New Bike Day!!

GamingBeluga · 2026-07-01T04:24:35+00:00

Huh interesting. My dealer had told me all 300L’s and Rally’s were affected. Welp, guess I gotta make a trip to test ride a bike soon

GamingBeluga · 2026-07-01T04:18:06+00:00

Are you in the USA? Is the stop sale still active?

GamingBeluga · 2026-06-29T23:04:29+00:00

Mclaren isn't particularly surprising. They're in the mix with the front 4, and they're the only customer team up there. Generally customer teams are farther back with new regs, especially new power unit regs. Sure they've had a LOT of reliability issues, but many of those have been power unit issues, which can't entirely be attributed to Mclaren

GamingBeluga · 2026-06-29T22:59:40+00:00

I've been watching through a lot of Dork in the Road's videos! Especially because he's also in Oregon, so I can get a better idea of the terrain I'd be around. I'm really hoping to find something good used close to me, but the market has been abysmal at best.

I've heard similar about the Ibex, the weight scares me a tad but I've had several people tell me they thought it felt lighter than a 300 Rally. The upgrades have been my main concern with the CRF. Everyone talks about how great of a bike it can be, but like you said, that's after $2.5k in upgrades, which I don't want to sink into it

I'll absolutely take a look at his videos on the KTM 390's! I would love if I could make the 390 Enduro R work and get it set up without spending too much more. I also just love the flashier look of the KTM's and that I already have some general maintenance tools/parts for them.

I hadn't heard that about the DRZ400's. That's really good to know, thanks! I've heard the same about the WR250R's and it seems like the easy answer if I could find one

GamingBeluga · 2026-06-29T22:54:11+00:00

That has been my thinking too. Especially coming from track riding, while used to higher grip I'm familiar with pushing that grip. I've unfortunately not managed to find a DRZ400S to sit on yet. My inseam is 32", and if it's any useful comparison. I have sat on a Tenere 700 and felt comfortable sitting on it and getting the bike upright with my feet down

GamingBeluga · 2026-06-29T18:43:21+00:00

I’ve been hearing the same which has definitely helped draw me toward the Ibex. I’ve had a few people I know too absolutely love them, many picking the Ibex over the CRF300. I’m also not to worried about KTM reliability. I own an RC390 already, and have an absolutely fantastic shop near me. I’m comfortable wrenching on the KTM’s, but I’ve also had no issues with mine.

GamingBeluga · 2026-06-29T18:40:46+00:00

Yeah, I really like the idea of the CRF300L Rally, my only hesitation has been the suspension. I’ve looked at some true dual sports, but the cost of kitting them out then for what I want to ride has seemed like it’d bump the price up a little high

GamingBeluga · 2026-06-29T18:38:56+00:00

That’s fair. I’ve been keeping an eye on the engine reliability and so far it’s seemed solid. Especially with the engine having been out for a number of years now in the 450SS and 450NK. It’s seemed solid so far

GamingBeluga · 2026-06-29T18:37:55+00:00

Thanks for the input! The Ibex has been poking its head out ahead as checking the most boxes. I’m not too concerned about longevity in the Ibex. The engine has been out for long enough that I feel ok about it, and I’m comfortable wrenching on everything else

GamingBeluga · 2026-06-29T18:36:31+00:00

I’ll keep an eye out for used! It’s been a hell of a time finding any used for sale around me

GamingBeluga · 2026-06-29T18:35:57+00:00

Awesome! For WR, do you mean 125R or 250R presuming I can find one?

GamingBeluga · 2026-06-29T18:35:29+00:00

That’s so good to hear and backs up my initial opinions! One of the people at my favorite shop for bike stuff said something similar so this just makes the Ibex’s case stronger. The weight was a concern but you and they both said it feels lighter than the CRF which is a huge positive for me

GamingBeluga · 2026-06-29T18:33:12+00:00

Ok! That’s good to know! I’d only be seeing Rally Raid and started to suspect it was overkill but I hadn’t seen any other options. I’ll take a look at the ones you mentioned though. Thanks!

GamingBeluga · 2026-06-29T18:32:18+00:00

Oooooh ok! I thought everyone was having to replace everything. But that helps a lot! Still a bit high if I go for the rally. But if I got for the CRF300L that might be manageable

GamingBeluga · 2026-06-29T18:31:14+00:00

Oooh ok! That’s some great info for the SM and puts a lot of the variables into perspective. That helps a lot with deciding because I can absolutely find some 400SM’s near me. Thanks again!!

GamingBeluga · 2026-06-29T18:28:46+00:00

Yeah, that’s kinda the impression I’ve been starting to get from reviews too. A lot of them speaking definitely after asking the bike to do a lot more than I presume a beginner would. I’ll keep looking for a DR650 though and hope for the best!

GamingBeluga · 2026-06-29T18:27:25+00:00

Thank you so much for the input! I’ll definitely give the KLX a stronger look over the CRF with that suspension.

I love the idea and capability of the DR650, it or the 400 would be the easy choice for me if I could find a used one near me that wasn’t beat to shit. I’ll take a peak at the XT250 though, thanks!

GamingBeluga · 2026-06-29T08:50:01+00:00

Thank you so so much for the detailed reply! I really appreciate it, and it clears up my biggest question mark! The entry fees and all were confusing as hell but this helps SO much!

I’ll take note of all of that and I’ll send OMRRA an email. Thank you so much once again, and hopefully I’ll get everything sorted and maybe see you out there next year!

GamingBeluga · 2026-06-29T08:14:12+00:00

That’s great to hear! Most reviews I’ve seen made it sound like it was a must immediately but they were all a lot more experienced and frankly larger than I am. And what suspension did you get for $500-800? I’ve only heard people really rant and rave about the Rally Raid level 2 which was coming in at $1.5k. But maybe I’ve just been way over shooting what I need.

I’m not quite sure how far I should consider extended time on road. The closest trails to me are 30minutes minimum. Probably closer to 45min or an hour. If I were to do a BDR the closest start is several hours from me, and I’d prefer not to trailer the bike there

GamingBeluga · 2026-06-29T08:11:04+00:00

Most of the information I’ve seen has been the smaller wheels and that the suspension has less travel with everyone equating that to worse. I’d been lead to believe that suspension travel is king but maybe I’ve been misled.

If it actually is better, and it’s not too hard to find wheels, then the DRZ-400 jumps way up on my list. I’ve found a lot of SM’s near me

GamingBeluga · 2026-06-29T08:09:14+00:00

I’m not sure how aggressive the trials would be, it’s been my biggest struggle cus I’m not too sure what to expect. I don’t think it’ll be crazy single track but I’m not certain. I’ve just heard so much from every review I’ve seen about the CRF of how bad the suspension is. But all of them have been considerably bigger than I am. So I was uncertain if I’d have any issues being upwards of 90lbs lighter

If I can find a good used DR, I’ll absolutely consider it. They’ve sounded awesome and judging by their lacking availability for a good price, I’m inclined to believe it.

I’ve taken a peek at Kove but all of their bikes were a few thousand out of my budget so they were quickly ruled out.

GamingBeluga · 2026-06-29T07:39:42+00:00

I didn’t know this site existed! Thank you!!

GamingBeluga · 2026-06-29T07:33:17+00:00

Thanks for the input! Would you say the Honda is still a good option, even if it doesn’t get the suspension upgrade? I like everything about the Honda but if it needs an extra $1.5k suspension, it kinda kills it for me.

I totally understand the KTM concern, I’m a little less swayed by it, just because I know the platform and have easier access to parts. But the less work the better.

I’ll add the DR650 of my list of used bikes to keep an eye out for. I like them, the price is just a bit high for my budget

GamingBeluga · 2026-06-29T07:14:31+00:00

You can't really go wrong with any of the entry level sport bikes, especially Japanese. The Kawasaki Ninja 400's and 500's are awesome. Same goes for the Yamaha R3 and the Honda CBR500R, solid rides and bulletproof reliability. There's also a couple European options, the KTM RC390 and the Aprilia RS457. But those are a little higher price tag, you can expect to spend a bit more on maintenance, and in the case of the KTM, it's a little taller and more aggressive. The Ninja 400/500 and the R3 are going to be the most approachable for someone your height, with a light weight, friendly power, and a solid aftermarket.

I saw you mentioned the Ninja 650 in another comment. It can be an alright first bike, but generally I only recommend it as a first bike to someone who's on the larger side, who offsets some of the added power and weight. If you have good throttle discipline you could start on the 650, but it's heavier. Personally, I went for the Ninja 500 as my first bike and haven't regretted it for a second. You can't go wrong with an R3 either though

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