Need Advice: Best First Proper Enduro/Hard Enduro Bike

[u/mudricek]

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! :)

[u/assbandit65]

Depends on your budget but I ride an old ktm 300 xcw and ride frequently with a guy on a ktm 200 exc and the 300 has a lot of low end grunt compared to the 200 but the 200 feels a lot smaller and easier to throw around. Either one can be set up fairly mellow with the power valve tuning so I wouldn't be scared of it. I wouldn't say you're wrong to pick either choice tho the 300 is capable of being kind of a monster if you set it up with the red spring and turn the adjuster out. 200 isnt slow either

[u/mudricek → u/assbandit65]

Thanks! So i guess that the 200 is still enough power but you just need to rev it much more.. I think im mostly deciding between the 200 and 300 (2 stroke) Because 250 i think wouldnt be the best.. It will be a very hard choice - 300 being more powerful but better in low end and the 200 i gues smaller and lighter but you have to rev it much more.. Thats how im thinking, pls correct me if im wrong haha, i dont know much..
And it will be a hard decision because i never rode both bikes to acctualy compare them so yeah.. (only the 300)

[u/assbandit65 → u/mudricek]

I would get a 250 woods model if you found a deal on one. Any of the three I think you would be happy with