Best dirt bike for a BIG guy?

[Mainjet2001]

I rode and raced the 96 XR400 below from 96 to 04 and it never missed a lick.
I kept clean oil in it and kept the air cleaner clean.
It was absolutely bullet proof.
You won't go wrong if it's in decent shape, honest injun.
.............Thank you Grumpy......................

[Bossman150]

Ok here is another one I found. Its newer and a little more then I want to pay, but man does it look nice, and the guy is really anal. I would guess it would be like getting a new bike.

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

I know I love the look of the KTMs, any thoughts on it? I don't know much about them.

I certainly have not ruled out the XR, just looking at options.

[cowboyona426]

The KTM looks and sounds like a nice bike. It wouldn't be a bad one to pick up at that price. You may find yourself wanting more power later as your skill improves though.

[Bossman150]

Originally Posted by cowboyona426

The KTM looks and sounds like a nice bike. It wouldn't be a bad one to pick up at that price. You may find yourself wanting more power later as your skill improves though.

Won't the 250 2 stroke have about as much power as the 4 stroke XR400? Or am I missing something and that is a tamer model bike?

[Big Red]

Man....I agree with the majority of the folks here....no less than a 400 in four stroke or 250 two stroke. That 250 will feel really nice for about 6 months to a year....then you'll want more and have to either sell it and hope you make good sell or dump money into it to make it go faster.

Also....those craigslist listings can be tricky. Please be sure you are checking the asking price with NADA's Avg. Retail price. Some of those guys are a little proud or are trying to get a bunch of extra money just because they put some minor goodies on the bike.

Get a big'n and limit the twisting motion in your wrist and you'll be good to go!

[Bossman150]

Can someone find the NADA on that KTM? I can't find that model when I try on the website, all they have is the models with lights.

[Bossman150]

Another bike just popped up on Craig's list:

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

Thoughts on it?

[jimmy1181]

Bossman-

The seller posted this about the KX 250:

"I just put a new motor in it that consists of a new crank, rod, bearings, seals, cylinder, piston, rings, powervalve, and gaskets. I also rebuilt the front forks putting all new wipers, valving, seals, and oil. i also put new brake pads on during the rebuild. The bike has lots of aftermarket parts including FMF Gnarly pipe and iridium core silencer, renthal bars, external front fork chamber, carbon fiber reeds, aftermarket balancer, metal radiator guards and skidplate. It also has a spare clear oversized fuel tank and stand to go with it".

Looks like he did quite a bit of work to it, I guess I would make sure to check the frame and rear of the bike. It sounds like he pretty much replaced everything except the rear shock, but did bother to replace the skid plate. Either this bike is in outstanding shape or its been ridden pretty hard?

As for the model of the bike, I stated earlier I traded mine, but this seemed like a good bike when I rode it. Had plenty of power for my little ***, 6'1" 155lbs. This bike was almost too much - having not rode in 14yrs and sticking to trails only. I bet this bike would work good for you.

I'm interested to see what some of the other Forum Members say about it, I learn a lot from the people that respond.

One last thing, while in Montana with the Honda XR series, we treated them like absolute crap.....and they still kept going. I have quite a bit of respect for those bikes... considering we Never did maintenance on them and Always left them outside in the elements!

[Bossman150]

Ok, I have ruled out the KTM. I really need some money left in my budget to re spring whichever bike I get. The stock springs just will not work.

I went and looked at the KX, my dad test drove it. He is much more experienced then I am, but weighs half as much. He had real trouble with the power, almost flipped it over on him when he took off. The guy was a motorcycle mechanic and really put the power in the bike. I think its too much bike for me.

I found another:

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

Going to look at it in the morning. Looks nice though.

[blasterdude14]

Originally Posted by Bossman150

Ok, I have ruled out the KTM. I really need some money left in my budget to re spring whichever bike I get. The stock springs just will not work.

I went and looked at the KX, my dad test drove it. He is much more experienced then I am, but weighs half as much. He had real trouble with the power, almost flipped it over on him when he took off. The guy was a motorcycle mechanic and really put the power in the bike. I think its too much bike for me.

I found another:

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

Going to look at it in the morning. Looks nice though.

thats a little expensive i think

[tirebiter]

I'm not small, and have been riding since the LBJ days.
Get a bike that's gonna keep it's resale and still haul your *** around.
The XR400 that's been previously mentioned is a really good choice- light weight, bulletproof and maintains it's resale.
Stay away from race bikes, never know wassup problem wise, and most of them are built for 5' 6" framed kids..
I ride KTM's, but sounds like your lookin' for a re-starter bike to get back into the groove.
DRZ, XR, KDX, KLX, WRF, think along those lines..

[Bossman150]

Ok I found a bike!!! I know I will probably want to upgrade in a year or so, but I just could not pass up this deal! I am now the proud owner of a 2003 KTM MXC200. I got it for so little, I will have plenty left over to re spring the rear shock, put on an aftermarket pipe/silencer and any other upgrades I decide I want. The nice thing about this is the front forks were setup with springs and valves for a 300lb guy, so I only have to change the back one.

He is putting on fresh brake pads and I will pick it up tomorrow afternoon.

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

He was asking 1700, which I thought was already a great price. I went to look at it at 9 this evening, drove it an absolutely loved it. It has brand new forks, frame, exhaust and only 15 hours on a top end done 3 months ago, he is a mechanic and did the work himself. I told him I really liked the bike, but I was going to look at a couple others in the morning. He said, "Look dude, I really need to sell the bike now. I will give it to you for $1500!" I told him the most I could do today was $1200, I am waiting for some $ from selling stock that I should have by Thursday at the latest. He said ok, I will take 1200, I really need the money. Then as he was handing over the title and manuals etc. he showed me the receipts from the parts he put on 3 months ago. $1300 worth of parts. I feel kinda bad because I would have given him 1500, but that $300 will go toward a new exhaust!

I know I am going to get beat up for going against advice, but I could not pass it up. I really appreciate all the help!!

Could someone help me with rear shock springs now? For a 330lb guy, what size or however you classify shock springs will I want?

[ccnut]

Bro, I think you did Real GOOD! Congrats, That was a H^@@$%lL of a deal for that price!!! You will not lose any money after you decide to get a bigger bike down the rode. Lets us know all about your riding adventures and supply pics! We love pics here!!!.....Jerry

[Bossman150]

I will be posting updates in the KTM forum now.

[cowboyona426]

You did good! Even if you do end up selling in a year or so I don't think you'll get hurt on the deal. Nice job!

[jft67x]

i picked a 2001 ktm 300mxc for cheep and it is a great bike. you should look in to getting one of thoes. great bikes built like a tank. all the power of a 450 but the light weight of a 250. they are in the range of 1 to 1.5 grand. look on craigslist and things like that. look for exc or mxc ktms. great bikes and a lot of managable power.

[SikspakD]

You guys need to stop him from buying a 250!
He is a bigger guy, and those bikes just won't cut it.
Sounds like you need a big bike to haul you around swiftly, a 400 4 stroke at a minimum would suit you well. Like others said, the XR's are great bikes and can take a beating! I just think you are too big for a 250 2 stroke, don't be discouraged though. Just think realistic and look around for a good deal! The economy sucks, everyone needs money, so you have the upper hand in any deal. What about a CR500? It has plenty of power, its easy and super cheap to maintain, and you will have the most fun in your life while scaring the hell out of you!

[Freak]

congrats on the bike, but I think your going to get bored real quick. You say your working on dropping some weight. If you need any help, hit me up. Also, there is a forum for posting workouts etc....