2006 Dirt Rider 24-Hour Torture Test: The Editor's Picks

The Dirt Rider staff and test riders give their top picks from the 2006 Dirt Rider 24-Hour Torture Test. See how each of the testers voted and why as they each give their top five picks. Also enjoy a few more bonus photos from the event.

Did you get a chance to read the full test? Our June issue is hitting newsstands now. Pick one up to see the full test on the 15 different dirt bikes entered in the Torture Test, each equipped with the best in off-road and aftermarket accesories and technology.

Jesse Ziegler
Montana Fury

1st Thumper Racing KTM 570
The Thumper Racing 570 provided the best combination of off-road characteristics, and that's why it's my number one. Its powerplant is solid from off-idle to full throttle, its suspension was rave-worthy and it failed to disappoint in any ergonomic area. It was smooth and sweet. I could work this bike up the biggest, nastiest rock gardens or cruise downhill single-track with ease. It started easily, never overheated and was a constant performer through everything I threw at it. To cap it off, all of this off-road goodness came wrapped in what is undeniably the manliest bike of the event.

2nd Husaberg FE550
The Husaberg and Thumper bikes have been flip-flopping for the top spot in my head since I first rode them. The breaking point? The overall weirdness I experience when I ride the 'Berg. The Husaberg has an insane motor. It's a 550 so that should give a clue. As far as tractor-pulling power, it can't be beat. Also, for a stock bike, this suspension was superb. You can ride this bike more aggressively than any other stock off-road bike, and you will be happily rewarded with predictable, smooth suspension. Also, for a 550 this bike feels extremely light thanks to the extra boost from the motor. But the tank is a little wide, my right foot rubs on the countershaft sprocket (because the chain's on the "wrong" side) and it's not pretty to look at.

3rd Dicks Racing KTM 300 XC
My two-stroke love, which I once thought to be lost forever, is officially back with the two KTMs in the shootout. I can't get over how much fun these bikes are to ride. They're light, they rip and are so easy to start you don't need the battery and button. Also great about the Dicks bike is a supple suspension feel that makes me want to ride for days on end (oh, wait, I already did that for this test). In fact, since I rode so much in such a limited amount of time, I found myself being attracted to the most comfortable, easy-to-ride bikes in the test, and the Dicks bike was the third one I'd go for after being beaten to the 570 and the Husaberg

4th Enduro Engineering KTM 335 XC-W
I could call it a tie between this and the Dick's bike but (A) I don't need the extra oomph! the 35cc gives me and (B) I will take the better suspension of the Dick's bike over more ponies any day. And the Dick's bike is better looking. But, then again, this is more of a value. Oh damn, I'm screwed now. OK, it's a tie. No it's not; I like the Dick's bike better. Yep, Dick's third, this fourth. For real.

5th Team Green Kawasaki KX250F Trail
This gets in the top five because it's the best at accomplishing the most difficult task. The custom, yet uber-functional, add-ons the Team Green wrenches threw together to make this motocross machine a capable off-roader are so impressive I guarantee aftermarket companies and the Kawasaki factory in Japan are taking notice. Add the fact that the bike was ultra-quiet, comfortable and another insanely gorgeous example of today's off-movement, and you've got a top-fiver for sure.

Chris Denison
Freestyle Carny

1st Enduro Engineering KTM 335 XC-W
To pick a winner out of all the 24-hour test bikes, I probably could have drawn a name out of a hat and been completely satisfied. But in doing things the old fashioned way, my favorite bike ended up being the Enduro Engineering KTM 335. Light, solid and with a motor that makes you take the hardest lines on the trail, the 335 did it all for me. I spent an entire day switching between the 335 and a trio of four-strokes, and I just could not bring myself to being tempted by push-button starting over solid ponies. As far as an overall package, this would be the first bike that I would add to my friends list were it on MySpace.com (and if it posted seductive photos of itself).

2nd Precision Concepts Honda CRF450X
My second choice goes to the Precision Concepts CRF450X. There is something about race bikes that I like, especially race bikes that handle well and ooze power. I have always had a blast on big-bores, something about having tons of power on hand inspires a lot of confidence. I did things on this suspension that would have put me over the bar on a stock bike. In addition, this is a CRF450, which we know to be more reliable than an old, old wooden ship. Well done, PC.

3rd Team Green Kawasaki KX250F Trail
Next on my list is a crossover, the KX250F. I originally had this bike pegged as my pick to win, but I spent just a little too long pushing it over double-black-diamond sections for it to take the cake (darn you, Jimmy!). Still, I feel that Kawasaki copied my ideal setup when it constructed the 250: tight handling and controls, responsive motor and a powerband that must be pushed around to go fast on. For me, the KX250F would make a great personal bike... pending that I wouldn't take it sledding with Lewis anymore.

4th Thumper Racing KTM 570
Looking just past the podium is the Thumper racing KTM 570. In freestyle-speak, this bike is gnarly, sick, wicked, twisted, radical, punk rock and (insert obscenity-hiding beeping sound here). Plus, I love anything that is held together with duct tape. In all seriousness, I was surprised by how ridable the 570 was in tight sections, and having that much power anywhere was amazing. Add a nimble KTM chassis, and the Thumper is one solid pumpkin.

5th Leo Vince Honda CRF302X
Lastly, the Leo Vince Honda 302 is my fifth choice. A great bike and I loved the engine, but I could have done without the Rekluse and the rigid suspension. I think this motor has a ton of potential—and the exhaust works really well—but there was something about it that didn't suit how I ride a bike. As a side note here, I need to mention that I was super-impressed with every bike in the shootout, and I am more than optimistic about the future of off-road equipment. Yee-haw!

Dick Burleson
4 x 2

1st Enduro Engineering KTM 335 XC-W
No need for a button, starts easily, has great torque, doesn't vibrate and is respectably quiet. The chassis is great, with a forward-slanted seat and a narrow gas tank. The suspension settings were compliant, comfortable and yet capable of race speeds. My steed of choice among this group.

2nd Dicks Racing KTM 300 XC
As with the EE bike, I prefer the lightness of the two-strokes. The chassis is stiff, the gas tank narrow and the seat perfect for sitting and standing. Dicks suspension settings were very good, compliant and controlled. The motor was more desert-style racey, with more emphasis on top power than torque. The stock motor was a little harder to start than the EE bike and, overall, more West Coast–oriented.

3rd Husaberg FE550
Of all the four-strokes, the 'Berg has the most fun combination of big power and light weight. It just makes me grin and gas it. Having rid themselves of most of the gremlins of the past (now that the bikes are manufactured by KTM), the Husabergs boast immense power, with tons of torque to mid and raging top. What's so cool is how friendly the power delivery is. In addition, the suspension settings were exceptional, being great in the whoops and comfortable if not a little soft in the front on the trail, especially for stock components. Intake noise is huge though, and it vibrates a little too much for some of the testers. I love the forward-slanting seat, which helped me stay forward with this much power to contend with. It just makes me grin to ride it.

4th Team Green Kawasaki KX250F Trail
With its surprising power output, this bike was really fun to ride. The six-speed transmission gave it more range, and the power output was shockingly friendly for a sharp-edged motocross motor. Also, the overall noise level was where all bikes should be, quiet in the scientific test and during real world riding. Holding it back slightly the rear-slanting seat and slightly wide gas tank, but the chassis is solid, and the suspension settings were very good off road, providing good traction, comfort and control at speed. The lack of electric start is a big issue for sure and contributed to holding this bike back in my ratings.

5th Precision Concepts Honda CRF450X
Combining a very strong motor and a balanced and compliant suspension, this bike was pretty impressive. The stock gas tank didn't intrude on the cockpit so bad, and unlike the other Honda entries, this one was decently planted in the front end. The exhaust note was unacceptably barky while riding—a result, no doubt, from this powerplant making such great power. As I said before, I don't like the rear-slanting seats as they tire out my arms, but nonetheless, the bike was an impressive effort.

Jimmy Lewis
El Presidente

1st Husaberg FE550
I talked myself in and out of this choice so many times I can't remember, but when the prices came in I thought this bike was worth the extra $1,000 over the other bikes based solely on engine performance, and since the suspension and handling were straight up my alley, all I ended up doing was the small stuff to lightly customize it. I could do any kind of off-road racing on it, especially out West. Downs: Turning radius, worsened by the radiator grills (fixable), and the slightly heavy feel compared to smaller bikes. Aftermarket parts availability might be a little weak—especially, a larger gas tank.

2nd KTM 450 EXC
This bike falls into second because it is the best all-around trailbike. The tamer characteristics seem as if they will fit a lot more riders than the XC would, even in racing applications for all but A-level riders. I'd race it in enduros and trail ride the wheels off it. Plus, KTM has made some pretty good upgrades from last year that keeps it ahead of the pack in a field of stagnated stock competition. Downs: A little springy and a loose and slightly vague front wheel feel (though this is better than last year and it truly works well in a lot of conditions)

3rd Thumper Racing KTM 570
This bike flip-flops with the Husaberg for the win in my book. Its motor is incredible, and it could easily dominate over the 450 EXC if there wasn't the price difference. In fact, I could selectively choose a lot of stuff and lower the price, but there wasn't one thing on the bike that didn't deserve to be there. It is really well-thought-out. Downs: Heavier feeling largely due to more muscular power.

4th KTM 450 XC Akrapovic/Hard Parts
Aside from the pipe, cam and the heat shield, this was another stock KTM. The orange men nailed it with this bike, and it could have easily been on top if I didn't feel so strongly about how much I like (and I feel a lot of our readers do too) trail riding, where this modded XC is just a tad aggressive. If for one second I took my racing more seriously this bike would be the top choice for out West or anyplace that has faster racing. The cam was a little too much for me but this bike just plain hauled ass even in the company of the larger bikes. Downs: The stiffer suspension is a little jarring on the trails or when not pushing at race pace. The cam made great bottom torque, but when the bike came on the pipe, it was a little hard to control in the really technical stuff.

5th Enduro Engineering 335 XC-W
Here is a case of regional bias, and I'm glad we had Dick on the vote to balance us here. If I were riding in areas where I never used fourth or fifth gear, this bike could and most likely would jump to first, taking the Dicks 300 (my 6th choice) with it. I thought every mod on this bike was well-thought-out and made a difference worth the cost. It did just what it was intended to do and did it well. This was like a bigger version of my LMS KTM 200, so I'd throw a trials tire on it and hit the trails! Downs: Kickstarting, no top or sixth gear.

Karel Kramer
He's Tall

1st Thumper Racing KTM 570
Can I just say lovable and luggable? No? OK, this bike fit me physically with a roomy riding position. It melted my mind with power perfection in both quantity and quality. Add suspension that was second only to the Dicks Racing 300, garnish with Scotts damper, a cooling fan and a catch tank, and I'm ready to ride.

2nd Enduro Engineering KTM 335 XC-W
I consider this a virtual tie with the Dicks 300. I loved both bikes, but the EE one was set up for Lafferty, so it fits me better. The 335 engine is just awesome, but I worry that it might be a little zippy in slippery conditions. I see where EE is going with the tree-dodging suspension setup, but the rear is just a bit resistant to movement for me. Riding Michelins with mousses installed was a revelation. How can foam rubber and grease work better than air?

3rd Dicks Racing KTM 300 XC
This bike feels as if it is made for a long, nasty, technical race. I rode it at a Soboba trail ride, and it erased the hackiest downhill braking chop completely! I love this suspension, and the GPR stabilizer worked fine. I'd take it with a stock power valve spring, but I would ride this bike anywhere tight and tough.

4th KTM 450 EXC
If I was accurately reflecting my actual financial status with this voting, this bike probably would have placed first for me. This bike needs a 13-tooth countershaft sprocket, hand guards, an Enduro Engineering firm seat and my rear end on that seat. Then I could get back to the truck before dark—so who cares about the headlight?

5th Leo Vince Honda CRF302X
What a fun little bike. This was the best set up Rekluse clutch I've ever ridden with, but I love the auto-clutch for big four-strokes. I'd rather have the normal clutch for this bike. Now that I think of it, though, a normal clutch might slip with this much power on tap!

Ryan Hanna
Real Rider

1st Thumper Racing KTM 570
This bike was my favorite, not just because the motor had tons and tons of power, but because it had the most versatile and usable power. The suspension was very nice and soaked up all the chop. I also liked the top-quality controls on it, from the nice hand guards to the Scotts stabilizer. To me, it had the most comfortable ergos with a tall-enough bar and pegs set down low. Overall, it provided a very comfortable riding position for average to taller riders.

2nd KTM 450 EXC
The most comfortable off-road platform in a stock bike, its engine was very potent and the six-speed tranny was awesome. It pulled and lugged like some of the open-class, fully modified bikes. The standing position was the most comfortable for taller riders like me. But, hey, this is a stocker with a lot of customizing potential. All of the stock hardware is top-notch, though KTM could put a brighter head light on it.

3rd Team Green Kawasaki KX250F Trail
This bike was a lot of fun: easy to kickstart, great components, a strong 250F motor and great stability made it a suitable bike for off-road. The bike seemed to stick really well in the rock washes and up the waterfalls (no doubt thanks to the trials tire), and it chugged adequately down low but was happiest in the mid to upper range. All in all, the fun factor and the addition of useful custom components made it my third pick.

4th Precision Concepts Honda CRF450X
From the minute that you crack the throttle, you can feel that this bike was not made to go slow. It screamed. And the suspension was set with the same mindset as the motor: The faster you went, the sweeter it worked. So much so that it even became a little too harsh for some of the rock waterfalls I was tackling. When I had to slow down for drop-offs, it seemed to bounce off the little stuff instead of sticking. As long as the pace was up, this bike was one of the most compliant in the test.

5th KTM 450 XC
With a great motor for hauling in tighter sections, it was clear the XC was a lot snappier than its EXC cousin. However, the suspension seemed a little on the soft side for how fast the motor wanted to go. For some reason, I just couldn't get along with the XC package, but I'm sure it will be a top three pick for some of the other testers.

Derek Steahly
The Dirty Commuter

1st Thumper Racing KTM 570
This one made me the most excited over a single bike since I started riding! The power delivery is so good and fast and super-tractable. The suspension soaked up everything and gave the bike a super-stable feel. I just didn't feel as if I could make a mistake on it. That is, except blowing through a corner at Mach 12.

2nd Leo Vince Honda CRF302X
I love the stock 250X, and the 302 makes it that much more fun. It is also versatile. I can race it, trail ride it or mark a course with it. But most important: I can have fun on it.

3rd KTM 450 XC Akrapovic/Hard Parts
This would probably be my pick for my personal race bike that does off-road and motocross. It got better the faster you rode it. I could pretty much do anything on this bike.

4th KTM 450 EXC
This really is a complete package. A little soft for racing, but it is still the least expensive bike in the test. Best value!

5th Husaberg FE550
It is a riot. The motor is awesome, super-strong and fast but controllable. And it is feels light for a big four-stroke. The awkward gas tank and soft suspension held it back for me.

2006 Dirt Rider 24-Hour Torture Test Final Points Standings
(After 7 top-5 votes)
1. Thumper Racing KTM 570 (138/4 wins)
2. Enduro Engineering KTM 335 XC-W (106/2 wins)
3. Husaberg FE550e (83/1 win)
4. KTM 450 EXC (80)
5. Team Green Kawasaki KX250F Trail (74)
6. Dicks Racing KTM 300 XC (62)
7. Precision Concepts Honda CRF450X (56)
8. (TIE) Leo Vince Honda CRF302X/
   KTM 450 XC Akrapovic/Hard Parts