i am 230 and 5 11  i would like to get a bike to do some jumps and ride short distances on road to get to trails. i would like to stay european and more exotic than japanese thanks guys

the Beta 520 rs would be my pick.dan

there are NO japanese bikes that fit the bill, so your goal wont be hard to achieve LOL

haha thanks guys any other possible options and personal expirences as a bigger rider

your only 230 your not a big rider

TE449 or TE511. I have a TE511 and it is a fantastic DS and off road bike with a plate. KTM450/530 buddies like it more than their bikes (feels much lighter, EFI is spotless etc.)  and can be had for a good deal.

Ride, on 20 February 2012 - 02:07 PM, said:

What kind of range(fuel) do you get in general DS and casual off road use? Thanks.

I second the Beta 520 or 498!

if I was buying today I would be looking at either a ktm 500 or the previous version beta with the ktm engine

I am 6-3 and 280. I haven't seen 230 since my marathon running days in college.

Any big bore Beta or the new KTM500 EXC would be great.

IMO the new KTM 500 will be hard to beat going forward, as much as I like my Beta. It is a more refined bike.

Any bike will require suspension work to get it right as they are all designed for skinny 180 lb guys.

Edited by Chasejj, 20 February 2012 - 03:30 PM.

MrBlahh, on 20 February 2012 - 03:15 PM, said:

Why? What is wrong with the Beta motor?

I dont know enough about it, ie how long it's been in production and reliability,  ktm has a pretty good history, and the previos version beta used one of the most reliable ktm ds engines out there

thanks all of you guys and what do you guys think about the aprilia rxv450 and husaberg fe450 just wondering i forgot about the ktm but they would probably be the easisiet to fix

rayhenry, on 20 February 2012 - 07:39 PM, said:

I don't know anything about the Aprilla but the Husaberg FE450 is an excellent bike, just be ready to swap out the fuel pump first thing as the stock piece is absolute garbage made in China but the replacement pump is from Italy and has no issues. Not sure about North Carolina, but here in California the 450 is not street legal. The FE570 however is and is a great ride as well. PM me if you want to know more about the 'berg.

Other rides to note that may fit your needs...
Husqvarna TE 511 or 450
Beta 520 RS or 498 RS
KTM EXC 500 or 450 (2012 with EFI) or 2010/2011 EXC (with carb).

Note that both the 'Berg and the KTM's are on the higher end of the spectrum in price, so depends how much you are willing to spend. You cant go wrong with any of the above IMO.

I own a Aprilia RXV550. It's a great high-performance dual-sport, but very high performance and with that it prefers its oil changed very 500-600 miles. Also I would only buy a new one and at least a 2008+ version as many changes were done to them to make them much more reliable. They need to be derestricted ASAP as running them restricted is not good for the motors longivity.......Pick your dealer carefully as most 85% of them really know little about tuning them properly.

I've been throughout Death Valley and all parts of the Sierra mountians, ridden hard almost from day one, and has been a great bike. but at  your weight you will need larger springs in both ends.....

But many will say that having a 65-70+ HP dual sport that weighs 285 is a bit overkill, yet its all controled from the right wrist.

Stay away from 2006-2007 versions still sitting on the dealers floor, PM me for more details.....

I've got the Beta 520 RS, and use it as a supermoto. The Beta engine is virtually bulletproof, and is a major upgrade from what I've heard about the RFS engine.

Smooth power, great top speed (comfortable on freeway), amazing torque. It's a great all-around machine. It's really a blast to ride, and a thrill to show off at events. It's carbureted, which is a plus for me. Different ppl have different preferences. It is built on the same RR frame that won Dirt Rider's 450cc off-road competition shootout, so it's great in the woods too.

I wouldn't do the Aprilia b/c it is such a high-tuned machine.

Other than that the KTM or Husq would be the only other considerations for me.

Edited by CRFJeff113, 22 February 2012 - 03:09 PM.

thanks guys for the info post if you can think of any more