jonpaul1st wrote:
Don't buy into the myth that modern European enduro bikes aren't trail bikes. EU enduro bikes have to have all the road niceties that qualify them as trailbikes that can be ridden on the road straight out of the box. You don't get that with the Japanese competition machines, many of which cannot even be used as enduro bikes out of the box.
In practical terms the EU enduro bikes make fantastic trail bikes - light, reliable, robust, low maintenance, low depreciation, simple and easy to work on, cheap spares and, most importantly, low impact on the green roads.
Don't rule out a 2 stroke, especially one of the later six speed KTM/Husky/Berg 250/300's.
A rule of thumb is to avoid anything with a cable clutch - a sure sign that the manufacturer is stuck in the 1990's or has otherwise cut corners to build a bike down to a price, which means that either or both reliability and riding experience will be significantly compromised (unless of course you want to experience old skool lack of refinement and reliability).
I disagree with the cable v hydraulic clutch issue
My competition dirt bike with a hydraulic clutch is very on/off whereas my trail bikes with a cable are much more progressive in clutch operation
As for European enduro bikes for trail riding - yes they are ok in the lack of alternative offerings from Japan (except from Honda & Yam)
Reliability - I don't think your European offerings are as trouble free that you are suggesting
However I think Mr Simpson will agree that the DR350 SE is probably the most complete TRAIL bike ever made over the last 20 years - sadly most trail riders today weren't riding trails when the DR was sold new
For pure trail riding it is a consummate all rounder unlike the finicky European 'one trick ponies' enduro bikes you are advocating
Closest to the DR350 is the CRF250L but sadly it is heavier and has less power to boot
After owning all manner of other bikes including KTM's over the last 20 years, I have returned to a DR 350 SE this year and I am loving it, forgetting just how good they were/are
I don't need more power or a better chassis to comply with the TRF code of conduct which advocates a 25mph speed limit on green roads