The New Zealand designed FX lightweight (57 kg.) dirt-bikes have been around for a few years now. (
http://www.fxbikes.com/ )
I liked the concept a lot, but the use of lots of Downhill/Mountain bike components seemed a bit expensive & delicate for a full-sized,
mature age rider, such as myself. Just the front forks cost $2000 alone.
Years ago, I had a RM80H big-wheel, it was an absolute blast to ride in the bush.
So, I designed & build my own new lightweight, using readily available, S/H, ‘China Cheap’ components.
Wet weight is around 66 kg. with plenty of opportunity to lose some flab, check out the front disc.
Funny thing, FX has now come to the same conclusion. The 2015 FX5 uses trials and other motorcycle components.
The handlebars appear to be the only bicycle bits still in use. Weight is up a touch (60-62 kg.) depending on the Spec.
They will be built in Italy with prices ranging from US$4,000 - $12,000.
( info sources:
http://www.gizmag.com/fx-bikes-mountain-moto-fx5/30113/ and
http://www.fxbikes.com/ )
Here are the latest specs:
2015 FX5 Series | Specifications*• Weight (ready to ride): top end models starting at 60kg / 132lb
• Frame/swing-arm (chassis): Chrome Moly steel, tube and sheet down to 0.9mm (0.036?) wall thickness, TIG welded, made in Italy
• Suspension, front: trials motorcycle forks, 40mm stanchions, 165mm / 6.5? travel, by Formula’s Tech Suspension, made in Italy
• Suspension, rear: motocross/enduro motorcycle shock, coil spring, 165mm / 6.5? travel, top end models with Ohlins TTX36, Sweden.
• Engine: 4-stroke, single cylinder, 125cc (FX-Works 125cc engine makeover upgrade available on premium models.
150cc and Daytona-Japan 190cc upgrade kits available later)
• Transmission: 4-speed left-foot-shift (automatic clutch and manual clutch options)
• Carburetor: Mikuni
• Ignition: CDI, NGK spark plug, kick-start (easy on 125cc, decompression assist for Daytona 150-190cc)
• Exhaust/muffler: USFS-approved with spark arrester, industry standard 94dB loudness or less
• Tires, front and rear: Kenda 19? motocross/enduro 70/100-19
• Rims, front and rear: RK Takasago Excel motocross/enduro 19? x 1.40?, made in Japan
• Drive chain: RK Takasago Excel 420 motocross/enduro, made in Japan
• Brakes, front: Formula 4-piston hydraulic trials/enduro brake set, made in Italy, with trials motorcycle disc
• Brakes, rear: Formula 2-piston hydraulic trials/enduro brake set, made in Italy, with trials motorcycle disc
(left-hand control on auto-clutch models, right-foot control on manual-clutch models)
• Fuel capacity: 1.85 US gallons / 7 liters
• Fuel economy: 125cc up to 125mpg (est. max range 200 miles / 360 km)
• Maximum speed: 125cc estimated 60mph / 100km/h
• Wheelbase: 1350mm / 53? (similar to KTM Freeride 350)
• Seat height: 812mm / 32? (Honda CRF230 is considered low at 34?)
• Ground clearance: 300mm / 12? (similar to trials motorcycle)
• Seat to footpeg distance: 512mm / 20? (similar to KTM Freeride 350)
• Rider to handlebar reach: (similar to KTM Freeride 350)
* Final specifications subject to change.
My Comments:Only 6.5” travel F&R with 40mm tubes seems a bit ‘tame’ by post ’75 standards.
I notice also, that they have returned the engine back to a more horizontal position than the earlier bikes had.
It looked ‘cooler’ before (ie. less Postie), but would have raised the C.o.G. and probably messed up Mr Honda’s oiling system,
and that’s never a good idea.
I would find a fully street registerable one, for around say AU$3,000, very appealing.
But for US$12,000!!….Well, as Dr Hibbert says:
“Hillbillies would like to be known as ‘Sons of the Soil’…...but it Aint Gonna Happen!”
Cheers, Daryl.
P.S. Perhaps something (nicely) built around a Postie bike Compliance Plate could be a way to go?
Or a big wheel, big bore SL70……or I maybe I could just finish the big-wheel TC90 in the shed.
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