go for a DR650, XT660, KLR650 or maybe a DRZ400 or a low use watercooled XR650 from a couple years ago.
knowing what i know now after rebuilding a 07 KTM450 EXC for its 90hr service i wouldnt recommend a KTM 4 stroke unless you have got a big wallet or can do labour yourself at least and use afternmarket parts which is what. KTM big end kit just under $900 vs Pro X which was roughly half price. The big ends are on their way out after only 7000km's and also main bearings need replacing, inlet valves also stuffed. This was only for a easy going weekend and DSRMA rider who's religious with oil and filter changes after suffering several blow ups on Yams and doesnt flog the bike so he didnt want to risk it with his KTM as he had previously learnt the hardway from neglecting the factory maintenance schedules. initially i was really skeptical of KTM's strict service schedule and thought it was all BS, as if you need to change the big end and all engine bearings after 90 hours But sure enough i found the KTM service schedule to be spot on, and the main bearings and big end did need replacing. the Bore and rings were FINE though. You could MAYBE push it to another 90 hours on the big end but i personally would not risk it, it would be playing russian roulette. i would not buy a used one unless the onwer could provide evidence of servicing to KTM's service schedule. With 1.2 liters of oil, all those high revs and the power they produce, there is just not the same life in the engine like the old 4 strokes. The sort of wear i saw on the big end is what i would expect to see on a TT or XR after 15-20 years of use.
Someone told me the otherday about his mate who has a new KLX450. The big end was stuffed after 80 hours. He complained to the Kawasaki dealer and they said 80 hours is the normal life for the KLX big end
