[msudawg]

From talking to many people I have come to the conclusion that if you get a full blown MX bike you will suffer somewhat on the trails. If you get a full blown trail bike you will suffer on the track. Do any of you have any suggestions on what you feel is the best all around good bike to handle both types of riding fairly well. Thanks.

[nedirtbikr]

If you're not a "hardcore" Honda and/or four stroke minion and you are NOT a "serious" MX competitor (you just like to hit the track for fun or those impromptu races with friends,) I'd take a look at the KTM300.

I'm a mostly woods / some track guy and have a 450R. The bike, in my experience, is great in the woods. You do have to do some modifications and the suspension can be a bit stiff, but I love the bike. It's not even remotely on my "get rid of" list. However, if I was facing a change of bike situation, I'm pretty sure the first bike I'd try is the KTM300.

Really what you need to do is determine where you'll spend "most" of your time. Once you are able to determine that for yourself, you can go forward with your bike purchase. Anyway, don't get me wrong...I do love Honda, but when someone asks about a good "all around" bike, that 300 is the first bike to come to mind (at least for me.)

Good Luck!

[124]

You've been sniffing glue again haven't you Mark?

KTM. that's funny...

Anyway, the MX bike, imo, is the way to go. Learn to clutch it in the woods, stay off the seat, and pin it!

[nedirtbikr]

You've been sniffing glue again haven't you Mark? KTM. that's funny...

Yes...I HAVE been sniffing glue again (it's what I do!)

Okay, let me reword this:

...However, if I was facing a change of bike situation AND, FOR SOME REASON THE PLANETS HAVE ALIGNED, THE MOON HAS TURNED BLOOD RED, IT'S THE ELEVENTH HOUR AND THE ANGEL OF DEATH IS KNOCKING AT THE DOOR, AND I COULDN'T GET A HONDA, I'm pretty sure the first NON-HONDA bike I'd try is the KTM300.

How's that? Better?

[124]

That's better!

No but seriously, it depends on what side of the fence your hanging around. I much prefer an MX bike in woods. Just like I prefer blonds...

[msudawg]

Thanks guys. I am by no means a serious MX'er. I am actually pretty new to this and can see that I seem to enjoy the track more than the trails. I was actually thinking of a CRF250R. Any thoughts on that? I know a guy that has a KTM200EXC and he swears he can do anything on a track or on a trail he wants to do.

[124]

I'm not sure about anything on a track. Maybe he can, but he's trying twice as hard to do it...

As far as trails, the katoom 200 is a good bike for someone of smaller stature. The CRF250R is a great bike anywhere. A spark arrestor and maybe a countershaft gear and your good to go!!

[nedirtbikr]

I'm not sure about anything on a track. Maybe he can, but he's trying twice as hard to do it...

As far as trails, the katoom 200 is a good bike for someone of smaller stature. The CRF250R is a great bike anywhere. A spark arrestor and maybe a countershaft gear and your good to go!!

Agreed.

[msudawg]

I'm glad to hear the 250R would be good for both. Actually to open a new can of worms, I saw a 1998 CR250R for sale on my way home. Two-stroke in woods? Were those good bikes and would one that old be worth having?

[nedirtbikr]

Depends on your experience. Two strokes are awesome in the trees. They, generally, run cooler than 4-strokes and they're generally lighter. A CR250 would have more than enough oomph in the woods.

I learned to ride on 4-strokes and I consider myself much faster on a 450 than I would be on a 2-t 250. I guess it's just what your comfy with and where your experience lies.

As far as the bike being too old...that is something that only you can decide. Use www.kbb.com to help you find a "rule of thumb" value, take a look at the bike, and go from there.