What is a good motorcycle for trail riding.?

Question

I had a 2002 yz 250 and although a good motorcycle not very good for trail riding. I guess it was best suited for the track. I would like to find something that does not make me feel like running a jack hammer. The yz was fast as h**l but jarred the c**p out of me. Thanks for any help.

Answer 1

wr250f. wr450f crf450x klx450

yz250f yz450f crf250x  

Answer 2

i would suggest getting a yzf250, they are great for the trails and track.

Answer 3

KTM, any of the exc range from 2005 onwards! 450, 525 both superb machines, 6 speed, plush ride and plenty of power! Kickass on open trails with more than enough torque for the tight twisty stuff!

Answer 4

Harley Davidson Fat-Boy.

Answer 5

I prefer 4 strokes for trail riding. 2 stroke 250's are fine for serious woods racing, but that's a whole different story. Get a Honda CRF250X or Yamaha WR250F. 450's suck for trail ridding, they are too heavy and the power is too abrupt. Both the CRF-X and WR-F will have softer suspension than their MX counterparts. Re-springing and/or re-valving the suspension on a motocross bike to make it work in the woods is expensive and you don't get the larger tank, radiators and wide ratio tranny you get with the above bikes.  

Answer 6

KTM makes a very nice dual sport, about the best bike for serious long trail riding.  BMW 650 is also nice, but quite heavy.

Answer 7

You're right, the YZ 250 is a race bike  designed for closed course racing- not only that, it doesn't come with a USFS approved spark arrestor which is required for off road riding on public land.

Many have suggested worthwhile trail bikes, you can't go wrong with a Honda or a Yamaha. KTM makes a great bike, but mechanics are a bit harder to find.

What you didn't tell us is how much you weigh, how tall, how experienced you are. This will help decide which bike is best for you.

All in all you can't go wrong with the Honda CRF 250X it has a very plush suspension (I'm partial, but I own 4 Yamahas as well) It's a fairly lightweight trail bike suitable for a rider between 150 and 200 lbs. Any heavier and you should consider a 450 cc bike. Most newer trail bikes typically have a battery and electric start as well as a headlight.

Good luck with your choice!  

Answer 8

Sounds to me you need to soften the suspension.  Lighter weight springs, and lighter weight fork oil will help the suspension be a little more plusher.  Is the rear shock equipped with dampening and rebound adjustments?  Reduce the dampening adjustment.  If the spring is not too strong, this will the rear shock to compress with less force.

While it will take some doing, being able to dial in your suspension for the terrain you are tackling is a big key in going faster.  Comfortably.

Good Luck

Answer 9

The CRF250X and CRF450X are the best.