okay, well the KLX is no longer in my possession. it turns out that a soldier over in Iraq bought it and his father came and picked it up for him yesterday. pretty cool i thought. SO, after himming and hawing over which bike to replace it with and being surgically attached to my pc for the last 24 hours doing research, I have come to the conclusion of basically, there aren't that many DS bikes out there. You're really limited to the KLX, a DRZ400, or the Husky or the lone KTM like Brian's. I want to keep the price down at the same time being happy with the purchase. I have read numeroud threads regarding the TE's and the DRZ's. Yes, I have actually considered the street legal version but have since thrown it out. It is a tempting bike, but I can't stand the non inverted forks or the radiator shroud designs. So that takes me back to the Husky's. After reading hours of threads on both the 250 and the 450, I have made a decision. I have learned the 450 has tons of power, some even have gone so far to say it has too much power but it isn't very smooth and that it vibrates quite a bit. Some say the 510 is the one to get if you are going that big. I also heard the 450 is quite a workout to ride in the woods as it just pulls so hard and is about 11 lbs heavier than the 250. I have also learned the 450 runs hot and is prone to boiling over. I have a deal already made, well a price in stone otd. I have decided on the TE250. I am buying one for $6100 otd, which is $500 under retail. This is a very good price considering these bikes are kind of hard to get a hold of this late. The dealer in Omaha has one left. For comparison, Halls Husqvarna in Illinois quoted me at $6600 otd and wouldn't come down any lower. I chose the 250 for several reasons; first it is lighter and cheaper than the 450. I would never use all the power of the bigger bike. I like to rev bikes since that is what I am use to with the KLX and my KX's. Top speed on the 250 is 80 which is probably screaming, but all I need is 50-55mph. It is also geared way low (13/50), so I can always raise geaing a wee bit. But I've only had my KLX on the highway once, so it really isn't that big of an issue to me. The 250 is going to handle a lot better in the tight stuff, something I like since I am not a large person. The only thing I am nervous about is the seat height, but I can always set the bike's suspension up so that it is pretty plush so once I am on it will lower the height. I plan on one legging it anyways, no biggie. I know some of you will disagree or think I should have went with the 450, and you may be right. But everyone I've talked to tell me the TE250 will be night and day more powerful than the KLX, even my piped and jetted one. Also, there is a 300 kit available for the TE if I think it needs more which I doubt because stock it is supposed to put out around 32-34 rear wheel horse. That's a lot compared to the KLX, plus it is 25lbs lighter. Plus, it has a 37mm FCR attached for the instant snap I so desire. So that's it. I will plan on picking it up when they open Saturday morning. Then I hope to get some pics taken if I'm still alive from the initial shock from the wife after seeing what I bought.

 

wow, rereading my last post i noticed some major typos. i should have proofread. anyways, i will definitely let you all know what happens. it's supposed to be sunny and 80 here in Iowa this weekend. perfect weather for selling a harley and buying a husky.
and not to discount brian's ktm, it's just that i am not wanting to spend that type of cash on a bike, and right now i don't think i want a 450. plus, ktm doesn't offer a 250. weird they don't, they'd sell the crap out of them.

 

well, looking at those, they are MX bikes. they are also the same msrp as the TE250 without the street legal crap. also, I looked into DSing a WR, called the Iowa DOT, they said there is no way it can be done. Once it says atv on the title, they will not let you make it legal or give you a plate. they said they stopped doing that 5 or so years ago. I asked if I were to bring in a off-road bike with a street plate and tried to transfer it if it would work, she said no that the vin number would stop it. Iowa is harsh and if it isn't street legal out of the box, it isn't going to be unless you know someone down at the license plate station. too much effort, and then after making something with a horn, brake light, and one mirror which are the requirements here in Iowa, I do not want to take a chance on not getting a plate. the Husky is an easy choice. only drawback is it doesn't have a keyed ignition. it does however have a factory steering stem lock and someone said I can get a key ignition from somewhere. I'm like Brian, if it isn't street legal sitting in the crate, I am not going to bother with it. These manufacturers who are selling these killer enduros like the WR's and the new KLX are missing the broad picture- people will buy these because they can make two motorcycles out of one. this is what I am doing and probably you and anyone else who reads this post. also, I am not too keen on the orange. i do love the black wheels though. also, the Husky has a 2.4 gallon tank, that rocks.

 

okay, I just opened up a myspace.com account; so if you want to see me or learn more about me, you can go here.

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm...ndid=182935001

 

Okay, I did a bad, bad thing. I didn't buy the TE250 after thinking lonnnnggggggggggggggg and hard about it. I decided that a 250 just wasn't going to give me the punch I want torquewise. I almost made a fatal mistake of buying it. I have read stories of people buying them and then getting stuck with no dealer service. I don't like that thought and I've never had a Husky anything to compare the reliability to. I know they're probably tough as any bike, but I want a little confidence I can have warranty or service work done if needed.

So, I went to my loca Kaw/Suz dealer today, they were having huge open house with a dyno and all that. I then made a huge mistake- I rode a DRZ 400 SuperMotard. OMG!! Talk about the funnest bike I've ever ridden. This bike has tons of torque and power. It pulls like an electric engine with power wheelies in 1st and 2nd gears. It was so much fun. I tried to deal on it, but they were charging me $400 in freight and setup. It was going to be $6400 otd, which I've seen cheaper on ebay. But, I do know what I want for sure. The cool thing about the SM, is it gets inverted forks and a little lower seat height. That means that I can get the enduro wheels that come on the E and S model and swap out if I want to hit the trails or take it off-road.
I know I've guided you guys on a soap opera of sorts on my new bike purchase, but it just stopped. If you haven't ridden a DRZ supermotard, don't. You will want one. This is how a 4-stroke dirt bike should run. According to a dyno run on TT forums, the stock DRZ puts out 35 rear wheel horse. That's sweet and it makes a ton of torque. I loved it. I know it's not 45 horse like the MX 450's and the top enduros, but 35 and a ton or torque is all I need to haul my 150lbs. around. I will start shopping for a great deal now online. I'll keep you updated for those who care.