I looked at them when I bought my WR and it just didn't have the punch. I'd hate to go that route then add big bore kit, carb, suspension to get it where I would want it to be when I could just buy a KTM/Husky/Beta from the jump.
BillyGoat wrote:Plateable? Leaves out all the Japanese bikes.
If you're looking for a plateable bike, I'd look at the Beta 400RR super sweet and compared to my older '09 450 EXC, it's narrower, FI, lighter, with equally plush suspension and powerful enough. I've been riding my KTM 450 EXC mostly offroad for years, even at shade mountain where it is a handful (but not as much with a softer throttle cam) and if I had to go 4t, I'd get the 400RR. It seemed every bit as powerful as my 450, although I never took it uphill at 60mph on the fire roads at 7 mountains where my 450 was flinging rocks for 500 feet and accelerating uphill the whole time. I ran outta road before hitting 6th. I'm sure it's DAMN close and with the FI you never have to re-needle for hot/cold conditions like I have to do iwth the KTM. However, the newest model 450 and 500 EXCs are narrower and lighter than mine and also FI.
OBTW it seems that the new Husqvarnas are just painted up KTMs so they're a good choice too.
I wouldn't look at Gas Gas as they're in bankruptcy.
IMHO I had a DRZ and wouldn't take it on Shade Mountain single track without some smokes and a bottle of whiskey in my hydration pack.
Thanks for the feedback. I think there is only a minimal weight difference between the 450/500, not sure which way I should go.
Fellow DAMN rider Boosthund has a 500 EXC he is looking to sell. I rode it once and it is a SWEET ride; TONS of power, planted and nimble. Hit him up, I am sure he would let you ride it if your are serious about buying one...
B00ST00 wrote:Recently sold my woods bike which was a yz250. It was great for trails but I want something I can ride on the street and use for dual sport rides.
KTM 500?
Thanks
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I have an 07 te 450 husky.
99 WR 250 Goat
07 DR 650 Mule
14 Super Tenere 1200 OX
B00ST00 wrote:Recently sold my woods bike which was a yz250. It was great for trails but I want something I can ride on the street and use for dual sport rides.
KTM 500?
Thanks
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I have an 07 te 450 husky.
Does the te have a close or wide ratio gear box? though I read that it had a close ratio.
B00ST00 wrote:Recently sold my woods bike which was a yz250. It was great for trails but I want something I can ride on the street and use for dual sport rides.
KTM 500?
Thanks
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I have an 07 te 450 husky.
Does the te have a close or wide ratio gear box? though I read that it had a close ratio.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
not sure? it is a six speed. i have it set up for more single track then road. its a good a good all around bike. lots of power!
99 WR 250 Goat
07 DR 650 Mule
14 Super Tenere 1200 OX
Pretty close 6 speed so you choose a final drive ratio for good first gear tight stuff and restrict top speed on the road. Exactly how much time will you spend on the road?