor 350 while clean has signs of use (trail scratches). The Raptor 350 is in dire need of a new air filter, which I will take care of this week. It's also near impossible to find neutral once it gets hot. Seems to be a common thing on the Raptor 350's / Warriors, noticed a few guys recommend changing to thicker trans oil. She rode the YFZ450R which has nerf bars installed and immediately asked if we could get some for the Raptor 350. Also ordered her some ASV levers, hopefully we'll be able to adjust them a little closer for her tiny hands. I have no complaints with the YFZ450R, its tons of fun, rides amazing. We're extremely pleased with both purchases.

[Blownhotrodder]

Good choice, congrats.

[Ibleedgreen]

Welp, picked up a 09 YFZ450R

Nice! I've owned and raced 2 of the new YFZ450s. Solid quad for sure. What color is it? I have a complete G4 grundge graphics kit for it if you want to customize it some (has #48 number plates too). Probably have a few other things lying around too.

[Ibleedgreen]

Man I miss that quad! Here was my 09...

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l101/chrisabeln/IMG_9622sm.jpg

A shot from Durhamtown...

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l101/chrisabeln/IMG_9734sm-1.jpg

[Blownhotrodder]

You sure dont keep anything long do you.

[Georgiacbr]

You sure dont keep anything long do you.

Some people buy and sell all the time if Bikes/quads could be leased i'm sure people would figure a way out (Haha).

[Blownhotrodder]

Yea I got friends that do that too and dont have room to talk myself.

[Ibleedgreen]

You are right but I also work for a magazine and I constantly have different models that I test and beat on. That 450R above was one of the first ones released.

Here is another build I'm almost done with for all you KTM fans out there...

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l101/chrisabeln/photo1-5.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l101/chrisabeln/photo3-5.jpg

And here is the new dirtbike.... the new 450 is saaaweeet!

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l101/chrisabeln/photo3-6.jpg

[robb86]

We were out at Highland Park again yesterday, we're still probably some of the slowest folks on the trials. I prefer to ride at my girlfriends pace for the time being, her riding skills has been improving quite a bit each session. She's asking a lot of questions and more eager to try different things each go around and of course she's going a little faster as she's getting more comfortable. I have no complaints though, even riding at her slower pace is a ton of fun. We want to give Durham Town a try, maybe this weekend but we were hoping to go a weekday. We're still waiting on her ASV levers and nerf bars to get here. She also watched a few videos of 350's with wider front ends, they looked more a ton more stable around the turns but going with wider a-arms and extended rear axle looks to be expensive, will still do some research on just some 1.5" spacers up front.

Ibleedgreen, those are some uber sick quads!

Mine is white with the red frame, it already had some (mint condition) goodies installed when I bought it; Pro-Armor full nerf bars and chassis skid, Duncan Racing full exhaust, intake and MSD Blaster EFI

Loving the sleek clean look of it, would like to add a pro-armor front bumper, swing-arm skid and then some better tires. It gets a little rough on some of the Highland Park trails, I was wondering how much it the suspension can be softened-up without compromising the handling too much? Thing handles like crazy though, its an amazing quad.

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/297572_10150442285625199_536765198_10805109_127985 3698_n.jpg

[Blownhotrodder]

I see you have the rocket ron tweeked shocks, he did mine too. robb86 quad looks good and I really like that raptor.

[Ibleedgreen]

Ibleedgreen, those are some uber sick quads!

I was wondering how much it the suspension can be softened-up without compromising the handling too much?

Thanks.
There are quite a few companies out there that do rebuild shocks. GT Thunder has been knocking theirs out of the park. RaceTech too but they are a little pricey.
I wouldn't spend too much money on the 350 unless you plan on keeping it a long time. You will never get the money back out of it. Maybe upgrade to a better quad later once she gets used to it.
Nice looking R!

[Ibleedgreen]

I see you have the rocket ron tweeked shocks, he did mine too. Yep with some longer bodies from Ohlins he was able to get the 19.5" long travel I needed, great guy!

[robb86]

We were out at Highland Park (again) yesterday, couldn't ask for a nicer day out (weather wise). Morning started off a little rough, after gearing up I managed to lock my keys in the truck. Folks at the office was kind enough to organize a local wrecker to come remedy the situation, after some much needed laughs. Thanks again to them for the help.

We had a blast the first few go rounds, speeding up as my girlfriend found her confidence. She even started hitting up a few of the smaller jumps and of course was very excited. I think a big confidence booster for her was that she wasn't the slowest one on the inner and outer loops, while she was riding at her comfort level. We did however have our first major eye opening moment. We had two faster riders run up behind us, just like we've always done in the past we move all the way to the right and let them pass. It was on one of the hilly sections of the inner loop, most of them peak and have a dip (hole) right over the peak, she was too close to the right shoulder and as soon as she hit the dip it tucked her even more right and the wheel grabbed the curb (dirt siding) and knocked her off the quad. She jumped right up, yelled she's alright, I pushed the bike to the side and let the other riders pass. Bike is fine but the clutch lever is slightly bent, already have one on order. She has a small bruise right above her knee, looks like she bumped it on piece of furniture and also a very small rug like burn on her elbow, thank goodness! We already invested in decent helmets, gloves and boots, she was wearing a thick hoodie and jeans, we will be buying more protective gear this week! She asked what caused it and I explained I that I think she was a little too close to the right but the dip pushed her closer and should probably next time just ride until she can find a spot to pull over and let the other riders pass.

I initially thought the accident would deter her from riding all together, while it did the exact opposite. She's even more stoked to go riding now, as she said "Eh, now that's out of the way". We did quite a few more trips around the inner and outer loops and I did some trails. On the way home she was planning out where we can go riding this coming weekend. I've already been looking at some roost protectors (?), hopefully there's some Black Friday deals but regardless we're getting more protective gear ASAP. I was also wonder how much the padded pants would help? The jerseys don't look like they offer any protection.

On another note: I love trail 16, it didn't look like many quads venture on there and that just added to the fun.

[Blownhotrodder]

Check Rocky mountain ATV-MC in their closeout section. Thats how I get most my stuff.

[robb86]

Actually just placed an order from RockyMountain. Got each of us a Fox roost deflector, free shipping and 10% off with previous order code.
Still looking around what other protection folks ride with. She doesn't really go super fast but rather be safe than sorry. I see some of the pants does have padding, not sure if the jerseys offer any protection.

[Blownhotrodder]

Not so much protection as it is freedom of movement.

[MrBlah]

you dont need to move much for faster riders, it's more important to stick to your line so they can plan around you

I only ride with full gear, boots, kneepads, chest protector with upper arm protection, neck brace, gloves, helmet

when I DS I typically use my mountain bike kneepads, they have kevlar cups

[robb86]

So I am back in the market for a trail bike. Not getting rid of the quad just adding to the stable. I've been going to Highland Park often with the quad (yfz450r) and it is a ton of fun but the past few visits I have left feeling that I am missing out on the majority of what they have to offer. Granted my dirt bike skills are extremely lacking and I wont be exploring 4-5d trails soon, there are still 2-3d trails I am missing out on.

Initially I was set on finding a 250xc, I rented one at HP and liked it, or a 200xc but their prices are a little high. I had a hard time on the slower trails with it but that is probably due to my lacking skills. A 4stroke 250xc-f has just been something I keep on going back to. I've been researching and haven't found major problems with them. Most common I saw was over-heating issues when breaking in the bike on slow trails and lean issues from the factory (JD kit to fix?). I've found an 09 with 36.4 hours on it and it was apparently "just serviced at Cycle Specialty". Price is right, bike looks mint but I just cannot decide if the 4stroke is the right choice to start off with. I've never been on a MX track, not sure if that is something I'll even get into. I like the tighter technical trails and I'm not really a speedy junky. I considered getting a Honda 230 for the time being but for the prices some people want, I just can't justify it as I know myself too well, I will want something else rather quick.

Anyone have any input?

[KTM Rider]

Yes.

The 250 xcf is a good bike but not terribly powerful. If you feel you want one, I believe HP is blowing out their remaining 2011 models for great prices!

I have a 300xc. I prefer the 2 strokes for the all around bikes for the following reasons:

Lower cost of ownership both as you ride it and down the road when you need to rebuild the engine
Lower weight
Simplicity (i.e. no fuel injection and they are easy to start if you either dont have e start or choose to remove it to save weight)

The new chassis 2011(xc)/2012 (all) is awesome but the 2007(sx)/2008(all) - 2010(all except xcw)/2011 (XCW) chassis was damn good and they are starting to show up both at reasonable prices and in good condition.

I would either buy a 200 or a 300. The 250 is underpowered 300. The 200 however is built off the 125/144/150 chassis and feels A LOT lighter than the 250/300. KTMtalk is a great resource for learning about tricks, mods, etc and also maybe even finding a good bike. I would suggest you joining there if you havent already. With crisp jetting and head mod the xc and xcw 2 strokes are hard to beat! Put a rekluse in them and even better.

Good luck!

[robb86]

Thank you! Really appreciate the input. Since I started looking the 200 was what I was leaning towards. They seem to be in hot demand, used prices stay high and a large following online. I'm going to have to give KTM World a call to see what their prices are on the 2011's, just to compare to the prices I am seeing on the used market. Might be better off buying a new one.

The 250xcf I found already has the Rekluse (Pro?) installed... another reason it peaked my interest.

[robb86]

Here's what I've narrowed the search down to;
USED 2011 200xc from Craigslists = $4200 (Fmf full exhaust)
USED 2009 200xc from Craigslist = $3400 (Fmf full)
USED 2009 250xc-f from Craigslist = $4199 (Fmf full, GPR V4 Stabilizer, Rekluse Pro, Barkbusters & 36.4hours)

Considering the last two. I just dont want to buy a complete starter bike that I have to sell and upgrade in the near future. Also can't justify the cost difference on the new vs. used;
NEW 2011 200xc @ KTM World = $6150 + tax.
NEW 2009 200xc @ Cycle Specialty = $5895 + fees + tax.

[Ga-Bandit]

Primo Powersports in Snellville (770) 985-8595

There's also a dealership in Toccoa that has some cheap ones

[BlueLghtning]

Here's what I've narrowed the search down to;
USED 2011 200xc from Craigslists = $4200 (Fmf full exhaust)
USED 2009 200xc from Craigslist = $3400 (Fmf full)
USED 2009 250xc-f from Craigslist = $4199 (Fmf full, GPR V4 Stabilizer, Rekluse Pro, Barkbusters & 36.4hours)

Considering the last two. I just dont want to buy a complete starter bike that I have to sell and upgrade in the near future. Also can't justify the cost difference on the new vs. used;
NEW 2011 200xc @ KTM World = $6150 + tax.
NEW 2009 200xc @ Cycle Specialty = $5895 + fees + tax.

Unless you posted it wrong, what makes a 2009 200XC a starter bike and not the 2011 200XC? The 200 2strokes are fun bikes and by no means starter bikes. None of them you posted are really starter bikes and would keep anyone happy out there at HP on them.

All the 200/250/300 2 strokes are fun bikes and it just depends more on how you ride. The 200 you tend to run more on the pipe, but is smaller and lighter than the 250/300 so its easier to flick around.

The 300 has the most grunt down low, but handfulls of throttle can definitely leave you pointing in the direction you don't want to go. The 250 kind of splits the difference and can be ran up on the pipe and at other times just lugged a bit.

The 250 XCF's I thought was a great bike when I rode one, but its a very high strung 4 stroke and I thought was the perfect mix of fun and lightness. The only downer to them is they are very high strung motors and their maintenance and rebuild schedule for a 4 stroke reflects that.

[robb86]

Dan, I must have somehow deleted some of my message. I was referring to buying a CRF230 or something similar that is cheaper right now but I would get tired of quickly and then need to upgraded. I see myself enjoying either of the options I listed for a very long time. I'm not a speed junky - I do scoot around on the quad pretty quickly but that is a different story. I want to ride more of what HP has to offer (trails), maybe explore other riding areas as well. Slower, smooth, rough and more technical trails (once I get more comfortable of course) is what I want to ride. Not interested in the MX tracks.

I am leaning more and more towards the 200xc, simply because of maintenance costs. However I still really like the idea of the 250xc-f, especially since it already has the Rekulse and stabilizer. Though those can easily be added to the 200xc over time.

Everything I've seen online about 4 strokes has mentioned "Maintenance Cost". I still see a lot of folks riding them HP and there are quite a few for sale. Just makes me a little weary of buying an used one.

[KTM Rider]

If its slow rough technical stuff you are after long term get a XCW over the xc for sure!!!

[dep411]

I bought Paul whiblys (sp maybe) 2010 woods bike wr450 that I had for sale up here. It was decked out from what I was told. My buddies took me to moto mountain in jasper I think, I told them to take it easy on my and they said sure follow me. And took me on trail D or E. to say the least it freaked me the freak out and sold that bish within a few months to some guy in SC he was really happy, as well as I :) I'd rather stick to concrete.


Place is rad if you like going up and down steep as sh@t

[KTM Rider]

that place rocks! did you even do any of the single track or did you just stay on golf cart trails?

[dep411]

that place rocks! did you even do any of the single track or did you just stay on golf cart trails?

O heck no, I could barely keep my composure on the wide trails :) but we did find some powers lines to follow until it ended at a cliff

[robb86]

Waiting to hear back on an '08 250xc-w and finally heard back on the '09 200xc.

Haven't been to MotoMountain, been wanting to go check it out on the quad (yfz450r). Definitely got to plan a trip up there in near future. I've seen several comments on various forums saying us uber noobs need to stick to the A, B & C.
Props to you for not killing yourself :beer:

[robb86]

Picked up the Used 2009 250XCF-W today. It already has a full FMF exhaust, jd? Jet kit, GPR V4 Stabilizer, Rekluse Pro, Barkbusters & 36.7hours on it. Just got back from riding around my folks place, they have a few tight trails around their place. The rekluse was weird the first few minutes. Stopped for a cold glass of water and hopped back on and felt comfortable with it. Absolutely love it! It starts right up, purrs beautifully.

MSO has Marietta Motorsports/KTM World on it. Signatures look like Tom Pendley and Kristen Wright. Figured someone on here might know the original owner ?

Heading to Durhamtown tomorrow, quad and bike... can't wait!

[KTM Rider]

Tom Pendley was likely the original owner. Kathy Wright is the financial side of KTM World and Paul Wright's wife. Together they own KTM World.

Good luck with the new scoot but being a 4 stroke and a 250 at that, keep an eye on mtc, valve checks and do a top end before it grenades. Check out KTM talk. They have many fixes for the great recession era ktm 4 stroke oil pump and cam bearing problems.