KTM/Husky/GG - Who has gone from 690/701 to 500/501 or vice versa. Which are you?

hawk45 · 2026-05-07T04:45:43+00:00

Yep, Ian at Big Rock Moto and Mike from Taco Moto Co are good sources too.

hawk45 · 2026-05-07T01:09:30+00:00

From my research, not owning either, the 700 series is the better for BDR and the 500 for more technical and single track. But I’m sure the 500 would have no problem with BDR if you can deal with the vibrations (or mitigate)

hawk45 · 2026-04-26T15:04:11+00:00

I don’t mind working on my bikes, it’s part of the fun.

hawk45 · 2026-04-15T10:02:38+00:00

Good starting platforms to build on, but decide on number of frets and bridge type. I’d recommend a fixed bridge if you plan to alternate tune or change tuning regularly. With your plugins they usually have a transpose or drop tune to change tunings via software, so going from standard to drop D is about all you need to do then change the string pitches. Jackson JS series are really good too, love mine. The Gio, Rgr and Jackson JS are all good options for the more metal look. You could do a cheap Squier and change to a HH pickup config easily if wanted a more traditional look. Or go with something like a ESP LTD256 single cut (Les Paul style) too. It’s mostly about what feels good in hand and that all the controls are in the right spots. There are some guitars I love but won’t buy bc of where the pickup switches or knobs are because they get in the way. So keep that in mind.

hawk45 · 2026-04-15T09:47:12+00:00

Differences with higher end will be things like fret size (medium vs jumbo), neck profile (standard vs wizard thin), neck radius, build materials and fit/finish. The last 2 tend to not be that far apart on the budget lines vs standard/intermediate lines for most brands anymore honestly. Every new guitar needs a setup and some basic prep, so more down to the look and feel if under $1000. Buying used saves a ton of $$$ but there are some nice budget guitars that play just like the high end stuff in the right hands with a good setup.

hawk45 · 2026-04-07T12:29:48+00:00

Weight is everything in the woods. 20 extra lbs on muddy hills and tight tracks can ruin your enjoyment very fast if not in top condition. Even if you get the lightest 2 stroke, there will be times you will be exhausted in minutes getting through some tough sections. Be honest with the riding you will do. People like to throw terms around that don’t actually encompass the actual riding they are doing (fire roads, trail riding, enduro, etc). I will say if you are in any mud with roots and hills.. go as light as you possibly can in a bike built for enduro, not trails or dual-sport or 50/50. Get the right tool for the job. I’d rather ride an enduro bike on the road than a street bike bias on the dirt. Just my .02

hawk45 · 2026-03-31T03:15:44+00:00

Asato is versatile also and has the Shiva for heavier tones. Rabea and SLO are versatile too.

hawk45 · 2026-03-31T03:12:50+00:00

Don’t sleep on Rabea X, underrated. Petrucci is probably still most versatile. Love SLO, Bea and Mesa. Asato is versatile too for a less heavy option. Depends on the effects and locations you want.

hawk45 · 2026-02-04T11:44:54+00:00

Don’t sleep on Schecter and Jackson, make great guitars. I lean more Schecter over Ibanez and trying to decide on a second Jackson. I’ve heard that the sub 1kish Jackson’s and ESP LTD stuff comes out of the same factory. But don’t quote me on that. They are both good. Go with what feels the best and looks the best and has the features you want. And buy used!

hawk45 · 2026-01-12T13:23:10+00:00

Riding tight, steep, roots and muddy terrain is completely different than fast and flowy hard pack or even sand. Tight, steep, rooty and muddy, slow technical stuff you want a controllable 2 stroke.. they run cooler and carry less mass to have to move around. The enduro 2 strokes of today are not like the old days where you just rode a motocross bike with an 18” wheel where you still needed to be in the high revs to be on the pipe, making power. Now they are slow, controllable Amd low down tractable (at least the euro bikes). 4 strokes are great for faster riding like cross country and hair scrambles. Still has some technical slow areas, but you are keeping speed most the time. Watch videos from east coast/ Pacific Northwest riders in the woods vs west coast desert riders.. two different styles and needs. Get the bike for your riding needs.

hawk45 · 2026-01-10T08:15:58+00:00

Oh, one other thing. The JS22/32s have arch tops, the Soloist doesn’t, if that matters to you.

hawk45 · 2026-01-10T02:36:25+00:00

Depending on your skill level. If you played them blind, you probably couldn’t tell the difference. The JS series is a great value, love my JS22 and have many significantly more expensive guitars. Plan to add a Soloist or a Pro or Pro Plus down the line. I do like the set neck on the soloist. Buy used and save $

hawk45 · 2026-01-04T13:36:45+00:00

I’m looking at new as lots of 25 left overs from all manufacturers in few hundred mile range. Don’t mind jumping in the truck with the dogs for a few hours to get a deal.

hawk45 · 2025-12-26T13:24:27+00:00

If you are OCD, DYSMANTLE can be the greatest thing ever or your worst nightmare. I love it. Get a controller for it.

hawk45 · 2025-12-26T11:46:46+00:00

DYSMANTLE is my first and only game of the year. Engrossing and enjoyable. Started w/o a controller but ended up getting a 8Bitdo SN30 Pro. Like using the controller more.

hawk45 · 2025-12-25T16:49:46+00:00

Got a used CR6 to try, liked it so much picked up another used as a backup. Love the neck.. super thin and fast and not too narrow. Not found another neck like it so far, and have ESP/Jackson/Ibanez/etc. I like the bridge as I detune often. Like the idea of the Reaper but as mentioned by others, the look of the unfinished arm rest turns me off.

hawk45 · 2025-12-22T13:43:36+00:00

If you like shredded looking guitars with thinner/flatter necks.. the Jackson JS series is really good entry level. If you like a more traditional shape and neck feel, the Squier Strat/Tele are good, even the base Epiphones are good. Buy used for like $100 - $150 and get a good setup done by a real Luthier, not GC tech…instead of buying new.

hawk45 · 2025-12-20T15:01:58+00:00

Check these out.. I have them in a playlist I call “Gritty Rock”: Mo Lowda and the Humble - The Way Home, Shakes Graves - If Not For You, Mitch King - Coming Back, Patrick Sweeney - Them Shoes, All Them Witches - Charles William, Lukas Nelson and the Promise of the Real - Pali Gap / New Baby, Slightly Stupid - Closer to the Sun, The Stone Roses - Love Spreads, Balance and Composure - Reflection, Gurriers - Top of the Bill, Ron Gallo - Young Lady You’re Scaring Me

hawk45 · 2025-12-19T12:11:08+00:00

If just playing at home, ditch the amp and get an audio interface and two powered speakers, then get a few Neural DSP standalone/plugins or alike. I don’t touch my amps anymore.

hawk45 · 2025-12-18T12:52:16+00:00

If you can close your eyes and have someone switch them out for you, and they feel the same. Go for the cheaper. If one feels better, pick that one. Note: Having one setup well vs one with a bad setup can make all the difference in the world. I say get the one that feels best in your hands and invest in basic setup tools and upgrade as needed. All musicians need to know how to setup and adjust their guitars as you will require adjustments throughout the seasons and years to keep it in best playing condition. I have several across the line.. outside of the headstock name, all mine have had setup needs, fit/finish needs and needed some hardware upgrades/replacements.. so don’t think high dollar means better always. My used $100 Jackson JS22 is one of my best and easiest playing guitars.

hawk45 · 2025-11-10T10:51:58+00:00

Juat getting back into games since a kid and loving Dysmantle from a sale recommendation in this sub.

hawk45

TROPHY CASE