What did you do to your Toy Hauler today???

yes pumpkin parts are a bit more expensive than the japenese bikes however I've found that you don't break nearly as many as back in the day; the bikes are much more reliable and getting up in years I don't push as hard as I used to.

fj12ryder wrote:
Last time I checked, quite some years back, parts for the KTM's are pretty pricey. Something to check into since dirt bikes parts tend to get broken a bit more frequently than street bikes. :)

No kidding. That is one of the reasons I might end up with a DR650. In Big Bear, don't really plan on true OHV/Green Sticker trails because you have to stage to get there. Would rather have a plated bike and have the best of both worlds. Love my 97 CR500 but will probably end up selling it.

Last time I checked, quite some years back, parts for the KTM's are pretty pricey. Something to check into since dirt bikes parts tend to get broken a bit more frequently than street bikes. :)

Bedlam wrote:
Interesting view on the dual sports. I've considered swapping my ZG1000 Concours for one that is capable of freeway speed hour commutes, but wanted to stay light in 350-500cc range. DR-Z400S, CRF450X with light kit, WR450F with light kit or 500 EXC were the current models I have been eyeing and the Suzuki was coming up the least expensive. My bikes have ranged from 70-1000cc over the years, but most have have been street use (except my Honda Trail 110). Since I have a long inseam and plenty of upper body strength, I have no problem straddling tall bikes or top heavy machines but still prefer the nimbler size compared to overland tour models.

I have a plated 450x, would not recommend it for any long stretches of highway. The nice thing about the KTM is the 6th gear overdrive. If you're looking at more asphalt than dirt and mainly dirt roads vs. single track (Big Bear has some VERY challenging trails) then I'd suggest something more like an adventure bike, like the Kawasaki KLR650 or one of the KTM's but the KTM's are pretty pricey new however are awesome machines. Personally I ride as little pavement as possible on my DS. For pavement I have a Wing for the DW and I.

Sorry for the hijack everyone, I'm just so passionate about dirt bikes.

I work out of the garage when parked otherwise have the motorbikes loaded and pedal bikes loaded. Living the dream...

Interesting view on the dual sports. I've considered swapping my ZG1000 Concours for one that is capable of freeway speed hour commutes, but wanted to stay light in 350-500cc range. DR-Z400S, CRF450X with light kit, WR450F with light kit or 500 EXC were the current models I have been eyeing and the Suzuki was coming up the least expensive. My bikes have ranged from 70-1000cc over the years, but most have have been street use (except my Honda Trail 110). Since I have a long inseam and plenty of upper body strength, I have no problem straddling tall bikes or top heavy machines but still prefer the nimbler size compared to overland tour models.

bkirkpatrick wrote:

nayther wrote:
You definitely need a plated bike though to really have access to most the trails.

Working on a DR or KTM as we speak.

go the KTM route, DR is not very dirt worthy really. I do a LOT of organized DS rides and its a sea of orange now.

If you're looking for a good dependable used bike to start out on the XR400 is great, stone cold reliable. Yes, no magic button but they start really easy if they're jetted correctly. That used to be the gold standard of DS bikes until KTM came along. I plan on riding the Big Bear DS in June, I'll let you know, maybe you'd enjoy that. And the Big Bear Trail Riders are a great bunch of guys, know the president and his wife pretty well.

Next time you're there and want a GOOD diner go the Peppercorn Grillehttp://www.peppercorngrille.com/menu.html. My buddy owns it, he's a Viewfinder; his wife Julie runs the place. Awesome food and drinks.

nayther wrote:
You definitely need a plated bike though to really have access to most the trails.

Working on a DR or KTM as we speak.

bkirkpatrick wrote:

Y-Guy wrote:
Say it isn't so!!!! Congrats on the sale, but all those amazing mods you did. What's next on the shopping list for you?

Before our Big Bear Cabin purchase 6 months ago, I was going to go out and get a Class A but now, I am not that motivated. Can ride in the summer up there and ski in the winter.

Don't blame you, its nice up there. Have several friends with cabins plus extended family. You definitely need a plated bike though to really have access to most the trails.

Y-Guy wrote:
Say it isn't so!!!! Congrats on the sale, but all those amazing mods you did. What's next on the shopping list for you?

Before our Big Bear Cabin purchase 6 months ago, I was going to go out and get a Class A but now, I am not that motivated. Can ride in the summer up there and ski in the winter.