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If there is one thing that is consistent in my life, it is that I will forever be adjusting my motorcycle stable.  Variety is supposed to be the spice of life.  I don’t know about that, but it is definitely the spice of motorcycle ownership.  The shuffle is happening again, but this time its on the dirt bike side. 

After much consideration and several rides, I am selling both of my dirt bikes.  I currently have a 2000 YZ426f (four-stroke) and a 2005 YZ250T (two-stroke).  I like both bikes in different applications but they must be ridden very differently to enjot them at speed.  Heh - the truth is that I am simply not talented enough to manage two completely different riding styles in my little head.

I bought the YZ250 back in November to get my hands on a bike that was more nimble in the single track trails.  Mission accomplished.  The trade-off was everything else suffered for my riding style…especially the washes.  The bike is much lighter and can be man-handled easier in the trails.  The problem is that its not happy in any other throttle position other than WFO.  I did add a flywheel weight, which flattened out the peakiness, but it still didn’t match my riding style so much.

After buying the YZ250, my thumper sat and collected dust…not the good kind of dust found in the trails, but the bad kind found in the garage.  Three weeks ago, I decided to take it out for old time sake.  Something happened.  Something clicked.  Or maybe I was suffering from vaginitis (ladies (both of you), please do not take insult to the previous statement as its meant to be self-depricating humor…if you’re a guy, that stuff is funny! :)  ).  I was riding that bike faster and with more confidence than I have ever ridden it before.  Instead of steering with the handle bars through the turns way too slowly, I was using the throttle and dirt-tracking that beeeotch like I stole it.  So I rode it again the following weekend.  Same results.  I had a total ball.

Last weekend, I decided that I would do a reality check and ride the two-stroke.  Things were definitely better than in the past.  Like I mentioned, something clicked and I was still riding the fast stuff faster than ever before.  But here was the death of my ownership of the YZ250 - I switched bikes with my buddy who has an ‘06 Honda CRF450R.  One word - WOW. 

The immediate back to back comparison was very telling and I knew that the four-strokes are my preferred weapon of choice.  It’s really a personal preference thing - kind of like the twin vs. inline-four debate.  I just seem to ride four-strokes in the trails better, and why fight it.

Sooooo….both dirt bikes are up for sale.  My intent is to replace the two bikes with a latest generation 2006+ Yamaha YZ450f and set it up for desert / trail riding.  I should be able to this as an even exchange.  I would consider a Honda, but all my gear is Yamaha blue.  My people…what would my people think if I didn’t match? 

SIDEBAR:  My wife just looked at me and said, “You’re doing what?  You just bought a dirt bike didn’t you”
Me:  Yep.
Her:  What’s wrong with this one?  (as she smiled)
Me:  Nothing.  Just changed my mind.
Her:  So you’re keeping your old one?
Me:  Nope.  Selling it too.
Her:  What?  You’re done riding dirt bikes?
Me:  Nope.  Gonna get a new one.  An even better one than I have.
Her:  Why?
Me:  Why not?
Me (seeing an opportunity):  I would liken it to your quest to find the perfect pair of jeans.  You try a bunch on, buy a few, be happy for a while, then eventually get a new pair.  The difference is that I actually sell what I replace.
Her:  (Gives me the middle finger with a look.)
Her:  Have fun. END SIDEBAR

I have a very good feeling that fiscal discipline will go out the door.  If history is any good indicator of the future, I will likely have the new replacement bike long before the others are sold.  But hey, what good is money if you can’t loan it to yourself every now and then!