Help in choosing new bike

Griffin777 · 09-08-2024, 12:18 PM

Hello fellow riders,

I have a bunch of questions about choosing the right bike. So far I have it narrowed down to the Templar bikes but of the three models base, m, and X I’m am still weighing the pros and cons.

First let me give some background about me and outline what I think I am looking for. I am essentially new to motorcycles. A couple years ago I bought a 2016 Ktm 690 enduro R. My idea at the time was that I’d be doing BDR type rides and moto camping . I had visions of long distance expeditions all over the world. In reality though I have two young kids and hardly the time to take a weekend trip much less a Rtw excursion. The other issue is that I didn’t/don’t know how to ride a motorcycle. I quickly realized that my 690 is way to much bike for me to learn to ride on. I made the rookie mistake of buying a bigger bike than I was ready for. Now I am in the market for a smaller more dirt oriented bike. My reasoning behind this is to learn the fundamentals of dirt riding and practice on a less expensive and lighter bike.

I am also looking at these bikes as a way to learn more about the mechanics behind them and to learn to work on the bike myself.

I’m 5’10” and about 190lbs

I was originally leaning towards the base Templar as it seems to be a bit smaller without being too cramped. I rode an xt225 and felt like it was to crowded. Like my knees and hands were too close together when seated and the bars way too low when standing. The base seems to be a middle between the XT 225 and the m/x models.

I’m not set on the smaller bike, but I think that coming from something that is too big for me has me somewhat apprehensive about the larger X/M models.

Other than size I really like the idea of having a kickstart and it seems that the 5 speed is a really good engine and is geared better for dirt (this is what I gathered from reading reviews) I am not very worried about going 60mph plus on the bike. If the road manners are all that bad then I can just put it in my pick up for the further ohv’s in my area. I understand that the M does not have as good of suspension as the X, but from what I gather the bikes are built on the same frame and only the rear suspension and motor are different (is that correct) if that is the case then is it possible to directly swap the rear suspension from the X to the M?

K'hermiit · 09-08-2024, 01:42 PM

Just buy the X... my 2 cents. The suspension upgrades alone are worth the price difference. Being adjustable makes a huge difference in how the bike rides and handles. 6 speeds are nice to have, and the lack of a kickstarter doesn't bother me a bit, as I can still push start it. Fwiw...I am about the same size as you, and I can flat foot my X at stock preload on the rear suspension. It seems high at first, but it settles nicely once in the saddle.

XLsior · 09-08-2024, 05:53 PM

Its better to go with the frame and suspension you believe is better..

Its easier to swap FMM/FML engines but you cant always fit a counterbalanced engine in a non counterbalanced frame.

The 6 speed non kickstart engine is fine. But you're right in thinking the 5 speed is a little more robust...though you would have to be pushing it really hard to find the failure point.

Sport Rider · 09-09-2024, 02:42 PM

go with the X. unless you're really expert with off-roading, you wouldn't realize any difference between the 5 or 6 speed. keep in mind that you can also change the sprockets to accomplish difference in performance based on what your riding is.

Thumper · 09-09-2024, 06:28 PM

The standard Templar is a bargain for a new rider. The 172-FMM 5 speed is a nice engine, and it has an electric starter, AND a kick starter. The M is a pretty good deal as well. Either one will do. As long as you set the valves, rejet properly, and put a battery tender on it if it sits for a long while, the 6 speed in the X is a nice counterbalanced engine. And you would get the fully adjustable suspension. These Zuumav products are all a pretty sweet bargain, still. You will have to deal with assembly, and maintenance, and you might have to ask the vendor to replace something bent/damaged in shipment. Powersportsmax has been very good about this, if taken care of in the first 30 days. Very good.

Lots of room on them. They are enduro shaped, tall and full sized. And you can lower them if you need to.

It's hard to go wrong on these models. 20hp and tons of fun for $1800 to $2300 (including shipping), depending.

09-08-2024, 12:18 PM	#1
Griffin777 Join Date: Aug 2024 Posts: 1	Help in choosing new bike Hello fellow riders, I have a bunch of questions about choosing the right bike. So far I have it narrowed down to the Templar bikes but of the three models base, m, and X I’m am still weighing the pros and cons. First let me give some background about me and outline what I think I am looking for. I am essentially new to motorcycles. A couple years ago I bought a 2016 Ktm 690 enduro R. My idea at the time was that I’d be doing BDR type rides and moto camping . I had visions of long distance expeditions all over the world. In reality though I have two young kids and hardly the time to take a weekend trip much less a Rtw excursion. The other issue is that I didn’t/don’t know how to ride a motorcycle. I quickly realized that my 690 is way to much bike for me to learn to ride on. I made the rookie mistake of buying a bigger bike than I was ready for. Now I am in the market for a smaller more dirt oriented bike. My reasoning behind this is to learn the fundamentals of dirt riding and practice on a less expensive and lighter bike. I am also looking at these bikes as a way to learn more about the mechanics behind them and to learn to work on the bike myself. I’m 5’10” and about 190lbs I was originally leaning towards the base Templar as it seems to be a bit smaller without being too cramped. I rode an xt225 and felt like it was to crowded. Like my knees and hands were too close together when seated and the bars way too low when standing. The base seems to be a middle between the XT 225 and the m/x models. I’m not set on the smaller bike, but I think that coming from something that is too big for me has me somewhat apprehensive about the larger X/M models. Other than size I really like the idea of having a kickstart and it seems that the 5 speed is a really good engine and is geared better for dirt (this is what I gathered from reading reviews) I am not very worried about going 60mph plus on the bike. If the road manners are all that bad then I can just put it in my pick up for the further ohv’s in my area. I understand that the M does not have as good of suspension as the X, but from what I gather the bikes are built on the same frame and only the rear suspension and motor are different (is that correct) if that is the case then is it possible to directly swap the rear suspension from the X to the M?
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09-09-2024, 02:42 PM	#4
Sport Rider Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Mooresville NC Posts: 2,116	go with the X. unless you're really expert with off-roading, you wouldn't realize any difference between the 5 or 6 speed. keep in mind that you can also change the sprockets to accomplish difference in performance based on what your riding is. __________________ Dave Bikes I've owned: Suzuki GS450T, Yamaha XS500, Honda V45 Sabre, Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic (2), Suzuki VX800, Kawasaki Ninja 650, Triumph TT600, Honda Superhawk, Kawasaki Concours 1000 (3, including a sidecar rig), Buell XB9R, Kawasaki Nomad 1500, Concours 14, Honda Goldwing (2), Housen Hawk, Suzuki Intruder 1400, Kawasaki KLR650, Victory V92TC.
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09-09-2024, 06:28 PM	#5
Thumper Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Kansas City Posts: 2,735	The standard Templar is a bargain for a new rider. The 172-FMM 5 speed is a nice engine, and it has an electric starter, AND a kick starter. The M is a pretty good deal as well. Either one will do. As long as you set the valves, rejet properly, and put a battery tender on it if it sits for a long while, the 6 speed in the X is a nice counterbalanced engine. And you would get the fully adjustable suspension. These Zuumav products are all a pretty sweet bargain, still. You will have to deal with assembly, and maintenance, and you might have to ask the vendor to replace something bent/damaged in shipment. Powersportsmax has been very good about this, if taken care of in the first 30 days. Very good. Lots of room on them. They are enduro shaped, tall and full sized. And you can lower them if you need to. It's hard to go wrong on these models. 20hp and tons of fun for $1800 to $2300 (including shipping), depending. __________________ No matter where you go, there you are
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09-08-2024, 01:42 PM	#2
K'hermiit Join Date: Nov 2023 Location: Central Arizona Posts: 60	Just buy the X... my 2 cents. The suspension upgrades alone are worth the price difference. Being adjustable makes a huge difference in how the bike rides and handles. 6 speeds are nice to have, and the lack of a kickstarter doesn't bother me a bit, as I can still push start it. Fwiw...I am about the same size as you, and I can flat foot my X at stock preload on the rear suspension. It seems high at first, but it settles nicely once in the saddle.
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09-08-2024, 05:53 PM	#3
XLsior Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Australia Posts: 1,445	Its better to go with the frame and suspension you believe is better.. Its easier to swap FMM/FML engines but you cant always fit a counterbalanced engine in a non counterbalanced frame. The 6 speed non kickstart engine is fine. But you're right in thinking the 5 speed is a little more robust...though you would have to be pushing it really hard to find the failure point.
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