Newbie

Hi Guys,  I found the website on Craigslist while looking at bikes... Looks like it might be awhile til we get to do some riding, but I'm ready whenever... I've had a lot of bikes, but I currently have a DRZ400E which is plated.  I usually head up to White or the Little Naches for riding.  I am looking for a dual sport for my son, who is 34 and wants to ride.  Or, I may just give him mine and look for another one...

Later, Don

Welcome to the forum

We are planning a local tri-cities area ride on new years day if your interested, Here's a link: http://www.pacificnwdualsport.com/t2252-new-years-day-ride
Hodakaguy

Welcome, HI!

OK?.... I would go.  Where from - to? I have heated gear!! (coat and gloves).  Or, does that make me not eligible to go?

Don

Will probably just ride the badger canyon area, should be a great time. Heated gear is awesome! Keep an eye out on the forum as we get closer to the date for exact details on the ride.

Hodakaguy

Welcome

Hi Guys,
Decisions, decisions... As I mentioned, I have a DRZ400E with a plate.  I like the bike, but I think I will give it to my son so we can go riding... That would require me to get a new bike!!... I am looking at another DRZ, or a KTM, or maybe the WR450.  If I got the DRZ it would only be the E model as it is a bit lighter and has more HP... I have only rode one KTM 450 EXC, and at 50 mph on the street it was unstable.  Maybe it was just that bike.  I have spotted 2 on Craigslist. One is an 06 KTM 450 EXC for $4200.  The other is an 07 450EXC for $4500 with the Rekluse clutch.  The 06 is listed in Seattle, the 07 is in Wenatchee... What are you guy's thoughts?  I have no experience with the Rekluse.  Is it a good thing?

Don

You'll get all kinds of replys on this question, kinda a bag of worms.  Myself I'm a huge KTM fan and feel that once you switch you'll wish you did it a long time ago!  

The KTM's turn quickly and a lot of people who first ride them report that "twitchy" feeling at speed, myself included when I first picked up my 530.  I will say you get used to it very quickly and don't even notice it with a short amount of time in the saddle.  You can also add a damper to the bike and eliminate the feeling altogether.  I've spent quite a bit of time (1-2hrs at a time) doing highway speeds on sections of interstate during a couple of our long distance desert trips with absolutely no issues. The wheels are also very light and if the owner hasn't balanced the tires it will make the bike terrible at speed, balancing tires is a must for road use.

Both 06 and 07 are good years, the best for the RFS bikes.  I personally feel the suspension and overall handling of the 530 or 500 is worth taking a hard look at before buying a RFS bike, and you can get a 530 for about the same price.  

The rekluse is pretty personal, some guys love them and some dont.  I personally prefer a standard clutch over the Rekluse but I have several friends that swear by them.  If the bike already has it installed give it a try and if you don't like it you can sell it and get some of your money back making the bike cheaper at that point  

I'll PM you with more info.

Hodakaguy