Hi All. I’m new to the forum, and will soon be a new BMA member. After day-dreaming about it for too long, I’m planning to become a DS rider. I’m looking for input on bike choices.
To introduce myself: I’m an older rider, have some experience on dirt and road bikes. My focus will be on riding bush roads and trails, and just a bit of road riding to get to the trails or to connect trails. I live south of Ottawa near Burritts Rapids. I don’t need to go fast to have fun. I like the idea of just jumping on the bike and riding, versus trailering. I’d like to be able to participate in organized rides, possibly the Rally Connex events.
I’ve mentally short listed Yamaha TW200 and Kawasaki KLX250s. From my research I think I’m familiar with the pros and cons of those bikes in terms of performance and character. The TW sounds like it is just plain fun to ride and go exploring on, if you aren’t in a hurry. The KLX is more capable on the road, has better suspension, and is more like a “real” trail bike (but of course is heavier and clumsier than a dedicated trail bike). KLX is taller, but I’m 6 feet tall, and not worried about that.
From what I read neither would be a mistake, but would one be better than the other for participating in local riding?
- would one one limit the trails I could ride more than the other? For example how many of the trails in Calabogie would be doable/fun for either?
- would it be easier to find other people to ride with with one versus the other? I think the TW encourages a slow style of riding. It will go almost anywhere, but will take awhile to get there, and not everyone wants to ride that way.
Looking forward to your input and opinions, thanks.
To introduce myself: I’m an older rider, have some experience on dirt and road bikes. My focus will be on riding bush roads and trails, and just a bit of road riding to get to the trails or to connect trails. I live south of Ottawa near Burritts Rapids. I don’t need to go fast to have fun. I like the idea of just jumping on the bike and riding, versus trailering. I’d like to be able to participate in organized rides, possibly the Rally Connex events.
I’ve mentally short listed Yamaha TW200 and Kawasaki KLX250s. From my research I think I’m familiar with the pros and cons of those bikes in terms of performance and character. The TW sounds like it is just plain fun to ride and go exploring on, if you aren’t in a hurry. The KLX is more capable on the road, has better suspension, and is more like a “real” trail bike (but of course is heavier and clumsier than a dedicated trail bike). KLX is taller, but I’m 6 feet tall, and not worried about that.
From what I read neither would be a mistake, but would one be better than the other for participating in local riding?
- would one one limit the trails I could ride more than the other? For example how many of the trails in Calabogie would be doable/fun for either?
- would it be easier to find other people to ride with with one versus the other? I think the TW encourages a slow style of riding. It will go almost anywhere, but will take awhile to get there, and not everyone wants to ride that way.
Looking forward to your input and opinions, thanks.