Any 4-stroke based platform will be pretty forgiving on the trails.
The 300EXC isn't bad, except the two-stroke engine.

I'm a Yamaha fanboy, so I'd recommend the YZF250/YZF450. Also easy to legalize for road use.

the wr/ttr series would be better suited to trails. NN high riding mx bike! lol

2008 + ktm 300xcw would be nice

The YZFis Aluminum frame though and you can throw it every which direction. Super nice and helps with the armpump, not sure on the TTR - but IIRC the TTR is only a 225 for top CC? He'd have to go into the WR category for a higher CC

Cant get more reliable than an xr250.

The WR is aluminum frame after 05. They have different cams and gearing to give tgem more low end and smoother power. The suspension is set up for woods riding in stock form, electric start etc. Clip the grey wire going to the cdi and they default to the yz timing map. The 250 makes plenty of power for anyone under 250lbs.


The exc 300 is designed to be a woods bike. Its 2 stroke but its smooth and torquey. Its also a ktm so I cant condone that haha. TTRs are intermediate bikes.