i would love a dirtbike with the mt 07 engine in it. kinda like the T7 concept from yamaha

The upcoming CRF450L looks to be interesting. I look forward to the ride reviews. 37" seat height would be problematical. 17" rims and suspension work to get the seat down to 34-35" and I could enjoy a SM with Honda reliability.

I know, exciting! I hope the other Jap bikes take note.Price is right up there with the Beta/Husqvarna/KTM though. Glad to see manufacturers looking at the street legal dirt bike market.

Bad part is when the average Japanese dual sport rider gets one and ignores things the way some do for maintenance. It's going to be a bit more temperamental and need a bit more attention. Plus when "unplugged" it's going to put out enough power to hurt you if not judicious with the throttle.

the problem for me with the CRF450L is the high maintenence, oil and filter change every 600 miles. And also the price might not be for most on a deluted race bike.

Take a look at some of the Pitster/GPX China bike threads over on ADV... TSE250R is sounding like a modern KDX. I think most are patterned after older model KTMs and sounds like many aftermarket parts fit. The current owners are impressed with the quality and have beat the snot out of several of them with good results. I've never set eyes on one, but have been following along as $5k is a lot closer to my budget than $10k.

Note: Owners have to be of the tinkering type as I don't think official repair manuals exist... but the engine and other parts are common enough and simple enough that there seems to be plenty of knowledge available on the interwebs.