ExpUt
08-06-2008, 12:20 PM
I've been reading all over the place, KTMtalk, advrider, bogley and ExPo in regards to bike selection, reliability, etc. I've then really considered my intended uses and desires.
About my riding experience: I've been riding since ~10? Have had lots of older bikes, Z50, Trail 90's, YZ125, DT185 (enduro that I really enjoyed but was never old enough to really drive it on the road :D), my last bike was a 00' CR250 which I sold in 02' when I finished my Land Cruiser as I hadn't been riding much. Up til then the majority of my riding was at the dunes or on motocross tracks/play areas. I did a little bit of trail riding with it, but not much.
Plans for new bike: At some point I would like a bike that I tour Utah on, mabey a KTM Adventure or a BMW GS, but they are extremely heavy and really won't be a good transition for me from a true dirtbike (CR250) to a dual sport use. My intentions now are a bike I could ride from my house to American Fork Canyon (no freeway needed), mabey out to 5 mile pass or up Mineral Fork in BC Canyon. I have a pickup if I decide to do a ride further away, say White Rim or Kokopelli.
Everything I've read so far really points me to a KTM 525 or 530 EXC. They are easy and fairly cheap to add a street-legal kit using either all OE part or one of many aftermarket kits (bajadesigns, chereby, EXC, etc). In the end to build something like this:
http://www.dsadventures.com/525breakout3.jpg
I've found some used bikes: $3000 (03' 525), $4950 (05' w/street legal kit), all the way up to a new 530 EXC for $7500. I think given the circumstances and what I'm hoping my budget will do, I'll only have $4500 to spend, so used is likely my route. I'll be adding a couple of minor items once I get a bike, cooling fan and oil cooler, really seems to prolong the life of the motor.
Thoughts, ideas, suggestions!
About my riding experience: I've been riding since ~10? Have had lots of older bikes, Z50, Trail 90's, YZ125, DT185 (enduro that I really enjoyed but was never old enough to really drive it on the road :D), my last bike was a 00' CR250 which I sold in 02' when I finished my Land Cruiser as I hadn't been riding much. Up til then the majority of my riding was at the dunes or on motocross tracks/play areas. I did a little bit of trail riding with it, but not much.
Plans for new bike: At some point I would like a bike that I tour Utah on, mabey a KTM Adventure or a BMW GS, but they are extremely heavy and really won't be a good transition for me from a true dirtbike (CR250) to a dual sport use. My intentions now are a bike I could ride from my house to American Fork Canyon (no freeway needed), mabey out to 5 mile pass or up Mineral Fork in BC Canyon. I have a pickup if I decide to do a ride further away, say White Rim or Kokopelli.
Everything I've read so far really points me to a KTM 525 or 530 EXC. They are easy and fairly cheap to add a street-legal kit using either all OE part or one of many aftermarket kits (bajadesigns, chereby, EXC, etc). In the end to build something like this:
http://www.dsadventures.com/525breakout3.jpg
I've found some used bikes: $3000 (03' 525), $4950 (05' w/street legal kit), all the way up to a new 530 EXC for $7500. I think given the circumstances and what I'm hoping my budget will do, I'll only have $4500 to spend, so used is likely my route. I'll be adding a couple of minor items once I get a bike, cooling fan and oil cooler, really seems to prolong the life of the motor.
Thoughts, ideas, suggestions!