Ok gang

I've always ridden KX250s. Now I have a KLX250. Never ridden a 4-stroke on technical single track and through rocky trails, rutted hills, etc. So I have a question:

I've always just twisted the bujeebers out of the KXs throttle (you know waaaaaaap, waaaaaaaaaaaaaap) and just dance up a hill. Do you guys climb hills with lower RPMs, and keep things more mellow? Am I over thinking this (probably)?

 

I do tend to 'tractor' up things more on the KLX. On my Husqvarna TE250, I tend to be a little faster and a little less tractoring and more 'dancing', the TE250 being almost 40 Lbs lighter and approaching double the horsepower, tends to facilitate this method better. Although, some of it is certainly psychological. I would say to try to still use the same techniques, though, with body position, weighting and de-weighting the pegs at the right times etc.

 

Roger that! Stay tuned for pics and vid I live on Kauai, we've got some amazing single track. And the views...

 

It's all feel. Don't even think about it.

 

Done! Thanks man.

 

Actually, there are differences that you'll notice with the extra 40-50 lbs the KLX carries over a KX. One that you'll like is that the KLX will not deflect from your chosen line as easily as a KX. Another is that the KLX carries momentum longer/further. These are a few items that can be used as an advantage in certain situations - once you're acclimated to the KLX.. One thing you must respect is that the KLX will not brake as fast as a KX - Don't use KX braking points/style, brake earlier.. I'm an old XCountry racer with more bikes than brains.. For decades I've dragged, a open class MX'er, a open class XC racer, as well as my kids' bikes, to the riding ranches/races in Texas - point being, I've done a whole lotta "same course" riding with at least two very different machines..

 

Hmm, some interesting things. I have definitely noticed the weight not deflecting. It caught me off guard at first. Kind of like a spinning top. Line it up and it keeps going. Seems manageable though. I did a tiny bit of hill climbing today and it seems go, just needed to think a little more ahead.

You've given me some things to think about, thanks!

 

Yep.. I don't know what you run into on Kauai, but, like me, you may find the KLX will allow you to attack lines that are too "deflecty" (due to rocks/roots) on a lighter bike.. All the HP in the world won't climb a tech section if its' on its' side with you rolling down the hill.. lol..

 

Heh, no kidding. Will fill out my profile. I live on Kauai. East side.

 

It does seem to barrel through things. Love it so far. Love riding to where I am going to ride.