HotRodZilla
GOD BLESS AMERICA
Ok, so, Patch and I grew up in the middle of nowhere, riding trail bikes. Nothing like what is available today, and none of the super cool two strokes that were available at the time. Just too dammed poor, and the horses kept us entertained.
Around 2008, I decided I wanted to get into adventure riding and kind of back into dirt and learn some stuff. So, I bought a 2005 KLR. Honestly, it was tough as nails, but was a huge disappointment on the highway, as it was WRAPPED out around 70. Then, on trails, it was fine, but became underpowered for what I wanted to do, and was a heavy ***** to pick up. Also, every time it fell over, something was damaged or broke, because of the street stuff.
That was not the bike's fault. I had the wrong bike. I have a tendency to be an *****. It is what it is.
Then, my brother got a KTM, and I started riding Joe's DRZ400. A front sprocket swap fixed most of the DRZ's power issues, but it had significantly less grunt than Patch's 530. It had great aftermarket suspension, but my big *** could bottom out the rear. This bike was also heavy, but took drops way better than the KLR, and was tough as tough as any machine could be.
Getting there, but still not quite the bike I felt I needed. Better skill probably would have mitigated that.
Then Patch decided he wanted the new FI KTM, so after some shenanigans, he got a new EXC500, and his ECX530 became mine. Same 511cc motor, just one fuel injected and one not.
I have done some heinous things on this bike and haven't bottomed out yet. It does have upgraded suspension though. This bike gets dropped a lot sometimes and takes it all well. It's also pretty easy to pick up. It has MASSIVE power and can scare the crap out of me quickly. That bike's only limit is me. I took the seat to a local guy and had an inch shaved off the seat. That made a world of difference. I can barely touch the ground, but when I need to, it's always there. A Scotts Steering Stabilizer makes a huge difference.
Maintenance? Well, every 16 hours, I replace .6l of oil. Every 32, I replace trans fluid, using the same engine oil, and the oil filter. I think the bike is to the point where I only have to check the valves every 90 hours. That's a decent spread, and isn't that hard. Honestly, maintenance isn't that bad at all.
Regardless of what any of us think, you have to find the bike that fits you, your budget, and your riding style. A buddy who had a slightly older WR450 just bought a used KTM300 two stroke and is in love. It's a phenomenal bike. 4 strokes are easy to maintain and make good power. Don't overlook anything made by Kawasaki, Husqvarna, or Beta. A 450 Kawi will FLY.
As a matter of fact, I think his WR450 is still for sale. It's a great bike. Probably worth the trip if you wanted it. Hell, come down. We'll take you on some fun stuff.
Around 2008, I decided I wanted to get into adventure riding and kind of back into dirt and learn some stuff. So, I bought a 2005 KLR. Honestly, it was tough as nails, but was a huge disappointment on the highway, as it was WRAPPED out around 70. Then, on trails, it was fine, but became underpowered for what I wanted to do, and was a heavy ***** to pick up. Also, every time it fell over, something was damaged or broke, because of the street stuff.
That was not the bike's fault. I had the wrong bike. I have a tendency to be an *****. It is what it is.
Then, my brother got a KTM, and I started riding Joe's DRZ400. A front sprocket swap fixed most of the DRZ's power issues, but it had significantly less grunt than Patch's 530. It had great aftermarket suspension, but my big *** could bottom out the rear. This bike was also heavy, but took drops way better than the KLR, and was tough as tough as any machine could be.
Getting there, but still not quite the bike I felt I needed. Better skill probably would have mitigated that.
Then Patch decided he wanted the new FI KTM, so after some shenanigans, he got a new EXC500, and his ECX530 became mine. Same 511cc motor, just one fuel injected and one not.
I have done some heinous things on this bike and haven't bottomed out yet. It does have upgraded suspension though. This bike gets dropped a lot sometimes and takes it all well. It's also pretty easy to pick up. It has MASSIVE power and can scare the crap out of me quickly. That bike's only limit is me. I took the seat to a local guy and had an inch shaved off the seat. That made a world of difference. I can barely touch the ground, but when I need to, it's always there. A Scotts Steering Stabilizer makes a huge difference.
Maintenance? Well, every 16 hours, I replace .6l of oil. Every 32, I replace trans fluid, using the same engine oil, and the oil filter. I think the bike is to the point where I only have to check the valves every 90 hours. That's a decent spread, and isn't that hard. Honestly, maintenance isn't that bad at all.
Regardless of what any of us think, you have to find the bike that fits you, your budget, and your riding style. A buddy who had a slightly older WR450 just bought a used KTM300 two stroke and is in love. It's a phenomenal bike. 4 strokes are easy to maintain and make good power. Don't overlook anything made by Kawasaki, Husqvarna, or Beta. A 450 Kawi will FLY.
As a matter of fact, I think his WR450 is still for sale. It's a great bike. Probably worth the trip if you wanted it. Hell, come down. We'll take you on some fun stuff.
