Erm... what do I do now?

[BorderHooner]

I realise you get this a lot so please be patient with me.

I want to start off roading.

So I'm changing direction for biking. My fiance is pregnant and road riding is becoming largely unappealing except for longer tours, so off road riding seems the ticket to keep me sane.

My other bikes are going on sale soon (apart from my busa which i've had since it was born)

So I'm in the market for an off road bike and I reckon I'll have a couple of grand to spend.

Trouble is I know feck all really about these bikes aprt from they love getting dirty, have loads of power and need lots of servicing.

I kinda figured that a KTM 250 exc 2stroke would be a good bike to start with. But I don't know if this is too much bike to start with.

Bear in mind i'm a complete newb and will be working on the bike myself.

I would very much appreciate some basic tips for starting out and what bikes are worthy looking at for a good learning curve.

Thanks in advance.

Karl
____________________
Benelli. Happy as a pig in cacky.

[G]

The KTM 250 2 stroke is a good choice I think - while it can be a VERY fast bike, it also does slow fine. It's light weight and has good suspension. Servicing is less harsh than the lightweight 4 strokes too.
You can be fairly sure you won't be in a situation the bike will be holding you back.

Ideally, try and get out with some other people and blag goes on bikes as well as getting general advice.
If you were down here, you'd be welcome to have a play on some of my stable.

First time I properly 'tried' riding off road I was generally a bit scared about the way the bike moved around, lack of traction etc.
However, getting in to a bit I got more confident and used to the feeling.
General tips - be loose, let the bike do it's own thing a bit if the front doesn't want to go the way you do - gentle persuasion .
Don't be afraid to crash a decent few times to get the feel of the point you're about to lose traction - think just the first time I did it I managed to end up the floor at least ten times (ok, half the time I was on supermoto tyres which didn't even have road legal tread left!)
Being aggressive with the rear is generally beneficial, but beware of roots and other seriously slippy bits.
Don't use engine braking down long hills on 2 strokes as this starves the engine of oil - the only decent annoyance with them to my mind.