Posts
87
Joined
5/19/2008
Location
Aliso Viejo, CA
US
I have a new Stark EX on order but after looking at all the Stark forums & all the issues with them I am second guessing it. Looking for a easy to ride bike that wont give me arm pump issues like my KTM 500. Mostly ride tight technical desert and mountain trails. Any suggestions?
Thanks
KTM 300XCW or TE300 are literally the official old man enduro bike.
yup maybe a 350 if you prefer the 4 stroke.
For sure.
Depending on how mellow you want the bike to be and how tall you are, lots of people rave about the Beta XTrainer as well.
I have a Stark Varg and a 350, I have ridden the 350 once singe I got the Varg. Theres no easier bike to ride in the forest hands down.
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Was gonna say the same, even though i dont do woods or anything, but 300 2T are proper fun, and nice and light.
Beta xTrainer and Rieju MR Ranger
Read all the magazine reviews, you really can't go wrong with the newer 300s from any manufacturer in my opinion.
Have you had any issues with the Varg?
I got one of the first Vargs, when it was 2 hours old I geared it up for a top speed run with 14/40 sprockets. After holding it flat out for 800-900 Meters I locked the engine. They sent me a new one straight away and I told them I would be doing the same test with the new engine, they said they logged into my bike and could see a faulty temp sensor, and assured me the engine would not do the same thing.
When I got the new engine the first thing I did was the same top speed run 4 times over to see if the engine would fail, it did not. I have done 30hours since, mostly through the forest, easy trails to hard enduro terrain and have not had an issue.
Trail riding. KTM 250xcf or Yamaha wr250f,
Beta 200 2 stroke.
I’m thinking about a 2022 TM 300EN.
Are they a bit “hard edged” compaired to the KTM’s etc?
It’s the carb model, one of the things that attracts me.
Some time ago, I rode my mates KTM300EXC, I think it was one of the last Carby model (brand new at the time) I loved it.
I’m even older now, and I don’t get out much on my old 450EXC. I’m hoping a new (to me) bike will get me out riding more. (I’m “in shape”, for my advanced years - MTB most days. And still racing a little street bike and Supermoto) I basically don’t ride my MX bike. Due partially to the lack of opportunities.
At 61yo, this might be the last Dirt Bike I buy.
I wouldn’t buy a TPI KTM, and truthfully, I’d rather a Carb than TBI (Which in reality, would be best. But the TBI’s are EXPENSIVE, and I’m not sure about KTM right now.) Yes, a X trainer probably even better - but, I’m still too foolish.
Most bikes I get the suspension set up for me (springs/valving), so surely that would work? If the motors too “much”, I could try a flywheel weight? I think they come with a “wet” ignition map.
Anyone with experience of these bikes.
I am 57 and been riding my Beta 500RRS up here in Lucerne and Big Bear Trails these last 2 years. It does amazing. Comfortable ergos, light, narrow. And when I want a burger it's street legal.
TE300 TBI, super easy bike to ride. Very mellow power, I prefer linkage bikes myself over PDS.
The TM is not the choice I would go with as a Vet bike. They are set up and tuned for faster riders. You'll find the suspension and chassis hard and stiff.
if you want squishy its hard to beat the beta 300 RR IMO. maybe the regular version is even softer but I'm all set with the forks on anything but the RR's.
XR400 👍
Just sold my ‘24 300XCW to buy a Stark and it was the best decision I ever made, hands-down! 20 hours so far, zero issues.
I’m 60 and ride the tightest singletrack I can find as a reference.👍
Any of the 2-stroke 300's will be a good bike, or a 350 4-stroke.
Pit Row
Heard goregous things about the Beta x-trainer, although never had one myself. Just entree for thought
Beta xTrainer and Rieju MR Ranger are awesome and very rider friendly.
I have a KTM 300XCW, have a couple frioends with Xtrainers, all will do what your asking quite well.
Also, good luck selling it when the time comes.
KDX200
Too bad they don't still make those, they were incredibly versatile. A beginner could enjoy one and with some mods you could get ISDE gold.
My '17 300XC is the closest thing to one I've ridden recently, but is obviously much more of an investment out the door since it's "race ready" and bypasses the stock KDX trail-bike option, making it not quite as friendly for the less experienced.
Soooo, how fast is it?
I got very lucky that I was able to sell mine to a family friend. I loved it though!
166kph/103mph with the 14/40 gearing.....it was too tall for the bike though, which contributed to high power load that would have heated the engine very quickly.
I am going to try it again with 15/45 gearing...
One of the attractions is the asking price.
I don’t really sell bikes - by the time I think about selling, they are worthless due outdated - plus, I like having them around.
When I can’t ride anymore. (Hopefully at 105yo) I’d plan on putting it on display next to my RM125X (1981).
Nice!
I'd love to have a solid 125X in my shop! 👍
What a game-changer that bike was! 🤘
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