A ride with my town's Police Commander.

[FastDoc]

One of my town's Police Commanders is a friend of mine. He is an ex-pro motocrosser, and has a wall full of trophies to prove it. He also has a number of scars and orthopedic hardware to prove it too.

He decided to quit racing and has taken up dual sport riding. He is an excellent rider.

He bought a new 2013 KTM EXC 500 :P . Drooooooool. The best of the best! I was very honored that he let me ride it, and very happy I did not crash it. Waht a wonderful machine!

It has the power of Roger's KX450 but much smoother and broader powerband, PLUS a great enduro/DS suspension.

We had a great ride.



I rode my wonderful KLX today.



My helmet is only off for the picture. You all know I always wear a helmet.



The Commander.

[Weldangrind]

Waaaay out of my league, but I'd still like to take one for a rip. Looks like it was a nice day.

[SpudRider]

Those orange bike are great, and they look good also! Orange is the fastest color.

Spud

[FastDoc]

Orange is indeed the fastest.

Weld you could have ridden this bike just fine. It is much more user friendly than a motocrosser. The suspension really soaks up bumps and jump landings. It also hooks up amazingly well on steep climbs.

It is not nearly as touchy and anxious as Roger's KX but it has about the same power.

It's power and controlablity feel more like my YZ, but more juice and much less racey ride.

Watching Scott on it was fun. He's the only guy I know who wheelies downhill. Up hills I'd be squeezing the juice out of my KLX in 2nd, and he's thump on by me with the front wheel in the air and a grin on his face.

[FastDoc]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Those orange bike are great, and they look good also! Orange is the fastest color.

Spud

On the other hand Spud our RED bikes get it done for us just fine. :wink:

[FastDoc]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Waaaay out of my league, but I'd still like to take one for a rip. Looks like it was a nice day.

It was a little intimidating riding the Commander's $11,000 motorcycle with only 80 miles on it... He's VERY OCD too. He makes me look sloppy.... It was an honor he trusted me with it. :wink: It was a beautiful day. I was happy to leave my books behind for an afternoon and celebrate it.

BTW the real fun is when he brings me to the SWAT practice range. I can't take pictures of that though.

One thing about this bike I did not like though... I stand over 6 feet and I have pretty long legs. Even with my boots on I could not get flatfooted on the ground! Scott had to slide off the seat top get one leg down as he is not as tall! I don't like that for a trail bike, as I'm sure I'd tip over more than on a lower bike. For a desert racer it does not matter as much.

If I had a EXC500 I'd want to lower it, and that's not easy/cheap (I don't think) because it uses a linkageless rear suspension.

The (large) purchace price is just a start with this machine.

Then you need a skid plate, a rack, suspension lowering work, a largerr fuel tank, and a computer mod and desmogging. Before you know it you're out another grand or two just to get started!

I'm not saying it's not worth it (it is 8) ) but I can't spend that kind of $ for a dirtbike.

Mark my words as I may eat them someday.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by FastDoc

On the other hand Spud our RED bikes get it done for us just fine. :wink:

That's very true. Indeed, I have 2 red bikes, and an orange Zong.

Spud

[FastDoc]

Don't forget, for the time being at least, your fastest bike is green. :P

[SpudRider]

The KDX220 is quickest because of the blue smoke coming out the exhaust, not the green plastic.

Spud

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by FastDoc

It was a little intimidating riding the Commander's $11,000 motorcycle with only 80 miles on it...

That's the part that's waaay out of my league; the price tag.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

That's the part that's waaay out of my league; the price tag.

The parts are also very expensive. :( It just violates my sensibilities to spend that much money on a motorcycle! :roll:

Spud

[FastDoc]

After riding it I 'get' the price. It is worth it, just not to me.

For the same money I can have a (1-2 year old) 1400cc Ninja for crying out loud! Nearly 200 HP and cruise control!

[Wild_Alaskan]

Originally Posted by FastDoc

Then you need a skid plate, a rack, suspension lowering work, a largerr fuel tank, and a computer mod and desmogging. Before you know it you're out another grand or two just to get started!

I'm not saying it's not worth it (it is 8) ) but I can't spend that kind of $ for a dirtbike.

Mark my words as I may eat them someday.

if you just need them a little lower there is this thing called an x-bushing that basically makes the lower mount closer to the swing arm i don't think they are very expensive

[FastDoc]

Good to know. I had assumed because there is no linkage the shock and spring would need to be reworked.

BTW, are the Husky and KTM 300's identical?

[Wild_Alaskan]

the huskys are a bit different, the husabergs are basically the exact same bike in blue.