Explorer - Next Best?

[johnmc408]

This is probably like asking everyone about their opinion on oil, but what the heck ;-)

 

I like my Explorer, but I have 2 concerns:

1) It might just be too complicated with my limited mechanical skills (and limited dealer support).  See my post on fuel issues, engine mapping, etc.  If it breaks I have to learn how to fix it and that won't be happening on the trail.

2) The official riding areas in my area are setup for dirt bikes, so a trials bike is mostly overkill.  It has helped me on a few trouble spots that I can now ride on my dirt bike on, so I am very happy about that.  These spots are usually scattered around the park, so not ideal.  I am sure there are many expert riders in my area that know difficult/secret spots, but I am not that good ;-)

 

I certainly have read up on the Freeride and the x-trainer.  I even wonder if I lowered a 125/150 how that would be.

 

If I sold my Explorer, I am leaning towards the x-trainer.  The Freeride does seem closest, but I am concerned about it.  Lots of people sell them after just a few hundred miles.  I also see KTM, and probably others, releasing new 125/150s that are really light.  I wonder if the Freeride will still be offered with these new bikes coming out.  I think I would rather have a lowered 150 than a Freeride.

 

Unfortunately, I haven't ridden any of the bikes that I mentioned.

 

What I think I want is: low speed maneuverability, ability to loft the front wheel from a stop, low seat height and light weight.

(Yes I know you can't have it all, so looking for next best ;-)  Everything is a compromise...

 

I currently have a KTM 350 4 stroke which I really like.  It is pretty heavy and tall for me (30 inch inseam).  It also is hard to maneuver slow as the idle want to keep the bike moving.  I don't plan on ever selling this bike ;-) 

 

I just want a 2 stroke that I can take on difficult trails w/o expending as much energy and effort as on the big bike. I don't need to go fast.  Last weekend I went on a crazy rocky Jeep trail (for a short while anyway) and it was perfect for the Explorer.  But I would never take my KTM on it.  Way too tall, way too heavy.  I needed to bounce around, over, between boulders...

 

Thanks! for any opinions ;-)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[johnnyboxer]

Montesa 4Ride

[gasserguy]

Sherco X Ride

 

[michael_t]

I really enjoy my Sherco X-Ride for the type of trail riding you are talking about... but you may also want to try a proper trials bike (if you haven't already) keep your KTM for trail riding and use your trials bike when you want to slow down a bit and have more fun just bouncing around and over boulders with ease... just watch any Toni Bou videos and you will see how easy a real trials bike makes things -     .   

[lotus54]

I own an Explorer, done a shrt ride on the X-Trainer and ridden with a guy (probably similar riding skills) with a Freeride.

I looked hard at the Freeride before getting my Explorer. The starter with no kicker scars me. Especially the old 2-stroke KTM style (I've had KTMs)

It seemed to do pretty darn well on the tight stuff- not like the OSSA, but better than the full enduro bikes.

I really liked the cross trainer. I would have kept the OSSA and used the beta for faster stuff, but still ok on the really tight stuff. Maybe lowered it a bit- I'm not short but I've gotten to like low bikes and I don't want to ride fast any more. So the extra suspension is a waste.

None of those will be like the OSSA.

1. A huge weight difference.

2. Flywheel and manuverability

3. Balance and control.

The OSSA excels at those.

Not so hot going faster.

I recently got an AJP 3.5 'Ultrapassar' (I figure that means you get passed a lot)

It has aboth the same max HP as the OSSA,mount certainly not the bottom end. Handles very well, quite good suspension for what I want.

Lighter than the PR4 and lower, but full sized wheels. Supurb fuel mileage (75MPG recent ride)

It isn't as good as the OSSA in slow tight stuff, but probably as good as the Freeride. Weighs more than the Freeride. $$ is considerably less.

My OSSA has been quite reliable- but I do all the maintenance myself and certainly understand your concerns. One reason I got the AJP was to put less hours on. The OSSA.

I may have gotten the Beta, except of the cost. (Just retired so don't want to spend a lot)

Also consider a Beta trials bike with ling range kit. I was told the new 4-stroke is quite light.

The Montesa trials also comes with a seat (fuel?) but weighs as much as the OSSA.

4-Ride looks cool, but weights I saw approached 200lbs

Not sure any of that helps.

[johnmc408]

Thanks everyone for the feedback.  That AJP 3.5 'Ultrapassar' looks fun, but of course California doesn't allow it ;-(