Father & Son Dirt/trail Riding

[Barney]

the only thing you'll ever regret about owning a ktm is selling it.

if serious, look at the 2 stroke xc series - they're easier to ride than the high strung 2 stroke mx bikes, low maint, light weight, and there may be no better sound in the world than a ktm on the pipe. 

there's also a fair number of members here on the board who've been bitten by that orange bug.

[the_Journeyman]

If you get too distracted by the orange, I hear their 300 is a nice package.

JM

[Blue]

If you get too distracted by the orange, I hear their 300 is a nice package.

JM

You guys aren't helping!

My plan at this point is to pick up the right bike for my son then work on getting one for me.  Where I'm at, there are plenty of used 50's, but it thins out when getting to the 70-110 range. 
Shopping used for myself, it looks like I have a choice between vintage 2-stroke to "modern" enduros, trail bikes, dirt bikes, and faux adv type bikes.  Just need to decide what makes sense and, really, how much to spend!  The XR and TTRs look good.

Anyone have an opinion on XR200, 300, 350?  They're older, but for a first timer, would they be okay (cheap too!)

[the_Journeyman]

The XRs of any size are pretty reliable and tough, even when maintenance is neglected.  They're all air cooled 4-strokes and very easy to work on.  

For example:  I've got a Honda Rancher 350 in the garage right now that has sat for TWO years.  It's air cooled 350 is probably a descendant of the XR motors.  Guy said it wouldn't run and wasn't sure if it could even be fixed.  Despite sitting for two years, a fresh battery, fresh fuel, and a few minutes to start if for the first time, I'm riding it all over the neighborhood.  Only problem it seems to have is a clogged pilot jet and that's an easy fix.

JM

[ward72]

What would your son like best of the above mentioned proposals?

[Cloner]

My 11 year old KTM 450 four stroke is hard to beat for a rider with little off road experience.  It's easy to ride because you can lug it around everywhere without stalling it and it has....are you ready for it....a starter button!  Yes.  I said it.  It has a starter button.  Never underestimate the power of the start button.

If you buy an older bike with decent maintenance you can score one for under $2k easily and it's much more bike than you are.

Just a thought for you.

For the kiddo, look at a 50 or 85.  Take him to a dealer that specializes in used bikes and let him try a few on.  Four strokes are easier to ride just because they lug well, IMHO.