Need some advice............

[Scutty]

I have just sold my XT600E and I am looking for something lighter to build confidence riding off-road. I am 6'3" and about 270 lbs so I am no feather light and, with a 34" inseam, there are virtually no seat heights that worry me. So I have looked around and narrowed down to one of the following:
KTM 400 or 525 EXC
DRZ400
WR250R

Now I know these are all a bit all over the place size/capacity/maintenance wise but bear with me. The WR is on the list because I test rode a CRF250L and loved it but thought the suspension needed more adjustment and the ergo's where a little tight. The 250cc engine really surprised me and, after a lot of google-time, I think the WR will be a step up on the CRF in terms of ergos and suspension while still giving me the 250cc fun.
I already own a KTM road bike (SMT) so I naturally looked at KTM (plus loads of bikes I pass on lanes are KTMs) but I am worried that the maintenace will get annoying after a while and that, maybe, they are a little too race focussed for someone who has only been riding off-road for the last 4 months.
The DRZ is there because my mate will not stop banging on about his and how it would be great it is..............

Any advice would be gratefully received.

[Corky78]

Scutty,

Are you my long lost brother?! I too am 6'3", 250lb+ and 34" inseam!

I have just traded up from a little KLX250 to a KTM450EXC and it is a world of difference.

I agree, that it is quite racey compared to the KLX but it would be - the KLX is a road bike that could go off road, the KTM is an off road bike that can go on road! I too have only been riding lanes since April so not much experience, but the KTM gives you oodles of confidence and is a great size for me. Is a bit rough on the road but I think that's the suspension needing to be softened.

As for the maintenance, not that bad according to the owners manuals so don't let that scare you.

Cheers

[Dave]

WRs are nice dunno if I'd bother with the 250 though. Just get a 400+ and restrict the throttle if you are worried.

The very latest WR450F is lighter and shorter in length than the previous 450f which made it seem immensely nimble light, nice ergos with cleaver frame too. I'd not liked them previously until I rode one and would probably be getting one if I weren't preparing a 2stroke instead

Kaotic's KTM 450 EXC-F wasn't bad either when I rode that either. Very smooth dependable power.

[Scutty]

Thanks guys - I have kept away from the WR450F due to the maintenance but looking at the manual its not as bad as the KTMs.

The WR250R does look fairly maintenance free though and, ergo wise, is larger than the 450F - like most though I am torn by only 250cc (it just doesn't seem enough on paper despite all the great things I read online).

I am limited (spousal-wallet locks) to sub £3K though so that precludes anything new.

Choices choices!!

[Dave]

Even though you are relatively new to the dirt 250cc probably won't be enough thump for your 6foot gangly bum. A 2stroke would have the berries though

[steve sharp]

If your going to use the bike for trail riding, for the majority of time, I would recommend the 400EXC.. or 450EXC if you cant find a 400..

If you intend to ride a lot on the road then avoid EXCs and WR enduro versions...they are rubbish on the roads and not built for that use...

Steve

[Scutty]

Noeyedear

Is the TTR an air-cooled carb version of the WR250R?

[fallenmikethebike]

Or, possibly a DR350. If you don't mind kicking, the XR 400 is still a good Trail bike.
Mike

[Scutty]

Well many thanks for all the advice but I just snagged an 08 WR250R for £2200 and picking it up in a bit. Hope to be out riding tomorrow.

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