OFFROAD an FMX??

[BIGROG]

Since I have got my XRV the FMX has been gathering dust in the garage and I now fancy doing some offroad/greenlaining but I think the XRV would be too heavy for an old git like me off tarmac so, could I have some opinions on offroading the FMX. I know I would have to change the tyres and remove the front hugger but is the wheel size OK? or will I have to change them, is the gearing and suspension is OK?, or would I be better to get shot of the bike and get a proper offroader like an XR. I would rather get some advice from experenced mudpluggers before I make an expensive or silly mistake/choice. Thanks Guys.

Rog.

[AIRWOLF]

Just get another bike , but make sure you get an electric start.

[MadWelshBiker]

By all means get another bike but in my opinion I would advise to get one with a kick starter, even if you have an electric boot. You wouldn't want to get stuck in the middle of nowhere with a failing battery and no kickstart would you. Ever tried bump starting in a bog?

[BIGROG]

By all means get another bike but in my opinion I would advise to get one with a kick starter, even if you have an electric boot. You wouldn't want to get stuck in the middle of nowhere with a failing battery and no kickstart would you. Ever tried bump starting in a bog?

So the concencous is, am FMX would be pants for offroad even with a change of tyres and wheels even though I would not want to be offroad 100% as I would use it for local trips and a bit of fun too???.

By the way, I like your taste in old landies, iv'e had loads in the past, V8s, V6s and standard and Lightweights, great fun, AWDC member until 1985 the I did my back in a trial... Still fancy another one tho, maybe a hybrid V8 this time...... Er sorry... back on topic Rog.

Rog

[Mudwiz]

Rog, you'd really knack the FMX up, sell it, and use the capital to pick up a half decent off roader, and save the rest for repairs!

Seriously though, the FMX is a Dommie with any off-road pretensions removed, your AT would be better in the mud. Decent XR250s come up from about 800 squid.

Then come and play.............

.

[BIGROG]

Rog, you'd really knack the FMX up, sell it, and use the capital to pick up a half decent off roader, and save the rest for repairs!

Seriously though, the FMX is a Dommie with any off-road pretensions removed, your AT would be better in the mud. Decent XR250s come up from about 800 squid.

Then come and play.............

.

Thanks for the qualified opinion, the only reservation I have with a true offroader is any long trips to offroad days would be a bit tuff on these old bones and also because of my height, the FMX is bearable for a good couple of hours with a fagstop

Rog

[beep]

I'd never consider this, the front suspension on the FMX is fairly harsh as it is. Change the front forks and rear shock and it might be a goer, however if I was serious I'd get the finished article like an XR or DRZ.

[BIGROG]

I'd never consider this, the front suspension on the FMX is fairly harsh as it is. Change the front forks and rear shock and it might be a goer, however if I was serious I'd get the finished article like an XR or DRZ.

Thank you Beep, all good points and worth considering, I am leaning towards an offroad hack at the mo but keeping my options very open.

Rog

[digitalcaptive]

I was thinking along the same lines roger but with an MZ Mastiff,
anyone got any thoughts on gentle off roading a Mastiff or does the same apply as your comments on the FMX idea

[beep]

I've not ridden the Mastiff - it depends on how good the front suspension is - the FMX is quite firm, with limited travel. Add to this the small front wheel and limited offroad tyre choice and it almost a non-starter. If I had a an SLR on the other hand - to me that looks a bit more suitable for offroad (bigger front wheel, long suspension travel etc).