Downsizing to a 250?

LadyBerg · Oct 25, 2015

So I'm thinking of downsizing from my beloved "Sven", a 2010 FE 450 to something more light weight and better for single track. Don't worry Sven will be my dual sport/open road monster and has almost 200 hours!

On the 450, it's just too much power for this gal in the tight woods and the long wheel base makes it harder to toss around in the turns. I did some ST on it recently and just about died from the stress and heaven forbid if I would've dropped it & had to pick it up. I've been thinking a FE 250 either Husa or Husky and can plate it in MN for trail connecting. I'm NOT a 2 stroke gal and have tried the KTM freeride, KTM 200, and was surprised that I hated them. Plus I like the gas milage of a 4T. I did try an AJP R5 and it was nice but not sure of the Honda engine.

My question is, are the 250/350's that much of a lighter feeling even though basically same weight across the platform for frame/tires/suspension/etc. Thanks for help!

zaga · Oct 26, 2015

Hi

Yes the 250/350 are much more light and easy on single tracks. It's a different world !

ZAGA

Oregon Trail · Oct 26, 2015

I switched from a 450 to a 350, so much easier to ride. I even thought of a getting a 250 but I'm glad I got the 350. I have the 350 XCf, but you can get the 350 exc and still be street legal.

WArdogG · Oct 26, 2015

Even though the physical weight is about the same, the 250 and 350 feel much lighter and are easier to flick about due to the smaller inertial mass. Makes a huge difference.

makazica · Oct 27, 2015

LadyBerg said:
So I'm thinking of downsizing from my beloved "Sven", a 2010 FE 450 to something more light weight and better for single track. Don't worry Sven will be my dual sport/open road monster and has almost 200 hours!

On the 450, it's just too much power for this gal in the tight woods and the long wheel base makes it harder to toss around in the turns. I did some ST on it recently and just about died from the stress and heaven forbid if I would've dropped it & had to pick it up. I've been thinking a FE 250 either Husa or Husky and can plate it in MN for trail connecting. I'm NOT a 2 stroke gal and have tried the KTM freeride, KTM 200, and was surprised that I hated them. Plus I like the gas milage of a 4T. I did try an AJP R5 and it was nice but not sure of the Honda engine.

My question is, are the 250/350's that much of a lighter feeling even though basically same weight across the platform for frame/tires/suspension/etc. Thanks for help!

In your signature you have listed bikes from 1200 ccm tourer to a 250 ccm trial bike. If you have ridden all the bikes in your signature I'd say you are more than competent to answer your own question....

Anyways, yes smaller capacity 4t enduro bikes provide better manouvering characteristics and a lighter feel, specially for the front end. Also, while they actually don't lack power the powerband is predictive, only thing is that you need to rev them harder because their power is at higher revs. They lack grunt at lower revs.

From what you're saying and with your experience (if you rode all the bikes from the sig) I'd say you would like a Sherco 300 (4t).

M.

LadyBerg · Oct 27, 2015

Ahhh yes, I do ride all the bikes in my signature, although I swapped out the BMW for a 2013 Adventure 1190

and the trials bike motor is like a sewing machine putt putt putt over anything but not too exciting. Thus no real experience with a 250 IMHO so that's why I posed the question.

But...I just bought a new 2014 Husaberg FE 250 and I'm so pumped!!!!!!!!!!! I haven't ridden it yet since I'm driving down from WI to GA. ST here I come. :spin:

Rainerio · Oct 28, 2015

Not being sexist but can you pick up the KTM 1190 when dump it (fall over) reason I'm asking is I might get one. I'm old (61) if I can't pick up not going buy one.

tourist · Oct 29, 2015

Rainerio said:
Not being sexist but can you pick up the KTM 1190 when dump it (fall over) reason I'm asking is I might get one. I'm old (61) if I can't pick up not going buy one.

fwiw you know the use-your-legs thing? back against the bike, knees bent, stand up? makes use of the biggest bones and muscles - thighs, hips - and saves the back as that's straight

probably not usable everywhere - say in tight spots? - I'm reluctant to butt in and tell you something you already know but hey

Taffy · Oct 29, 2015

Hi Ladyberg I thought you'd passed away but in the words of Oscar: "rumours of my death were greatly exagerated"!!!

the 390/450/570 are very heavy bikes. my 570 seemed to get heavier the last season i raced it. so much so I changed the triple clamps and that worked a treat.

I fitted a set of cheap Husaberg 22mm offset TCs. the bike became a lot lighter and still handled perfectly.

I even toyed with 24mm offset if I could have found them.

if you love the bike then try this before yee go. they are the standard triple clamp off virtually every Husaberg between 2001 and 2008. the part number on the clamps (those that have them printed on them) will finish "..... 022".

regards

Taffy

520pilot · Oct 29, 2015

In this case I agree with Taffy, on my 950 Adventure I fitted a set of 20mm off set (18mm Standard) and the big bike changed like I couldn't have imagined....turns on a diem with no effort and feels 50Kg's lighter....not sure if it'll help your situation. No doubt the smaller bike will be lighter and feel more nimble.

A mate just go toff a TE 450 and stepped on to a 16' 350 EXC, he's faster on it with less effort and physical stress he says...I rode with him on the first ride....he faster on it for sure

Good Luck

Goose916 · Oct 29, 2015

Taffy said:
Hi Ladyberg I thought you'd passed away but in the words of Oscar: "rumours of my death were greatly exagerated"!!!

the 390/450/570 are very heavy bikes. my 570 seemed to get heavier the last season i raced it. so much so I changed the triple clamps and that worked a treat.

I fitted a set of cheap Husaberg 22mm offset TCs. the bike became a lot lighter and still handled perfectly.

I even toyed with 24mm offset if I could have found them.

if you love the bike then try this before yee go. they are the standard triple clamp off virtually every Husaberg between 2001 and 2008. the part number on the clamps (those that have them printed on them) will finish "..... 022".

regards

Taffy

I may even have a spare set of those around if you're interested. Would let them go pretty cheap to a fellow Berg-er

Search

Search

Downsizing to a 250?

LadyBerg

zaga

Oregon Trail

WArdogG

makazica

LadyBerg

Rainerio

tourist

Taffy

520pilot

Goose916

Similar threads

Register CTA

Recent Discussions