2019 Bike for old Fat Guy

Kneeherts
Posts
5
Joined
2/28/2019
Location
Burlington, CT, USA
3/4/2019 6:37am
Thanks for the .02c. I rode and plan to ride MX, Hair scrambles, single track trail, woods freestyle, ect. When I had my 250cc 2 stroke...
Thanks for the .02c. I rode and plan to ride MX, Hair scrambles, single track trail, woods freestyle, ect. When I had my 250cc 2 stroke I rode 250cc MX, but also all of the above. When I got my 250cc 2 stroke GAS GAS, we were waiting for the crate to arrive, so I rode several MX and Hair Scrambles on the 300cc 2 stroke GAS GAS. One thing I noticed was the 250, you could lug out of a corner, roll on, and when the power band hit, it would surprise you, and you would have to roll off and modulate depending on conditions. With the 300, it felt much more connected down low. it did as commanded. at 30 + whichever bike I go with, can be cross platform, as there is no cc limit in the 30+ class. so I want the most connected power, most comfort, handling, you get the idea. 40 - 50' tables, and step-ups, doubles, whoops, no problem. 100' triples, dangerous blind downhills, all in the past. I know from experience how critical a good suspension setup is, so regardless of how the bike comes stock, my first stop is to Enduro Engineering, to get things dialed in for me.

I really like all the input and feedback. now I'm between the KTM 350, 450, KX 450, and Husky 300. Very excited to get back in the saddle.
The new Gas Gas 300 is awesome. Damon Bradshaw is riding one. You will never get the air fork to be as supple as a spring fork. Air forks were a cost reduction. KTM is trying to get their money's worth before they abandon them like the Japanese. The newer PDS works well, although it will never be as versatile as linkage. The euro KTM
sponsored extreme off-road riders use the xc-w chassis while the Americans like Cody Webb use the Linkage chassis. I have moto'd my 250 XC-W (PDS) and it works well, although I run the SX ignition and head. Another brand to think about is a TM. They just redid their 2 stroke engines and added electric start. They use the same KYB sss forks as yamaha. I was thinking of getting one for my next bike. They really aren't much more expensive than KTM/HUSKY.
three9zero
Posts
1454
Joined
9/26/2010
Location
Kamloops B.C, CA
3/4/2019 6:40am
Stay away from the linkage-less KTM bikes for moto. Look into a CRF450RX or a KTM 350 Xc-f. They will work great for novice level moto and be fun trail bikes for riding with your son
walleyeguy
Posts
463
Joined
5/9/2011
Location
Centerville, PA, USA
3/4/2019 8:28am
Hcallz5 wrote:
FX 350
DING DING DING DING. I LOVE mine. Best "do it all" bike produced. I even street legaled mine.
1
walleyeguy
Posts
463
Joined
5/9/2011
Location
Centerville, PA, USA
3/4/2019 8:30am
One more thing, I hear from a good friend that the big cc thumpers can benefit from a Rekluse Auto Clutch. I read about them online...
One more thing, I hear from a good friend that the big cc thumpers can benefit from a Rekluse Auto Clutch. I read about them online, and sounds like overall benefit of auto clutch can be realized. Any heavy riders, on any of these platforms that have a Rekluse testimonial?
I have a 17 FX 350 with a Core 3.0 rekluse. Perfect bike that is at no disadvantage at anything you want to do, moto, single track, road legal, hare scramble, etc.
1

The Shop

FatOldGuy823
Posts
15
Joined
3/3/2019
Location
Eaton Rapids, MI, USA
3/4/2019 2:17pm
I've got my pro / con spreadsheet established. Checked out the YZ today, and was really geeked about the ability to tune with smart phone. I failed to mention, I'm a car guy too, and I love HP tuner with my supercharged 09 Corvette. Very cool.

Great feedback, if I were a gambling man, I would bet that I will have pictures to post by the end of the week.
3/4/2019 7:03pm
I've got my pro / con spreadsheet established. Checked out the YZ today, and was really geeked about the ability to tune with smart phone. I...
I've got my pro / con spreadsheet established. Checked out the YZ today, and was really geeked about the ability to tune with smart phone. I failed to mention, I'm a car guy too, and I love HP tuner with my supercharged 09 Corvette. Very cool.

Great feedback, if I were a gambling man, I would bet that I will have pictures to post by the end of the week.
I’d like to see your spreadsheet if you feel like posting it.

I’ll give my $.02. I jumped straight to a 450 after not riding for a over decade. The last bike I, well my parents lol, actually owned was a CR80. I now have a ‘15 FC450 and I love it. Like all 450s, it has a ridiculous amount of power, but my bike is so smooth..and the new models are arguably smoother with the power delivery. I’m just an average sized guy at 190 and it’s perfect for me. My reasoning for the 450, besides being a killer deal financially, was I would rather have the power and not need it, than need it and not have it.
TKL965
Posts
151
Joined
5/5/2014
Location
AU
3/4/2019 10:44pm
Im a big dude aswell and I rarely ride nowadays, but I still have ridden every year since i was 7, now 29.

I used to get around a track quite well. I stopped doing local races due to work commitments and brought a yz 250 2 stroke. Idea was cheap maintence, super fun etc etc. 2 stroke was heaps of fun playing around, bush riding etc it just wasnt for me on the track. 4 stokes have made me super lazy. Just having to be on the pipe to get a bit of flow happening was too much work.

Had a 250f and found myself revving it too much, 2008 crf with a soft heads $$$$. so stepped up to a 450. Wouldnt go back, just having that extra power is so handy, you can cruise around a track easily and then wind it on and clear a jumps etc.

I find bikes power isnt that important as in too much, just depends on how hard your twisting it.
FatOldGuy823
Posts
15
Joined
3/3/2019
Location
Eaton Rapids, MI, USA
3/5/2019 11:55am
Well, its a done deal. 2019 Bike it is not. 2018 KTM 450SX.
-Bigger guys / slower guys like the 2018 frame better from the reviews
-2018 air-box well known and popular
-2018 bike just spoke to me.
-The Bike just spoke to me. I could not get excited or comfortable on a KX or YZ.
-KTM smooth power delivery.

Ultimately, the package deal was a
19 YZ 65 for my son
18 KTM 450 SX for me
18 KTM 250 SX for my wife (she was better than me back in the day)

Lets just say by going with 18 inventory and working a commitment for 3 bikes, I was able to go with the dealer that I know and trust, and they gave me a very good deal. I could not be happier.j

Have a few weeks of winter left to get suspension components, and things ready.
1
blaze 57
Posts
392
Joined
4/11/2018
Location
Inchelium, WA, USA
3/5/2019 5:59pm Edited Date/Time 3/5/2019 6:01pm
Well, its a done deal. 2019 Bike it is not. 2018 KTM 450SX. -Bigger guys / slower guys like the 2018 frame better from the reviews...
Well, its a done deal. 2019 Bike it is not. 2018 KTM 450SX.
-Bigger guys / slower guys like the 2018 frame better from the reviews
-2018 air-box well known and popular
-2018 bike just spoke to me.
-The Bike just spoke to me. I could not get excited or comfortable on a KX or YZ.
-KTM smooth power delivery.

Ultimately, the package deal was a
19 YZ 65 for my son
18 KTM 450 SX for me
18 KTM 250 SX for my wife (she was better than me back in the day)

Lets just say by going with 18 inventory and working a commitment for 3 bikes, I was able to go with the dealer that I know and trust, and they gave me a very good deal. I could not be happier.j

Have a few weeks of winter left to get suspension components, and things ready.
Good choice! I'm a heavier rider too and have the 18.5 450 factory edition (new frame) and yes this stiffer frame is great for fast MX but out trail riding you feel EVERYTHING. The 18 frame is a better off-road frame.

The 450 power is amazing. I just idle along in upper gears riding out in the desert. The engine never works saving wear and tear. It laughs at my 220 lbs and glad I went 450. I hate wringing bikes out.
stumpy823
Posts
129
Joined
12/14/2010
Location
Canal Winchester, OH, USA
3/5/2019 6:26pm
Get the Ktm 450 gear it 14-52 run 3rd most of track I was 260 when my wife bought me a 17 I range 235-245 now. Heavier rear spring and find comfort lbs in forks best bike you’ll ever ride
FatOldGuy823
Posts
15
Joined
3/3/2019
Location
Eaton Rapids, MI, USA
3/5/2019 7:41pm
Racetech spring already ordered based on their calcs initial setup will be 178 PSI in Air fork, and will swap out the stock 4.6KG spring rate for a 6.0KG in the rear, and set static and ride sag, and go tear it up. Wife's bike is at Enduro Engineering getting lowered for her. Traction control and mellow map, with lowered setup and electric start! she is really excited. (She used to ride a GSXR 600 as well, so she is an experienced recreation rider dirt and street, never raced). Kind of funny, we both quit riding when she got pregnant almost 11 years ago, had no life insurance, no savings, bla bla bla. Now savings, Life insurance, Living will and trust, we are ready to go be silly again, and drag our son into it.

My son was blown away when I got home. breath of new life and excitement into the whole family!!


7
IDMegaMoto
Posts
22
Joined
1/11/2019
Location
Fairfield, ID, USA
3/6/2019 10:23pm
2016-2019 KTM 350XC-F is the ultimate all around bike...the only thing it would not be good for is SuperCross!
slideways
Posts
72
Joined
2/18/2019
Location
USA
3/6/2019 11:08pm
1996 XR400
3/7/2019 12:12am
Racetech spring already ordered based on their calcs initial setup will be 178 PSI in Air fork, and will swap out the stock 4.6KG spring rate...
Racetech spring already ordered based on their calcs initial setup will be 178 PSI in Air fork, and will swap out the stock 4.6KG spring rate for a 6.0KG in the rear, and set static and ride sag, and go tear it up. Wife's bike is at Enduro Engineering getting lowered for her. Traction control and mellow map, with lowered setup and electric start! she is really excited. (She used to ride a GSXR 600 as well, so she is an experienced recreation rider dirt and street, never raced). Kind of funny, we both quit riding when she got pregnant almost 11 years ago, had no life insurance, no savings, bla bla bla. Now savings, Life insurance, Living will and trust, we are ready to go be silly again, and drag our son into it.

My son was blown away when I got home. breath of new life and excitement into the whole family!!


I have the same 450. Great bike. What sort of strange tie down action do you have going on with the green tie down and triangle stand?
nascarnate326
Posts
3008
Joined
11/3/2014
Location
Charlotte, MI, USA
3/7/2019 3:56am
Racetech spring already ordered based on their calcs initial setup will be 178 PSI in Air fork, and will swap out the stock 4.6KG spring rate...
Racetech spring already ordered based on their calcs initial setup will be 178 PSI in Air fork, and will swap out the stock 4.6KG spring rate for a 6.0KG in the rear, and set static and ride sag, and go tear it up. Wife's bike is at Enduro Engineering getting lowered for her. Traction control and mellow map, with lowered setup and electric start! she is really excited. (She used to ride a GSXR 600 as well, so she is an experienced recreation rider dirt and street, never raced). Kind of funny, we both quit riding when she got pregnant almost 11 years ago, had no life insurance, no savings, bla bla bla. Now savings, Life insurance, Living will and trust, we are ready to go be silly again, and drag our son into it.

My son was blown away when I got home. breath of new life and excitement into the whole family!!


Congrats on the bike!

Eaton Rapids..holy smokes I work in Char-lot.
FatOldGuy823
Posts
15
Joined
3/3/2019
Location
Eaton Rapids, MI, USA
3/7/2019 8:02am
Racetech spring already ordered based on their calcs initial setup will be 178 PSI in Air fork, and will swap out the stock 4.6KG spring rate...
Racetech spring already ordered based on their calcs initial setup will be 178 PSI in Air fork, and will swap out the stock 4.6KG spring rate for a 6.0KG in the rear, and set static and ride sag, and go tear it up. Wife's bike is at Enduro Engineering getting lowered for her. Traction control and mellow map, with lowered setup and electric start! she is really excited. (She used to ride a GSXR 600 as well, so she is an experienced recreation rider dirt and street, never raced). Kind of funny, we both quit riding when she got pregnant almost 11 years ago, had no life insurance, no savings, bla bla bla. Now savings, Life insurance, Living will and trust, we are ready to go be silly again, and drag our son into it.

My son was blown away when I got home. breath of new life and excitement into the whole family!!


I have the same 450. Great bike. What sort of strange tie down action do you have going on with the green tie down and triangle...
I have the same 450. Great bike. What sort of strange tie down action do you have going on with the green tie down and triangle stand?
LMAO, optical illusion, this is my work trailer, the triangle stand was just sitting there off the ground, and there was another tie down in front of the YZ. they made it home safe and sound.
FatOldGuy823
Posts
15
Joined
3/3/2019
Location
Eaton Rapids, MI, USA
3/7/2019 8:04am
Racetech spring already ordered based on their calcs initial setup will be 178 PSI in Air fork, and will swap out the stock 4.6KG spring rate...
Racetech spring already ordered based on their calcs initial setup will be 178 PSI in Air fork, and will swap out the stock 4.6KG spring rate for a 6.0KG in the rear, and set static and ride sag, and go tear it up. Wife's bike is at Enduro Engineering getting lowered for her. Traction control and mellow map, with lowered setup and electric start! she is really excited. (She used to ride a GSXR 600 as well, so she is an experienced recreation rider dirt and street, never raced). Kind of funny, we both quit riding when she got pregnant almost 11 years ago, had no life insurance, no savings, bla bla bla. Now savings, Life insurance, Living will and trust, we are ready to go be silly again, and drag our son into it.

My son was blown away when I got home. breath of new life and excitement into the whole family!!


Congrats on the bike!

Eaton Rapids..holy smokes I work in Char-lot.
Charlotte, then you must be familiar with Portland MX track! my favorite home town track
fourfourone
Posts
3045
Joined
10/14/2017
Location
86oh, CT, USA
3/7/2019 10:47am
Meister wrote:
My personal opinion.. I would never buy an xc bike with intentions on motoing on it. I have always had a moto bike and it's never...
My personal opinion.. I would never buy an xc bike with intentions on motoing on it. I have always had a moto bike and it's never stopped me from off roading.
100%
blaze 57
Posts
392
Joined
4/11/2018
Location
Inchelium, WA, USA
3/7/2019 11:36am
stumpy823 wrote:
Get the Ktm 450 gear it 14-52 run 3rd most of track I was 260 when my wife bought me a 17 I range 235-245 now...
Get the Ktm 450 gear it 14-52 run 3rd most of track I was 260 when my wife bought me a 17 I range 235-245 now. Heavier rear spring and find comfort lbs in forks best bike you’ll ever ride
How many links in your chain to run that gearing? thanks.
fourfourone
Posts
3045
Joined
10/14/2017
Location
86oh, CT, USA
3/7/2019 11:38am
stumpy823 wrote:
Get the Ktm 450 gear it 14-52 run 3rd most of track I was 260 when my wife bought me a 17 I range 235-245 now...
Get the Ktm 450 gear it 14-52 run 3rd most of track I was 260 when my wife bought me a 17 I range 235-245 now. Heavier rear spring and find comfort lbs in forks best bike you’ll ever ride
blaze 57 wrote:
How many links in your chain to run that gearing? thanks.
is that a real question?
blaze 57
Posts
392
Joined
4/11/2018
Location
Inchelium, WA, USA
3/7/2019 4:18pm Edited Date/Time 3/7/2019 4:21pm
stumpy823 wrote:
Get the Ktm 450 gear it 14-52 run 3rd most of track I was 260 when my wife bought me a 17 I range 235-245 now...
Get the Ktm 450 gear it 14-52 run 3rd most of track I was 260 when my wife bought me a 17 I range 235-245 now. Heavier rear spring and find comfort lbs in forks best bike you’ll ever ride
blaze 57 wrote:
How many links in your chain to run that gearing? thanks.
is that a real question?
So you think he is running the stock chain with that gearing?....Laughing

Just maybe he remembered the link count on his new chain. I always do. Its not tough.
racerx217
Posts
1204
Joined
10/10/2008
Location
USA
3/7/2019 4:37pm
Just like everyone here, I'm a big kid getting ready to fully commit to an impulsive, yet satisfying decision. I was, and still am obsessed with...
Just like everyone here, I'm a big kid getting ready to fully commit to an impulsive, yet satisfying decision. I was, and still am obsessed with the freedom that comes from riding, no cell phones, no computer screens, no text messages, just physical abuse, and pure adrenaline. I rode around the family farm growing up, and in my teen years was a district 14 AMA local 250C class hero. By hero I mean finishing mid pack with my fair share of DNF, and DNS in the mix, as I was funding my own journey. After riding a while, I did actually get a sponsor, and I turned in my old 1999 KX 250 for a brand new GAS GAS 250, that I raced for a company, and was maintained by them. One day at Dutch Sport park, MI, I had the unfortunate situation of landing short / casing the big one, and was on the balls of my feed, and felt the snap as my tibia broke. good news I never crashed, but calmly rod to the pits, and off to the ER. after that, marriage, mortgage, and you get the rest....

NOW, Father of a 10 year old boy, who is very much into riding, I am upgrading him to a YZ 65 or KTM 65, and am using this as the best excuse ever to have a grand return to riding. The plan that I am fully committing to now as a responsible adult (sometimes) with the proper level of disposable income to sink into this, is to regain a membership at my local motocross / hair scramble track, spend this summer with regular practice and conditioning, with a return to competition in 2020.

when I raced I was 240 LBS with all gear, but am now 260 LBS dry..... I know very well the importance of proper suspension setup, so that is not the point, the point is the bike / motor. I see a lot of forums with people saying "Dont get a 450" . I never raced a thumper, so I cannot say on way or another,

HERE is the point and sorry for the long post. I fully intent to race the 30+ class this year or next, and the bikes I am stuck between are the 2019 KTM 450 SX or the 2019 KTM 300 XC TPI. Looking for opinions / experience from other guys with similar situations.

You don't stop riding because you get old and fat, you get old and fat because you stop riding.
Thats a real fast class full of A riders. You might want to think about some other classes.
1
FatOldGuy823
Posts
15
Joined
3/3/2019
Location
Eaton Rapids, MI, USA
3/8/2019 5:00am
racerx217 wrote:
Thats a real fast class full of A riders. You might want to think about some other classes.
D14 has Vet Sport, and the 30+ class has three tiers ABC. Been a while but just looking at their website. I don't plan to compete until 2020.

-Need to get in shape
-Need to scout the racing scene

D14 makes you start in a "C" class then earn points to advance, so for sure I'll be starting in the class that makes the most sense.
nascarnate326
Posts
3008
Joined
11/3/2014
Location
Charlotte, MI, USA
3/8/2019 7:48am
racerx217 wrote:
Thats a real fast class full of A riders. You might want to think about some other classes.
D14 has Vet Sport, and the 30+ class has three tiers ABC. Been a while but just looking at their website. I don't plan to compete...
D14 has Vet Sport, and the 30+ class has three tiers ABC. Been a while but just looking at their website. I don't plan to compete until 2020.

-Need to get in shape
-Need to scout the racing scene

D14 makes you start in a "C" class then earn points to advance, so for sure I'll be starting in the class that makes the most sense.
C class is full of A and B guys anyways. Portland is a blast as is Battle Creek. Lmk if you want to hit up the track some time.
1
VetMX.com
Posts
611
Joined
5/28/2018
Location
Magnolia, TX, USA
3/8/2019 11:49am
RMZ450, Keto or Paleo diet and Intermittent fasting.

First meal of the day at 1 or 2 PM and last meal at 8 PM. Breakfast is for fat people. I dropped 15 pounds in 1 month with no problem so you will be down to your fighting weight soon. Oddly enough, meat makes you skinny, also look at the Carnivore diet. (YouTube Dr. Shawn Baker)

Most important is to ride slow and get the body back in shape so you can stay healthy. Here in TX we lose a few riders every year to the heat so go slowly and don't get hurt.

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