New user searching for the first dirt bike

Hi and a Happy New Year to you all

I joined this forum after after being just a reader for a while. I ride motorbikes since I was a kid but this is the first serious attempt into dirt
I am based in the UK(Oxford) and searching to buy my first dirt bike for trail use (green laning).
At 5' 7 (170 cm) and 30" inseam I could call myself "vertically challenged" but after a lot of reading on this forum I kind of decided to ignore this "limitation" and focus on the bike, after all, there are lots of different ways to lower it as much as needed.

I'm looking for a reliable motor that I'll not need to rebuild "every week" or so.

So my short list is FE390, FE250/FE350 or AJP PR5.

The motor on FE390 seems the most reliable, there is not much information on the FE250/FE350 or the AJP in terms of reliability and "real world" maintenance intervals.

Please chime in with any thoughts/advises you might have for a total beginner.

Cheers,
Felix

to me, take the FE250 it is a no brainer.

regards

Taffy

Hi Felix,

As you live in the UK(in the rain) and will be green laning (in the rain) and eventually playing in the mud (in the rain) you need to think on thing and one thing only...
TRACTION!!!

I would suggest to go for a 350....you know how to ride a bike so controlling it should not be a problem.
In the very beginning the 250 might look better but once you get more experienced you will find it is a bit gutless and to squeeze out the power you would need to rev it more and doing that would result in loss of traction.

I think it is better to go for a 350 and take it a bit slower in the beginning and grow into the bike... Instead of having a bike that would suit you 100% in the beginning (the 250) but after 6 months you wish you would have something with a little bit more poke.

Don't be tempted to go for a 450... I think it will be to much to handle for you in a enduro setting. If you are 6ft4 and 220 Lbs and can handle a bike in an enduro setting with mud, ruts and gnarly stuff then a 450 can be great. I have a 450 FX and it is fantastic...but then I blitz through sand dunes and open desert where you don't give a **** about traction...you want unadulterated powwwaaaahh

If possible try to borrow/test drive a 250 and 350 and see the difference

But one thing you need to keep an eye on also is suspension. That is more important than CCs, HP and Torque if you ask me.
You can have the best engine in the world but if your suspension is the equivalent of a pogo stick then you will be more laying next to your bike than sitting on it.

Anyway welcome to the wonderful world of dirt riding. You can not imagine at this point how much bike and clutch control you will learn, which will make you a better and safer rider on the road

Ron

I'm in love in the 70-degree bikes and I had a 390 and it was wonderful in gnarly terrain, but I agree with above speakers. The FE250/350 are a bit lighter and are not as top heavy and tall as the 390.
The choice between the 250 or the 350 is a hp choice. Both are very friendly and nice but why not have that extra hp of the 350? It's not wild at all, just not as tame as the 250.

Best it to try both (all 3?) and see what you like.

Gents,

Thanks for the info, I will try to go for a test ride on all of them.

I am not looking for poke at the moment, but more for maneuverability and reliability. Would love to ride the dunes ... maybe on my next assignment.

Price is also a factor so for the Bergs I'm looking for pre-loved.
I had the chance to try the AJP and I think it is a serious bike.

Cheers,
Felix

I don't think you can lose with any of these.

Went riding with a friend who has 30 years of street riding experience. He went .4 miles and broke his foot. So stay on flat land go slow and get use to the bike before you hit anything hard (difficult) riding in the dirt isn't easy at first. Have fun.

I am seeing a promising FE 350 2013 tomorrow and I was wondering what are the week spots?
Anything specific that you should check?

felixskw said:

I am seeing a promising FE 350 2013 tomorrow and I was wondering what are the week spots?
Anything specific that you should check?

Click to expand...

IF it looks in good condition, and its The right price. See how you like it personally and buy it. Its a ktm /husaberg. Its a good thing

They have no real weak spots. But do check the normal things:

Any obvious damages or repairs.
Try to see if the wheels line up or if anything is bent (very uncommon on modern bikes as they can take a lot of punishment).
See if forks/shock are leaking oil, ask when they were serviced last and if the springs has been changed.
Check wheel bearings by feeling the wheel when the bike is up on a stand or something. If they do not feel good or is loose even just a tiny bit you need to change wheel bearings.
Check to see if the steering head is loose by holding the front brake while pushing the bike back and forth.
Check the swing arm by moving the back wheel left-right and look for any movement.
Check the functions of all controllers and take a look at the brake pads and disks (brake pads are not crucial as they do get used and should be changed now and then).
Check drive train. If worn it will mean you need to put money on new chain with sprockets. Quite normal but still a thing you can use for haggling. Same goes with tires.
Look for general appearance and if the owner has been rough with nuts and bolts while mending the bike.
Check the oil level. Ask about his maintenance schedule (nothing will be written and the bike will most probably be just fine even if he didn't follow the manual but it will give you an impression of the driver who took care of the bike).

Download and read the manual before you go and have a look at the bike so you are more prepared and know how the service should have been done and where everything are.
If possible bring a friend with knowledge of husaberg/KTMs or enduro bikes in general.

New plastic makes the bike look good but is not worth an increase in price. Blue bling will not increase the price either.

felixskw said:

I am seeing a promising FE 350 2013 tomorrow and I was wondering what are the week spots?
Anything specific that you should check?

Click to expand...

I have not found one week spot on the 350. I do think it might be a bit much for a new rider, but if you take it easy it is no different than the 250, same bike more juice is all, But when you have the ability to roll the throttle and get on it, we all seem to do that. It is quite easy and cheap to lower with the x bushing and seat cut down and they are a pleasure to ride. They do handle well and are light. Very reliable, easy maintenance. You should be in good hands choosing any of the three. Parts for the 250 and 350 are very easy to find without any worries of being discontinued in the near future. Great to see a possible new husa owner

Thanks guys,

Good to hear that these bikes are so well made.

Jon,

Thanks for the list, I completely missed the controllers check-up on mine, added now.
I am reading the owner manual since couple of days already to make myself familiar with the bike.
I also invited a friend for a second opinion

I'll report back here.

Cheers,
Felix

Be aware that the front brake could be spongy, sadly quite normal so it is what it is.

So the bike was looking good, but unfortunately I lost at the biding game
Back to square one ...