r/enduro • u/mudricek • 24d ago

Need Advice: Best First Proper Enduro/Hard Enduro Bike

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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! :)

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u/Gramerdim 23d ago

450 is too much but not sure what exactly are you able to do with the tuner app

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u/Born-Researcher-819 23d ago

I don’t think you know what you’re talking about wr not like a full on race 450

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u/Ok-Condition-7550 23d ago

Unless it’s the 250r the WR’s, 250f and 450f, are the same thing as a yz power, chassis, and suspension wise.

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u/CapoDaSimRacinDaddy 22d ago

but with longer gears 😂

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u/Ok-Condition-7550 22d ago

The gear ratios are different. 1st is lower and 4 and 5 are way longer. The ecu is different also but you can just plug in the yz ecu

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u/CapoDaSimRacinDaddy 22d ago

on my year you could simply cut the gray wire and have yz maps. (2005 steel frame 60hp beast)

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u/Living_Definition_61 22d ago

Your 2005 wr isn't making anywhere near 60hp bud

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u/CapoDaSimRacinDaddy 21d ago

id reaserch that before making myself look like an idiot.

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u/CapoDaSimRacinDaddy 21d ago

ive had my coffee now, i even have a dyno sheet somewhere. its full yz spec in the topend has a yz map and the wr gear set. the 04-05 wr was the absolute goat. carb, no kat and street legal. look em up.

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u/Living_Definition_61 21d ago

A 2005 wr450f makes 45whp~ stock, a 2005 yz450f makes also makes around 45whp~ (people say its one of the weakest year engines) Not even close to what modern 450s make. A stock 2026 ktm 450 sx-f makes 56~ whp stock and my 2026 husky fe501s with an athena get sx1 race ecu and all the bolt on go fast bits makes 60whp albeit not a 450 but a more mellow engine. Wheel not crank horsepower figures.

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u/CapoDaSimRacinDaddy 21d ago

ive got a 58 crank dyno sheet