Using a dirt bike.

[TheGDog]

I currently have a KLX300. It has a hard time climbing hills in the summer for scouting with a heavy pack and overheats often. I wouldn't recommend it.

When we say "A hard time climbing hills".... what does that mean, exactly?

Asking because I've been heavily considering a KLX300.

I just want to be sure before you've made that statement, we're talking about past break-in period, and w suspension setup properly for the weight, and proper tire selection... so it's not like the overheating is from poor traction causing lotta wheelspin? Making engine work more than needed?

Or not past break-in yet? So tolerances still tight in piston/cylinder?

And when you say overheat... is that some sensor light on its instrument display? Asking cause I thought it had a radiator fan on it too right? Most dualsports do, for waiting at stoplights.

 

[MarquesBrewer]

That sounds like an awesome plan! I’ve been on the hunt for a bike that’s solid but not overkill, and both the TW200 and TTR-230 are great choices for what you're looking to do. I’ve ridden the TW200 and love its low-end torque and stability, perfect for tough terrain and hauling gear.

 

[rclouse79]

I ended up buying the CRF250F instead of the TW200. I put a cyclerack on the back, which in my opinion makes it the perfect trail hunting bike for me. The TW looks like an awesome bike, but being 6'3 I wouldn't want the bike to be any shorter than the CRF. I may even raise it up a bit next season.

 

[idahodave]

Good call my man. Finally someone that listens!

 

[ID_Matt]

I know this is an old revived thread but I can not figure out why someone would ever recommend a big wheeled bike (TW) over a standard tire size like a CRF or TTR for single track hunting. Can someone give a legitimate answer to what advantage the big wheel provides?

Background - started on a big wheel, switched to CRF230 - world of difference. Now have a beta xtrainer 300 and the CRF230. 230 is a backup to the beta. Beta gets the nod 100% of the time.

 

[Steve300xcw]

I know this is an old revived thread but I can not figure out why someone would ever recommend a big wheeled bike (TW) over a standard tire size like a CRF or TTR for single track hunting. Can someone give a legitimate answer to what advantage the big wheel provides?

Background - started on a big wheel, switched to CRF230 - world of difference. Now have a beta xtrainer 300 and the CRF230. 230 is a backup to the beta. Beta gets the nod 100% of the time.

Because its the first step away from a quad, and people dont know any better

 

[ID_Matt]

Because its the first step away from a quad, and people dont know any better

The only reason I can think is someone doesn't know any different and assumes the bigger tire means more stability, which in my experience is the opposite.

 

[mtnbound]

I’m looking at ditch 4 wheels for two for hunting this year. I’m torn between a TW200 and a ttr-230. Doesn’t need to be fast but I’d like it to be able to drag me and my gear around maybe if I get lucky some meat (REAL LUCKY). I’m willing to do upgrades to a bike to help it out. Any insight?

Used a TW200 for many years and they are good but a little under powered and overweight. Also have a TTR-230 and it’s a great bike no complaints other than no light so I added one. Prefer my KTM 300 but the TTR is a really good choice.

 

[Steve300xcw]

The only reason I can think is someone doesn't know any different and assumes the bigger tire means more stability, which in my experience is the opposite.

To be fair, depending on where a guy is riding them. Expecially if your skills are lacking. A sluggish bike that allows you to plant both feet on the ground might be ideal for alotta folk.

 

[CorbLand]

To be fair, depending on where a guy is riding them. Expecially if your skills are lacking. A sluggish bike that allows you to plant both feet on the ground might be ideal for alotta folk.

This is why my brother bought the TW. He also uses to run around the neighborhood and to get to some fishing spots at the cabin. It fit his riding level and needs. Its underpowered and heavy so he doesnt have to worry as much about it coming out from under him and you can lug it through bad spots in the trail.

Edit to add. The TWs were pretty popular with the farmers where I grew up but many of them switched to the TTRs.

 

[ID_Matt]

To be fair, depending on where a guy is riding them. Expecially if your skills are lacking. A sluggish bike that allows you to plant both feet on the ground might be ideal for alotta folk.

But wouldn't a low seat height CRF or TTR accomplish the same without the draw back of the big tire?

 

[Snowwolfe]

If you want to stick with 2 wheels then go with the Rokon and the 2 wheel drive. They can out climb any other dirt bike plus carry some weight. They have about a 200 mile range and you can carry extra fuel inside the rims.

 

[Steve300xcw]

But wouldn't a low seat height CRF or TTR accomplish the same without the draw back of the big tire?

I agree.

However, look at how many threads on this subject are just on here. Most are from guys that have jackshit for experience on a bike. They are looking at things differently than somebody that rides. Use their big wheel for the season, nothing bad happend, so it gets recommended to the next guy that asks. Even though theres a lot better tools out there for the job.

 

[Bama67]

Another option is GPX bikes, a few models are basically modern CRF230F but with a bit more power and excellent suspension. And cheap on the used market

 

[idahodave]

If you want to stick with 2 wheels then go with the Rokon and the 2 wheel drive. They can out climb any other dirt bike plus carry some weight. They have about a 200 mile range and you can carry extra fuel inside the rims.

Uuuhh….no.

 

[idahodave]

I agree.

However, look at how many threads on this subject are just on here. Most are from guys that have jackshit for experience on a bike. They are looking at things differently than somebody that rides. Use their big wheel for the season, nothing bad happend, so it gets recommended to the next guy that asks. Even though theres a lot better tools out there for the job.

This

 

[ID_Matt]

I agree.

However, look at how many threads on this subject are just on here. Most are from guys that have jackshit for experience on a bike. They are looking at things differently than somebody that rides. Use their big wheel for the season, nothing bad happend, so it gets recommended to the next guy that asks. Even though theres a lot better tools out there for the job.

Totally agree. I think all the big wheel recommendations come from that exact scenario. Really have not heard a legitimate reason for them from someone who has rode both.

 

[Snowwolfe]

I have plenty of hours on a Rokon and many thousand of miles on other bikes, small to large. From a pure utility stand point the Rokon rules. The Rokon is much easier to keep upright when loaded down compared to any smaller 200-300cc brands. Plus the Rokons are super light. They can also be made street legal.

 

[Steve300xcw]

Been riding for near 30 years. Have yet to see a rokon that was actually being riden. Wonder why that is?

 

[mtnbound]

Been riding for near 30 years. Have yet to see a rokon that was actually being riden. Wonder why that is?

Used one of those miserable bastards one time and dam near killed myself.