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Dirtbikes

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DirtyMick
Posts: 1496 - Karma: 21
Yo, I'm thinking of picking up a used dirtbike for entertaining me this summer.

Wondering if any of you have any experience with them and if I could get some info from you.

I'm 6'4", 195-200lbs. I'm looking for something semi cheap, but not a fixer-upper because I'm terrible with mechanics.  Wondering what size(cc), brand, etc. that would be best for a beginner like myself.

Pretty much for just riding trails and rallying around. Not going to race it or anything.

Anyway, hit me back if you have any info.
May 4 2009 8:45PM
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Goku
Posts: 8119 - Karma: 4,223
easy to work on and wont kill u with power yz 125
ill invite u 2 moto cult
May 4 2009 8:47PM
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Phill.
Posts: 1149 - Karma: 37
yeah my honda crf 150 fits that description

looking to upgrade to a yamaha wr 250 f though...
May 4 2009 9:53PM
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Goku
Posts: 8119 - Karma: 4,223
crf 150 has nowhere near enough power especially if its an f not an r
May 4 2009 9:55PM
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Phill.
Posts: 1149 - Karma: 37
eh, what the thread creator wants it for... and they arnt to expensive...
May 4 2009 9:57PM
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Goku
Posts: 8119 - Karma: 4,223
hes 6'4 and 200 pounds, ive ridden that bike and im 5'10 195 and that bike wont even wheelie, he says he wants to ride trails and i dont think he could on such a small bike
May 4 2009 9:59PM
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Broha-X-Press
Posts: 758 - Karma: 59

i would say pick up a used 250 2 stroke.  Lots of power and if anything does go wrong, easy and cheap fix

May 4 2009 10:01PM
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Wilcox_
Posts: 240 - Karma: 159
crf 150 is tiny for him are you kidding.get a honda 230. not a 2 storke or a 4 stroke race if u want it for trails and riding around.
May 4 2009 10:02PM
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Phill.
Posts: 1149 - Karma: 37
ah.... good call on the on his size... didnt consider that... im 5-10 165 and can pop an okay wheelie, its pretty manueverable, even though its small... all well we are upgrading to the yamaha so its all good...
May 4 2009 10:03PM
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Goku
Posts: 8119 - Karma: 4,223
nice and reliable, quiet, no maintinence, and fun around the house
May 4 2009 10:05PM
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bermbuster49
Posts: 7445 - Karma: 90
whats a dirt bike?
May 4 2009 11:07PM
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Calvin.
Posts: 771 - Karma: 10
Get a 4-stroke 250. definitely the right bike for you.
A 2-stroke is harder to learn on because of the power curve, 4 strokes are smoother and easier for beginners but it will definitely keep you happy when you become more advanced.
May 4 2009 11:37PM
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3rdgearpinned
Posts: 338 - Karma: 18

You'll want a used 4 stroke like you want the swine flu. They have twice as many moving parts as a two stroke and require more up keep and if your buying used, it's just a time bomb waiting to go off.

If you want to get in the sport cheap, get a 250 two stroke, simple mods like a flywheel weight or regearing it can make them very beginner friendly. Drop me a message if you have any more questions, I could on for days. I've been riding along time and now race the pro class at local events and I'd gladly answer your questions.

May 4 2009 11:48PM
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armadajj09
Posts: 337 - Karma: 11
I am 5ft8in and ride a YZ 250F, its perfect. check that bike out
May 4 2009 11:51PM
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Calvin.
Posts: 771 - Karma: 10
as ong as its no more than 5 or 6 years old and has been taken care of the 4 stroke will be fine
May 5 2009 12:09AM
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skier_07
Posts: 326 - Karma: 51
if your not going to ride moto cross tracks and jump dont get a 2-stroke.. 4 strokes are a ton better on trails. this is why trail bikes have been 4 strokes for a long time and motocross bikes are just turning that way.

as the guy said before a crf230 would be great for trails. Another good bike would be a crf250x (not the r which stands for race) the X is specifically designed for trails and has the suspension set up for them. That being said it will jump fine if you want to. I just wouldnt want to nail a 50 footer on it. You could also look at the older Honda trail bikes which are all 4 stroke and are designated with XR (XR 200, XR400 etc)

I know the most about Honda's because that is what me and alot of my friends have had.

KTM makes a verygood and reliable bike but they are a little more expensive. They have by far the largest selection of trail bikes. They designate these with XC and EXC. KTM originated in Europe where enduro (trail) racing is huge so they have developed bikes that excel at trail riding and are very user friendly in those areas.

Yamaha's trail bikes include TTR 230's and WR250F's. The WR's are the trail version of their motocross bike much like the CRF250X in honda.

Kawasaki's trail bikes are designated with KLX (KLX250s and KLX 300R).

Now if you are wating a motocross bike to take to the local track and mess around with then that is a whole different ball game and you would want to look at a whole different class of bike.

Hope this helps some.
May 5 2009 12:12AM
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Goku
Posts: 8119 - Karma: 4,223
A 250f would be the biggest mistake of your life if you want a bike you dont have to work on
May 5 2009 7:12AM
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Dick_Squandel
Posts: 737 - Karma: 10
Ive been riding for almost ten years now and just had to sell my bike to go away to school. In my experience 2-strokes make just as good trail bikes as 4-strokes. with that said the easiest trail bike Ive ever had was a TTR-250 it had electric start and was pretty easy to wrestle around.

the most fun trail bike I had was probably my CR-125, 2-strokes are super light and snappy, making them really easy to fly through trails, and as long as you get used to clutching and shifting at the right time they make excellent trail bikes. but the aren't for the faint of heart.

another really good trail was my XR-400 I had it when I was 12 so it was a buit too much power and weight for me but none the less alot of fun.

if I were you I would get a two stroke, much cheaper and I truly believe they make you a much better rider because they are harder to ride than a lazy ass 4-stroke. With a 2-stroke you actually have to shift and clutch where as with a 4-stroke you can stay in third all day.
May 5 2009 9:38AM
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OhioRiderSPK5
Posts: 968 - Karma: 24
i have been racing motocross for bout six years now. Im 16 an 5'8 130 lbs an i ride a kxf 250f. If i wanted i could still ride the 85 class but i got real bored with the competition. Somebody ur size could easily fit on a 250f. Race bike not no trail bike cause them suck balls. If u really want get a Ktm 230f. Its a race bike an a lil more powerful then a normal 250f
May 5 2009 11:56AM
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DirtyMick
Posts: 1496 - Karma: 21
Nice. thanks for all the info and input guys!

I'm thinking I should go for around a 250cc because of my size...

I like the idea of less upkeep and mechanical work, so a 2stroke might be the way for me to go.

I've heard bad things about kawasaki(sp?) but good things about Yamaha and Honda.
May 5 2009 4:27PM
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OhioRiderSPK5
Posts: 968 - Karma: 24

My kawasaki runs great. Hardly ever have to work on it besides changing the oil an what not. An if ur wantin it for trail riding an messing around deff get a 4 stroke so u dont bog an shit goin through woods

May 5 2009 5:19PM
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Goku
Posts: 8119 - Karma: 4,223
four stroke would be a mechanical nightmare tho, he says he wants something easy to work on so 2 stroke, and they do not suck in trails
May 5 2009 6:49PM
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armadajj09
Posts: 337 - Karma: 11
I dont have issues with mine. 
May 5 2009 8:12PM
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Goku
Posts: 8119 - Karma: 4,223
how often do you ride it and what kind of ridding do you do?
May 5 2009 8:54PM
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DirtyMick
Posts: 1496 - Karma: 21
How about a 1995 CR125R that needs a new clutch?

And how easy is a clutch to put in?
May 5 2009 9:06PM
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Goku
Posts: 8119 - Karma: 4,223
it all depends on how much hes asking for it, clutch plates is about a $100 job and its pretty easy if you have a manual
May 5 2009 9:21PM
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tBatt
Posts: 9632 - Karma: 580
Honestly I'd say stay away from a two stroke. If its your first bike, you may not be able to handle a 250. Plus they are TERRIBLE on gas. If you go ride trails for 2 hours on a two stroke you'll be done with a tank of gas. Something like a Yamaha TTR-250 will last you about four times that long. And whoever was saying stuff about not shifting or whatever, you will have to shift plenty, but timing and stuff isnt as critical as on a two stroke. Two strokes are notorious for needing top end rebuilds, and if you buy from someone who beat on their bike a lot (125/250 two strokes), they willl most likely need a top end rebuild in the near future. Even old four strokes are pretty reliable.
May 5 2009 9:21PM
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DirtyMick
Posts: 1496 - Karma: 21
He's asking $1200. However, I looked it up and it's only worth $565 max. The bike has a dent in the pipe,  needs a new grip on the handle bar and a new clutch. I'm gonna offer like $350-$400 cash and see if he goes for it i think.
May 5 2009 9:30PM
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Goku
Posts: 8119 - Karma: 4,223
alright, dont pay over $600 for it tho
May 5 2009 9:43PM
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DirtyMick
Posts: 1496 - Karma: 21
Word.
May 5 2009 9:50PM
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ski_ENDUB
Posts: 2535 - Karma: 86
NO, hell no, a 95 thats damn near 15 years old. ancient. what you need to do is go to a motorcycle shop and talk to somebody who actually knows whats up, say you're looking at getting into it and ask about certain things you should look at when looking into a used bike
May 5 2009 10:32PM
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Goku
Posts: 8119 - Karma: 4,223
dawg he just wants a bike to get started on and maybe ride some trails, i have a buddy that races a class on a 1994 xr400. year means nothing as long as its maintained right, anyways he probly doesnt want to spend a lot of $ if it ends up him not liking the sport
May 5 2009 10:34PM
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skithesprings
Posts: 9086 - Karma: 1,349

im gonna just throw this out there, KTM 200 EXC is by far the best enduro-race bike i have ever ridden. sooo lightweight and absolutely rips on trails and can deff hold its own on the track.

keep in mind, by enduro-race, i mean MX style bike, its pretty much the factory 125 race bike with a different pipe and 75 extra cc's

May 5 2009 10:42PM
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Goku
Posts: 8119 - Karma: 4,223
yes... i have a 300 and i love it
May 5 2009 11:10PM
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bermbuster49
Posts: 7445 - Karma: 90
you should feel the new 300's, feel just as light with sooo much more power.


but i'm gonna have to say....ktm 250 XCF


FTW

Curly Fern Part 2 from Jarod Kulp on Vimeo.



obviously it pwns on trails haha =]
May 5 2009 11:51PM
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schwab
Posts: 461 - Karma: 232
moto cult? invite please
May 6 2009 12:11AM
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Goku
Posts: 8119 - Karma: 4,223
what camera do you hae, its great
May 6 2009 7:27AM
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HeartBeatFaster
Posts: 723 - Karma: 26
What is your price range? I know you said cheap so that may limit out a lot of the bikes listed. Also you should probably keep in mind that these are dirt bikes and will need some mechanical love at sometime if it is being ridden often. This thread could go on forever arguing about 2 and 4 strokes but throw us out a price range and we could go from there. And unless the dude with the 95 CR125 takes like $500, don't buy it. I see nice 2000-2001 Cr125s for around $1000-$1400 all of the time. Don't get an aluminum frame Honda older than that though.
May 6 2009 11:30AM
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D-HAWK
Posts: 890 - Karma: 10

listen to this kid

he knows his shit

and whoever said 2 stroke your just silly stupid

May 6 2009 11:56AM
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DirtyMick
Posts: 1496 - Karma: 21
Word.

Loving all the responses seeing as I'm n00b in the dirt bike department.

I really didn't want to spend more then $1500-$2000. But I figured I could start REAL cheap if I pick up this '95 125cr for less then $500. I was gonna offer him $400 cash to see what he does.

Seems like a lot of people that should be selling their shit for the price range you said, are always overpricing it. I look every craigslist post up on NADA.com and they're always overpriced.
May 6 2009 2:45PM
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skier_07
Posts: 326 - Karma: 51
Most people on craigslist like to price their bikes high that way they have room to come down to what it is really worth. So you just make a low offer and meet in the middle at the price you are wanting to pay.
May 6 2009 2:54PM
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DirtyMick
Posts: 1496 - Karma: 21
Found out the clutch parts will be bout $200 with me doing it, and $336 with the shop doing it.

Would it be worth it to offer him $300 and then have the shop put in the clutch for a total of about $600?

Or should I just try to find something newer for $1000-$2000?
May 6 2009 3:22PM
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ski_ENDUB
Posts: 2535 - Karma: 86
move on and find something else, from my experience there is always something that needs fixing on motorcycle, seriously go to a shop and ask guys there what you should be looking at when buying a used motorcycle, also what kind of riding the owner has been using it for. Somebody who just has a bike for dicking around on will probably be in better shape than one that somebody used to race with.
May 6 2009 3:35PM
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Goku
Posts: 8119 - Karma: 4,223
ya id spend a little more for a bike not so beat up
May 6 2009 3:56PM
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DirtyMick
Posts: 1496 - Karma: 21
Thanks for all the help guys!

Guess I'll check out craigslist again and let you know what I find.
May 6 2009 4:27PM
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SpiecheeBoyd
Posts: 15 - Karma: 10

Def go with a 250. No questions asked. I would also say go four stroke. You can ride way way longer on them without having to refuel. If your looking for a trail bike also four stroke is a good idea. I would say go yam. wr250f. Its a great bike for what your looking for. It will stall way less than like a yz250 or any track specific bike. The wr is also street legal and if you find one that is not it is easy to make street legal. Dont go with the ttr250f. It is not powerful enough and after a month or two on it you will want to upgrade to more power. The four strokes are more quiet than 2 strokes and more street friendly. Ktm makes great bikes but are a lil spendy. I have a wr250f and love it for trail riding and just screwing around on in the summer. I want a 450 but that would be to much power for you to start at. (I am 6-2 200lbs). The yz are not geared well for riding on roads or old logging roads. They are geared up to pick up fast for the track. The wr is more geared for trails and back roads. It will go faster then a yz on a dirt road but will not pick up as fast. Dont get me wrong it will still pick up quick. You can jump the wr way better than the ttr as well. Honda makes good bikes as well. If you have the money go ktm but for a great starter bike i would def go wr250f. Good luck with your decision and have fun with it. They are completely worth it!!!

May 6 2009 8:31PM
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