So I haven't ridden for almost 10 years, and since then, the whole motorcycle world seems to have been turned upside down by new advancements in tech. Everything has changed since I learned to ride on an IT490. Since I am just starting my boys out on riding - identical twin boys, age 5.5, boy age 3 and boy age 1(he's not riding yet LOL)- I need to get myself a bike. I purchased a 2001 xr50 for the kids to see how they like it, and now I need to buy 2 more to keep everyone happy. But the big dilema is what to get myself. I don't have lots of time for major service/maintanence issues, so I had looked at an xr400. But I would really like to have something unique that doesn't require big bucks to bring it up in performance levels, such as would have to be done to the XR. I am not an overly experienced rider, so I am not in need of a rocket, but I do want to purchase a bike that will last me for a while, in both size, mechanical longevity and performance. Another factor is my size, I weigh 265, so I figure I need a 350/400 to haul my large butt around and not bog down. I live in Northern California, so I also need the bike to be a green sticker one. I have looked at all the websites for KTM, Husky, Cannondale, Husaberg, Gas Gas, Atk and all the Japanese bikes, and the decision is extremely hard, as many of you know. So what do you recommend? Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for your time.

well from the reliability stand point a YZ426 is about as bulletproof as they come. They also have good deals on them right now since the honda is the "hot" new bike. Next year expect no yamaha discount...

I just switched from a 426 to a honda 450... i love it!! main difference is weight & starting.. power wise both the same.. Reliability for the honda so far is great but its 3 months old..It should prove to be as good as the 426 down the long run ( since they separated the oils etc...) but only time will tell that... but its a pretty safe bet with hondas track record for excellent bikes..

With your size a KTM 520 with the magic button might be worth looking at.... I am gonna ride one this weekend but my buddy recently purchased his 2nd for his son... they swear buy them...

I rode EMARAcing's Cannondale other day... pretty nice.. seems all the bugs are out but like the honda only time will tell... they do have a 6 month warranty & it seems the dealers are really standing behind any prob no matterhow big or small.... could be the "different" bike you want?

you have a tough decision .. maybe cut out pics of them all & throw a dart at them?

Hi Dad! Sounds like you got your hands full! But a nice dilemma - which cool bike to get? I'm on an older (97) KTM 400 LC4, not the newer RFS w/Estart, but am going to trade up in the next year. I, too, have tried to do my homework on this subject. I'm attracted to either the KTM 400EXC RFS or the C'Dale - the Jap bikes need a lot of stuff after you get 'em (quality bars & controls, suspension work, chain/sprockets, etc) whereas both the KTM and C'Dale are set up with quality stuff right out of the box. As a result, IMHO the final $$ you spend ends up being about the same. I find the fuel injection on the C'Dale intrigueing (sp?) and from what I've heard, they've finally worked the bugs out of it - and the rest of the bike is very trick (Ohlin susp, SSTL spokes, etc). The KTM 520 is WAY FAST - I know 2 experienced guys who hurt themselves on it - try to ride one before you buy if you can! Incidentally, I'm in Santa Rosa, and I'm thinking the dealer choice is important too. Cycle West in Petaluma has C'Dales, Suzukis, VORs(!) etc, they're not too hot on C'Dales at the moment. The KTM dealer is up in Ukiah, haven't talked to them yet. Good luck on your decision, maybe we'll see you up at Cow Mountain or CC Camp soon!

Cowtrailer

you have a tough decision .. maybe cut out pics of them all & throw a dart at them? [/QB][/QUOTE]
Loopout has it right, point and shoot.

I have the Cannondale X440s but it's a red sticker bike. My understanding is the C & E models will be green. The KTM 520 will have the power and E-start. I don't know about sticker colors for KTM. You'll probably need heavier springs for 265lbs on any bike.

Hey Dad......Im one tooo, but I stopped at 3!

You sound like you are at a point to enjoy the good ride.....
I came from a background of all the Japanese bikes...and for the most part they were all great if not wonderful rides....
I currently (and for some time)own a CR500...what a reliable rock and a hoot of a machine...wow...been incredible rock hard machine...and two of the new WR250f's. Incredible 4-stroke rides....amazing what yamaha did with that motor. I have ridden the 4xx series of the Yamahas and yes they are wonderful but they are heavy and feel that way....but from their market success...obviously great machines.
One caution....and I will hush....
when you ride and get a good stretch on a couple of the higher end machines....all the others will pale.
I have an '01 650 Husaberg...e start.(lighter than my WR250f !)
.....switched between it and a new YZ 426 and my WR250f....night and day amazing difference in ride, handling, suspension, feel, fit brakes...you name it.
I have ridden almost all except the new Husky's and VOR and now the Cannondales....but once you ride one of these awesome rides....you will see and understand the marketing power of the big 4 vs the smaller factories and impacts on reviews.
Even going from the KTM to the 'Burg (IMO) was a big change.....wow....thats why for me I bought the 'Burg. I am looking now to be able to ride the 'Dale cause everything on this forum points to the possible fact that we have an American made "Burg" in regards to quality, motor, power, suspension fit finish etc.etc...

So...I will hush....enjoy the choice....and ride the stink out of it....I would get something around the 400+ cc, think you would be happier....and there is the FX 470 berg and larger ones.....and most if not all serious 'Dale dealerships if they can will set up a test ride for you....dealer support is very important in my book in regards to ownership happiness! !

Its all good

HJ

In your case the KTM 400 or 520 EXC would be great. My brother was in the same boat a few years ago with a XR400. Its a great bike, its a green sticker, but having to make the many stops while helping the kids pick themself up and having to kick the the bike led to many painful knees. He now has a 02 KTM 520 EXC with e-start and they are now green sticker. I got a chance to ride it and all I can say is it was the funnest bike I've ever ridden. I own a KX500 and now I'm selling it. I still ride 30+ beginner class races and finish towards the rear to give you an idea of how slow I am. The 520 was so easy to ride compared to what I ride now. Don't let the 520 number be a factor. Anybody can ride it! Lot's of people have a hard time with the cost of the bike, but they are quality bikes. If you don't have the cash and want something similar (like myself), go with the DRZ400 w/ electric start. Only bad is they are not green sticker.

I'm totally sold on 4 strokes now. My next bike will be a 4 stroke with electric start. Look at the new Husky's too. I do know the 02 Husky TE570 is green sticker. But, it has no e-start.

BTW, the only green sticker KTMs are the 02 520, 400 EXC's that are sold in California. Just make sure it has the G designation after EXC.(ie EXC-G)

Good luck!

I bought a KTM 520 EXC 6 months ago, and sold it 3 days ago, back to the YZ for now. The KTM is a great bike, but is not a ready to ride and enduro or desert race. The suspension has to be resprung and revalved to be smooth over the smaller stuff, and not bottom over the big hits(not to mention the magically diving front end). Soft seat foam please. Shark fin. Skid Plate. Barkbusters. Stainless filters (or stock in a filter company). If you get a "G" bike, jets and needels. All said and done, over $1000.00 in extras for a bike costing over $7000.00 to begin with. OUCH.

Now on the other side, I loved it when it was done. The power of the 520 is managable and awsome. The bike is a tractor. It is as easy to ride in trail mode sitting down, taking it easy as it was to ride in race mode standing up and hauling a@@. The e-button was sooooo sweet. Flooded, wet, crashed or just cold it always started with the push of a button. Now I have to go back to the Yamahardtostart. The KTM was just too expensive for me right now. I will buy another in 2003, although Cannondale will get a very close look this time.

Now the YZ needed all that stuff and more, but still cost less in the end, and is a great bike.

So does anyone here have Cannondale experience? I looked at an x440s yesterday at the local dealer, and the salesman didn't have anything really good to say about them. He said he had sold 3 or 4 and had taken 1 of them back. He said people were afraid to really ride them because of all the extras - fuel injection, e start, liquid cool - for reliability reasons and just worried that something would go wrong if you dumped it. He also made the comment that people thought they were a noisy bike because of the gear drive. I love the looks of the bike and I think the tech on the bike is what makes it, but would like some real world info. But I did putt putt around on a drz400e and, for someone with as little experience as I have and not having ridden for many years, I was very impressed with what I saw. Any opinions on this bike?

The most important performance part you will want when riding with beginners...

A KICKSTAND!!! I got sooo tired of leaning my KTM up against trees to pick up someones bike or start it for him or her. It better be easy to start or your leg will fall off from starting all those bikes and your own.

Something else to think about. Thorough bred bikes don't like to go slow behind kids and wives. The XR you were thinking about might be your best choice. I bought an XR250 just for this reason and ended up making it a racer.

Check into a TE250 Husky if you have a near by dealer. They are not here yet but alot of us are patiently waiting them in the next few months.

been there...