I would like to ride the length of Idaho off road in the next two years. The KTM I felt would of had to carry a ton of fuel even with lectron, the Husky had a ton of hours, and was worried about getting parts if I broke in a timely fashion, plus close ratio tranny not great for roadwork. I am looking for my do it all bike, we can license pretty much anything here- Leaning towards new YZ450fx, WR450, FE501(spendy- little concerned with reliable) and my dark horse is a good old fashion crf450x- carb, proven reliable.
My first choice would be Beta too. Of the bikes you listed I'd seriously consider the FE501 if I could afford it. Otherwise a 450fx with light kit would make a fine off road adventure bike.
Yes same dealer as yami- found a dealer with a left over yzfx 450 16 for 7820.00 out door/ left over 16wr450 8900 outdoor local, Te501s Leftover 10940 out door.
I would've stuck it out with the 300 personally, but of those choices I would go with the 501. I have the orange counterpart with 200hrs/5000mi and it hasn't missed a beat. In fact, the only money I've spent (besides tires, brakes, etc) has been on the rubber clutch dampers and a couple seals. It has been the most reliable bike I've ever owned and I dont think twice about taking to remote areas. Where are you in the handle? I'll be relocating to your neck of the woods later this year.
Beta RS 500 lower seat height, has a wide ratio 6 speed box, no known motor issues. Unbelievably flickable and light to ride. YOU MUST test ride one prior to buying another bike. It is so much better than the latest KTM/Husky range in the tight.
Great spot to be. I now know that I have to live on the WA side due to employer boundaries, but Hayden and Dalton Gardens were my initial targets. BTW, I bought my bike new from a dealer in KS an had it shipped to OR and saved about $2k vs buying local. Its worth shopping around and getting shipping quotes.
CRF is HEAVY...... I didn't like the 5 speed on the yami...... Beta is a KILLER chassis.... just selling a 350 tonight..... 501 is very cool power.... to me 501 or Beta
Ordering the maps of trail, and book that describes terrain, and fuel range of Idaho ride today. I found closeout beta 500 in boise for not bad, a used low hour 501 from a buddy (he is pretty attached we will see), and last 2012 450 wcw with 100 hours, and 1800 miles- looks clean and is setup with risers, guards, and heavier springs as I would set up for 6200- what do these need for maint at 100 hours- timing chain, piston, valve adjust ?
I have decided to wait and buy whatever this year. The new injected 2 stroke excites me, no premix, much better mpg, elevation changes will not matter, if you have to deal with injection why not 2 stroke. I am excited to learn more, how much of these claims are accurate, cost, and reliability. ( yes I know should not have sold both bikes if waiting )
The wait did not last long, went and rode Beta 480- the chassis just felt to small for me, went and rode WR450 realy liked it, they are getting it ready right now, hope to pick up today.
Good luck with the new beast-always a very reliable and bullet proof bike. Did you go for the ECU mapping device-its a gret touch to have I reckon.