Posts
287
Joined
5/18/2013
Location
Tarifa
ES
Fantasy
251st
Edited Date/Time
10/7/2017 2:31am
Just trying to tap into the unlimited knowledge of the Vitard community 
Im thinking of getting a Enduro bike with license plates. I have a couple of tracks close (0,5 km to the closest) but the hassle of loading everything up and driving is cutting into my seat time, since I cannot braap from the garage to the track.
So im going to buy a bike with license plates as my second.... errr.... third bike... The choice is between the Husky FE /Ktm EXC-F 450 or the Honda CRF 450RX..
Since im mostly a track guy I would like to know how the Xplor forks/shock work on a track compared to the AER.. Also, KTM's use the PDS still but husky has a linkage.. My 2002 KTM250SXS had the PDS and I hated that bike apart from the engine.
I dont know much about the Honda 450RX but is this a better starting point for a MX bike with plates?
I will be riding some trails as well but main focus is on MX..
Any advice? my local dealer sells all three bikes.
Im thinking of getting a Enduro bike with license plates. I have a couple of tracks close (0,5 km to the closest) but the hassle of loading everything up and driving is cutting into my seat time, since I cannot braap from the garage to the track.
So im going to buy a bike with license plates as my second.... errr.... third bike... The choice is between the Husky FE /Ktm EXC-F 450 or the Honda CRF 450RX..
Since im mostly a track guy I would like to know how the Xplor forks/shock work on a track compared to the AER.. Also, KTM's use the PDS still but husky has a linkage.. My 2002 KTM250SXS had the PDS and I hated that bike apart from the engine.
I dont know much about the Honda 450RX but is this a better starting point for a MX bike with plates?
I will be riding some trails as well but main focus is on MX..
Any advice? my local dealer sells all three bikes.
If your a motcross guy, then you will appreciate the close gear box and the linkage moto feel in the rear as you mention when back on the track. I could never get a wide range enduro bike to feel right on a motocross track. I've converted 3 of my friend from 4 strokes to 300 2 stroke by just letting them ride my bike for few miles.
Then I love putting back on the enduro light and lisc. plate and hit the pavement to get to my favorite trail head. Having a plate really opens up your options trail riding, special if you want cut out early to the road and take the easy back if your tired or have a problem with the bike.
Suspension is a very broad topic.. how tall are you, what weight? I've always been able to tame a bike for for my preference through springs and valving. I almost recommend this to all track riders for the sure safety of it. You have to tame your beast for your weight so Bertha does not buck you off.
Just waiting for them to send over the 300 TPI XC's!!! 2019???
P.S. I through in some american slang just to f with you!
As mentioned the WR gearboxes are not right. (Hardest to fix)
Power delivery is softer on off roaders. Often detuned with cams/valve size/etc.
Replacing lights with number plates makes them look like MX bikes......
(I find MX bikes horrid to ride on most trails, for most of the above reasons - horses for courses.)
The Shop
KTM and husky are also easier to plate then Japanese bikes they come with clean titles they don't say for off-road use only
So the consensus is that the CRF450RX is a better starting point than the Austrian brands with the MX gearing and just need to stiffen up the suspension to be able to enjoy it on a track?
I am currently on a Suzuki 450 with full tuned Öhlins setup which I love!
To bad I cannot demo the bikes before..
Yeah and another thing.. how is the 300 2stroke on a track? I have a 2008 KX250 as well and enjoy it but I usually end up riding the 4stroke..
Forget the PDS for MX, it feels dead on jump faces, no lift.
The closed vs. open cartridge fork thing is way over rated, a good tuner can make either one great, if you are A level get the CC .
Having a suspension setup work for MX and Off road is not difficult, springs and setup will get you there.
Close ratio gearboxes are also over rated, many top MX riders are keeping their bikes a gear high and lugging for better results. The Alta with no gearbox or clutch is a good example of how less shifting can be a big benefit.
Steel frames have advantages in comfort and hard pack.
The KTM and Husky's have a reputation for needing remapping in the US. You might want to consider the XC models if you can get them since they are not emission tuned.
The Beta is a viable alternative.
My intention is to have a bike I can just jump on and go spin some laps whenever the urge hits..
Maybe I should just go with the Husky 450, slap some cone valve and trax shock on it and call it the day
You mentioned 2 strokes, they are very viable. Beta is leading the EnduroGP's on a 300 2t against all types of engines and if you kept up with the last race at Hawkstone Park it had no problem running up front on the MX course. You can even get one with oil injection if you want to get further away from the truck and garage. 2 strokes are especially desired for their light weight if you go extreme enduro riding.
I have an enduro to do MX. KTM EXC 300 2012
The good displacement for me is the 300 2 strokes, the engine is softer than the cross and allows me to take better advantage of it.
Suspensions, front needs to put closed cartridges, and on the rear shock you have to take it to a preparer and tune it. as standard enduro suspensions are too soft and bouncy.
The odometer has to be removed, as it is expensive, and breaks with jumps and bumps, and put an hour count.
Back I put a quick and easy connection to be able to connect and disconnect the rear lights better.
Sometimes light bulbs melt and break by doing MX
When it comes to selling, it sells much better than an MX.
And then it allows me to circulate and do enduro.
@Mr. Depp : No I cant plate it, as I know of, its bought in Norway new and is located in Southern Spain now. Dang I need to get a demobike of the new ktm 300 and see what the fuss is about, My KX250 wears me out too fast compared to my way to pimped out Suzuki. but then again, its more of a project bike.
@Ruy: Where are you located? I live in Tarifa, the most southern point.. looks like u got some nice riding areas around!
@walleyeguy: The FX is unfortunately not sold in Europe as I know of. That would be an awesome alternative.
How "detuned" is the FE and EXC-F line compared to the MX brothers? Is it just gearing/mapping and the silencer or is there something else?
Saludos and thanks again!
Pit Row
Beside the bike..... Are there any good trails in Tarifa to ride enduro?. I Know in San Roque and in Medina Sidonia there are a lot of places to ride, but dont know about Tarifa.
And if you want to know my neck of the woods, look for me on facebook: bernardo.guerreromarquez
"Dang I need to get a demobike of the new ktm 300" Again you can't get the XC, check out the Husky for linkage.
"How "detuned" is the FE and EXC-F line compared to the MX brothers? Is it just gearing/mapping and the silencer or is there something else? " Not really much, you can easily get the Euro map, not sure it may come with it.
I could race that bad boy on sunday and legally ride it to work the next day
Google Johnny Walker or Mathew Philips, they shred moto on their enduro bikes with PDS pretty regularly. 100% those bikes can do both!
The road/asphalt will EAT your tires and you will also stack up the engine hours = no bueno.
I would get a cheap Skoda pick-up or a Vw Caddy and load the bike on the back of it. You will load the bike in 2-3 minutes, you could carry more fuel, tools and spare parts. And since they are so cheap you really don't need to bother about it getting a few scratches here and there.
Just kidding. I looked over to my welding / linishing bay here in my workshop, and spotted the stainless steel center stand I made for one of my XR / CR hybrids before the 92 Six Day here in OZ. Your comment made me finally take it down and take a few pictures - it was a complicated thing, to clear the AMP Torque Eliminator (that's what the chain roller and 'gull winged' cross bracing is for, to get the arms right up into the side covers / subframe - as the lower chain line is lower than std with the AMP T.E.) I used at the time, and made out of very thin walled (it is lighter than most side stands) Stainless in a few frenzied hours of Mad Hatterism:
I loved the bloody thing. And have missed having one on my subsequent bikes over the years. As goofy / unusual as they are in these times on dirt bikes, when you've got one, it's so good for working on your bike, especially out in the scrub. I'll eventually make one to fit my CRE500 - I've a linkage mount left over on the frame after making it a PDS'd bike, that will make it an easier job.
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