Hi all

I am looking at getting a light weight trail/enduro bike for fun and the odd enduro and taking on the back of my 4x4 down to the sahara to play in the sand.

I have narrowed it down to 3 models and want to get some opinions on them.

As I am vertically challanged I don't want one that it mega tall or top heavy like my Dakar which is a pain deep mud. I will not be using this for overlanding as already have a R100 GS and an F650 Dakar.

Choices

1) KTM 200 EXC/EGS

Good solid bike tall but slim and light and has plenty of energy,although can be tempremental

2) Honda CRM AR

Solid all round bike, great reviews, lower but heavier than the KTM and not as competative as the KTM. But expensive for the age.

3) Gas GAS Pampera

Very low seat height, good reviews but possibly under powered and possible low resale value.


I have spoken to a dealer who sells both KTM and CRM and his words were "Only grannies worry about seat heat", and when I asked him if he could reach the floor on his CRM with both feet, his words were "I've never had to so can't tell you".

So I'll put it to the people who talk the talk rather than plonkers who pontificate in shops and make judgments about people's riding ability and knowledge without even bothering to find out. If was going to use it soley for racing the height would be irrelevant but hanging off one on the road can be a tadge awkward at lights on the odd occasion

This is not an attempt to assinate any of the bikes but to get some good or bad reviews on them

So over to the board.

Thanks

Julio

I have ridden all of these. KTM 200, very light, very fiery, tall, maintenance intensive. Is also very fast, superb suspension/brakes. Great enduro bike.

CRM dependable if well maintained, lower than the KTM but a touch heavy. With the right gearing it will tractor up anything but is not as robust as a true enduro but is far better on the road. Can go wrong and spares can be difficult.

Gas Gas, a bit agricultural, v low, v good in tight technical going like narrow wood trails with difficult climbs. Is the most "climb anything" bike i have ever ridden. Also good value for money but is not as well made as the above is a little cheap and chearful. Also not exactly fast it is more trials than enduro.

have you considered a four stroke. Yamaha WR426 very fast , great chassis but tall and hard to start.

XR400 grat all rounder and simple and well made but a little soft in the engine/chassis.

DRZ400 reliable easy going, starts well, strong engiine but a little heavy.

Rgds


MH

i had a ktm lc4 400 lse (also do a 600) which is an lc4 (ie basicly the same as adventure r) but with lower suspension and a 19in front and 17in rear wheel. seat height was about 86cm (i think, anyway i'm 5'11, very light and got both feet flat on the floor) great bike, plenty of go n stop, reliable if a little heavy (put an aftermarket exhaust on and you'll probably half the weight!) trying to find ones the problem...... k.

ps. lc4 is pi** easy to kick, AND it has a majik button. joy.

Hi Guys

Bought a CRM 250 AR, compared it with the GAS GAS and found it easier to ride and the build quality was better.

Saying that was impressed with the GG for the money. Obviously the CRM is not going to compare to the KTMs for performance but I found it more manageable.

Cheers

Julio