Best bike(s) for dual purpose?

The Rock
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The Rock
Edited Date/Time 2/15/2014 7:48am
What brand new bike would you buy if you wanted to have two sets of wheels one with universal tires for the street and a set of MX wheels for track? Very low mileage street application and 50 plus Senior class MX track application.

Follow up question but with a used bike.
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hvaughn88
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hvaughn88 2/10/2014 2:26pm
2/10/2014 2:26pm
The new wr450 looks pretty badass, IMO. I don't have one, so take it with a grain of salt, but I do see quite a few used ones pop up for decent prices and there always seems to be dealers with huge end of the year blow outs on them
bartziokas123 2/10/2014 2:28pm
2/10/2014 2:28pm Edited Date/Time 2/10/2014 2:28pm
Hands down KTM 500 EXC or 350 EXC. There is no better dual purpose
The Rock
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The Rock 2/10/2014 2:35pm
2/10/2014 2:35pm
KTM 350 EXC looks cool and is nine pounds lighter than their 500 EXC. Thanks for that as I didn't know they had a 500cc four stroke.
TeamGreen
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TeamGreen 2/10/2014 2:37pm
2/10/2014 2:37pm
'14 Husky FE501

Just rode it and the gear-box does it all

The Shop

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bartziokas123 2/10/2014 2:37pm
2/10/2014 2:37pm
The Rock wrote:
KTM [url=http://www.ktm.com/us/enduro/350-exc-f-eu/highlights.html#.UvlTofldWSo]350 EXC[/url] looks cool and is nine pounds lighter than their 500 EXC. Thanks for that as I didn't know they had a 500cc four...
KTM 350 EXC looks cool and is nine pounds lighter than their 500 EXC. Thanks for that as I didn't know they had a 500cc four stroke.
Honestly if your going to ride it more on the street than dirt go with the 500exc. The 500 is a wicked bike
bartziokas123 2/10/2014 2:42pm
2/10/2014 2:42pm
Ghost of Jabroni wrote:
No way. I'd take the Husky FE350 any day over the KTM 350.
Are you sure the FE 350 is street legal. If it is your really just choosing between orange and blue. Like I said if your riding street mainly the 500 exc is the way to go.
mooch
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mooch 2/10/2014 2:42pm
2/10/2014 2:42pm Edited Date/Time 2/10/2014 2:44pm
This wouldn't fly in California but my plated XC300 with a brake light,headlight and XCW digital speedo hasn't gotten the attention of any Ohio Popos yet. I bought it more as an off road dual sport but I've putted around town on it also, wouldn't want to do any highway riding for too long though. This might be my favorite bike of all time due to how versatile it is, even works pretty well on an mx track.

Rooster
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Rooster 2/10/2014 3:32pm
2/10/2014 3:32pm
It really depends on where you live.

If you can plate a 450 then's it's obviously going to be the best performing bike on the track and will hold up to moderate street use if you stay off the highways for extended trips. You can't plate a 450 in many states though.

KTM has the best off the shelf bikes, for this purpose by far. Huskys are great too, even the pre-KTM versions. I know a bunch of guys who ride the crap out of them both on and off road.

If you want a bike that will do it all and last damn near forever, then an XR650 is your best best. Rock solid reliability in the engine, but you pay the price in weight. Although it can easily handle most mid-range trips without banging off the rev limiter on the highway all the time.
c3011
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c3011 2/10/2014 3:46pm
2/10/2014 3:46pm
I'm looking real hard at a WR450 for this type set up.
vetmxr
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vetmxr 2/10/2014 6:10pm
2/10/2014 6:10pm
The Rock wrote:
What brand new bike would you buy if you wanted to have two sets of wheels one with universal tires for the street and a set...
What brand new bike would you buy if you wanted to have two sets of wheels one with universal tires for the street and a set of MX wheels for track? Very low mileage street application and 50 plus Senior class MX track application.

Follow up question but with a used bike.
I have a ktm 530 excr. I bought it for when I ride the Rockies, but I keep it in the shop and ride it all over the place. No long rides though......In Nebraska you can still ride down a gravel road and then wander off and explore things as long as you don't tear stuff up. I will probably get a new one shortly, but wanted to make sure it was what I thought it would be. This machine is probably the best do it all bike there is, as long as you don't line up in the expert classes in moto, you'll be fine. Suspension is soft, but workable. Real tight trees and fast moto is its downfall, its a big heavy bastard, but really does work very well in all areas of off and on road, and is quiet.
I could be wrong but I know of no other machine that is capable of every thing this bike can do. If you can't buy a new one, get a used one, you won't be disappointed.

Sean K
bigborefan
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bigborefan 2/10/2014 6:24pm
2/10/2014 6:24pm Edited Date/Time 2/10/2014 6:25pm
That's easy, any KTM EXC, any Berg that be tagged, any new 2014 Husky that be tagged. KTM 500 EXC is supposed to be awesome.

Get a cush drive rear wheel while you're at it.

You did say used. So look at the older KTMs.
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CarlinoJoeVideo 2/10/2014 7:45pm
2/10/2014 7:45pm
Any KTM, Husaberg or Husky. Just need to Figure out if you want more of a dirt bike that you take in the street a few times. Or a street bike you want to take on the dirt a few times. Then lean your bike more towards that. Like a 500 or 300 and 2 stroke or 4. Enjoy!
user760a
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user760a 2/10/2014 7:48pm
2/10/2014 7:48pm
If money is not an issue, just go get the KTM500. thank me later
CarlinoJoeVideo
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CarlinoJoeVideo 2/10/2014 7:48pm
2/10/2014 7:48pm
Sorry I just read your post again. I think KTM 350exc would be awesome for both if you are leaning towards track riding.
Katoomey
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Katoomey 2/11/2014 1:50pm
2/11/2014 1:50pm
The Rock wrote:
What brand new bike would you buy if you wanted to have two sets of wheels one with universal tires for the street and a set...
What brand new bike would you buy if you wanted to have two sets of wheels one with universal tires for the street and a set of MX wheels for track? Very low mileage street application and 50 plus Senior class MX track application.

Follow up question but with a used bike.
like what has been said before - KTM 500 EXC. You can't go wrong with this bike. end all be all. this bike re-wrote the rules of what a dirtbike with a license plate can be.

why anyone would consider a 350 for this type of riding over the 500 doesn't make any sense to me unless you weigh 120 lbs and like to shift way more than you need to

what hasn't been said before - Beta 450RS. I have no experience piloting a Beta, although I can tell you they are well made, well equipped, and well received by journalists and owners alike.

Pit Row

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DDub8
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DDub8 2/11/2014 2:39pm
2/11/2014 2:39pm
I have ridden the WR250 and WR450 before and they're both nice bikes but have some flaws if you're thinking MX. Both of the bike I rode were "uncorked" with an aftermarket exhaust and new ECR mapping. The 250 is underpowered to the point that it's difficult to ride very fast. The 450 runs really well but could stand to go on a diet and lose about 50 pounds. Both were light years better than older dual sport bikes I've ridden like the old KTM LC, Honda XR etc.

Having said that, the KTM500EXC is probably the best bike.
blusmbl
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blusmbl 2/11/2014 4:14pm
2/11/2014 4:14pm
DDub8 wrote:
I have ridden the WR250 and WR450 before and they're both nice bikes but have some flaws if you're thinking MX. Both of the bike I...
I have ridden the WR250 and WR450 before and they're both nice bikes but have some flaws if you're thinking MX. Both of the bike I rode were "uncorked" with an aftermarket exhaust and new ECR mapping. The 250 is underpowered to the point that it's difficult to ride very fast. The 450 runs really well but could stand to go on a diet and lose about 50 pounds. Both were light years better than older dual sport bikes I've ridden like the old KTM LC, Honda XR etc.

Having said that, the KTM500EXC is probably the best bike.
My girlfriend has a WR250X (supermoto version) and I agree with this assessment. It really needs a little more power to be fun, especially on an MX track. Putting around on the street it's okay, and trail riding it would be fine too.
Roscoe33
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Roscoe33 2/11/2014 4:53pm
2/11/2014 4:53pm
KTM EXC 450 then get a set of supermoto rims and brake spacer and street tires and your set, the parts are right in the KTM hardparts catalog.
Wiley
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Wiley 2/11/2014 4:59pm
2/11/2014 4:59pm
I have a KTM 350 EXC and love it. I mostly ride trail where I'll get on the road between segments. It's very agile I rarely ride in town for fear of getting in trouble. It has the potential of turning one into a hoodlum very quickly.

I do although wish KTM would bring the 450 EXC back, for the 500 is just a bit too much in the tight stuff.
424
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424 2/11/2014 6:35pm
2/11/2014 6:35pm
I have a KTM EXC500! It is the best all around bike I've had. I had an older EXC also, but the 2012+ feels like a "race bike". The power is plenty but super smooth. I really think easier to ride than a 450 because there is no hit. I still have a 450 for tracks but do feel like I would be just as fast on a track with the 500EXC. I choose the 500 for everything else, even competitive riding in the woods.
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stangkag 2/11/2014 6:46pm
2/11/2014 6:46pm
Ive ridden 80% of the bikes listed above. Most of which in my opinion are high maintenance like our MX bikes except the Honda XR650 but it lacks power as does the klx650... I just bought a 2014 CRF250L and put a full FMF exhaust on it, airbox mod, geared it 14-43 , ejk programmer and a 305 big bore kit. Thing rips and its fuel injected with reliability being a key point why I love it so much. Warning tho...stock trim this bike is gutless.

I also deleted all the smog bs

Broop
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stangkag 2/11/2014 6:49pm
2/11/2014 6:49pm
Also if you can find and plate a xr650R similar mods make It an even beastlier bike than the bike mentioned above but its not a turn key street legal bike like the crf250l.
hartebreak
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hartebreak 2/11/2014 6:58pm
2/11/2014 6:58pm
Any of the EXC series from KTM. There really isn't any other choice if you want to do any offroad at all.
BUTCH
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BUTCH 2/11/2014 7:13pm
2/11/2014 7:13pm
The Rock wrote:
What brand new bike would you buy if you wanted to have two sets of wheels one with universal tires for the street and a set...
What brand new bike would you buy if you wanted to have two sets of wheels one with universal tires for the street and a set of MX wheels for track? Very low mileage street application and 50 plus Senior class MX track application.

Follow up question but with a used bike.
Mr. G
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Mr. G 2/11/2014 7:18pm
2/11/2014 7:18pm
stangkag wrote:
Also if you can find and plate a xr650R similar mods make It an even beastlier bike than the bike mentioned above but its not a...
Also if you can find and plate a xr650R similar mods make It an even beastlier bike than the bike mentioned above but its not a turn key street legal bike like the crf250l.
Amazingly the XR650R and the CRF250L weigh about the same.
stangkag
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stangkag 2/11/2014 7:20pm
2/11/2014 7:20pm
stangkag wrote:
Also if you can find and plate a xr650R similar mods make It an even beastlier bike than the bike mentioned above but its not a...
Also if you can find and plate a xr650R similar mods make It an even beastlier bike than the bike mentioned above but its not a turn key street legal bike like the crf250l.
Mr. G wrote:
Amazingly the XR650R and the CRF250L weigh about the same.[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2014/02/11/45320/s1200_XR650R.jpg[/img]
Amazingly the XR650R and the CRF250L weigh about the same.
Yeah but you can make an XR650R a lot faster if I'm not mistaken??? I had an 07 R. Never rode an L but races a few

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