dirt bike vs FJ

B. Rock [OP] · 08-31-2010, 10:14 AM

Just a thought:

So if you can get a decent trail bike (dirt bike) for $2-3k or less these days, why mod an FJ to go the same places? The bike can probably run the same trails much faster, with less breakage, and if you do break something - it's most likely cheaper to fix. I suppose the perks to the FJ would be that you can travel longer distances and haul much more equipment, but in order to even run some similar trails would require more $$ in mods to the FJ than you would see in the cost of the bike. At some point the FJ will be able to go up things the bike won't, but as an off the cuff guess I'd say that's not until you hit 35's and lockers. Just something I was debating last night as I was looking at doing some more work to the FJ and scoping out craigslist at bikes. Any thoughts here are welcome and I'm just trying to see people's opinions. I love wheeling my FJ but I also am a recent homeowner so funds aren't as plentiful as they once were so I'm wondering if a dirt bike might not be a more financially sensible option to motorized off roading.

PWROFGRAYSKULL · 08-31-2010, 10:28 AM

I've had all of those same thoughts as well. I love trails in my FJ, however instead of putting even more money into it for 35's and gears, etc. I got an ATV. I love both worlds. On our last trip we were amazed at how fast we could run trails with ATVs as compared to our trucks. Downside is that you still have to have a way to get them to the trailhead. We ended up running mild trails in the FJ and harder trails with the ATVs on our trip to Moab and it worked out perfect.

**VT_RainMan** · 08-31-2010, 11:02 AM

I hear what you are saying. But, try to strap a tent, cooler, sleeping bags, etc. on a bike. Take your dirtbike out in the rain, snow, and whatever weather. It's just a better expedition vehicle.

But ultimately, 4x4'ng is a sport... its like saying, why buy equipment to go skiing, when you can just use a sled.

Personally, I'm strapping my bike to my FJ. That makes more sense to me.

tibaal89 · 08-31-2010, 11:14 AM

Well, why would you use a dirt bike when you could mountain bike all those places?

It's just a different activity, a different sport if you view it that way. The challenges are different, the skills are different - physically and mentally. It's just... different. I guess what I'm trying to say is that it's different.

tomwill55 · 08-31-2010, 11:19 AM

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I hear what you are saying. But, try to strap a tent, cooler, sleeping bags, etc. on a bike. Take your dirtbike out in the rain, snow, and whatever weather. It's just a better expedition vehicle. "

x2

CanadaFJ · 08-31-2010, 12:05 PM

Heck - forget everything and just hike the trails! But hiking boots are expensive compared to plain old sneaks, so maybe I will just stay home.......

Yes - sarcasm is needed to read this post!

But like others have mentioned, the FJ is more of an all year round vehicle, hauls my trailer to the campgrounds, where I can park my 'portable home', then do the trails, etc. All vehicles have their intended purposes, bikes included, but the FJ, for me anyways, is the only way to travel!

sdiver78 · 08-31-2010, 12:08 PM

I've had the same thoughts about riding trails with my atv versus the FJ. It's all about what works best for you. I have fun with my atv, we (my wife and little girl) have fun with the FJ.

B. Rock [OP] · 08-31-2010, 12:27 PM

I wasn't saying ditch the FJ altogether, as it'd make a pretty good bike tow rig. I can strap everything I need to it or keep it locked up inside of it and go play on the bike(s), even though that does require picking up a trailer or hitch mount as well.

I do agree there is a huge difference between biking a trail and driving a trail - each with its own pro's and con's. The FJ is definitely more 'family friendly' (and dog friendly) and less stressful on the body.

Yes - I do mountain bike these trails as well

It comes down to personal preference on what people enjoy the most and what makes sense the them but it seems I'm not the only one that's had this thought as well. Still not sure which side of the fence I'm on, but either way it gets you out there on trail

**VT_RainMan** · 08-31-2010, 12:36 PM

Some trails are designated bike, atv, snowmobile, and 4x4 only. Legally, I can go more places with a 4x4... unless I have a bike that is registered, insured, and inspected for on-road use.

But, then it wouldn't be a dirt bike.

B. Rock [OP] · 08-31-2010, 02:00 PM

I've seen a number of dirt bikes out here registered as on road vehicles (usually a KTM 600 or similiar), but having lived on the east coast the majority of my life I will also say the vehicle restrictions out here in CO are definitely different than back yonder, as are the trails.