Spent the last couple of weeks scouring classifieds and pretty much realised my budget (£2.5k) is going to get me a 2004-2006 4-stroke.
I am looking to do Enduro/Rally, and would like something capable of road work as my commute is 15 miles (40 minutes) on A-roads and city gridlock mix (but only as an occasional back up to my road bike). This should cover the obligatory green-laneing and practice days.
I thought I was pretty settled on a 450 EXC, but have been offered a 525, and they seem to be going for similar money for age/spec.
What factors should I be thinking about when choosing engine size from a competition perspective - I was under the impression (perhaps wrong) that classes were split at the 450cc capacity, so would this mean moving up a class? or is it all based on experience, so I be in novices.
Are the 450 and 525 basically the same bike, but with different crank/stroke, or are there more subtle differences such as wheel/brake size and suspension load.
If it helps, I'm 38, 15 stone, 6'2 and been riding road bikes for a few years. Cheers
I am looking to do Enduro/Rally, and would like something capable of road work as my commute is 15 miles (40 minutes) on A-roads and city gridlock mix (but only as an occasional back up to my road bike). This should cover the obligatory green-laneing and practice days.
I thought I was pretty settled on a 450 EXC, but have been offered a 525, and they seem to be going for similar money for age/spec.
What factors should I be thinking about when choosing engine size from a competition perspective - I was under the impression (perhaps wrong) that classes were split at the 450cc capacity, so would this mean moving up a class? or is it all based on experience, so I be in novices.
Are the 450 and 525 basically the same bike, but with different crank/stroke, or are there more subtle differences such as wheel/brake size and suspension load.
If it helps, I'm 38, 15 stone, 6'2 and been riding road bikes for a few years. Cheers
