Beginners often ask questions: “How not to make a mistake and not waste money? What should you pay attention to when purchasing? – answers in the article.
Cross-country motorcycles are designed for motocross - a sport that involves racing with obstacles (for example: hills, ravines, jumps) over rough terrain.
Sports motorcycles, the so-called “kings of off-road”, are not made for asphalt. Their design does not imply the presence of elements such as lighting equipment or an electric starter on closed tracks.
A cross-country motorcycle has a low weight (on average 80-120 kg) and a long-travel suspension. As a rule, it has a powerful motor, but the engine’s potential is realized mainly at maximum speed. Such motorcycles do not require registration with the traffic police, as they are intended for off-road use, and do not require a driver’s license.
Brand KTM 250-SXF
This motocross motorcycle is rightfully one of the five best bikes in this class. Among the advantages:
- Excellent performance of the hydraulic clutch, which clearly shows greater efficiency compared to conventional analogues.
- The front brake is an example to follow. Even such giants as Honda and Kawasaki have this unit that is significantly inferior in most respects.
- An electric starter makes starting easier, but you should take into account the agility of the unit and its swiftness at high speeds.
- Reliability. The KTM 250-SXF looks a little large for its category, but is highly agility and reliable.
Now to the disadvantages:
- The 250cc motocross motorcycle is equipped with a power unit that is quite unstable. It doesn't show its full potential until the revs reach mid-range, then it runs like crazy until the 13,400 rpm mark.
- The gearbox remains, like its predecessors, full of secrets and mysteries.
- At first, riders were delighted with the suspension with the new WP-4cs fork. However, tests have shown that the unit is far from perfect, it is characterized by increased rigidity, and the rear shock absorber is also not ideal.
- Due to the problematic suspension, handling suffers, especially when driving on broken tracks and entering sharp turns at high speed.
- Experts do not advise using engine brakes. Turning down the speed at the last moment can lead to serious and unpleasant consequences.
Reviews about this manufacturer vary. Based on them, the conclusion suggests itself that the KTM is a bike for professionals. For complete satisfaction, novice racers are often forced to spend a lot of money on aftermarket restyling.
Dimensions and weight
The dimensions are typical for the class: light weight, high ground clearance, small gas tank volume... It is worth noting the high seat height. People of short stature are unlikely to be suitable for this or other representatives of this class, which are distinguished by a significant value of this indicator. If the seat height were lower, this would inevitably lead to a deterioration in ride quality.
Dimensions:
- tank – 6.3 l;
- ground clearance - 328 mm;
- curb weight – 110 kg;
- height – 1274 mm;
- width – 827 mm;
- length – 2183 mm;
- seat height – 960 mm.
The dimensions and weight make this bike suitable for competition. The filling parameters also meet the standards. However, we cannot say that the design of this motorcycle is the best possible. This is not the limit of engineering development in this class.
HUSQVARNA FC250
This cross-country motorcycle is very similar in its characteristics to the previous model. There is a hydraulic clutch, a reliable front brake and an electric starter. Handling is better here, as the subframe absorbs a certain percentage of the stiffness from the rear shock absorber. This definitely improves ride comfort. The FC-250's ignition maps are switchable on the steering wheel in two positions. One mode is standard, the second position is designed for more aggressive driving.
Disadvantages are similar to the KTM: scattered powerband, stiff suspension unit, unwanted engine braking. It is better to make an additional hole in the ventilation duct, and do not forget to clean the air filter regularly. As a result, Husvarna is also aimed at professional racers or slow beginners who do not dare to shift above second gear. Nevertheless, reviews about the manufacturer are mostly positive, although among the listed disadvantages, consumers note a not very well-thought-out design.
Common features and features of pit bike and enduro
These two representatives of motorcycle technology really have a lot in common. Both the pit bike and the motocross motorcycle are distinguished by their compact dimensions, relatively small engine capacity (a large one would simply look ridiculous) and low weight. Both were originally created for driving on rough terrain and off-road and have some restrictions from traffic regulations. Yes, you can’t drive such “iron horses” onto public roads, but you don’t need a driving license either. However, they are not intended for trails.
The control system is quite simple in both cases. Thanks to this, “pits” and “crosachs” have earned considerable popularity as children’s and teenage vehicles.
Enduro Features
The purpose of a motocross motorcycle is to race on short closed tracks 1.5–3 km long. The vehicle confidently copes with driving over rough terrain, overcomes obstacles, and is ready to make jumps and hard landings.
To fully justify its purpose, enduro is distinguished by the following points:
- the most lightweight design;
- disc brakes;
- full-size spoked wheels;
- tires made of low-profile cross-country rubber;
- lightweight suspension with monoshock absorber;
- smaller steering wheel;
- increased travel of the fork and pendulum;
- front inverted fork;
- water cooling system;
- using a kickstarter instead of an electric starter;
- high speed engine;
- rear wheel diameter 19 inches;
- there are no headlights and brake lights (due to the scope of application, they are not needed).
A cross-country motorcycle is equipped with a lightweight muffler or does not have one at all, so it produces very loud exhausts. And on public roads it is unacceptable.
Features of the pit bike
The very first pit bikes began to appear in the middle of the last century in the USA. It is noteworthy that they “descended” from bicycles. They, like the “crossers”, were actively introduced into the practice of racing competitions. To this day, this type of transport, which has already evolved considerably, is rightfully popular:
- does not take up much space;
- unpretentious in maintenance;
- simple device, theoretically fewer and fewer breakdowns;
- easily teaches riding and tricks;
- powerful engine with a relatively small cubic capacity;
- rear wheel diameter no more than 12 inches;
- air cooling system.
SUZUKI RM-Z250
The 250cc cross-country motorcycle of this brand has no equal when cornering, riding on hard tracks or dirt. The bike's chassis is perfectly balanced, so shifting from one side to the other is not a problem. A plus for riders is the fork with separate functions. I was also pleased with the engine; the power range is optimal for riders of various levels.
In consumer reviews, you can also hear indications of certain shortcomings, namely:
- Poor clutch, often requiring spring replacement.
- Poor stability when driving at high speed on straight sections.
- Unfinished front brake.
Comfort
The car is convenient if you have already developed a habit of powerful cross-country vehicles. You should not think that the driving skill of some 85 cc classmate is sufficient to perfectly control such a car. It is better to gradually switch to more and more powerful models, then there will be no problems.
If you need a cross bike for all occasions, it is better to pay attention to less powerful models. Then both fuel consumption and risks will be lower. After all, this Honda is a sports car, and it belongs in motocross. The same can be said about other heavy-duty sport bikes.
KAWASAKI KX250F
On Avito, motocross motorcycles of this brand can be purchased at prices starting from 150 thousand rubles. They are very popular among domestic riders. The bike has one of the best engines in its class. The engine has an optimal power range and is equipped with a dual fuel injection system. Among other advantages:
- Reliable and high-quality suspension.
- Front disc brake with a diameter of 270 mm.
- Availability of adapters for changing modes. Thanks to them, the rider will be able to choose the best option, depending on his level and road surface.
The disadvantages include insufficiently good agility of the steering wheel, complicated gear shifting, especially at high speeds when the “engine” is under load. The clutch is also not happy with everyone; experts advise purchasing stiffer springs.
What do the owners say?
They note that there are no particular differences relative to their rivals in the class. Not everyone likes the fact that there is a five-speed gearbox, believing that bikes with a six-speed gearbox are more convenient. Also, some would like to see an injector and a hydraulic clutch on the bike. Some would prefer better brakes, such as Bremb brakes.
According to the description of those who have owned the bike for a long time, the attachments here are not bad, but there are better ones in the class. But it, of course, is more expensive in itself, which makes the motorcycle as a whole more expensive. But the affordable price is the reason why many praise this model. About 150 thousand Russian rubles - that’s how much such a car costs on the secondary market.
IMPORTANT! Judging by the reviews, the resource has been here for about two to four years. That is, from 150 to 250 operating hours. That's how much the piston will last. Don’t think that this is a minus of this particular bike. Today this is, in principle, a common phenomenon, and it is worth keeping this in mind even when buying a new motorcycle, not to mention a used one.
Inexperienced bikers note that for that kind of money it would be possible to make a more comfortable and productive bike. In fact, the cost is explained by the fact that this is a serious, modern machine suitable for competitions, and not a training motocross bike for beginners. So the price-quality ratio is justified here.
The CRF 450 is a powerful off-road machine, or more precisely, a motocross machine. This is a bright representative of the class, which, however, sooner or later will get lost against the background of ever newer models. But even then, there will probably be people who want to buy a motorcycle on the secondary market.
HONDA CRF250
Let's start the review of this motocross motorcycle with the disadvantages, fortunately there are not many of them. Claims against the manufacturer are made on the following points:
- Poor handling at high speeds, a lot of weight on the front end, the damper doesn't really help.
- Double muffler, prone to damage and having increased weight.
- Poor and unreliable grip.
There are many more advantages:
- Excellent informative fork.
- Excellent ergonomic design.
- Powerful and confident front disc brake.
- Good entry into turns of any difficulty.
Appearance
The Honda CRF 450 has few distinctive design features. The red frame color combined with light gray is typical for many cross bikes of this brand. A little black. The standard fender shape and stance is due to the fact that this bike is intended for competition, where design variations are not encouraged.
Of course, if you look at the (amateur) modifications, it is sometimes possible to mistake a bike for another model. At least if you look at the photo. However, a person well versed in the dynamics of cross-country equipment is unlikely to confuse this motorcycle with something else in action (if judging by the video from the competition).
125cc dirt bikes
At the end of the review, we will consider popular modifications in this category with brief characteristics
- Suzuki Van-Van 125. The model has a relatively old-fashioned design, but is popular among classic connoisseurs. The power unit is capable of accelerating the car to 110 km/h, while consuming about three liters of fuel per 100 km. The “tidy” is made in a traditional design, the wheels are 18 inches, the ground clearance is 200 mm.
- Yamaha YBR 125. The four-stroke engine is combined with a five-speed gearbox and accelerates to 120 km/h. The owners note only two main drawbacks of the motorcycle: a weak power unit that does not pull well downhill, and small dimensions.
- Patron Enduro 125. This modification was made in China, but claims to be the sales leader in Russia. The bike is the best option for beginner riders. The car has good handling and is equipped with a four-stroke engine with 125 cc. The advantages also include an energy-intensive suspension and a 5-speed informative gearbox. The popularity of the Patron Enduro motorcycle is due to its low price, decent quality and original appearance.
