Help Rot Box pick a different bike.

[Rot Box]

Hey fellas, I think I’m going to part ways with the 2008 KLX450R today if this guy doesn’t back out. Been a really good bike for my needs but I’m just ready for a change.

What should I get next?? I’m not covering long distances anymore but I am still getting out quite a bit. I’ve slowed down a lot in my age too haha. Really thinking a 300 2T would make me happy? Been a long time since I had a 2T!

Needs? ~60 miles range on fuel. Electric start on a 4T, Street legal, Probably take it on the annual dunes trip. Lots of single, two track, open desert and fire roads. Chasing the younger generation around too. I enjoy a variety of everything and a 450 does a good job of that but the weight is getting to me a little.

I like weird/unusual bikes (My favorite ones have been ATK’s) but I’m not sure I want to get into something that’s dated and hard to get parts for. I don’t know that I need a bike that costs more than about $4k either and I’m happy to pick one up that needs a little love. Not brand loyal but KTM has bit me hard twice in the past—gasp! Haha

So far I’ve looked closely at the TM, Beta and Sherco 300’s but they’re a little out of my price range. Thought about converting a YZ250 to fit my needs but it would take a some moneys and I don’t know what I’d do about a headlight…

Watcha think? Ideas would be appreciated 😎

Andrew

 

[Gravy]

So, no bike will give you 60 miles without a desert tank. Especially a 300.
If I want to do some road miles a 2 stroke isn't really it. However, if you only want a plate for a quick jaunt, then I firmly believe a 300 is the best all around bike. Strange to say it but if I only raced, I'd be on a 350, but since I also have to maintain ($$) a bike I put 100+ hrs on a year and enjoy riding everything -I've been on a 300 since 2014.

If you want lights, narrow your search to a KTM 300 XCW or a Husqvarna TE300. My preference being the Husky since I like linkage much more than PDS.

Bikes are so much better than they used to be, and fuel injection is an absolute game changer. I do think $5500 is probably a more realistic budget since you'll want post 2017 for the counter balanced motor and post 2019 if you'd like fuel injection (on a 300).

 

[Rot Box]

Thanks! So road miles would be few and far between mostly just connecting trails and such. Ok with a desert tank too as long as it’s not a giant ball buster like the one I had on my 20 Husqvarna haha.


I may need to up my budget 🤔

 

[Tonkaman]

I agree with Stratton, I think the 350 is the ultimate all around bike. The single biggest negative being maintenance of a 4 stroke, especially a used one.

I’ve been heavily contemplating selling my bike, so I can find my kids next bike. It fits some of your criteria. It’s a 2016 Beta Xtrainer 300 registered as street legal. Heavily modified, low hours.

good: in your budget, unique bike, street legal, cheap to maintain, nimble as a bulky goat.

Cons: the steep steering angle and short wheelbase make it a bit too nimble in the sand or at top of 6th. Obviously not great at pavement but great for connecting trails.

 

[BronkoRob]

I don’t ride right now, but I did for years and had a bunch of bikes, including a few ATKs. I tried to build the do it all bike a few times from both sides, lite weight 200 2T but hated road miles and long trips, big ATK 600s and XR650R but wasn’t the greatest in technical single track.
The newer ATK 605s were pretty good outta the box, but like you said, some parts are hard to come by. Was lighter then an XR650R and had e-start though. I did an 05 YZ250 with a WR transmission and it was pretty dang good. Desert tank I could do 60 miles. Did a few “dual Sportish” trips, but gotta remember to pack the 2 stroke.

KTM RFS bikes are probably in that price range and those were pretty sweet bikes. I had an 07 450XC and it was great!!! If you find one that needs work, can make them whatever you want pretty easy. Long stoke/short stroke motors, factory big bore with a 525 top end, couple transmission variations, aftermarket parts all over the place, open/closed chamber forks, and super simple and reliable. When I was in CA, there were a lot of guys putting mega miles on them with just basic maintenance.

they are getting long in the tooth but I’m sure there are a lot of neglected deals floating around that can be had for a good deal.

After all my bike experiments I realized no 1 bike is perfect for everything, I just needed a bunch of different bikes in my garage. lol.

Good luck with the search though.

 

[Gravy]

It's too bad your 500 was such a lemon.
You're more than welcome to come do a ride day with me. I've got a half dozen bikes you can ride and get a real sampling of what's out there.
Beware though if you ride my current 300 you'll likely buy one the new TBI motor is just so so good.

Derek's Beta 300 x trainer is extremely fun especially with the factory fox podium shock, and aftermarket pipe. It's not really and X-Trainer anymore. More like a shorter wb more playful 300rr.

I have ridden the Beta 200 RS, 300 RR.
and about a half dozen Shercos including their 300 and 250 2t and 250,300 and 450 4t. The Shercos are quirky very smooth but not as exciting as I'd hope for.

 

[Rot Box]

Thanks guys I really appreciate it. The guy picked up my bike yesterday so I have a little cash. Thinking I might pump the brakes a bit for now and save a bit more. I have a pretty sweet YZ250F I can ride for now.

The xtrainer sounds like a fun one for sure i bet it’s a hoot on some of the single track in my neck of the woods. Also yes I’m a big fan of the RFS KTM’s—that engine is oh so good! Mr. Gravy I would love to take you up on that but you’d leave me in the dust!! haha.

I’ve got an eye out for the 350 for sure. It ticks off most of my boxes. Friends dad has a 2016 six days and it’s been rock solid.

So many options it’ll make your head spin! 😎

 

[Rot Box]

My brother rides a 70* 2010 Husaberg FE390… bear with me haha. If you’ve ever seen on you know what I’m talking about. It’s the one they installed the engine upside down in?! He claims it’s the best bike ever made and having ridden it I don’t think he’s far off. Ticks a lot of my boxes for sure especially the weirdness. Gonna ride it in St George in a few weeks and see if I need one or not.

Also have the 2010ish Italian Husqvarna on my mind. Had a few—loved them.

Alright things are really going sideways I know haha. Just get a new 300/350 and be happy. I’m gonna save some more and take that six days out for a scoot.

 

[Tonkaman]

You’re more than welcome to take mine out just for fun. It might help you decide for yourself the pros/cons of the 300. Located in West Jordan

 

[BronkoRob]

Totally forgot about those 70 degree husabergs. Husabergs in general were pretty awesome.

I’ve heard the 390/570 bergs being the best handling bikes ever from more than a few folks.

If you like the Italian husky’s, how about SWM??

 

[Die Blaue Ziege]

I think it has been well documented that the best road trip/off road/adventure bike is a honda 90. Ed March would agree