Bike Recommendation - Moto Guy Going Harescramble / GNCC Racing

DaBaum44
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327
Joined
1/21/2017
Location
IN US
What's up guys. I'm a long time moto rider, just getting into some hare scramble and GNCC style racing in the Midwest.

The only Harescramble I've done was on my YZ125, which was fun until I got into the bigger hills and creek crossing ruts.

25+ Vet C rider. I've never ridden an offroad model or suspension setup. I currently ride a 350 SX-F on the moto track,.

The light feel of the 125 is great, but I feel like more bottom end grunt and overall power would be beneficial.

What is the best move? 250F, 250 two stroke, 350F?
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Kyle978
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1301
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10/7/2013
Location
Steers & Queers, TX US
3/31/2022 5:45am
Get a steering stabilizer, oversized tank and 18" rear wheel with mousses for your 350 and let it rip!
2
Titan1
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8621
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2/3/2010
Location
Lehi, UT US
3/31/2022 2:15pm
Kyle got it right...with the exception of maybe revalving your suspension to soften it up a bit from the moto valving on the SX model...but as a C rider, you probably don't even need to do that.

The only MUST DO is the larger tank...all the other things are luxuries as far as I'm concerned...I've honestly never been able to tell the difference between a 19 and an 18 inch rear wheels...stabilizers are nice, but not required (I haven't ran one for years racing hare and hounds and other desert races-well set up suspension shouldn't have any issue at speed)...If you have the money, and want them, go for it! But don't feel like they are required before you can start racing.

If you are buying a new bike...being a C rider...YZ250FX would be the bike I'd go with. It'll do everything for you. In fact, I'm on a 2021 YZ450FX now, and I think the 250FX will be my next bike.
3
3/31/2022 5:14pm
The thing is, do you want to set your SX-F up for XC racings or do you want to buy another bike for XC racing?

For fun, competitive Indiana XC racing in the VET C class the 350 might be a bit much. But if you want to keep it and set it up for XC the suspension is where I would start. If you get it to where it's not dancing around and beating you to death you can decide if you can handle the 350 power and want to continue on with the XC conversion.

If you want a new XC bike, then I suggest you look at an off the floor XC type. There's all these new "X" bikes that are pretty good off the floor or at least a better starting point. Most of them are even good moto bikes for mortals.

"You must decide, grasshopper".
1
DaBaum44
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327
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IN US
4/1/2022 6:13pm
I should have been more clear in the initial post, just didn't want to write a book. Haha.

The 350 SX-F is just for moto. Moto is what I ride the majority of the time.

I mainly posted on here to see others opinions and experiences so I can make an informed decision. I've owned a YZ250F before. I'm thinking the torque will be beneficial. I like the idea of a 250 2 stroke with maintenance costs, but just not sure I could man handle it around for a 2 hour race. I think I'll do some more digging on the YZ250FX.

The Shop

4/2/2022 5:27pm
Manhandle a 250 two stroke? I think 250 2 strokes are pretty easy to ride in the woods. You should ride a YZ250X. Very smooth and easy to ride.

Either way the YZ250X and YZ250FX are great bikes to start with. Put on some hand guards and go race.
6
Endo#11
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14
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11/1/2019
Location
Charlestown, IN US
6/14/2022 2:55pm
Gonna hijack this thread. Want to do an ixcr race on my 450sx-f just to see if it could be fun. Been a moto guy for 40 years. Can get a tank, skid plate, cooling fan and bark busters for about $500. Hate to spend $5000 on a used bike to find out i don't enjoy it. Thoughts?
DaBaum44
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327
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Location
IN US
6/14/2022 3:59pm Edited Date/Time 6/14/2022 4:06pm
Endo#11 wrote:
Gonna hijack this thread. Want to do an ixcr race on my 450sx-f just to see if it could be fun. Been a moto guy for...
Gonna hijack this thread. Want to do an ixcr race on my 450sx-f just to see if it could be fun. Been a moto guy for 40 years. Can get a tank, skid plate, cooling fan and bark busters for about $500. Hate to spend $5000 on a used bike to find out i don't enjoy it. Thoughts?
I'd totally recommend going for it. The woods is just a different type of thrill for me. Before you spend a big chunk of money on parts, I'd recommend just running a skid plate, hand guards, and a hydration pack to see how you like it. The big tank is nice to have, but you'll be able to make a lap on a stock tank. If you like it, then I'd spend the money for the bigger tank, cooling fan, etc.
1
Endo#11
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Charlestown, IN US
6/15/2022 2:37am
Thanks DB44 , probably try that.
6/15/2022 2:07pm
I'll go along with what DaBaum44 said. In an IXCR race you could probably get by without any handguards and a stock tank.
Endo#11
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14
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11/1/2019
Location
Charlestown, IN US
6/15/2022 2:16pm
Good to hear from fellow hoosiers DB44 and Mr Robinson where you all located. I'm just outside Charlestown.
DaBaum44
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327
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1/21/2017
Location
IN US
6/15/2022 9:18pm
Endo#11 wrote:
Good to hear from fellow hoosiers DB44 and Mr Robinson where you all located. I'm just outside Charlestown.
I'm on the northeast side near Fort Wayne.
Endo#11
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14
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11/1/2019
Location
Charlestown, IN US
6/16/2022 5:17am
Thank you for your thoughts. Probably gonna try something soon.
Endo#11
Posts
14
Joined
11/1/2019
Location
Charlestown, IN US
6/16/2022 2:56pm
Went to pleasant ridge last weekend to watch. Been wanting to hit red fox for a gp. Stoney lonesome coming up in a couple weeks. Guess I need to see where my fitness is at.
6/17/2022 3:48am
A lot of guys come over from your area to run the SIGPS. Don't let the GP part fool you. They are fairly tight harescrambles races for the most part. The original ones were more of a GP, but the last few years they haven't been.

Haven't been to Stoney in years, but it was pretty good. Might be a good place to start.
bigbird252
Posts
32
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3/30/2021
Location
Bartelso, IL US
6/29/2022 8:51pm
In 25c u can usually make a 2hr race,
I race 30a on a rmz450 and ran out of fuel the only time I raced it with the stock tank on last lap mile from finish
I revalved my suspension for mixture of fast woods and vet b moto through fc.
I’d say set up your suspension and run it ktm 350 is the Swiss Army knife of dirt bikes!

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