Hey guys, it's still a ways out but I would like to buy a dirtbike. I am not looking to buy anything too spendy since it'll be my first, what's a good one to start? 150, 250, 450? I was thinking maybe a 250? I ride a f4i and have pretty good throttle control so I think I could ride one safely... maybe?? Would like one with good power that after I get the hang of it, I could start trying wheelies on her... Just for fun, no other reasons except for I like wheelies! So please any info would be sweet! Thanks!!!

 

I've been riding a year and some change now (sportbikes) and I just recently got into dirtbiking. I first rode my gfs yamaha ttr125 and while it is LIKE a sportbike it is very different. I am 6'1 160 lbs and that little bike scoots with me on it. A couple weeks ago I bought a kawasaki ke100 for $200 and that is a blast also. You have a different kind of fun on a dirtbike. I have a fairly large friend and he has a ttr230 and its powerful. Just look around and do a little bit of research

 

Hey:

Depends on your size, a CR125 is not a great starter bike, and really not great if your 6'4 300 lbs then you need a 400 -650, just to have the same fun, a 160lbs on a 125 would have.
Just don't get a too heavy a bike, other than that find something you can afford to crash and still get parts for. xr200 is a good bike to start with for many folks IMHO.

Dub

 

Ok thanks for the replies guys! I'll start the search for something around 100 then. I too am not a very big guy at all, 5'9 165 lbs, and ya lance I'm aware of it being a different ride compared to my f4i as I rode an 80?? a few years back. I'll see what I can score for cheap in the next year...

 

What type of riding do you want to do? Woods riding on trails, MX, forest service roads? For your size, if you are looking at a trails bike I would suggest a CRF230F. This will have enough power and low gearing to match up with your size.

If you are looking for more of MX bike then go with a CRF250R. More maintenance required for MX bikes but the suspension is worlds better. I would avoid the older 2 strokes as they will foul plugs and require frequent top end kits. In addition, Honda stopped making them in 2007 so now the are getting a bit old.

 

What kind of riding do you want to do? Trails? Track?

 

I would stay far away from anything that small youre too tall for a ttr 125, i've ridden and raced dirtbikes for a long time and just recently got into sportbikes. If I were you i'd look for an older kawasaki KDX if you get one in decent shape it won't foul plugs or require frequent top ends just as long as you maintain it. The crf 230 wouldn't be a bad bike either but they'll be more expensive if you're on a budget.

 

get a CR500 awesome bike ! period theres nothing like the big bore 2smokes!

 

I've still got my '02 CR250 I bought new and I've never fouled a plug. Top end rebuild kit's (aftermarket) only around 90 bucks from Honda east Toledo. Only thing I've ever had trouble with is two RC valve (servo operated power valve) cables snapped. Love my CR.