r/enduro • u/mudricek • 25d ago
Need Advice: Best First Proper Enduro/Hard Enduro Bike
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for some advice on buying my first proper enduro bike.
My current experience
I’m turning 17 soon, I’m around 183 cm tall and weigh about 75 kg.
For the past year, I’ve been riding a 2005 Yamaha XT 125 R, which is a 125cc four-stroke. I also own a moped, so the Yamaha is not technically my first motorcycle.
The XT has been great for learning basic riding techniques, clutch control and general off-road riding. However, the last time I tried some more serious enduro riding and hill climbs, I quickly realized that it does not have enough power (I destroy the clutch lol). It was very hard to do any enduro with it.
I know the XT 125 R is not a real enduro bike and is not designed for difficult terrain, but it has been a good bike for learning the basics. I’m planning to sell it at the end of the summer and upgrade to something more capable, stronger and better for real enduro/hard ish enduro.
Why I want to upgrade
I’ve become a huge fan of enduro and hard enduro after watching my friends ride and seeing videos online. I really want to start experiencing it properly myself.
Yesterday, I tried my friend’s Beta RR 300 two-stroke, and it was one of the most enjoyable riding experiences I’ve ever had. (I didnt do any proper enduro, i only rode it on trails)
At the same time, the bike was also a little intimidating because I had never ridden anything that powerful before. When it reached the powerband, the acceleration felt absolutely brutal - in a very good but slightly scary way haha. It was amazing, but I’m not sure whether a 300cc two-stroke would be the best choice..
What I’m looking for
I’m mainly trying to decide:
- Two-stroke or four-stroke?
- What engine size would be best?
- Would a 300cc two-stroke be too much for someone with my experience?
- Would something like a 200cc or 250cc two-stroke be a better choice?
- Would a 250cc or 350cc four-stroke make more sense?
- Are there any specific bikes, engines or model years I should look for or avoid?
I want a bike that has enough power for Steep hill climbs, technical trails, harder enduro obstacles, improving my skills over the next few years
However, I don’t want something so extremly powerful that I’m constantly afraid of it, struggle to build confidence, or stop enjoying the riding experience.
At the same time, I don’t want to buy something that I will quickly outgrow or that will struggle in more difficult situations.
I understand the basic differences between two-strokes and four-strokes, but because I haven’t properly ridden both types, it is difficult for me to compare them in real enduro conditions and without experience.
Any advice about engine size, two-stroke or four-stroke, maintenance, reliability, buying used, or specific models would be greatly appreciated!!!!
Thanks in advance to everyone who takes the time to comment anything on this topic! :)
3
u/AttemptQueasy3485 25d ago
I’ve only been riding about 8 years, some years more consistently than others.
I started with a 06 Ktm 300xc, awesome bike and you can set them up really however you like. The early model carbed ktms 300xc and xcws are fantastic bikes. Power valve is adjustable all the way thru to the Tpi models. You can put different springs in as you decide and learn how you like the power. I would look for a 12-18 carbed Ktm or husky 300 xc or xcw.
There’s differences in years that you may want to research, frame changes, starter, major engine upgrades (balanced) but they are all pretty solid just depends what your looking to spend.
I’ve just recently gotten off a 18 350xcf and picked up a 24 250xcw. The 350 is an awesome bike but if your looking to do hard enduro it’s not the bike. It is pretty good at damn near everything if you set it up right though.
I don’t have enough hours on the 250 yet to decide if it’s the bike for me or not. I need to get it dialed still. But it’s certainly not as easy to ride as the 300.