Getting into the muddy 'scene'

[Catalyst]

I did make a post a few months back in the SE section about this but was a bit hesitant over it all. Bit of an essay as i have no idea where to start with all this!

I want to start getting into the whole off road thing, after seeing pictures and vids from the SE lot it looks like a whole lot of fun. You can go out whatever the weather and have fun come rain or shine.

I've got a car now so i don't NEED a road bike anymore, although i do enjoy going out for a hoon i've just constantly got this niggling feeling of wanting an off-roader. I've got an Kawasaki ER-6n which is an 07 plate with about 15k on the clocks so i should be able to sell it for a healthy sum, around £2k if i'm lucky possibly. I've also got some money stashed away for insurance for the bike this year which i could use to insure a muddy bike.

Question is, what bike is best to start on? Ideally i want something road legal as i don't have a trailer and i'd still like to be able to go on the road every so often. Wouldn't mind having a go at a few tracks like Blue_sv650 has done as well, i'm not overly good with tools either but that would come with practice i suppose.

Help would be much appretiated

Cheers, Jack
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|--Previous--|:2007 Aprilia SX50...--Current--|: 2007 Kawasaki ER-6N
SlimRick - I can cook really well - but it's a useless skill, as I'm not a woman and it's their fucking job!

[.....]

I'd say get something like an XR/WR to start with, have a play and then see what you end up doing more i.e. MX or greenlaning either sell or keep the bike when you have a better idea of what you're after.

Me and Silky both started on a XR250 and both then sold them for more than we paid. A good bike as an introduction.

[CRF_Rider]

i'd have said if you're just starting off stay away from four-strokes timing chains etc = absolute b*stard to do.

have a look for something like a Ktm/gas gas 200. should be spot on
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Why is it everything i race, seems to be going backwards?
Current: Honda CRF 450 R Supermotard
Previous: Yam TY250 x2, Gas Gas TXT 200, Sherco 290, Suzuki TS 50,Honda CG 125, Yam SR250, Suzuki DR-Z400E, Yamaha YZF R6 112rwbhp

[G]

Not a big problem on the lowly-tuned XR etc.
Having a KTM200EXC, I'm not sure it'd be very good for a beginner as stock. It's pretty revvy, yet still has a decent kick coming in as the revs rise.
The 300s are a fair bit easier to ride, a bit lower state of tune and only slightly heavier.

If you want to do motorcross tracks like bluesv650, then I think it makes sense to go for the 2 stroke enduro. Stuff like the XR will go around them, but not really as well, I'm led to believe (XR250 is easily 20% more weight than the more powerful KTM250/300 2 strokes).

I'd look at spending maybe just over a grand to start with, then go from there. Remember you're going to need some kit as well.

As ever, if you want a play on one of my bike's either when I've got more working or when we're at somewhere fairly 'open' (ie not time limits etc), feel free.

[J D]

I would love an exc like yours G, looks a good laugh. Problem being would need to be road legal to get anywhere.

[G]

No problem making it road legal - I've got the docs to do mine, just need a straighter rear wheel. Plenty you can get road legal as stock, but wouldn't want to be doing long journeys on it though.

[silky666]

For starting off you cant go wrong with an XR250.
Perfect amount of power ... easy to maintain ... handle really well ... ROCK SOLID.

Just be aware that if you ride regularly (2 or 3 times a month during dry season) then you will be looking to upgrade after a year to something like a 400.
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