CFSpawn,
Let me preface the Long winded post by saying that I had surgery last week and I'm just sitting at home and can't ride for another 4 weeks -- so I'm bored, and want to apologize for going on -- but what else can I do -- I just wanna ride.
Well, this may be a little late. But I have an 06 Husky WR 250. To me, this the best all around 250 motor I've ever swung a leg over...The low and midrange are just absolutely astounding for east coast single track riding.
I purchased mine last november on ebay for 4700 OTD (delivered) from heinen's yamaha. Added bark busters, and a Steahly 10oz FWW to tame its strong (not abrupt, however) engine, jetted it a little fat for winter riding and off I went. No need to change pipe, gearing, or even the tires. Oh, it's fast -- no doubt -- and some owners prefer the G2 throttle tube over the FWW for throttle control purposes. Bike came with stiff springs that were probably okay for someone with a weight of 190 or so. But I'm 5'11 and 225 lbs w/o gear, and therefore I had the suspension revalved and re-sprung for my weight. And now this bike just flows & tracks so well through woods and particularly rock gardens that I simply can't see myself getting rid of this bike anytime soon. The WR 250 is still using engine technology from the 90's to some degree (minus the old 6 speed gearboxes) -- but they have proved to be a very robust, durable, and strong engine (just like my 84/85 Husky WR 400). Honestly next to my previous KDX's, my Huskies are the most durable bikes I've ever owned -- hands down.
It's a bit tall in the saddle and therefore if you're under 5'10 or your inseam is under 30 inches -- you have 2 choices -- raise the forks in the triple clamps (which defintely improved the steering quickness and its agility) and shave the seat foam, or get heel lifts in your boots :mrgreen
The Husky (modern or vintage) kickstarter angle has always been a sore spot for some folks, but you kinda get use to it. It requires a healthy boot that's for sure -- But it's a whole lot easier than firing up my Maicos.
As far as modern bikes are concerned over the past 4 years I've owned 2 (1999, 2002) KDX 200's, 93 Husky 360 WXE, 98 KTM 300, 01 Husky WR 250, and an 05 KTM 250 SX (Offroad set up, FWW, etc..). And although the 05 KTM 250 (actually loved this bike, and for the life of me I don't know why I sold it) was just a little bit more flickable (but not as stable), easier to start, had the juice clutch, etc -- but it didn't have the tractor/low end torque feel like my current Husky. The WR's motor is what really won me over in the end.
Sure, I'm hoping with HVA's recent take over by BMW that there will be some advance in their 2 stroke technology (especially the kickstarter
), like they have done with HVA's 4 stroke bike -- but if didn't happen I think I still would be satified with what I've got. You here people on many forums say that KDX is just a "trail bike," and that it's okay for beginners, but truth is that the KDX like Husky has proven itself time and time again. The KDX's design to a large extent, has withstood the test of time. Bottom line is that both the KDX and Husky WR 250 are a little old school, in terms of technology -- but they're both strong, durable, reliable and will be with ya' til the end. The only reason I sold my most recent KDX was because the Husky never broke down, and that I've got 4 more vintage bikes along with the Husky stuffed into a single door garage. The KDX (suspension revalved and just totally dialed in for me) was my back up HS race bike, but it just wasn't being ridden enough so I passed it onto a gentleman in PA and yes, he's happy!! Glad it went to a good home!
BTW if you need info and tech help checkout Thumpertalk's Husqvarna 2 stroke section -- a great resource.
Again sorry for the long post -- got nothin' but time right during my recovery period.
Skoalman