I wanted to get back to off-road/trailriding. My years of Competition/racing are long gone. I'm pushing 59 y.o. I hadn't ridden offroad in 30 odd years. I needed a new bike. Where to start?
All my dirt bikes were Yamahas. They all were reliable.
The White: start with a clean piece of paper. What are my requirements?...450cc for a start.
Read a few reviews on different models, reviews etc (what the heck do they know? - I don't want to race..) A friend had just scored an '05 TE450 Husqvarna (they still make these? I thought)
Start pricing.. here in Godzone Pricing was like this..(NZ $) Yammie WR450F around 14.5K. KTM450 around 15K. 'Berg FE450 15.3K (later discounted '12 models about 1700 less). Husqvarna TE449 12 K No other bike considered. Lets see, about 1K for riding gear (from a mate who owns 3 Yamaha dealerships - gave a good discount). How much do I want/need to spend?
The Red: I had a look at the first three - Yam, KTM, 'Berg. The KTM was looking good, but price was getting up there (+ riding gear on top). I checked out the Husqvarna and Aprillia dealer down the road. Red,white and black bike...450cc..new...12K. All the good fruit on it, Kayaba forks,rear shock, Brembos...WTF? the gas goes in the rear..Oh well...price is right, looks great.. dealer will "throw in" on-road costs...hmmm.
The Black: A week later I call him and say I'll take it,will pick it up in 5 days..no problem. I turn up at the appropriate time and make sure all is cool. get his bank account no., and head off down the road to a branch of my bank, and transfer the dosh into his a/c. Job done. Load 'er up and off home. Youuuu Beautyyyy
.
The Weirdos: "those things handle differently/strangely".
Really. After 30 odd years off a dirt bike, do you think that's a problem? sheesh, I have to get used to riding again anyway. Duuhh.
The parochials:
I'd never ride a KTM, husky forever types. Good for you. I'd have no hesitation in buying one if the price were right. (By the way, who supplies the radiator on your TE's. This one is from WP. I wonder who owns that..
)
The buyout..I'm willing to wait and see, I'll still be able to get parts for this bike,(I'll be keeping for a long time), just like my buddy who bought my '84 Mike Hailwood Replica Ducati - no sweat for motor parts. The crystal ball gazing is a joke.
My Opinion: What a cool machine. Did my first real trail-ride a couple of weeks ago - more like a c.c. race, though I took it easy and didn't kill myself, but thats another story. I didn't really care what bike I bought, although glad now i scored the 449. I just want to ride, and this particular machine gives me the best value for money, aesthetically pleasing, and just so much fun. Happy as a pig in mud.
All my dirt bikes were Yamahas. They all were reliable.
The White: start with a clean piece of paper. What are my requirements?...450cc for a start.
Read a few reviews on different models, reviews etc (what the heck do they know? - I don't want to race..) A friend had just scored an '05 TE450 Husqvarna (they still make these? I thought)
Start pricing.. here in Godzone Pricing was like this..(NZ $) Yammie WR450F around 14.5K. KTM450 around 15K. 'Berg FE450 15.3K (later discounted '12 models about 1700 less). Husqvarna TE449 12 K No other bike considered. Lets see, about 1K for riding gear (from a mate who owns 3 Yamaha dealerships - gave a good discount). How much do I want/need to spend?
The Red: I had a look at the first three - Yam, KTM, 'Berg. The KTM was looking good, but price was getting up there (+ riding gear on top). I checked out the Husqvarna and Aprillia dealer down the road. Red,white and black bike...450cc..new...12K. All the good fruit on it, Kayaba forks,rear shock, Brembos...WTF? the gas goes in the rear..Oh well...price is right, looks great.. dealer will "throw in" on-road costs...hmmm.
The Black: A week later I call him and say I'll take it,will pick it up in 5 days..no problem. I turn up at the appropriate time and make sure all is cool. get his bank account no., and head off down the road to a branch of my bank, and transfer the dosh into his a/c. Job done. Load 'er up and off home. Youuuu Beautyyyy
.The Weirdos: "those things handle differently/strangely".
Really. After 30 odd years off a dirt bike, do you think that's a problem? sheesh, I have to get used to riding again anyway. Duuhh.
The parochials:
I'd never ride a KTM, husky forever types. Good for you. I'd have no hesitation in buying one if the price were right. (By the way, who supplies the radiator on your TE's. This one is from WP. I wonder who owns that..)The buyout..I'm willing to wait and see, I'll still be able to get parts for this bike,(I'll be keeping for a long time), just like my buddy who bought my '84 Mike Hailwood Replica Ducati - no sweat for motor parts. The crystal ball gazing is a joke.
My Opinion: What a cool machine. Did my first real trail-ride a couple of weeks ago - more like a c.c. race, though I took it easy and didn't kill myself, but thats another story. I didn't really care what bike I bought, although glad now i scored the 449. I just want to ride, and this particular machine gives me the best value for money, aesthetically pleasing, and just so much fun. Happy as a pig in mud.
