Dirt Rider . Net Text Version Home
Pages: 1
What good bike can I get on this budget?
(Click here to view the original thread with full colors/images)
Posted by: Samio---------------------
I'm looking for a dirt bike but nothing serious. A medium sized dirt bike with an Ok speed. Something around 400$. I found this one and I wanted to know if it's good for the price. If not then what would be a good 400$ bike?
*Ok I see I can't post links, I'll post some pics and stats later today. I have to go to school now.*
Posted by: Samio---------------------
I really want to buy a dirt bike but I'm not sure were to start. I'm 17, 5'10, and 125lbs. I have alot of expenses at the moment but I managed to save up $1,500. I'm willing to get anything good between 1-2 grand. I don't know much about bikes though so I'm hoping you guys can help me. 
I don't want a real small mini bike but I know I can't afford anything huge and powerful, so what's a mediocre type within my budget? And I don't mind buying it preowned since it's my first bike.
Posted by: CaptainObvious---------------------
Are you a new rider? Do you own equipment? If not, set $300 to $500 aside for a helmet, goggles, gloves and boots (can be had for $300-$400). Moto gear (pants & jersey) is also nice to have and can be found for $100.
So that leaves you with $1,000 to $1,200 for a bike. At your age and size, and assuming that you are a new rider, I'd strongly suggest a 5 year old 125cc. Very good bikes can be found in that price/age range, 125's are a blast to ride and there are easy to learn on. Moreover, they are almost fully depreciated, so if you take good care of it you'll be able to recoup the purchase price if and when you want to upgrade.
Posted by: Detonator---------------------
Based on your budget, your experience, and your size, I would steer you towards a KDX 200.
I love 125's, but unless you have a buddy who really knows bikes and can assess them mechanically, you could be purchasing a 5 year old money pit. A KDX can grow with you for a couple of years (they are easily modified into strong performing bikes), and by then you can step into a race bike, if that's to your liking. Plus, a 125 isn't what I'd describe as an easy bike to ride. It's less forgiving both in riding technique and in maintenance regime.
Posted by: Samio---------------------
Thank you both for this great advice, just the answers i was looking for. I found alot of Kawasaki 125 KX's and there seems to be alot of them so I had a better chance of finding a cheap one. But I do like the KDX's, they seem a tad bit more apealing and if they're easier to ride then that would be better for me. I"m kind of stuck inbetween so I'll just have to see which one I could find at a cheaper price. Whatever bike I get I'm having a feeling I will be leaning towards Kawasaki.
Thanks again guys, you really helped. 
EDIT: Oh yeah, thanks to whoever moved my post over here, I forgot about this one. 
Posted by: Ruff Rider---------------------
just a side note to kawasaki's: they dont like to change their bikes too much over the years. the kdx has been the same since 1995, my '87 has the some of the same parts as the '85ish to '92ish 125,250,500 series
Depends on how u look at it...good if uve got a older bike = aftermarket parts are readily available; new bike = same technology as it was few years ago
my $0.02 on Kawas
PS i love mine
Posted by: Samio---------------------
Your two cents will probably save me a ton of money. I just found this guy who has an 87' kx 80 that he wants 650 for. I havn't seen the bike yet but if it's in good condition should I get it? Also, I 've found the same bike on **** and it's only 500$ but it has a number of flaws. I don't know much about bikes so maybe they're small problems that can be fixed in the shop for not too much money. Here is the details from the seller.
"This is an 87 KX 80 that I have had for about a year. I'm ready to move up to a 125. It has a new piston, rings, & rear tire. Front tire is still good. It is missing the rubber seal to the gas tank. The only problem that I know of is in my opinion, it's running too rich. I'm not a mechanic, but the plug is dark and wet, but when it's running, it runs great. It seems to take about 7-10 kicks to start. Thats why I put a new piston and a set of rings in it thinking it was low compression. The compression now is about 130. It is hard to start when warm too unless you push start it and then it fires right up. The carb looks brand new. There is a DG aftermarket pipe and silenser on the bike that cost about $300.00 new. The piston and rings cost about $80.00, and the rear tire another $40.00. Please e-mail any question. Feel free to come look and ride in person also."
P.S. also, how small is an 80cc bike? Like I said, I'm 5'10 and I don't want to look retarted on a tiny bike.
Posted by: Ruff Rider---------------------
well im ur age and height but i have about 30 lbs extra...i ride 250s (i got into dirtbiking to hone my streetbike skills and 250s have the same wheelbase and power as a street). some of the new 80cc bikes are made to fit small riders, others are taller but other than that i dont know
i checked a few cataloges to see what some parts that youd need to replace atleast once during the time ud have the bike (kx80)
sprokets 85-97
it shares pads with the 86
but in overall it seems that the kx80 ur looking at is most similar to 1985 through 1987
the kx125, hovever shares alot more with other years and cc's
Posted by: Samio---------------------
I see, thanks. I'm going to look for a good 125 then. I like the Kawasakis and I've heard nothing but good things about them so I can see myself getting a Kawasaki KX125. I can find alot of good ones over the net but they're all in far away states and shipping becomes very expensive.
Posted by: Ruff Rider---------------------
yeah that sounds good. just keep ur eyes open. e-bay, free classifieds, news paper classifieds
and if u find a 125 relativily nearby, check it out even if its not a kx just for compairison. if this is ur first bike, u wouldnt notice the difference between a bike that has been used but cared for and one that was riden with no mercy (its harder than ud think)
examine little things that are taletells like on teh head of a bolt, if the edges are all goofed up and nasty (like someone used a pair of plyers to get it off), dents in the pipe, rims, case etc arent a good sign either
also, when a seller tells u what needs to be replaced, call a dealer and see what they would charge (their prices are alot higher than a mail order place but its a good idea to see what ull be spending at the max)
good luck and dont get frustrated if u dont find one right away, it'll come
Posted by: ChopperDave---------------------
The kx80 would definately be to small for you. Stick with a 125. You can learn to ride and work on it, then if you want to upgrade, you will be well prepared.
Posted by: bmoore4w21---------------------
You might also consider a KX or RM 100 as well. Bigger suspension however not too much weight and power to begin on. On a side note I currently ride a KX 250 but I have a 87 KDX 200 as well. I got it 4 years ago for $550 and it starts on first kick and runs excellent considering its almost 20 years old. That alone should tell you something!
Text Version Home
vBulletin Copyright ©2000 - 2009,
Jelsoft Enterprises Limited.
vB Easy Archive Final ©2000 - 2009
- Created by Stefan "Xenon" Kaeser
