Posts
5
Joined
8/15/2011
Location
SoCal, CA
US
Edited Date/Time
1/27/2012 4:52pm
New to the site - "HEY!"
Looking for advice on a bike to buy to get back into dirt-riding, and to try out MX for the first time at age 38 (I know, grandpa, right?).
Experience:
I grew up riding 4-stroke dirtbikes - SoCal & AZ desert riding, mostly. No MX, no dunes.
I've also been riding sport-bikes (currently a CBR1100XX) and cruisers (owned severals Harleys and a Magna) on-street for the last 20 years.
A few years ago, I started to get back into it - and bought the "always wanted one" bike - a CR500. I quickly realized I was too old for that thing. Its a monster, but not in a good way. About the same time, my buddies all got into quads for duning, so I now have a highly modified Raptor 700, and I love it. It is strictly set up for duning, though.
What I want to do:
I still miss dirt riding on 2 wheels, and I want to be able to do some desert riding. I would also like to see if I like MX. I live in the heart of MX here in SoCal, so why not?
I wouldn't mind slapping a paddle on a 2-wheeler and trying my hand at duning it.
I have a cabin up near Lake Arrowhead, so I wouldn't mind doing a little trail riding also.
I know there isn't a bike that will do all of those things perfectly, so I'm going to compromise regardless of what I get.
Size:
6'0", 220lbs.
Thoughts on a bike:
I've been looking for a powerful, yet more dependable & versatile bike. I can't afford "new" at the moment, but I don't want really old technology. I REALLY like the EFI on my Raptor . . . so . . . Right now, I'm heavily leaning toward the 2009 (or newer) KX450f. I think a 250 will be too small for me. I also think an "off-road" bike as opposed to a MX bike will be too heavy for duning & (obviously) MX. All the research I've been able to do tells me the injected KX450 will be the best bike to do a little of everything.
Someone tell me that I'm either 1) a genius, or 2) dumb. I will accept either answer, if it is explained.
Looking for advice on a bike to buy to get back into dirt-riding, and to try out MX for the first time at age 38 (I know, grandpa, right?).
Experience:
I grew up riding 4-stroke dirtbikes - SoCal & AZ desert riding, mostly. No MX, no dunes.
I've also been riding sport-bikes (currently a CBR1100XX) and cruisers (owned severals Harleys and a Magna) on-street for the last 20 years.
A few years ago, I started to get back into it - and bought the "always wanted one" bike - a CR500. I quickly realized I was too old for that thing. Its a monster, but not in a good way. About the same time, my buddies all got into quads for duning, so I now have a highly modified Raptor 700, and I love it. It is strictly set up for duning, though.
What I want to do:
I still miss dirt riding on 2 wheels, and I want to be able to do some desert riding. I would also like to see if I like MX. I live in the heart of MX here in SoCal, so why not?
I wouldn't mind slapping a paddle on a 2-wheeler and trying my hand at duning it.
I have a cabin up near Lake Arrowhead, so I wouldn't mind doing a little trail riding also.
I know there isn't a bike that will do all of those things perfectly, so I'm going to compromise regardless of what I get.
Size:
6'0", 220lbs.
Thoughts on a bike:
I've been looking for a powerful, yet more dependable & versatile bike. I can't afford "new" at the moment, but I don't want really old technology. I REALLY like the EFI on my Raptor . . . so . . . Right now, I'm heavily leaning toward the 2009 (or newer) KX450f. I think a 250 will be too small for me. I also think an "off-road" bike as opposed to a MX bike will be too heavy for duning & (obviously) MX. All the research I've been able to do tells me the injected KX450 will be the best bike to do a little of everything.
Someone tell me that I'm either 1) a genius, or 2) dumb. I will accept either answer, if it is explained.
If the work has NOT been done, any Kawi dealer will take care of it when I take it in, right?
The Shop
Luxon 4-Post Bar Mounts
$189.95 - $239.95
Free shipping: VITALMX
I stripped it naked, put some Monster graphics on it, changed the oil & filter, have a Loudmouth intake on order, and I'm gonna see how big of a smile I'll have when I crash it for the first time. LOL
Also - checked with my local dealership - the 2 recalls did not affect my VIN.
Post a reply to: Start with 2009 KX450F?