Need a cheaper bike than the KLX - Thoughts / advice welcome

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Old May 13, 2013 | 09:27 PM
  #1  
Ledgini's Avatar
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Default Need a cheaper bike than the KLX - Thoughts / advice welcome

I recently sold my car and am looking to get a new one pretty soon so was thinking of selling the KLX to free up a bit of cash to upgrade my car choices.

I don't want to give up dual sporting so am looking for advice on a good reliable older bike to maybe go to, if I choose to do this. I don't use the bike everyday, maybe once a week to hit a dirt trail or the local enduro track. Although when I do use it, it does take a beating!!

I could sell my bike for £2500 ish ($3800) and get a new one for £1500 ish
($2250) which would free up a fair bit of cash for the car.

I am considering the likes of a Honda XR400( 98 - 2002), Husky Te250
(2000 - 2004), KTM EXC 250 (2001 - 2003 ish), Suzuki DRZ400e (2000 - 2004).

I love my KLX, I really do but could also really do with the extra money.

Anyone got any experience with any of these bikes and what is the general consensus on downgrading to an older bike?

I would only need this bike for a year or so as word on the street is that Honda will be bringing out a CRF450L in 2014. If this happens I will definitely be buying one.

Thoughts??
 
Old May 13, 2013 | 11:10 PM
  #2  
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Originally Posted by Ledgini
I recently sold my car and am looking to get a new one pretty soon so was thinking of selling the KLX to free up a bit of cash to upgrade my car choices.

I don't want to give up dual sporting so am looking for advice on a good reliable older bike to maybe go to, if I choose to do this. I don't use the bike everyday, maybe once a week to hit a dirt trail or the local enduro track. Although when I do use it, it does take a beating!!

I could sell my bike for £2500 ish ($3800) and get a new one for £1500 ish
($2250) which would free up a fair bit of cash for the car.

I am considering the likes of a Honda XR400( 98 - 2002), Husky Te250
(2000 - 2004), KTM EXC 250 (2001 - 2003 ish), Suzuki DRZ400e (2000 - 2004).

I love my KLX, I really do but could also really do with the extra money.

Anyone got any experience with any of these bikes and what is the general consensus on downgrading to an older bike?

I would only need this bike for a year or so as word on the street is that Honda will be bringing out a CRF450L in 2014. If this happens I will definitely be buying one.

Thoughts??
xt225, cheap, impossible to destroy, hold their value well.
 
Old May 14, 2013 | 05:52 PM
  #3  
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The klx250 IS a cheap bike. Your only solution is an older bike. I rode/raced a 2001 XR400 for 10 years before switching to the klx250. Only thing it didn't have is the electric start.
 
Old May 14, 2013 | 06:13 PM
  #4  
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Kdx200 or 250

Fredette products to make them better
 
Old May 14, 2013 | 08:50 PM
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chinese 200cc enduro. can be had for around 1200USD brand new here in us
 
Old May 14, 2013 | 09:52 PM
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None of the bikes you list that would be in decient shape would save you alot of cash. Honda xl's, yamaha xt's, kawa klr's suzuki dr's have been around since the 70's and have what you need in a cheap price if you can find one that isn't beat.
 
Old May 16, 2013 | 03:23 PM
  #7  
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Thanks for the answers guys. Think I may just go with a 2001 KLX 300R. I can get it for £1000 ($1500) and sell mine for £2500 ($3800) as its the 2009 KLX250 with plenty of bling on it. This will be plenty to add to the car fund and I still have a KLX

What is the suspension like on the KLX 300, I swapped spring rates in my bike. Is the 300 just as softly sprung?
 
Old May 17, 2013 | 03:14 AM
  #8  
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KLX300 - 25 pounds lighter, 5 horsies more. I paid $1200 for a 2004 in great condition. Add a Tusk dualsport kit for another $170.

edit: sorry, just read your last post. Good decision. The 300 is just as poorly sprung as the 250 - you'll need heavier springs.
 

Last edited by djchan; May 17, 2013 at 03:17 AM.
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