What's Your Biking Bench Mark?

[AndyB]

Riding most trail bikes fast requires more skill than just opening up a race bike on top notch suspension.

You don't need an enduro bike to enjoy riding trails anywhere in fact they should be banned (as should noisy trail bikes).

I'm not suggesting that trail riding should be regulated and unenforceable speed limits are a waste of time, but the hooligan element who seem to think it's just another race have really ruined group trail riding

What ruins trail riding is other riders trying to say that it's their way or no way and wanting other bikes banned. It's hard enough being up against lobby groups like the rambliars who want a complete ban on motorised vehicles without suddenly finding out that the enemy within is singing from the same hymn sheet even if it's missing a few verses.

No, I haven't got an enduro bike so a partial ban wouldn't make any difference to what I personally do but those riders might also be members of the TRF and as such be putting valuable money into the funds that are keeping lanes open to all.

[Tonibe63]

The bikes don't ride themselves and the throttle goes both ways, just ride like you are expecting to meet your Wife on a horse and/or your kids walking the dog around the next corner hmy: :pinch: (thumbs)

[SteveW]

The bikes don't ride themselves and the throttle goes both ways, just ride like you are expecting to meet your Wife on a horse and/or your kids walking the dog around the next corner hmy: :pinch: (thumbs)

Well said. I agree. When you can't see what's ahead ride with great caution. Stop, engine off for horses, super slow and "Good morning" for passing walkers.
If you're on a clear section with good viz. why not light the wick a bit?
They'll outlaw green Laning in England eventually anyway, no matter how you ride.

[dave j]

Anyway, back on track..... For me, KTM 950/990.

[SteveW]

Anyway, back on track..... For me, KTM 950/990.

Ok, I've had a 990adv. (115bhp)
Using my bench mark (GS800) The 990 is very thirsty, unstable over a Ton, Tall, fast and way better than it should be off road. Comfy as well!

[ChasF]

Riding most trail bikes fast requires more skill than just opening up a race bike on top notch suspension.

You don't need an enduro bike to enjoy riding trails anywhere in fact they should be banned (as should noisy trail bikes).

I'm not suggesting that trail riding should be regulated and unenforceable speed limits are a waste of time, but the hooligan element who seem to think it's just another race have really ruined group trail riding

you're not suggested it should be regulated, yet you would ban enduro bikes :laugh:

To clarify banning is the wrong term but run leaders could insist that it's trail bikes only in the same way that some more conscientious run organisers restrict access to noisy bikes.

It's probably a lost cause, either way I'll just carry on riding on my own.

Apologies to the OP for the digression. Benchmarks - not for me. I think you should judge each bike on its merits. I suppose the real test is how long you keep it. As time moves on your need change and maybe your current bike isn't fit for what you want to do now.

[SteveW]

Riding most trail bikes fast requires more skill than just opening up a race bike on top notch suspension.

You don't need an enduro bike to enjoy riding trails anywhere in fact they should be banned (as should noisy trail bikes).

I'm not suggesting that trail riding should be regulated and unenforceable speed limits are a waste of time, but the hooligan element who seem to think it's just another race have really ruined group trail riding

you're not suggested it should be regulated, yet you would ban enduro bikes :laugh:

To clarify banning is the wrong term but run leaders could insist that it's trail bikes only in the same way that some more conscientious run organisers restrict access to noisy bikes.

It's probably a lost cause, either way I'll just carry on riding on my own.

Apologies to the OP for the digression. Benchmarks - not for me. I think you should judge each bike on its merits. I suppose the real test is how long you keep it. As time moves on your need change and maybe your current bike isn't fit for what you want to do now.

I love my GS800, but I accept there are better bikes for specific tasks out there. There are probably better all-round bikes. But I have kind of settled on the 800 after well over 100 bikes (I've got 10 bikes currently)
I think it's a good bench mark as it'll do most things pretty well.

[Roy C.]

My bench mark is my Yamaha XV950 bobber. I bought it last year to be my winter bike, made a few mod's to it. Every bike is faster , handles better, more comfortable but I still just about always jump on the Bobber for any ride up to 50 miles ish. makes me smile especially when I burn off sports bikes in the rain. it,s fun and cool.

[Brenhden]

My benchmark is my now departed DRZ. A bike needs to fit me better (most do) and feel lighter, and skill have that torquey feeling (thumbs)

[Bianchi]

Ktm 990 adventure R

Great bike does most things very well and can take a good beating mpg is ok if you want to ride it with your slippers on doesn't like to see much in it's way ... B)