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Posted by: maddog56
If you just want to get it and leave it fairly stock, go with a yfz or trx 450. If you are going to stick some $$$ into it and keep it in the desert and dunes, I'd go with a DS 650 or a banshee.
Posted by: reconranger
Are you wanting to get back into desert racing, or do you just want to have the baddest bike at the sand drags??
My choice is the 450R. Mine is set up for open desert, and that is the only place I ride it! I wouldn't have anything else.
Take a look at http://www.off-road.com/. Look at the picture galeries from past races and see what's being ridden out there, and check race results for what is winning (if you are interested in organized racing).
Posted by: reconranger
For example-
http://www.off-road.com/atv/race/2005bitd/tt250/wrapup.html Eichner wins on the 450R!
What you see mostly out there are: 450R, YFZ450, Z400, DS, Raptors
Posted by: reconranger
Wow, I can tell you have been away for a while! Suspension has improved greatly, so you will love that. 2-strokes have fallen by the wayside because of the clean air regulations. There aren't many 2-valve 4-strokes left anymore either.
4-stroke engines are not what they use to be at all! Displacement means nothing unless you are comparing engines of the same design. The two 450's (Honda TRX and Yamaha YFZ) are a whole new generation. These are VERY high revving engines, that use way modern technology. The engines and the bikes are light, and will give you the best power-to-weight ratio. They are somewhat 2-stroke like in their powerbands, and they are getting 50 horsepower out of these engines in dirt bikes (quads get somewhat detuned versions). I love these engines!
Most other competitive 4-strokes (like the Z400, Raptor, DS, etc.) are overhead cam, multi valve designs.
On any machine, you are going to want to widen it to ~50". That will mean a-arms, aftermarket shocks, and wider axle. And, full chassis and swingarm skid plates, bumper, etc. I run ITP Baja rims with ITP XC tires, though I have run taller XCT's in the past. A large capacity IMS desert tank (dry break if you race). I always run nerf bars as well.
Posted by: reconranger
My buddy just broke the swingarm on his YFZ (big X shaped crack right down the middle), and previously had cracks in the welds where the footpegs attach to the frame!
Posted by: reconranger
I have to say that this YFZ saw some time at the MX track. He doesn't compete, but likes to go out and fool around on practice days. He just found the crack the other day, and I haven't heard what he is going to do.
The YFZ isn't exactly dominating desert racing! It is more of an out-of-the-box MX machine. I would pick the YFZ for MX, freestyle jumping, and play riding (casual backyard track riding, etc.). I have never enjoyed riding it for any long desert excursions. Might be fun in the dunes though.
Posted by: UltimateAussie
i would go with the ds 650 it is bike and cushy for desert riding and it has awsome tourqe and they are faaaaaaaassst
Posted by: YFZ660R
All those listed above, but it also depends what kind of power do you want, and were do you want it.
Posted by: 87250xman
450r, 250r, lt500, yfz450, banshee, raptor, v-force, A.T.K, or gas-gas
Posted by: Exodus
I Raced open desert for years,on a 250 quadracer. I was "King of the hill" at Blowsand in Ocotillo Wells, Ca (a woopty filled-sandy circle track on the side of a mountain) back in the late 80's. I've had bikes-3 wheelers- odysies- sand drags ect. ect. I'm ready to make my return to tearing up the Desert. What is the baddest-fastest-nimblest machine made? cost is no matter. Is there someplace that lists HP of the diff bikes available on the market?
Posted by: Exodus
Wow, Lots of responces in just one day! Great advice too. Thank you guys for your input.
I dont see the LT500 listed at suzuki, They must have discontinued it? It apears the fourstokes have the market nowdays. Im still trying to get a refighned direction, Are all those models really that close?.
87250xman said: 450r, 250r, lt500, yfz450, banshee, raptor, v-force, A.T.K, or gas-gas
V-force? ATK? Gas-Gas? Where do I find info on these machines?
YFZ660R said: All those listed above, but it also depends what kind of power do you want, and were do you want it.
This is What I'm talkin about!
And reconranger , for suggesting that I check the Race Results to see whos winning on what bikes, Good advice! Thanks for the links.
anyone got a line on aftermarket machines?
Thanks again....Exodus
Posted by: Exodus
Cool! Thanks. I have fallen in love.....She's a YFZ.
Posted by: Exodus
DaHuh?
Ya know...I Rode my suzuki for over 3 years, Had to reweld the frame back together 3 times. It usually broke each side of the A arm mounts but it broke in several places. Had to paint the swing arm and throw some dirt on it when I sold it as it was cracked in lots of places. I spose as they try to keep the weight down they compromise strength.....
Recon, Was your buddies bike under any kind of waranty? Did he have to eat the swing arm? did he put a stock one back on?
Exodus....<------------Still drooling, but headed to the bank next week.
