DAMN Riders - No rules, Just ride!

Spooled-up wrote:

Are some of you guys down on KTM's just because everyone has them? I'm starting to drink the Orange cool aid.

Im not down on KTM. There is a GOOD reason people drink the orange koolaid. As Jed said it is nice that they have a pretty big dealernetwork and bc so many people have them you can find lots of used ones.
Lots of us have KTMs, but we are getting some others too. A couple of us have relatively new Betas, Shercos, Huskys, etc...
Honestly, Im still a big fan of the Jap bikes and wish they would step up their game in the offroad (non-mx) world. The number one reaon I went euro in the first place was so it would be easier to get a tag for a two stroke.

1980 YZ465. Had it for decades. In fact Jay of J&J watched me the first time I ever rode it before the other J was born. Pulls clean from the basement and will climb anything I've put in front of it so far. Wonderful bike but not for the timid 'cause 'tis a beast. Doesn't turn well using the handlebars yer best off using the loud switch to make it turn.

My CRF is more capable than you'd think. The 2003 was a torque monster in response to complaints the '02 was too peaky. It's hampered by a tall first gear but as set up pulls hard from just off idle to 10K rpm. As with any off roading momentum is the key. I'm trying to find the guys who make a close ratio gearset for it. That should finish the deal. Can't see buying new when what I have works so well. I've put enough seat time on both of them that I know intuitively what the response will be when I ask for something. Much to be said for familiarity. I'm a pretty aggressive rider and big bore 'crossers suit me well.

The MX bikes are certainly capable. Its been a few years since Ive been to a harescramble but it seemed like the vast majority of racers were on MX bikes. I do believe they do better with a faster and more aggressive rider at the helm.

Its kinda like guys who run the trials type rear tire on their enduro bikes. Some guys absolutely love them and some guys think they suck. Alot has to do with riding style.

Bucho wrote: A lot has to do with riding style.

And ability. I've seen guys run 650Ls around MR with ease.

My riding style dictates training wheels

You and Kyler oughta hit it off well. He puts extra wheels on everything.

Yeah, but his bikes only run when it's 75 degrees or warmer