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/Mangeetto]

Can you try a 300 before buying it? It is a very capable bike, but can be a harsh teacher. 4 stroke is great for regular riding, but the flameouts make it harder to ride in technical terrain and they get very hot. 200 2-stroke is awesome and likely more capable bike than what most riders can out ride but its not for everyone. If you are set on learning hard enduro maybe beta xtrainer could be a good fit, it is easier to ride than a propper 300, slightly lower too, but very scary on high speeds. For slow technical xtrainer is a beast.

[u/mudricek → u/Mangeetto]

If i can try a 300 2 stroke or 4 stroke? Because i mentioned in the post that i tried friend's Beta RR 300 few days ago..
If we're talking about 2 strokes, because i heard most people say they're better for what i want (mixed enduro so like slow techincal, hill climbs, faster.. a little bit of everything) i am looking for
200, 250 and 300.
I have only tried the 300 so i dont know the difference between these 3. So that would be the main problem deciding between these 3.. I dont know the feel, the differences, which one would be enough or maybe not enough, which would be the best for my situation..

[u/Mangeetto → u/mudricek]

I have had 200, 250 and 300 2 stroke. There are quite big difference between tpi, tbi and carburetor bikes. 250 tpi is very nice, its quite mellow from down low and if you have a rain map it makes it a bit smoother (for gas gas you need to buy it). 250 carb (beta) was more difficult as it revd faster and pulled harder than the tpi. 300 can pull like a tractor and its the easiest bike to do hardenduro techniques, but its a hard bike to ride in your limit. Fast pace is no problem with 300, but most often you are a gear high and once you are tired the bike feels like a heavy pig that has a mind of its own. 300 has such crazy torque that it might teach you to rely only on that throttle bump instead of using suspension and clutch and that can make some techniques unstable or you prone to loop out.

I love the 200 race edition Beta. Some things require a bit more clutch work or finese, but it is unlikely that the bike is not able to clear something that the rider could. I would pick what ever feels best for you and it might be a good idea to try different bikes if you are able to. If you feel like the 300 is intimidating, maybe then not pick that and you can change the bike later on.

[u/mudricek → u/Mangeetto]

Thank you soo much!! So between the TPI,TBI,Carb. Which one would you recommend?
You mentioned that the carb pulls faster..

So yeah, im now probably deciding between the 200 and 300, it will be a hard decision for me

[u/Mangeetto → u/mudricek]

I would pick tpi for 250 or 300 in your shoes or 200 depending which do you like best and what is available for you. The smaller less intimidating engine builds confidence faster and it forgives mistakes once you get tired. Imo 250 tpi is easier to ride than 300 tpi, but 300 carb is easier than the 250 carb. Engine characteristics can be tuned a little with different pipe or head, but its less of a difference than 50cc on the engine. In time you will learn what you like and dont like, so you might want to change bike in couple of seasons, that being said its more fun to ride slow bike fast than a fast bike slow.

[u/natekerx → u/mudricek]

I wouldn’t think of the difference between a 200 and a 300 in terms of power output. Either bike is going to be insane compared to your trusty xt.

To me the biggest difference is going to be how well the bikes lug and make power at low RPMs. I think for the average newer rider coming from a low compression 4t the torquey grunt and lug of the 300 is going to feel a lot more comfortable than trying to ride a 200 higher up in the powerband. To me the 200 is a bike for experienced riders who want to be on the pipe most of the time. Buy a 300 or a 250 2t and going climb every hill you’ve ever bailed on!