Going over to the "dark side" (dirt bikes)
Dec 4, 2005 | 03:10 AM
#1
Thread Starter
|
Red Rider
Honda, accept nothing less!
Honda, accept nothing less!
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,733
Likes: 1
Going over to the "dark side" (dirt bikes)
I think I have decided to get rid of the utilities and getting a set of dirt bikes instead. I have never been a fan of utility quads with their "farm work tractor" heritage, and for technical trail riding in the mountains I think we would be better off on bikes than on utes. This would give us access to extensive networks of woods single track trails that can't be run on a quad. Places like the legandary Kennedy Meadows in the High Sierra, etc.
We will absolutely keep the sport quads for desert riding in the cool months, but use the dirt bikes for high altitude riding in the hot months. Here in the arid southwest mud isn't an issue, but we do get a lot of snow in our mountains though, so that is going to be one minus of not having a 4X4 available!
Can anyone recommend some dirt bike forums??? Thinking about a CRF450X for me, a CRF250X for the g/f and my older daughter (age 15), and a CRF230 for the boys (age 12 and 13).
We will absolutely keep the sport quads for desert riding in the cool months, but use the dirt bikes for high altitude riding in the hot months. Here in the arid southwest mud isn't an issue, but we do get a lot of snow in our mountains though, so that is going to be one minus of not having a 4X4 available!
Can anyone recommend some dirt bike forums??? Thinking about a CRF450X for me, a CRF250X for the g/f and my older daughter (age 15), and a CRF230 for the boys (age 12 and 13).
Dec 5, 2005 | 09:29 AM
#4
Shed Knocker Rider
Harley Punk!
Harley Punk!
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 35,876
Likes: 2
Going over to the "dark side" (dirt bikes)
I have been to a few dirt bike sites (not KTMtalk), and thumpertalk has been the best I have found by a long shot. All the information you will ever need is on there.
As far as what dirtbikes to get, I would say all of the CRF's are great bikes, but with the 450 and especially the 250f's, reliability is an issue. I know you are a Honda man recon, but I believe you put a lot of hours on your machines and it might not be a bad idea to shop around in different colors. Im just real iffy on honda's 250f's.
As far as what dirtbikes to get, I would say all of the CRF's are great bikes, but with the 450 and especially the 250f's, reliability is an issue. I know you are a Honda man recon, but I believe you put a lot of hours on your machines and it might not be a bad idea to shop around in different colors. Im just real iffy on honda's 250f's.
Dec 5, 2005 | 10:13 AM
#5
Thread Starter
|
Red Rider
Honda, accept nothing less!
Honda, accept nothing less!
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,733
Likes: 1
Going over to the "dark side" (dirt bikes)
I have lots of friends with the Honda 250's (and 450's). Several have over 100 hours and one has over 200 (a 250R that gets motocrossed!), and nobody has had any problems! I think they improved the valves in the recent models.
These would be mostly woods trail bikes for us, so they aren't going to see huge amounts of mileage, like a bike ridden in the open desert would. So, frequent maintenance/rebuilds aren't as big an issue for me as for a lot of folks.
These would be mostly woods trail bikes for us, so they aren't going to see huge amounts of mileage, like a bike ridden in the open desert would. So, frequent maintenance/rebuilds aren't as big an issue for me as for a lot of folks.
Dec 5, 2005 | 10:40 AM
#6
Shed Knocker Rider
Harley Punk!
Harley Punk!
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 35,876
Likes: 2
Going over to the "dark side" (dirt bikes)
I think they have a new valve material for the 06's that supposedly cures the valve issues. I'd say if you keep your valves in check it would be alright, I was just making sure you were aware of some issues other owners were having.
I have a CRF450R, Im sure it rides almost the same as the X model. While I have only track ridden the bike, I have to say it is the best bike I have ever ridden bar none, and Im a previous 2-stroke guy. I usually don't like to talk up my own machines, but I can't find anything to gripe about except cold starts. It handles like a 2-stroke, the power is incredible and it seems like it never ends, and it very managable. Good luck and keep us informed on what you do.
I have a CRF450R, Im sure it rides almost the same as the X model. While I have only track ridden the bike, I have to say it is the best bike I have ever ridden bar none, and Im a previous 2-stroke guy. I usually don't like to talk up my own machines, but I can't find anything to gripe about except cold starts. It handles like a 2-stroke, the power is incredible and it seems like it never ends, and it very managable. Good luck and keep us informed on what you do.
Dec 5, 2005 | 02:00 PM
#7
Elite Pro Rider
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,380
Likes: 1
Going over to the "dark side" (dirt bikes)
I doubt the 06 models have been out long enough to really know whether any valvetrain changes have made any significant difference. Recon isnt a honda guy, he's a honda nut. But he seems to be open minded to the merits of other manufacturer's machines so I imagine he'll take the same attitude towards his bike purchase.
Maybe you should get a yammi bike with 2wd RR, it's the unity of a utility drivetrain on a sport machine LOL.
Maybe you should get a yammi bike with 2wd RR, it's the unity of a utility drivetrain on a sport machine LOL.
Trending Topics
Dec 5, 2005 | 06:06 PM
#8
Weekend Warrior
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Going over to the "dark side" (dirt bikes)
For dirt bike forums be sure to check out www.dirtrider.net they're my favorite dirt bike forums. Good luck and have fun, I love my DS650 but my CR250 beats it hands down. Kelly
Dec 5, 2005 | 11:18 PM
#9
Pro Rider
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,952
Likes: 0
Going over to the "dark side" (dirt bikes)
dirtrider.net is where i go for dirtbike forums alot of helpful people but found out there is alot of punks on that sight to. and i see where you are coming from recon i just bought a dirtbike this summer and i been having a blast on it this spring i am gonna buy a decent one though a brand new one probably a yamaha yz125. i love the 2-strokes they are a blast to ride. but if i was gonna ride all day on trails and stuff it would deffinately be a 4-stroke.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Steeldon
Polaris Ask an Expert! In fond memory of Old Polaris Tech.
4
Sep 9, 2015 09:38 AM
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)