More specifically, motocross/off-road bikes. I have always been the type that likes to be a little different. Where I think a lot of people may want to follow the crowd and buy brands that seem popular? I am not sure if sometimes the thought may be, "if so and so is doing good on brand X, that must be the brand I should get as well".
I purchased a GasGas when they were first introduced. I could purchased a KTM, a Husqvarna, Kawasaki, whatever. I liked that they were less common. They have gained in popularity a lot in the last two years in our area.
What actually brought about this thought was reviewing local race results last night and seeing the brand representation per class. Some classes are overwhelmingly one or two brands. Honda, Yamaha and KTM are by far the more popular big bike sizes in our race series'. And in some classes out of 20-25 bikes there is 1 or 2 Kawasaki's, or 1 GG. Maybe 1 Suzuki. They are majority Yamaha, KTM and Honda.
Just thought it was an interesting observation and got me thinking, how many others might choose a certain brand because it is "less" popular, given all the new bikes are so competitive.
What wins on Sunday does not persuade me on Monday. If I'm buying a new 450 it will be a Suzuki.
As for my enduro, I bought a Beta because in California it's the best uncorked plated bike off the showroom floor. The KTM's are all choked up in CA, so Beta was the best option.
In a way - yes. I look at WHY they’re popular. If it’s due to quality, handling, support from the manufacturer, aftermarket parts availability etc… then I’ll definitely add it to the list of potential bikes to buy.
If it’s popular because the factory boys are making them look good but they’re a headache to own, I’ll steer clear.
Soul rider over here. Gets out every so often with my 2005 alpinestar tech 8s, 2010 mxon fox gear, and 2005 Ktm 200
Ill buy something new and cool in the next 5 years or so when my kids get older.
My whole life I've never put too much weight on what the crowd is doing.
I just listened to Keefer's podcast about the Beta 450RX for educational purposes.
I wouldn't buy a Beta, but I may have said that about KTM 15 years ago.
There will be less aftermarket support and fewer suspension tuners supporting Beta, TM, etc due to what the crowd is doing...
I own a GasGas for the red plastic, silver rims and the fact that I could buy a new 2023 in the previous generation chassis. Unfortunately I ended up with the BrakeTech crap. Unlike the crowd, I don't prefer Brembo so I have to do some weird stuff to swap a Nissin / Honda brake on that bike...
I believe it's best to pay attention to what the crowd is doing and to use that information to make a decision based on what is best for you.
In my opinion, if you prioritize cool / unusual / unique over things like parts availability and aftermarket support that's a totally legitimate reason to buy a less popular brand.
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Being different is my jam, but the drawback is as you said, tuning options for my 450RX are pretty non-existent when it comes to suspension and the ecu. Any reputable suspension tuner outside of Bryce @ Beta is just guessing at this point. At least that is my experience having called a handful of shops.
Don't even get me started on the lack of exhaust and graphics options.
That said, I still haven't seen another one around our local tracks, so I'm definitely different.
I buy the bike that I think will compliment me the most. Don't care much what the other guys are buying. They're all pretty good. Air forks still suck. Never buying a KTM group bike again unless it's got good spring forks stock. 3 bikes with air for was enough, and the KTM group has struck out with me.
No.
kTM works for me!
Quality comes first in my book....
Fox is for posers.
I raced a KTM when they were white, I think that answers your question.
Have you contacted Race Tech? My local bike mechanic has a Beta and has done Racetech suspension in his bike and he is very happy with it
When I saw Dungey on the new 15 1/2 or 2016 KTM, I knew the bike was going to be good, just from how he rode.
seeing Jett on a Honda makes me want one, seeing how RV ride the 12 kawi made me want one. I don't give a damn about popularity, I care about seeing a rider improve from one model to the next.
Proven products win me over more than hype and packaging...
I could not care even one dead rat's ass less than I do right now about what everybody else thinks about my brand choice. That has absolutely zero influence on my purchasing decision.
Race Tech also did my Beta and they did a great job. I have a great guy in San Diego if you need someone. PM me.
I only use what the Deegs uses. Duh.
DNGR 4 LYF!!!!!
Same for me.....I like to be different. Been a Suzuki guy for the most part. Didn't like Honda when I was young because they dominated and now KTM has taken that spot. I don't like to be another guy in the crowd.
Pit Row
Yes. Specifically Honda. The more popular they are, the less likely I am to consider purchasing anything they make. I don’t agree with their corporate philosophy or their hypocrisy toward motorsport.
Dude, you’re old!
I try to buy what fits what I want. Right now, I want to be able to reach the ground. Maybe Husky?
Nah the popularity does not ever sway me... Generally its my damn bank account that sways me the most lol.
Im in process of saving for Ducati, Desmo-450 Sight unseen and unridden lol
I’m one of those weird people that when a product gets insanely popular I am less likely to buy said product I don’t know why I guess maybe I have a wire crossed somewhere. Has anyone else experienced this?
When it comes to Mx bikes I’m not really sure what sways me to purchase I guess it’s a mix of brand image, test ride reviews and a pinch of local dealer support and results
Im this way with alot of things as well. If everybody is hyping a product.. Im going the otherway, because nothing is ever perfect.
For a bike, absolutely buying what I feel will work best for me. Now....for parts and mods I for sure try to support brands that support the sport I love and value IF they make/sell quality stuff. For example, I have purchased a Rekluse clutch, GUTS seat, Fastway pegs and hand guards, Pro Filters, and Maxima oil for my new TE150. When it's time for tires, I will look into Michelin first.....sprockets and chain will be Renthal etc.
I’m loyal to my wallet before a brand. That’s not to say the cheapest option is the best - just pursue the best bang for buck when it comes to a bike.
I like to look at what the company stands for. Also how proven the product is not exactly who uses it.
😂 that is true…..as for being able to reach the ground; I’ve never achieved that either, and believe me, a 1985 KTM was an absolutely poor choice in that regard! I think those bikes were actually taller than current bikes. It was certainly taller than the 90s and 00s Yami’s I rode later.
If only we had starting devices and blocks back then, I may have got out of the gate straight occasionally. Good luck with the Husky.
tbh I always seem to go against the grain.
Everyone raced dirtbikes, for some reason I decided on quads.
Everyone was racing Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha, I rode KTMs
Everyone wore Fox gear, I wore Thor, Fly or Shot.
Now all my dirtbiking buddies are buying mud quads, I'm riding a mini Supermoto around a go-kart track.
Yes for me.
Im not a Honda fan, I think thats because I grew up in the 80s/90s when Honda was king in pro racing, everybody loved them, so I found it boring that everyone was the same & chose something different.
In fact, over a 37 year period, Ive had numerous brand new bikes from Kawasaki, Suzuki & Yamaha, plus second hand bikes from KTM. I have never personally owned a Honda.
If I were going to buy a brand new 450 now, Im buying yellow. Why? Because I like to have something nobody else wants.
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