Posts
14
Joined
5/4/2019
Location
Mexican Hat, UT, USA
Edited Date/Time
5/18/2019 4:08pm
Best cross country bike and why go
Bikes like the yz250 ktm 250xc
Bikes like the yz250 ktm 250xc
The Shop
DeCal Works Huge Plastic Inventory of UFO and Polisport kits.
Luxon 4-Post Bar Mounts
$189.95 - $239.95
KYB, e-start with a kicker, counter balancer, build quality second to none and now priced lower than a KTM.
I’ve have been beyond impressed with the handling and smooth power of the ‘19 TM
TM knows how to build HP also. Their Kart engines are as good as anything, or better.
CCullins is correct, the TM has made a big leap forward this year based on Danny Mckanney's results in EnduroGP, it is nipping at Beta's heels now. (Unfortunately Steve Holcombe seems to have a mystery virus making it impossible for him to sustain the normal level of physical output) For the 1st time in over a year Steve and the Beta have lost the lead in the EnduroGP series and it is upsetting to me
Luckily he lost the lead to another Beta, this time Brad Freeman and his Boano Special have assumed the championship lead
http://www.enduromagazine.com/endurogp-brad-freeman-se-impone-en-el-pri…
For the West Coast the Big 6, Worcs and the Hare and Hound and Scrambles Series are like the GNCC and Enduro's in the East.
Beta is pursuing the West Coast Hare Scramble Series where they hold 1st and 2nd and 4th,http://www.moto-tally.com/whs/standings.aspx and Hare and Hound where they also currently hold 1st. 4th and 5th, and 1st in the 250 2t class as well, so in my book they sit atop the throne and are fending off contenders.
It’s just as light as the KTM XC 2 strokes and it’s got the power to beat just about any other XC bike into the first corner on the start.
For cross-country I think this is the best bike. For hard enduro I would probably prefer a 250 or 300cc 2 stroke.
My last bike was a 200xc. It ripped pretty good but it just wasn’t enough in the open A class since I weigh 195 without gear.
My next new bike will be a leftover 250sx. I plan to put a larger tank, hand guards, skid plate, revalve the suspension and go.
Pit Row
The TM's are bitchen, but a bit quirky at times...
For west coat GP style races, I'd honestly get a 350 or 450 four stroke. The 2-strokes are fine, but the 4-stroke will feel better in high-speed chop. Can't go wrong with a KTM or a Husky. I had a 17 450XC-F and it was a great bike. I sold it to get a 19 300XC and that's perfect for my type of riding (tight, technical, and hard enduro). If I were to ride a GNCC or something out west where it's open I'd want my 450 back in a heartbeat.
I've also been fortunate enough to have friends who like European offroad bikes. If I had to rank them (2 strokes) down it would be in this fashion:
1. KTM/Husky 300 XC/TX. Has everything you'd want. Hydraulic clutch, e-start, counter balancer, kick backup, and solid AER suspension. The downside is the carb (If you don't get the new TPI bikes). They can be a bit finicky. I put a Slaven's Mule Lectron on mine and it's been solid ever since.
2. Sherco 300. This would be my choice bike BUT after you've ridden a bike with a counter balancer the Sherco feels like it's going to vibrate you to death. This bike turns like none other. Absolutely love how well it can cut through the trees.
3. TM 300. The new TM is awesome. My buddy's new 19 is great, but it can be a bit finicky at times. I also don't care for the frame. To me, it feels like the front end is too high and heavy. That could just be the way he has it set up.
4. Beta 300. Smooth. This could be 3rd, but I'm a bit taller and when sitting on this bike it's a bit too cramped for me. If you're a taller rider you may feel the same way.
5. GasGas 300. Feels like an older KTM clone.
6. YZ 250X. It's a fine bike. I like the suspension and snap, but that's where it ends. The age shows when comparing it against the above bikes.
All of the above-bikes are solid. The top 5 i think comes down to rider preference as any of them could win. I'd include the YZ, but it just needs some updates. I'd be interested in one if it got a translucent 2.5-3 gallon tank, hydraulic clutch, e-start, and a counter balancer. Yeah, most of these things can be added for relatively low cost, but Id rather buy a bike with it installed as standard equipment.
If I had to buy a new bike RIGHT now, I'd go for the new 2020 KTM 300XC with TPI or the equivalent Husky TX300i.
Oh - and it seems the 'moto-ness' is shining through in some of the above posts. The XC-W has PDS, the XC has linkage as well as the husky offroad ranges (TE & TX). The beta, TM, and Sherco are all linkage-based.
The GasGas and older model KTM’s feel exactly the same. You might as well saved a ton of money and found a nice used 2014 KTM 300.
Gas Gas is one Fugly bike as well
They are a good bike. I don’t like them as much as the KTM/Huskys or the Sherco’s, but they’re good bikes nonetheless. I would have concerns over the company supposedly folding though.
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