I’m not getting any younger, turned 67 recently. I still want to go to the track but hitting trails/single track is starting to make more sense. I’d like to get rid of the trail bike in the the garage I seldom ride and the old YZ 250F that’s collecting dust and get to one bike. May even part with the 2023 Honda 250R. Would like to get from 3 down to one, I need to room too.
I’ve always been comfortable with Honda or Yamaha. They seem to work and parts are not a problem. I’ve kicked around Beta but concerned with vibration have a little bit of a bad right hand. Two strokes may not make sense for me, haven’t had one in years. Also not crazy about 6 speed off road transmissions no matter what brand. I grew up on a CZ back in the day and after all these years never been good with clutch/shift work on a modern bike. I’d be a good candidate for a Stark Varg LOL, but dang they are expensive.
I’m thinking Austrian 4 stroke 350, maybe GasGas MC350F. Would think it would work for second, third gear limited shifting on the track no faster than I am. Would also think it would do fine for trails, single track etc. also, but never been on one. The six speed off road bikes do not seem to be a fit. I can’t see the need for ultra low first gear and ultra high six gear for high speed, not many steep trails or deserts in Southeast Texas. I read a little about parts availability with Austrian bikes but how many parts do you need for a new bike. I hear so much good press on 350’s it’s something to think about.
Couple of things about being retired, ya get to go to the track during the middle of the week miss the crowd and of time to think about things and post on forums!!
350 has to be the best dirtbike ever made. They’re perfect in my opinion.
With all the good press 350’s get it’s amazing the Japanese haven’t followed.
Best do it all bike IMO---------xc 300
If you’re not keen on vibration stay away from a 350.
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Gearing is nearly identical to the mx 350s. Lots of fast offroad guys around here race xcf s in moto
Best do it all bike for most would be a KTM 350 XCF or Husky FX350. Good for track, good for off-road, power is just right.
23 TX300, quiver killer.
If you're not in a hurry you could buy a Stark Varg, no gears to worry about, adjust the power up or down to suit you!
What’s your gripe with the crf? No offense but this sounds like a “just want a new thing” problem.
This, 2022 KTM 350 XCF, best all around bike I've ever owned. Great on the trails and a few clicks on the suspension and it's a great track bike. Has a XPR Vortex ECU on it with 10 maps, so you have a lot of choices of what kind of powerband you want.
Beta makes four strokes too
A little late to the punch but, until my big crash in 04 I used to race numerous WR/YZF 400's, until they were trashed. Their motors were amazing. Yes they were kinda heavy but I was a brute. I haven't ridden a 350, but I bet they are similar, and much lighter. I'm liking your train of thought here. Go for it!
In most cases I want something new. In the case with my Honda, have a love/don’t like relation with my Honda. Not hate, just sometimes don’t like. Being a big guy 6’2”, 220 ish or more, the Honda sets good for my long legs and with Windham bend bars seems to be a good fit. I like the front forks, they maybe sprung to heavy for most smaller riders but seem good for me set at std click per comp handbook. Honda is much easier to get to filter to clean, very easy bike to maintain. Fires right up and runs good. Strong even power band, almost Yamaha like but with more top end.
As far as don’t like, have to be really careful cornering, seems like it’s not very forgiving once you commit into a corner, that’s where your going and don’t try to go anywhere else. Some of the test even mention this. I’ve washed out twice every unexpected, like how in the hell did that happen and hit the ground hard. Once on exit, once in the middle of banked bowl type turn. Corner situations I would have never guessed I’d hit the ground. I chalked it up to the rear spring rate to light. Went to the heavy OEM rear spring seems better but to be brutally honest, I’ve been riding very careful. RaceTech recommended a heavier spring, said the OEM heavy spring was still to light for my weight. They may be right. I may swap out for the spring they recomemd. Also, rear end doesn’t seem stable in loose stuff straight line, I have to really ease into the throttle. Maybe this all me, hell I’m getting old and may need to rethink things. But I’ve rode a lap on this Honda, parked it and rode a lap on my Yamaha. Then scratched my head thinking something ain’t quite right with this Honda.
YZ450FX's are a great option, from fire roads, mx tracks, dunes, desert, and mountain single track. Only things I've added to mine is a spark arrestor, handguards, and thermostat.
Also my vote especially seeing as how the modern Austrian 2 strokes are counter balanced with next to no vibration.
Really can't go wrong with a 350 either but take into consideration the 2024s xc and xcf's will be coil forks which is a good thing in my book.
If you have a Beta dealer near you, stop in and throw a leg over one of the X Trainer. Myself, also being 67 years old, have found the reduced overall size of the X Trainer to be real appealing making it more confidence inspiring for an older rider. Remember, you're only going to get older...
My last 3 bikes have all been 350s, and with spring forks on the horizon, I’m not sure if I’ll ever change. It’s the best “do it all” bike in my opinion. Plenty of power, feels light, and doesn’t bite you when you get tired. I’ve had the SXF, XCF, and now a GG EX. I ride mostly single track now, but I prefer the 6 speed in all applications. My brother has a TX 300. It’s a sweet bike and the two stroke “do it all” equivalent, but any time we swap, I always want my 350 back.
Counterpoint to your dismissal of the six speed, by altering sprocket sizes a six speed gives you more overall options for ratios than a five speed. Personally I couldn't deal with a five speed for my own riding. The thing with the XC/TX KTM/Huskys they may not be able to power lights if a street legal kit is in your future. I plate all my bikes, not because I dual sport a lot, but if the shit hits the fan on the trail, I am legal on the street to get back to base camp.
Pit Row
I'm in my mid 20's and I think I am looking at a 350 for my next bike too. I ride 2-3 times a month if I'm lucky, so that 350 motor sounds like the sweet spot. I'd be cool with any Austrian MX or XC trim for moto and flowy trail use.
I’m 6’2, 180 lbs and my Honda beat the shit out of me, and I’m half your age. The ergos are good for tall guys, but there’s more to comfort than cockpit. Felt good to sit on, but once moving it was too rigid and demanding. Those bikes take a lot of mental energy to ride through corners.
Thread has me a bit interested. Notice a lot of off road equipment mentioned. How do things like the newer CRF250RX and such compare? Not that the 250/300 two strokes and 350's aren't interesting.
I agree. I also ran out of mental energy a long time ago!!
Good question. I bet someone will come along that rides one. I see a lot of off road bikes at the track, most are KTM’s. Some of those guys are flying too.
https://www.dirtrider.com/story/tests/yamaha-yz250fx-review-2022/
https://www.dirtrider.com/story/tests/ktm-350-xc-f-review-2022/
I’d seriously consider either a YZ250FX or 2019-2022 KTM 350 XC-F…Unless you want to spend time and energy on your CRF250R to make it more comfortable and confidence inspiring (23.5/24mm clamps, taller seat, down/back footpegs, etc), both options are more stable platforms that still have that all-important fun factor. There is a learning curve to overcome on the Austrian brands in certain ways, but for a moto/trail mix they’re tough to beat. Keep us updated and best of luck finding your right bike!
Euro bikes work amazing when they don't lose oil pressure in the first start up, or give you gifts via the drain plug.
https://www.vitalmx.com/forums/Moto-Related,20/Found-this-while-doing-a…
I would go like many have said. KTM 350. I rode 450s since they came out. Had a knee replacement six years ago on my shifting side. Didn't ride four almost four years. Don't have full range of motion but just enough to ride.Shifting is tough sometimes. I have a 2012 KTM SXF 350. Motor was rebuilt right before I bought it three years ago. I put a 52 tooth rear on it. I ride track mostly and 3rd gear pulls the whole track. The bike will lug with a little cloth in tight corners but it will rev to the moon. The bike feels much lighter than a 450 even tough it's not that much lighter. Hydraulic clutch and electric start you can't go wrong. I love the bike. I'm sure the newer ones are even better. I'm 66 and weigh 215.
I have been on some tight singletrack rides where the 4 strokes have to shut off their motors to keep them from puking coolant while waiting in line to attack a hill or whatever......my 300 never even coughed at that stuff....Just an observation......
I’m a bit shorter than you, same weight and agree the rear feels a bit soft. I also had no idea why they put a 100 rear on it until I rode a harder track. I pushed my forks up 3mm and felt better in the corners and have also had to focus more on getting over the front to keep it balanced.
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