Drifting her nicely, did the dog beat you Anyway good luck with getting a dirt scooter, you will enjoy it, might not enjoy the aches and pains the following day,but that's all part of it, as you know.
as said, (imo) needs to be 250 minimum Zhed if 2 stroke, it's not that you couldn't have fun on a 125 2T but it will go bang a lot sooner if you are going to ring it's neck all the time (and you will be).
He was only about 3.5 months old in that pic. The bike tops out at around 40mph on tarmac but less than that, around 30mph, on grass and now he is more or less fully grown he can easily keep up for a while. He's a working cocker with umpteen field trial champs on both sides of his bloodline so it's no wonder really, plus he also has an incredible engine and can keep going for hours. So much so that we have to lock him in his crate when we get home or else he carries on with the craziness and wrecks the place!
We have a couple of cockers, they are fantastic little dogs. Probably not as active as yours though, they stand at the back door and if weather isn't great, they just walk back in again, spoilt rotten.
Go for a 250 it'll be easier to ride. Have you given a Kwak KDX 220 a look, it's a bit long in the tooth now but it's a cracking 2T, and another I'd keep an eye out for, if it's in good enough nick is a KTM 200, it's basically a 125 but with a 200 engine. Really enjoyed the enduro's I did on that.
I haven't forgotten him, coming down I think it was motel hill, on his XR and his steering kept locking up on him.
That used to be the case on pre 2016 models. Since then the starter is within the cases... Well at least I had no issues on my 3 new KTM 2t models...nor had any of my mates on 2017 onwards models.
Couple of kdx 125’s https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Kawasaki...797764?hash=item23e818d884:g:lFMAAOSwcbhfwrUk https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Kawasaki...265306?hash=item23e48c73da:g:zhMAAOSwAjVfk-Nw
Apparently their that confident with the e/start now, they've done away with the kickstart. Is this true ?
Thanks for that. I'm viewing a 250 2T tomorrow or Monday but those 125s would be just the ticket for my boy, providing they are or can be restricted as he is on L plates for another 7 months at least. Edit: on reading the auction info those probably aren't for me as one is a project and I already have 2 unfinished bikes on the go already while the second one needs registering with the DVLA as it's on a Japanese ticket at the moment. I know it should be a fairly simple process but I have been waiting for months for something else from the DVLA and earlier this year it took them weeks to provide me with proof of disposal of a bike I sold a few years ago but the new keeper's slip never arrived with them and so the V5 was still in my name. However I will bear that model in mind when I come to buy a bike for my son.
Don't really know 100% why KTM decided to not fit..probably saving monies and weight. One thing be aware the EXC tpi don't have a factory fitted capacitor, therefore if the battery is flat(or very low) won't start with either kick or bump. @Drinky Apparently not enough power to run the ECU and ignition. I have a BLS capacitor connected to the battery (iirc endurotek and tokyo offroad are selling these)
Buy something that you are able to find parts, not sure about GasGas older model parts supply now that KTM bought them. KDX are amazing I own a 1997 200KDX as spare enduro bike. However difficult to find parts in Europe. (cheap in US but tax/postage bit expensive). I would stay away from these. 125cc are great fun but you'll have a very narrow window where the power is "on tap" threfore have to work a lot on the gear lever and plan ahead. (might be struggle on steep hills) therefore 200-250cc 2t or 4t are a better option. Even 300cc 2t (but you'll have to be careful with the gas and cover the clutch,it is quicker to control the power with the clutch)..stay away from 450 4t way to aggressive power delivery and difficult to ride in the woods or technical enduro. Servicing is not that expensive...a proper rebuild for a 2t should top £1000 incl. labour (but this is all wheel/stering head/swingarm bearings, piston, replating) After this you should be sorted for the next 2 years...4t are more reliable and last longer but quite expensive to service if some major part needs replacing. (camshaft for example) Remember even enduro models are road legal race bikes, not really suitable for a lot of road riding.
Loads of great advice on bikes above from those with plenty of experience! I got into green laning rather than any racing. Age/ lack of skill / health - and any other excuses I can come up with. Hahahaha. So some info below that may / not be of use.... I bought a drz400e first and then switched to an 09 300cc 4t husky as the drz was a bit too tall as I’m a short arse and proper heavy. Husky has been really reliable. Mostly maintained myself and as not racing and ragging the arse off it have stretched out the service intervals a (fair) bit. If you are considering green laning it’s worth considering joining the trf. At least for first year anyway. They can help you map out the local green lanes you can ride on the local os maps. And you can join in runs lead by others as you get to know what’s around. They also lobby to keep green lanes open. Round my way loads of residents tried to get them shut down but they did great job of keeping open for bikes, with the council closing for 4x4’s only. Also organise trips out with other counties trf clubs. https://trail.trf.org.uk/local-groups-map/?page=CiviCRM&q=civicrm/profile/map&map=1&gid=22&reset=1 this fella (sadly believe no longer with us) mapped out and uploaded some videos of lanes in south east. I’ve only looked in detail at Surrey but maybe worth exploring. http://www.qwerf.com/greenlaning/?county=kent Zhed / anyone else if you ever fancy a ride out this way (Guildford) let us know and will happily organise something.
When I was looking at this the advice I received repeatedly was ‘All you need is a 250’. I booked an off roading day with one of my bro’s and we hired a 250 and a 450. After riding both I concluded; all I need is a 250. The 250 had way more power and speed than could possibly be used green laning. The 450 was just heavier and had more power that wasn’t usable. I love it and every time I do some off roading I swear I ride better when I get back on a road bike. I bought an enduro so I could easily get to the ‘off road bits’. You’re a man that has to deal with the facts, so here goes: You will drop it. So get all the protective gear and enjoy it. I’m sure you’ll love it.
Sam - you just described mine and my mates buying experience 100% there. Also love your ‘fact’. Some of the best parts for us have been laughing at yourselves when the inevitable happens or you get stuck in some proper daft situations - once you know you / they are ok. Zhed - with your motorhome some great places in the UK to explore!
And @Zhed46 tbh, you won't need that for quite some while... I'd find a pair of matching 125s / 200s and have the same machinery to ride in the dirt. It might just spark a little competition which would be extra fun. If you want more power in a year, sell them and move up.
I reckon the Yamaha wr250f would be a pretty good bet. I’ve not had one but they have an ally frame and Yamaha engines are pretty good. That’s what I was going to buy until I was offered a great deal on a Husqvarna 250 which is really a KTM rebadged. I’m sure others on here will have far more experience than me though. Having talked to a couple of off roading companies the guy running the Yamaha’s was pleased with his bikes...and hire bikes take a hammering.
Not ridden a Maico tbh. The early cr’s had a throttle like a light switch. Great fun haha weren’t those 700’s nearly 80 brake ? dirt bikes are mad these days but nowhere near the handful they used to be are they.
