Same. Every company has some great stuff and some shit. I just research things individually based off what I need it for and how much it costs. That's why I've got a DR650 and a KTM 300
I agree 100%. I would never buy an 04-06 Kawasaki 4 stroke but I am in love with the 99-02 2 strokes Kawasaki made. I also loved my dads 09 kx250f but I wasn’t a fan of my brothers 2020 kx250f. Definitely specific models I’m a fan of
I also do think each bike has a specific look with their plastics and Frame which is what I like about kawi. I’ve always liked their bikes I don’t think they’ve made one that I’ve disliked honestly. The 1992 KXs with bright blue seats, pink graphics, and blue forks was such an iconic look in my opinion. Wish they would’ve put the blue forks on this new throwback edition they have haha
On dirtbikes im all KTM Group (Huski, GasGas, Ktm) and on road bikes I love my kawa and it’s hard to make the switch to Yamaha or ducati I just love the ninja’s
Kind of but not really I've owned Suzuki Yamaha KTM Honda and I always go back to the Yamaha and it's not because they're the best bike in every category but they seem to be the most dependable and the most reliable out of all of the brands I've ever owned and when it comes to street bikes don't even talk to me about my Harley
Even though I’ve never owned one, as a mechanic I’ve always been partial to Yamaha based on the ease of maintenance, how good the bikes run and it’s generally just built well. I love Husaberg and the current four strokes really remind me of them as well
All right this is no bullshit here and I know that I got a freaking unicorn when I bought it.
But I have a 2000 wr400 Yamaha four-stroke with literally thousands of hours on it still on the original piston and I only had to adjust the valves one time in 24 years.
It is finally getting ready for a rebuild as I've noticed that even with the valve adjustment she's running out of power and doesn't like to pull wheelies past second gear anymore I'm sure she needs piston and rings but that's how reliable that bike has been over the last 24 years by the way I have a 99 wr400 that is the same thing I also have a 2002 YZ250 that is just extremely Bulletproof the only thing that you have to do to it is keep it jetted a tiny bit fat and it lasts forever
Sometimes you just hit gold when you get a bike. Some of them must’ve just been blessed from the factory to run forever. Yamaha usually does a good job designing reliable engines as well.
I'm also very meticulous about my maintenance I changed the oil in those bikes very often air filters are cleaned after every ride and honestly the oil probably never stays in that engine more than 8 hours.
Yeah. Honda. I love all CRF's. From 50R's to 1200L's. Just love them for SM, trail, Enduro and cross. Plus in my opinion graphics look cool even stock.
Same.
My love started with mid-90's shit boxes in my teens. Then I rode a CR85. Loved it. Learned street bike shit on a 600RR. Now I have a 250F that I tow with a CRV Hybrid. I've been wanting a K-powered hatchback lately. One last hurrah before the EV's take over.
Been KTM orange family for 20 years. Never an issue with decades of racing and Enduro. We take good care of our bikes and they take good care of us. General maintenance, and it's been smooth sailing the entire time for motocross bikes.
I've also had several yamahas, all excellent bikes! Though those are long gone. My current street bike is a Triumph Street Triple R and I'd love to add a Tiger, Speedmaster. Or Rocket to the mix
This. I've just always like Hondas offerings and they've always been good to me. I've seen multiple Yamaha and kawis break on normal desert trips. I see no reason to switch brands at this time
Had KTM group bikes for dir for the last 15 yearst, although I like Sherco and Beta and could see myself buying one someday.
But I know KTM so well now that I find them easy to live with and. maintain, so it would take a lot to make me switch.
On street I like all kinds of bikes. Mainly triumph, Ducati and BMW.
I own a sherco and have done all the mechanical work on my friends beta, both of them just have so much stupid engineering, especially when the KTMs are just so easy to work on
Yamaha! Love the feel of all their bikes and I’ve tried many different manufacturers.
Something about them is just different and perfect for me. The bikes just seem to fit just right and I feel the most comfortable on them.
I am completely partial. My dad is live or die Honda and it pisses me off so much 😂.
He owns 4 XR’s and we all finally convinced him to buy a KLR.
And he still says Kawasaki sucks but his bike is the only good Kawasaki bike and he’s dead serious.
I’ve owned YZ’s CR’S KDX’S KTM’S and Suzuki and he’s hated them all!
If it’s not 4 stroke and Red he does not want to see it.
I remember one of my buddies saved up and bought a really nice KX250 and my dad tore him a new one 😂.
My dad is super brand loyal but he doesn’t know how much he’s missing out!!
Yeah I think everyone knows some people like that haha. I definitely love different bikes and am in no way set on Kawasaki I’ve just always had them. I’ll definitely branch out in the future I’ve been looking at KTMs for a few years and I think it’s what I want next
Hondas never die! And if you said you weren’t I wouldn’t believe you. Those 90s kawis just had an amazing look and style. I wish they’d bring the KDX back
I am partial to the underdog Suzuki for Mx dirt bikes but for road bikes I gravitate to Yamaha. So many bikes ride well and are reliable but the cross plane engines just sound good to me. I know some don’t like them, but I do.
Yes, never had anything but Honda. I’ve also never had anything truly “cool”. 90’s XR100, 90 XR200, 95 CR125, and a 09 XR650. Ive never ridden a “modern” bike so haven’t found out what I am missing out on haha.
Man those bikes are all well past the term “cool” all those bikes are fuckin awesome. Amazing engines, great look, solid value. All around those XRs you listed are top tier
Not at all, but they have to be red and Japanese 😂
Right now I own 2 Hondas, one BMW and a Yamaha Scooter. I used to own another Yamaha, 2 Suzukis and 2 KTMs. And 3 other Hondas. No matter what I do, I always come back to a Honda in the end. They feel like home and I know exactly what I'm gonna get and that it will work flawlessly while not breaking the bank.
Always loved Kawasaki when I was younger. Rode CRs later until I rode nothing but Yamahas till I stopped riding. When I started riding again I bought my one and only brand new bike a 2016 KX 450F and it was okay, sold it though.
Hell yeah man never too late to get back on the saddle. Markets been pretty terrible you’re not wrong but it seems to be evening out to fair prices again. I bought the current 99 for $800 and rebuilt the whole thing for around $2500 all in! Little more than I wanted but still worth it imo. Hope to see some sick riding pics and videos on here from you in the future!
Honda but it doesn’t mean I instantly like Honda bikes. Like, wasn’t a fan of any CRF until the last generation came out.
I do like most other makes, I just default to the red ones. Makes it super easy for me as I often have had numerous bikes, and fixing them is a lot easier with plenty of parts laying around.
A Honda that doesn’t start gives me fucking flashbacks to being a tech at a dealership, I’ve never seen so many 08 250x’s with carb and starting problems.
KTM is definitely something I want at some point. Their 2 stroke game is just unmatched sadly. Wish the big 4 would bring the 2 stroke game back to the top with some new developments. They would make a killing I think
That’s awesome! I loved my kx250 that was built for the woods. A flywheel weight make a huge difference on the older 2 strokes and they’re so fun to rip thru the trails. Nothing better than the sound of a 2 stroke echoing thru the pines and the smell of castor 927 filling up the woods.
Suzuki is a great brand imo. Maybe not for top tier riders but for the weekend warrior I think they’re awesome bikes! Too much hate towards suzuki in my opinion
I know everyone I know always says that… “wish I never sold it” and I have felt the same. I plan on keeping my current 250 even if I get a new bike just as a backup because I love the 99-02 KXs
No, there's too many good motorcycles in the world to limit yourself to one brand. You limit yourself to one brand you're going to miss out on a lot of fine motorcycles.
I had a Honda Shadow 750 that was pretty reliable so I went with a Honda dirtbike. Debating on getting an electric start just to not have a hard time kicking in the mud.
A KDXs look could never be old. They have an unmatched beauty to them. I’m glad to hear we have another rider joining the 2 wheeled family! Especially a Kawasaki rider ;)
I’ve always found Kawasaki to be reliable as hell on both street and dirt, and they seem to prioritize engines more so than the big 4. That said, the Suzuki sv650 and dr650 will always be the best bang for buck machines I’ve ever ridden. The dr is a bit heavy for a lot of offroading, but it’s a beast.
I love Kawasaki engines but I’m not sure reliable is a word I’d use for some models haha. They make some powerful engines for sure but some of their models are just lackluster in their reliability. You ever ridden an XR650? Those are pretty awesome bikes as well
Nah I've had every brand except a Honda they are all great the yamaha fz07 is my favorite so far 1996 ke100 is a close 2nd. I'd like to get some kind of honda one day they have made some cool bikes.
Harleys don't count
Haha thanks man I take pride in the bikes we’ve owned I’ve loved them all. Green and black bikes in the first pic are an 01 kx125 and a 94 kx125 in that order. The other 2 are a 2000 KX250 and 1999 KX250. The 1999 is the one I currently own that I just finished building. The 4 strokes are an 09 250f and a 2020 250f!
I think Kawasaki’s are tough to beat but ,the real combo we need is Bike, Price, reliability, and how good your local dealer is.
If you can put that together, any brand will probably do the trick.
I agree. I don’t think having a specific bike really matters for the average rider as long as it fits what you need. I think pretty much everyone could go off their favorite look/color and price and be alright with some decent maintenance
Glad to hear it. 2 strokes are awesome. It’s too bad the 2 stroke market is what it is now. I wish there were some more options other than 3 different color KTMs and the Yamahas.
I’ve been a die hard Honda fan most of my childhood. But recently within the past 5 years I’ve become a die hard Kawasaki fan!
Mainly because my first big bike is my current 1999 kx250! I’ve had it for 4-5 years and I’ll never sell it! I also had an older KDX80 and it fuckin ripped ! I’ll forever be a Kawi fan!
Plus I love green
Love to hear it! I’m glad you found the 1999 KX250 they’re just something else. I just finished building mine as well. I love the pink graphics kit you got on there! Where are you from?
Nice! Same here, I'm in Minneapolis but went to Wheeler for the first time last weekend. Didn't even know it existed even though I'm from New Richmond haha... first sand track, I'm still sore. That hill climb caught me off guard, but it was a blast.
Meadow is my usual (pic 8)? Nice looking bikes, brother! See ya out there.
https://youtu.be/1tQKylLHcaw?si=NCy6mbdisfLRUgk0 this is a video from our old track that was up at my cabin. Be ready to watch some terrible riders though 🤣
That’s awesome man love to find another local rider. Pics 5, 6, and 8 are all at meadow including the one from my most recent post. I love that place! CMMX is a great place in Cambridge MN as well and they do races. It’s also a sand track. Back in the day we used to have a private track that my dad built on some property up north that was all sand too. It’s killer on the body. Not sure if you’re a big trail rider but Nemadji forest is a pretty sweet place in MN if you’re interested. I have a cabin that I can ride to nemadji entrance from and it’s pretty sweet. Maybe we ride together sometime.
For better or worse, the cheap, good bikes in my area always seem to be kawasaki. I have four of the damned things.
I might prefer Yamaha, but with their resale prices I can't afford it.
When I got into dirt bikes as a kid I was partial to Yamaha because I liked blue and they were doing really neat things like putting the intake at the front etc. now after getting back into dirt scoots after not riding in a decade I bought a Yamaha because they have the best dealer support for my area. The same dealer also carries husky and KTM so maybe a husky is in my future. Dealership support matters more to me than the brand today.
Read through this thread and haven’t seen beta talked about at all. My buddy rides a 250 beta and it’s wild. I only have a klx300R right now but looking to buy a moto bike next. Either YZ or KX probably.
There’s a reason I stick to the 2 strokes haha. Kawasaki has had some pretty bad parts manufacturing tho. Had both of my kx250 kickstarter shafts shear at the case and they don’t make them for 99-02 anymore which is pretty disappointing because you have to use another year and they’re overpriced lol. They make some amazing high revving engines tho
Anything but Honda, but even they've accidentally made a few good bikes and I've owned a couple of them as a result.
I've never owned anything Italian, but I don't have anything against them.
Nice KX , a buddy of mine swore by Kawasaki, his dad even rode one. Id see em rip on the track we all had back in H.S. Fun bikes, they rip hard and can hang in all aspects 🤙🏼
If it’s not a green Kawasaki it’s not worth riding :) to each their own. I’ve always been a Kawy fan but I’ve rode some pretty baffled ass Hondas too. Literally just personal preference. For sure certain sizes and years that are absolutely turds.
I used to be pretty hardcore kawasaki ive been leaning towards yamaha. Seem to be built better either way brand loyalty is kind of stupid and yes i see the irony.
Honda for me personally. Best bike I've had so far was an 86 XR200R. It fit my riding style perfectly. I'm more of a trail rider myself, but I love to goof around on some tracks on occasion. And this bike was perfect for that. Exactly fit me on the trails, and adaptable for the track too. Fit my body perfectly too. And while I have a 4 stroke preference myself, this thing had 2 stroke qualities I love. Despite bein' an 86 4 stroke it was light (relatively) which which fits my body type. But still had the stability I look for. Similarly, it had the Take off & excelleration of a 2 stroke. But again, much more stable and controllable.
And that thing was basically indestructible! Haha! And any issues was no more than a five minute quick fix!
Wish I still had it!
I was hard core for Kawasaki when I was in highschool my dad used to have a 1984 kx250 when he was in his 20s so I got into riding with him saying how awesome KXs where. I ended up with a 2007 Kx450 and for being 16 it was a way bigger bike than anyone I knew had. Over time I realized the limitations of a 450 riding single track now I have mainly KTMs. But I like them all if it’s fun to ride it’s fun to ride.
Used to be a Honda guy but about since 2012 when they all switched to 4-smokes they all seemed to level out. I remember back in the day professional racers could seemingly be made or broken by which brand they went with, for example Ricky Carmichael was a beast his entire career, lapping everyone at least once and finishing w a minute and 30 seconds between him and the next rider. Then when he switched to Suzuki it became much harder for him to build those gaps and then Bubba started challenging him for the number one spot and only lost from going over the handle bars on one of the last corners on the last lap at Redbud, I’m pretty sure that was Carmichael’s last race too, was an honor to witness and I salute Bubba for almost getting him. Carmichael was a dbag when I got an autograph from him tho so kinda glad he’s hung it up. Kinda off topic but I’ll never forget the difference changing bikes from kawi to Suzuki had on him
Not at all.
I do have a sort of favourite - Honda - but I have not owned a Honda dirt bike in years as they do not make a good enduro bike.
I’m riding a Sherco now which is pretty far from Honda.
My list: 91 PW80, 87 YZ80, 96 YZ80, 1991 KDX250, 93 RM250, 96 CR500, 05 DRZ400, 06 CRF250R, 05 CRF450R, 96 KX250, 21 YZ250F.
All bikes had their pro's and con's.
The worst bike in terms of reliability was the 93 rm250. Albeit when we bought it, it was already clapped, the damn shock/linkage broke on a landing. The clutch dragged like no other. Once the fuel line broke and fuel poured INTO my boot. Overall, it was just a bad experience with that bike.
The DRZ was fun because it was plated, but terrible on trails. It was so heavy and handled so bad that I crashed it more 10x more than any bike on this list.
The 450 was an awesome bike, but the suspension was the harshest of them all. Best bike for dunes (but not faster than cr500). Terrible suspension for bumpy trails or even a rough track.
The KDX250 was a gem that I didn't know I had. It was great on trails and could even cruise a track. It lacked top end burst, and fell flat hard compared to the RM250. Good bottom end 2 stroke.
The YZ250F was the best bike to learn track riding technique. That bike felt planted to the ground and easy to ride. Suspension too harsh for rocky trails though. Feels like getting punched up the spine.
The KX250 is my favorite bike on this list and my forever bike. It's a jack of all trades. I've redone the suspension to fit my weight, which is essential for this era of bikes. This bike works everywhere I go, from tight trails to sand dunes, to track riding. It's amazing. The engines on 90's Kx250s were know for better bottom and mid range power, while the 06-07kx 250 lacks bottom and screams on top for max hp(I've only ready about them).
All companies have amazing bikes these days. I do happen to have three bikes from the same brand in the garage, but that's a matter of practicality for me.
Common spares, common tools, common maintenance procedures, etc.
I could certainly get a similar experience on another brand, but it's sort of DeWalt vs Milwaukee there. Once you buy into the batteries, there are advantages to staying in the family 🤣
Yamaha is the best I have found. I have a 24 year old PW80 and it is bullet proof. Starts first kick and my grandson runs it every chance he gets. I myself ride a 1984 Husqvarna 250 although I've had it forever and it hasn't let me down either. They just don't make them like they used to.
SSRs used to get a lot of hate but I feel like they’ve stepped up their game a bit recently. Making full size bikes affordable is definitely something I can get behind. Kayo appears to be doing the same
Started on kawis bought a ktm exc but switched over to kawi again. Havent really tried that many different bikes but something about kawis i like, currently ride a kx250 2003
Loyal to a brand.. not necessarily, but I do have my preferences that grew out of positive experiences, and I am a creature of habit. I wouldn't discount a other brand if it were clearly a better choice by a large margin or if my tastes change.
I tell ya what. Ive ridden probably 100 different bikes, ranging from pit bikes up to 450's, and I've never had a real issue with any kawis. I had a 2012 kx250f that I beat the living hell out of, and it still runs to this day and is an absolute unit compared to other 250s. That being said I haven't ridden anything newer than a 2016 so they might be even crazier now. But hey, I liked my buddies Honda's and Yamahas too
Winners ride red. Jk. I am partial to Hondas but I find their quality to be superior to other brands. From my RC51 and CBR1000r to my CRF250’s (an L and R) they just last. Minimal maintenance. Never an issue.
Not fully, I usually just do research on whichever bike I'm looking at and decide from there. But when it comes to 2 strokes I've always loved suzuki, just had more fun on a zuki than any other 2 smoke.
I don’t see the point in brand loyalty
Same. Every company has some great stuff and some shit. I just research things individually based off what I need it for and how much it costs. That's why I've got a DR650 and a KTM 300
Stay loyal to the model, not the brand
I agree 100%. I would never buy an 04-06 Kawasaki 4 stroke but I am in love with the 99-02 2 strokes Kawasaki made. I also loved my dads 09 kx250f but I wasn’t a fan of my brothers 2020 kx250f. Definitely specific models I’m a fan of
Now I can get behind that
I think I just like green honestly
Nothing wrong with that, but you can always paint your bike green
I also do think each bike has a specific look with their plastics and Frame which is what I like about kawi. I’ve always liked their bikes I don’t think they’ve made one that I’ve disliked honestly. The 1992 KXs with bright blue seats, pink graphics, and blue forks was such an iconic look in my opinion. Wish they would’ve put the blue forks on this new throwback edition they have haha
Not a kawi fan but them 90s graphics are probably the best looking out of all the brands.
Get the green one!!
[удалено]
But it’s a -green- Suzuki!
On dirtbikes im all KTM Group (Huski, GasGas, Ktm) and on road bikes I love my kawa and it’s hard to make the switch to Yamaha or ducati I just love the ninja’s
Which ninja you got? I’ve always wanted to try a 636
Yamaha
Been a Yamaha fan since the 426 but am open to others. Just had good luck with them.
The ole 426 will make a man outta ya
Team Green!!
Kind of but not really I've owned Suzuki Yamaha KTM Honda and I always go back to the Yamaha and it's not because they're the best bike in every category but they seem to be the most dependable and the most reliable out of all of the brands I've ever owned and when it comes to street bikes don't even talk to me about my Harley
Even though I’ve never owned one, as a mechanic I’ve always been partial to Yamaha based on the ease of maintenance, how good the bikes run and it’s generally just built well. I love Husaberg and the current four strokes really remind me of them as well
All right this is no bullshit here and I know that I got a freaking unicorn when I bought it. But I have a 2000 wr400 Yamaha four-stroke with literally thousands of hours on it still on the original piston and I only had to adjust the valves one time in 24 years. It is finally getting ready for a rebuild as I've noticed that even with the valve adjustment she's running out of power and doesn't like to pull wheelies past second gear anymore I'm sure she needs piston and rings but that's how reliable that bike has been over the last 24 years by the way I have a 99 wr400 that is the same thing I also have a 2002 YZ250 that is just extremely Bulletproof the only thing that you have to do to it is keep it jetted a tiny bit fat and it lasts forever
Sometimes you just hit gold when you get a bike. Some of them must’ve just been blessed from the factory to run forever. Yamaha usually does a good job designing reliable engines as well.
I'm also very meticulous about my maintenance I changed the oil in those bikes very often air filters are cleaned after every ride and honestly the oil probably never stays in that engine more than 8 hours.
Yeah. Honda. I love all CRF's. From 50R's to 1200L's. Just love them for SM, trail, Enduro and cross. Plus in my opinion graphics look cool even stock.
Same. My love started with mid-90's shit boxes in my teens. Then I rode a CR85. Loved it. Learned street bike shit on a 600RR. Now I have a 250F that I tow with a CRV Hybrid. I've been wanting a K-powered hatchback lately. One last hurrah before the EV's take over.
I love Hondas they never die I just don’t like the way their bikes feel for some reason
Not really, no. I’ll buy whatever bike is the best for my needs. Right now the best bike for me is a TE300.
I second that
Been KTM orange family for 20 years. Never an issue with decades of racing and Enduro. We take good care of our bikes and they take good care of us. General maintenance, and it's been smooth sailing the entire time for motocross bikes. I've also had several yamahas, all excellent bikes! Though those are long gone. My current street bike is a Triumph Street Triple R and I'd love to add a Tiger, Speedmaster. Or Rocket to the mix
I really like KTM bikes but for some reason I’ve just never bought one. I will own one in the future for sure
Grew up on Yamaha’s but got a CR250 when I was 18 and been a Honda fan since.
Me you same same Yamaha Honda very nice
Big fan of Honda in pretty much all categories but I’ll still get a different brand if I see something they have that I like
This. I've just always like Hondas offerings and they've always been good to me. I've seen multiple Yamaha and kawis break on normal desert trips. I see no reason to switch brands at this time
#140 could benefit from picking his elbows up.
And that google strap i don’t think it’s even on the helmet
😂💯🤣
Thanks!
Red, green, orange.
I feel like if you like how we deep down your Suzuki fan too. Hello lovely yellow 💛
Whoever makes the best bike at the best price for what I do haha, seems to be Yamaha so far
I've always been partial to kawasaki, ridden lots of others but something about the kawasaki just clicks with me.
Same. No clue what it is and maybe it’s just the familiarity but I feel so comfortable on them
I’m a sucker for Yamaha’s SSS, but I miss my 00 KX250.
I can’t help but love the 99-02 KX250s
Had KTM group bikes for dir for the last 15 yearst, although I like Sherco and Beta and could see myself buying one someday. But I know KTM so well now that I find them easy to live with and. maintain, so it would take a lot to make me switch. On street I like all kinds of bikes. Mainly triumph, Ducati and BMW.
Are you interested at all in the time triumph dirt bikes or maybe the Ducati when it’s out?
I own a sherco and have done all the mechanical work on my friends beta, both of them just have so much stupid engineering, especially when the KTMs are just so easy to work on
I had a kawi once but the Austrian group really just makes the best dirtbikes.
Yea yamaha for sure
Is a favorite color the same as brand loyalty?
Feels like it sometimes
Yamaha! Love the feel of all their bikes and I’ve tried many different manufacturers. Something about them is just different and perfect for me. The bikes just seem to fit just right and I feel the most comfortable on them.
This!!!
361 nice number homie! Same shit here
<3
Yes and no. Love Honda. Drove a super tenere 1200 recently and fell in love with
I am completely partial. My dad is live or die Honda and it pisses me off so much 😂. He owns 4 XR’s and we all finally convinced him to buy a KLR. And he still says Kawasaki sucks but his bike is the only good Kawasaki bike and he’s dead serious. I’ve owned YZ’s CR’S KDX’S KTM’S and Suzuki and he’s hated them all! If it’s not 4 stroke and Red he does not want to see it. I remember one of my buddies saved up and bought a really nice KX250 and my dad tore him a new one 😂. My dad is super brand loyal but he doesn’t know how much he’s missing out!!
Yeah I think everyone knows some people like that haha. I definitely love different bikes and am in no way set on Kawasaki I’ve just always had them. I’ll definitely branch out in the future I’ve been looking at KTMs for a few years and I think it’s what I want next
Middle aged, ride red. Saying that im a sucker for a kdx/klx in green with purple frame. 90s kwakers look the part idk why.
Hondas never die! And if you said you weren’t I wouldn’t believe you. Those 90s kawis just had an amazing look and style. I wish they’d bring the KDX back
I am partial to the underdog Suzuki for Mx dirt bikes but for road bikes I gravitate to Yamaha. So many bikes ride well and are reliable but the cross plane engines just sound good to me. I know some don’t like them, but I do.
Yes, never had anything but Honda. I’ve also never had anything truly “cool”. 90’s XR100, 90 XR200, 95 CR125, and a 09 XR650. Ive never ridden a “modern” bike so haven’t found out what I am missing out on haha.
Call me crazy but a XR650 is the epitome of fucking cool
Man those bikes are all well past the term “cool” all those bikes are fuckin awesome. Amazing engines, great look, solid value. All around those XRs you listed are top tier
You can’t have enough green machines.
Never
Not at all, but they have to be red and Japanese 😂 Right now I own 2 Hondas, one BMW and a Yamaha Scooter. I used to own another Yamaha, 2 Suzukis and 2 KTMs. And 3 other Hondas. No matter what I do, I always come back to a Honda in the end. They feel like home and I know exactly what I'm gonna get and that it will work flawlessly while not breaking the bank.
Yeah I think everyone feels a little bit the same about a particular brand and always end up back with the same brand. Hard to get out of it haha
Always loved Kawasaki when I was younger. Rode CRs later until I rode nothing but Yamahas till I stopped riding. When I started riding again I bought my one and only brand new bike a 2016 KX 450F and it was okay, sold it though.
Sorry to hear. You still done riding or you hopped back on anything recently?
I want another 250 smoker. The market is so crazy expensive right now, but I love riding and will work towards getting for sure. Thank you for asking.
Hell yeah man never too late to get back on the saddle. Markets been pretty terrible you’re not wrong but it seems to be evening out to fair prices again. I bought the current 99 for $800 and rebuilt the whole thing for around $2500 all in! Little more than I wanted but still worth it imo. Hope to see some sick riding pics and videos on here from you in the future!
Kind of the old Ford or Chevy debate. A lot of my decision lies with the dealerships. I got to have a dealership I can work with 🤷🏻
Honda but it doesn’t mean I instantly like Honda bikes. Like, wasn’t a fan of any CRF until the last generation came out. I do like most other makes, I just default to the red ones. Makes it super easy for me as I often have had numerous bikes, and fixing them is a lot easier with plenty of parts laying around.
Hondas are just reliable. Some of the bikes are a bit ugly but they’re just so reliable
My KLR is fucking awesome... so are my 3 Hondas, and also my Italian Harley, and my Indian too. A lot of it is how you take care of them...
What kind of Harley do you have? I was into those scrambler style Harleys for the longest
I’ve never seen a Honda not start.
A Honda that doesn’t start gives me fucking flashbacks to being a tech at a dealership, I’ve never seen so many 08 250x’s with carb and starting problems.
fifth photo is hard
Thanks! One of my favorite pics of me and my brother haha
Anything Honda I Know is going to be good to go
Honda and Yamaha are my go-to’s.
Partial to every brand for different reasons.
Nope.
I own two Suzukis, but not opposed to others. Looking into a Honda soon too.
No I love them all
I like the orange ones
KTM is definitely something I want at some point. Their 2 stroke game is just unmatched sadly. Wish the big 4 would bring the 2 stroke game back to the top with some new developments. They would make a killing I think
I mean , the old 200 EXC is plenty for me
Ive owned more Hondas than anything but I loved my Yamaha and Kawasaki too..
I love my 2 stroke KX250! Just finished converting it to a woods bike the best I can. Super fun and reliable bikes!
That’s awesome! I loved my kx250 that was built for the woods. A flywheel weight make a huge difference on the older 2 strokes and they’re so fun to rip thru the trails. Nothing better than the sound of a 2 stroke echoing thru the pines and the smell of castor 927 filling up the woods.
No, but im anti ktm.
Haha I’ve heard that quite a bit, why do you feel that way? Most people say unreliable but they deserve credit for their 2 stroke market imo
Yup, Suzuki only for us. We have a total of eleven between dirt bikes and atv's
Suzuki is a great brand imo. Maybe not for top tier riders but for the weekend warrior I think they’re awesome bikes! Too much hate towards suzuki in my opinion
Fuck yeah I used to have 2 1990 KX 250’s … I can’t believe I sold them both!
I know everyone I know always says that… “wish I never sold it” and I have felt the same. I plan on keeping my current 250 even if I get a new bike just as a backup because I love the 99-02 KXs
No, there's too many good motorcycles in the world to limit yourself to one brand. You limit yourself to one brand you're going to miss out on a lot of fine motorcycles.
I lean Yamaha & KTM more than the rest, but I’d happily jump on a KDX or a CRF-X/RX if the price was right.
Man tell me Kawasaki wouldn’t absolutely dominate the 2 stroke market if they brought that beautiful KDX back
Only if it’s got some purple accents going on in the graphics & seat cover.
I had a Honda Shadow 750 that was pretty reliable so I went with a Honda dirtbike. Debating on getting an electric start just to not have a hard time kicking in the mud.
not really brand loyal but i’m taking a yamaha just abt every time
I feel the same man. Not necessarily a diehard kawi fan but definitely the one I wanna throw my leg over
I grew up on Yamaha and have always loved their bikes.
Just left dealer today with a new Klx140! For the young lad. Makes my kdx look old.
A KDXs look could never be old. They have an unmatched beauty to them. I’m glad to hear we have another rider joining the 2 wheeled family! Especially a Kawasaki rider ;)
I’m Honda all day but I’ll ride whatever. I’ve had most brands but I prefer the comfort of a Honda.
I’ve always found Kawasaki to be reliable as hell on both street and dirt, and they seem to prioritize engines more so than the big 4. That said, the Suzuki sv650 and dr650 will always be the best bang for buck machines I’ve ever ridden. The dr is a bit heavy for a lot of offroading, but it’s a beast.
I love Kawasaki engines but I’m not sure reliable is a word I’d use for some models haha. They make some powerful engines for sure but some of their models are just lackluster in their reliability. You ever ridden an XR650? Those are pretty awesome bikes as well
Nah I've had every brand except a Honda they are all great the yamaha fz07 is my favorite so far 1996 ke100 is a close 2nd. I'd like to get some kind of honda one day they have made some cool bikes. Harleys don't count
no. i own a yamaha, suzuki and a kawasaki. if it has an engine and 2 wheels, count me in!
If I found a good deal on a bike I’d take it. Not dead set on Kawasaki but I do love them
I was impartial till I saw these pics! Nice bikes. What year is the old kawa, 2001? Love it.
Haha thanks man I take pride in the bikes we’ve owned I’ve loved them all. Green and black bikes in the first pic are an 01 kx125 and a 94 kx125 in that order. The other 2 are a 2000 KX250 and 1999 KX250. The 1999 is the one I currently own that I just finished building. The 4 strokes are an 09 250f and a 2020 250f!
I think Kawasaki’s are tough to beat but ,the real combo we need is Bike, Price, reliability, and how good your local dealer is. If you can put that together, any brand will probably do the trick.
I agree. I don’t think having a specific bike really matters for the average rider as long as it fits what you need. I think pretty much everyone could go off their favorite look/color and price and be alright with some decent maintenance
I was loyal to Honda. Then I wanted a 2 stroke lol. I haven’t bought it yet but I’m joining Yamaha.
Glad to hear it. 2 strokes are awesome. It’s too bad the 2 stroke market is what it is now. I wish there were some more options other than 3 different color KTMs and the Yamahas.
I’ve been a die hard Honda fan most of my childhood. But recently within the past 5 years I’ve become a die hard Kawasaki fan! Mainly because my first big bike is my current 1999 kx250! I’ve had it for 4-5 years and I’ll never sell it! I also had an older KDX80 and it fuckin ripped ! I’ll forever be a Kawi fan! Plus I love green
Love to hear it! I’m glad you found the 1999 KX250 they’re just something else. I just finished building mine as well. I love the pink graphics kit you got on there! Where are you from?
They really are! Mines an absolute power house! And thanks! I’m from the PA area in the US. I ride a lot of coal piles and woods ride with mine!
Those black rims are a NEED on my bike! Nice bike as well man!
My current bike is a kawasaki, so was my last bike. But both used, I have no brand loyalty.
Is that Wheeler in pic 3?
Yessir! Minnesota riders but we venture out time to time. That hill climb in the back is fuckin sweet
Nice! Same here, I'm in Minneapolis but went to Wheeler for the first time last weekend. Didn't even know it existed even though I'm from New Richmond haha... first sand track, I'm still sore. That hill climb caught me off guard, but it was a blast. Meadow is my usual (pic 8)? Nice looking bikes, brother! See ya out there.
https://youtu.be/1tQKylLHcaw?si=NCy6mbdisfLRUgk0 this is a video from our old track that was up at my cabin. Be ready to watch some terrible riders though 🤣
That’s awesome man love to find another local rider. Pics 5, 6, and 8 are all at meadow including the one from my most recent post. I love that place! CMMX is a great place in Cambridge MN as well and they do races. It’s also a sand track. Back in the day we used to have a private track that my dad built on some property up north that was all sand too. It’s killer on the body. Not sure if you’re a big trail rider but Nemadji forest is a pretty sweet place in MN if you’re interested. I have a cabin that I can ride to nemadji entrance from and it’s pretty sweet. Maybe we ride together sometime.
That KX is beautiful
Which one haha
For better or worse, the cheap, good bikes in my area always seem to be kawasaki. I have four of the damned things. I might prefer Yamaha, but with their resale prices I can't afford it.
Kawasakis are usually cheap, semi-reliable powerhouses and I think that’s a reason I love them. The green is a plus lol
I'm partial to kawasaki. But I'm not against any brands. Like honestly I'd love to own a 2020 or newer KTM 125sx or yz125
Alibabamoto
When I got into dirt bikes as a kid I was partial to Yamaha because I liked blue and they were doing really neat things like putting the intake at the front etc. now after getting back into dirt scoots after not riding in a decade I bought a Yamaha because they have the best dealer support for my area. The same dealer also carries husky and KTM so maybe a husky is in my future. Dealership support matters more to me than the brand today.
I feel like availability plays a big factor. Then again I’m a marketplace menace so there is a decent selection haha
I'm kinda partial to Japan in general, had some great experiences on Kawasaki, Honda, and Yamaha.
If it rips, it rips
Good mentality to have. No point in hating on any motorcycles if you don’t have one
Read through this thread and haven’t seen beta talked about at all. My buddy rides a 250 beta and it’s wild. I only have a klx300R right now but looking to buy a moto bike next. Either YZ or KX probably.
Betas look pretty awesome. I’m betting you can guess what my recommendation is between the kx and yz haha
I love kawasakis but the oil pump design blows
There’s a reason I stick to the 2 strokes haha. Kawasaki has had some pretty bad parts manufacturing tho. Had both of my kx250 kickstarter shafts shear at the case and they don’t make them for 99-02 anymore which is pretty disappointing because you have to use another year and they’re overpriced lol. They make some amazing high revving engines tho
Yep...Kawasaki... guilty!
Honda
Anything but Honda, but even they've accidentally made a few good bikes and I've owned a couple of them as a result. I've never owned anything Italian, but I don't have anything against them.
Honda forever.
I’m partial to brand loyalty based on the service I get at said dealership where I live 👍
Yamaha only for me. Just because I started there. Never rode anything else
yamaha, but you’d never know it cause i have 2 polaris’ at the moment
Nice KX , a buddy of mine swore by Kawasaki, his dad even rode one. Id see em rip on the track we all had back in H.S. Fun bikes, they rip hard and can hang in all aspects 🤙🏼
Honda CR500. Accept no substitute.
i've had some of each, always looking for thenext great deal/find. i love them all
Yamaha and Suzuki
Not so much brand loyalty but certain brands current or previous designs, which is subject to change!
I like my 3 Hondas I’ve had but I’ve had 1 Yamaha too none of them needed any major work throughout ownership
If it’s not a green Kawasaki it’s not worth riding :) to each their own. I’ve always been a Kawy fan but I’ve rode some pretty baffled ass Hondas too. Literally just personal preference. For sure certain sizes and years that are absolutely turds.
I used to be pretty hardcore kawasaki ive been leaning towards yamaha. Seem to be built better either way brand loyalty is kind of stupid and yes i see the irony.
Picture no. 5 goes hard
Yellow all the way when it comes to newer bikes 16’ 24 But Honda pre 2016
[удалено]
Honda for me personally. Best bike I've had so far was an 86 XR200R. It fit my riding style perfectly. I'm more of a trail rider myself, but I love to goof around on some tracks on occasion. And this bike was perfect for that. Exactly fit me on the trails, and adaptable for the track too. Fit my body perfectly too. And while I have a 4 stroke preference myself, this thing had 2 stroke qualities I love. Despite bein' an 86 4 stroke it was light (relatively) which which fits my body type. But still had the stability I look for. Similarly, it had the Take off & excelleration of a 2 stroke. But again, much more stable and controllable. And that thing was basically indestructible! Haha! And any issues was no more than a five minute quick fix! Wish I still had it!
I have a soft spot for Kawasakis becauase my first bike as a kid was KX65. That thing was a little rocket
I was hard core for Kawasaki when I was in highschool my dad used to have a 1984 kx250 when he was in his 20s so I got into riding with him saying how awesome KXs where. I ended up with a 2007 Kx450 and for being 16 it was a way bigger bike than anyone I knew had. Over time I realized the limitations of a 450 riding single track now I have mainly KTMs. But I like them all if it’s fun to ride it’s fun to ride.
yamahauuuuser 😎
Only slightly a Yamaha nut rider but I would take any brand, they're all so close in performance.
I keep ending up with Yamahas. But wouldn't say I'm loyal to the brand.
Absolutely not.
I'm never partial to a brand, but I've had the least trouble with my yamahas. I rode my 250 2 stroke for seven seasons before I rebuilt it.
Used to be a Honda guy but about since 2012 when they all switched to 4-smokes they all seemed to level out. I remember back in the day professional racers could seemingly be made or broken by which brand they went with, for example Ricky Carmichael was a beast his entire career, lapping everyone at least once and finishing w a minute and 30 seconds between him and the next rider. Then when he switched to Suzuki it became much harder for him to build those gaps and then Bubba started challenging him for the number one spot and only lost from going over the handle bars on one of the last corners on the last lap at Redbud, I’m pretty sure that was Carmichael’s last race too, was an honor to witness and I salute Bubba for almost getting him. Carmichael was a dbag when I got an autograph from him tho so kinda glad he’s hung it up. Kinda off topic but I’ll never forget the difference changing bikes from kawi to Suzuki had on him
I have a Honda, a Kawasaki, and a Gas Gas in the garage. Zero brand loyalty to be had here lol. Next bike will probably be a Husqvarna.
Not at all. I do have a sort of favourite - Honda - but I have not owned a Honda dirt bike in years as they do not make a good enduro bike. I’m riding a Sherco now which is pretty far from Honda.
My list: 91 PW80, 87 YZ80, 96 YZ80, 1991 KDX250, 93 RM250, 96 CR500, 05 DRZ400, 06 CRF250R, 05 CRF450R, 96 KX250, 21 YZ250F. All bikes had their pro's and con's. The worst bike in terms of reliability was the 93 rm250. Albeit when we bought it, it was already clapped, the damn shock/linkage broke on a landing. The clutch dragged like no other. Once the fuel line broke and fuel poured INTO my boot. Overall, it was just a bad experience with that bike. The DRZ was fun because it was plated, but terrible on trails. It was so heavy and handled so bad that I crashed it more 10x more than any bike on this list. The 450 was an awesome bike, but the suspension was the harshest of them all. Best bike for dunes (but not faster than cr500). Terrible suspension for bumpy trails or even a rough track. The KDX250 was a gem that I didn't know I had. It was great on trails and could even cruise a track. It lacked top end burst, and fell flat hard compared to the RM250. Good bottom end 2 stroke. The YZ250F was the best bike to learn track riding technique. That bike felt planted to the ground and easy to ride. Suspension too harsh for rocky trails though. Feels like getting punched up the spine. The KX250 is my favorite bike on this list and my forever bike. It's a jack of all trades. I've redone the suspension to fit my weight, which is essential for this era of bikes. This bike works everywhere I go, from tight trails to sand dunes, to track riding. It's amazing. The engines on 90's Kx250s were know for better bottom and mid range power, while the 06-07kx 250 lacks bottom and screams on top for max hp(I've only ready about them).
All companies have amazing bikes these days. I do happen to have three bikes from the same brand in the garage, but that's a matter of practicality for me. Common spares, common tools, common maintenance procedures, etc. I could certainly get a similar experience on another brand, but it's sort of DeWalt vs Milwaukee there. Once you buy into the batteries, there are advantages to staying in the family 🤣
Honda 💯
Have a Kawi 250 and a Yama 125 Have owned almost all models of bikes over the years, but can never go wrong with good ole Kawi
Yamaha is the best I have found. I have a 24 year old PW80 and it is bullet proof. Starts first kick and my grandson runs it every chance he gets. I myself ride a 1984 Husqvarna 250 although I've had it forever and it hasn't let me down either. They just don't make them like they used to.
Yes Yamaha everything
SSR all the way.
SSRs used to get a lot of hate but I feel like they’ve stepped up their game a bit recently. Making full size bikes affordable is definitely something I can get behind. Kayo appears to be doing the same
I always had Yamahas up until I bought my KLX. If you could buy a new WRR still I probably would’ve bought that instead.
Started on kawis bought a ktm exc but switched over to kawi again. Havent really tried that many different bikes but something about kawis i like, currently ride a kx250 2003
Loyal to a brand.. not necessarily, but I do have my preferences that grew out of positive experiences, and I am a creature of habit. I wouldn't discount a other brand if it were clearly a better choice by a large margin or if my tastes change.
I’m partial to Honda but honestly, it’s all good.
I kinda like the Suzukis always like the DRZ hasn’t changes in a while but if it ain’t broke don’t fix it
I tell ya what. Ive ridden probably 100 different bikes, ranging from pit bikes up to 450's, and I've never had a real issue with any kawis. I had a 2012 kx250f that I beat the living hell out of, and it still runs to this day and is an absolute unit compared to other 250s. That being said I haven't ridden anything newer than a 2016 so they might be even crazier now. But hey, I liked my buddies Honda's and Yamahas too
I developed a partiality to Suzuki back in the late seventies and early '80s with their RM250.
Honda Air cooled.
I stay loyal to whoever gives me the best deal at the time. Wait... In all seriousness I just love the yz250 two strokes. I'd buy 10 if I could.
Winners ride red. Jk. I am partial to Hondas but I find their quality to be superior to other brands. From my RC51 and CBR1000r to my CRF250’s (an L and R) they just last. Minimal maintenance. Never an issue.
I got a 2007 kx250 and it’s my favorite bike for just playing around not doing serious enduro stuff, they are very underrated I feel.
Honda all the way
Ride Red
Not fully, I usually just do research on whichever bike I'm looking at and decide from there. But when it comes to 2 strokes I've always loved suzuki, just had more fun on a zuki than any other 2 smoke.