Kermit said:
I just sold my 08. 300XC..KTM finally got the frames right. Those 300's are an absolute joy to ride...they are like a mountian bike with 45-50 horses. Now I am back to four strokes...my 505 XC isn't has nimble as the 300, but, it sure does haul. Flat out smokes the 300 on climbs.
<hijak>
I'll agree with you there- a joy to ride. But... 4-strokes definitely have some convenience advantages, as well as engine braking advantages- at least where I ride, mostly in the woods. I'm always looking at replacing my current bike, but every time I jump back on it, I remember what a great package it is. I currently ride a CRF250X- a little underpowered (I rev the thing like a 2-stroke!), which might be fixed with one of the big-bore kits, but for the most part it's a great, nimble bike and has pretty much never let me down. Plus, pump gas is a good thing- I just hate mixing and storing.
I think what it comes down to, is that a person can have a blast on pretty much whatever they jump on, weather it be a '73 Montesa or an '08 505XC. The important thing is to get out there and ride often- if you get to know your bike well, you can pretty much keep up with (or get smoked by!) your regular riding buddy's.
There's a burn ban in my area right now that's lasted since July 1st, which means that riding in the forest is on hold until it is lifted. I've gone out to some other places, but it turns into a full-day adventure/fiasco... I can't believe I'm sayng this, but I'd be pretty stoked on a bit of rain right now!
</hijak>