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Buying first bike! Need Help!
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Posted by: joymarie627---------------------

1) your physical size (both height and weight are important)
Female, 5'10", 120lbs
2) How physical / aggressive are you ?
Once I get the hang of it, I am as daring as anyone!
3) what do you plan to ride- MX/SX tracks, woods, fields with friends or ?????
MX/SX tracks, woods, and fields, pretty much anywhere I
can ride.
4) Do you have any riding experience?
Yes, but not much on a dirt bike. More on an ATV.
5) Do you think you will race ?
Would like to!
6) Are you mechanically inclined and will you be doing your own bike work?
Somewhat
7) Do YOU have a preferance to a brand/ motor choice (2 or 4 stroke)?
Honda or Yamaha, either stroke
8) Do you have a dealer close by your home that you might use and what brand(s) does he carry?
yes, all brands
9) How much ($) do you plan to spend on a bike?
No more than $2,000
10) Do you live in California?
No
11) Your age?
22
12) anything else that you think would help form an opinion
Been driving anything on wheels that has a motor since I
was old enough to walk. I ride just as hard as the guys
do. I have ridden all kinds of motorcycles before but not a
lot.

Posted by: RM85rider123---------------------

click- http://www.dirtrider.net/forums3/sh...ad.php?t=108916

Posted by: joymarie627---------------------

Nobody has any advice for me!

Posted by: jackflack44---------------------

well, id say a 125 2 stroke

Posted by: RM85rider123---------------------

A 125 is perfect, but it will be tough to get the hang of it because you are so light. I say a 125 2 stroke.

Posted by: fatcat216---------------------

joy marie-

It's a holiday weekend. Most of the women here won't be back til the weekdays. They are out riding.

I wouldn't dare to give anyone bike advice because most of the women here are cut from different material than me. Your height opens a lot of possibilities. Dirt is a bit different from the road, but if you've atved, and you've road biked, you'll be fine.

Here's a compilation of thoughts directed toward women, in case you missed it.
http://www.dirtrider.net/forums3/showthread.php?t=99796
It's unfortunately more directed towards those who find bikes too tall. You won't have that issue. But it discusses power differences and starting issues. Take a look at it.

Of the racers- the little people favor the 125 2 stroke. After that I'd say some of the woman racers are handling 250's okay. Some of the trail gals have more weight to fight the bike with, otherwise your weight is comparable to those racing. Not an obstacle. There's a few riding even bigger bikes and loving the extra power. Power hogs.

I'd say work your way up. I like the fun factor to be in it, but also have a huge preference for light. I'm pretty much outnumbered on that issue, so you'll have to use some judgment there.

Do you understand how power handles itself differently from a 2-stroke to 4? I'm assuming it won't be an issue from your bio, but something to consider in your riding style and preferences and terrain and in the learning curve. You don't want too many surprises.

Be patient. The real women riders will be back on line tomorrow. High Lord Gomer is a stones throw from you, so maybe he'll pop in with a word too. Or maybe have some ideas where you can test out a few dirtbikes.

Good luck.

Posted by: medwaste---------------------

Joymarie- You're good to go size wise because of your height. There's a lot of choices out there but basically you've got to choose between 2 stroke or 4 stroke, woods bike or mx bike. I'd say get two bikes.

Posted by: joymarie627---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by medwaste

Joymarie- You're good to go size wise because of your height. There's a lot of choices out there but basically you've got to choose between 2 stroke or 4 stroke, woods bike or mx bike. I'd say get two bikes.

If you'll pay for the second one then I'd be happy to get two of them!

Even though I've been around atv's and motorcycles, I'm not sure about the difference between the 2 and 4 stroke. I want to race mostly but will ride it on the trails around my house also. If I did go for the 125, will it be to short for me? Is there a good bike in-between the 125 and 250 that I could look at. I like the 250s but I know myself and I probably shouldn't get something with that much power to start off with! I'll end up hurt! lol!

Posted by: fatcat216---------------------

Honda makes a 150 in both categories, trail or mx. The Hondas (crf r (racing), or f (trail)) all have a much lower seat height at around 32 inches, until you bump up to the 250. The (Yamaha) YZ 125 (a two stroke) has a seat height of 39 inches. For a trail bike in Yamaha you'd be looking at a TTR 125 or 230 or you could go up to the wr250f. The TTRs sit lower too.

You can go to both web sites and look at seat height info to compare and get an idea of what is what. Honda even has a little thing where you can compare a bunch of Hondas side by side to see the differences.

For learning a 4 stroke trail bike is much easier, although heavier bike. The power comes on slower (less all or nothing). You are less likely to stall out, or have a run away bike. It's not going to require constant maintenance in the same way an MX bike needs tlc. They forgive you when you ignore them a touch. Depending on how much seat time you get, you may outgrow it faster. But, they are easy to sell, and move on to the next bike.

Posted by: joymarie627---------------------

I have been looking at the Honda and Yamaha 125 off road bikes. I am going to try and swing buy one of the dealers around here tomorrow and sit on one and see if it's going to be too small for me. I have really long legs and a shorter upper body so I'm worried about my legs being too long.

Posted by: justalonewolf007---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by joymarie627

I have been looking at the Honda and Yamaha 125 off road bikes. I am going to try and swing buy one of the dealers around here tomorrow and sit on one and see if it's going to be too small for me. I have really long legs and a shorter upper body so I'm worried about my legs being too long.

Sorry! I was out riding!

Fatcat, I know and *love* the fact that I am a little power monger...at least...when it comes to dirtbikes...

I have a 2002 Honda CR 125 (it's a 2-stroke)

I am 5'2" and about 120 with my gear on.

I really struggle with the height of my bike at this point. I haven't modified it in any way, and literally CANNOT touch the ground while sitting on it. Don't ask me how I start and stop without tipping over every time, because I really don't know how I manage it!

My cabana boy (okay, okay, my pretty regular boyfriend) sat on it, and has to stretch for the ground even though he is a burly construction worker.

A lot of the 125 riders are your height.

As far as power goes, I can't give an honest opinion just yet. I know that it will lift the front wheel off the ground in second gear while going up a sandy hill...it does the same in third gear too. It's not running too well at the moment, so I don't know the full extent of it's power.

I do know that you have to be pretty doggone careful in not coming off the back.

If you're easily intimidated, it's probably not the bike for you. If you like excitement, you'll LOVE it!

It won't be quite so forgiving if you accidently roll the throttle on too hard, or drop the clutch...But given you use your head, that won't be a common problem.

Posted by: Deadohiosky39---------------------

If you are wanting to race then i would really stay away from all the trail bikes that he was mentioning. Id say either the CR125 or YZ125 since you said honda or yamaha. You can't go wrong with either of them.

Posted by: 250girl---------------------

A YZ125 would be awesome. It'll be a little tricky in the woods, but fun. You'll get the hang of it.

Posted by: joymarie627---------------------

What about a 2003 CBR230. I found one on craigslist for sale. It seems to be in really good shape by the picture. I sat on a new 230 today and liked how it felt. I also sat on a 125 and was flat footed on it. It just felt too small for me. Any pros and cons of the 230. Like I said before I would love to race eventually but it probably won't happen any time soon so I've been looking at the trail bikes.

Posted by: fatcat216---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by julw

Fatcat, I know and *love* the fact that I am a little power monger...at least...when it comes to dirtbikes...

naaah. That wasn't directed at you at all. I've been waiting for you to move up so you can get some more of that neato hardware. I was referring more to the 450 and up as power mongers. You were more than ready for that 125. That's just being competitive! Besides, in either instance I'd be doing the EXACTLY same thing if human shell, time and opportunities allowed.

Joymarie: Do you mean you sat on the crf230f?

Can you post your Craig's List link?

Posted by: joymarie627---------------------

I sat on the ttr230 and the crf150. I like the feel of the 230 better than the 150. The 150 seemed heavier to me than the 230. This is the link but I called him and he said that a guy is supposed to come buy it tomorrow but if not he would call me back.

http://greenville.craigslist.org/mcy/808656595.html

Posted by: joymarie627---------------------

What about this one? Don't know much about this bike.

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/mcy/808742905.html

Posted by: Coach2Ride.com---------------------

We are professional dirtbike/mx instructors and motorcycle consultants. And we are women! We understand how hard it is to pick the right bike. Give me a call so I may help you pick the right one for the riding you want to do. Two-stroke is not the way to go these days, and if you want to race along with trail ride, there are more options. Call me at 858-382-1515 or email at coach2ride (aol). Check out our website (coach2ride) and read our articles too, good stuff. Feel free to email us any time with any questions you may have. We have an article in the new edition of women's Hot Pipes magazine about getting started racing and being a woman. I will have it posted in our articles section of our site hopefully tonight :^)
Andrea.
coach2ride

Posted by: fatcat216---------------------

The crf230f is a trail bike. The XR is pretty similar.

I have a couple of suggestions. If the guy selling the cfr230f would let you-and is near to you- you could go over and try to start it up, and test ride it a bit. He might be amenable to that, even if he is planning to sell it to someone else.

My other suggestion is that you keep a notebook to make sure you are keeping your bike names straight. It will be a good resource when you are scanning Craig's List, as well.

Both the bikes you sat on weigh about the same (at least the more recent models do). I'm going to speculate the crf150f felt heavier because it is a little lower. At your height you noticed it as weight (harder to push around standing still). The crf230f is bit heavier than the two bikes you were on. All three bikes are reliable trail bikes.

Do you know where you will be riding the most, and with whom? (Meaning what are they riding on.) edit: I see that you've got an invite to call an expert. I'd be all over that if I were you. Being able to talk out these things live is very very helpful. I can't say that salespeople were very helpful to me in choosing my first bike at all.

Ultimately, a lot of decisions are about your level of determination, access to seat time, and other life commitments. For instance- which is closer, track/trails? Do you have buddies to ride with at either/both? (Tracks always have people around, trails can be pretty desolate. Riding alone comes with different concerns/risks.) Just some things to think about. It absolutely wouldn't hurt to read up some more, and talk to the women who know.

Posted by: joymarie627---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by fatcat216

The crf230f is a trail bike. The XR is pretty similar.

I have a couple of suggestions. If the guy selling the cfr230f would let you-and is near to you- you could go over and try to start it up, and test ride it a bit. He might be amenable to that, even if he is planning to sell it to someone else.

My other suggestion is that you keep a notebook to make sure you are keeping your bike names straight. It will be a good resource when you are scanning Craig's List, as well.

Both the bikes you sat on weigh about the same (at least the more recent models do). I'm going to speculate the crf150f felt heavier because it is a little lower. At your height you noticed it as weight (harder to push around standing still). The crf230f is bit heavier than the two bikes you were on. All three bikes are reliable trail bikes.

Do you know where you will be riding the most, and with whom (meaning what are they riding on)? edit: I see that you've got an invite to call an expert. I'd be all over that if I were you. Being able to talk out these things live is very very helpful. I can't say that salespeople were very helpful to me in choosing my first bike at all.

Ultimately, a lot of decisions are about your level of determination, and access to things and other commitments. For instance- which is closer, track/trails? Do you have buddies to ride with? (Tracks always have people, trails can be pretty desolate, and come with different kinds of risks when you ride alone.) Just some things to think about. It absolutely wouldn't hurt to read up some more, and talk to the women who know.

First of all, no he doesn't really live near me so that wouldn't work.

Second, I would probably end up on tracks more than trails. Just because I have no one to ride with and want to meet people who ride too. I will be riding with my fiance when I do ride trails and he will be on my honda fourtrax 250. And I did call the expert and she helped a lot. (Thanks again Andrea!) And after talking to her I am leaning away from the trail bikes. I would really love to race, I just don't know where to begin cause I don't know anyone in the business. She recommended a 250 because of my height.

Now my only problem is that I can only spend around $2,000. It's going to be hard to find a good bike for that price.

Posted by: joymarie627---------------------

Ok, I have decided on a yz 250. I am going to call about this one and see if it is still available. Any advice on what I should look for?

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/mcy/816612685.html

Posted by: rmc_olderthandirt---------------------

First suggestion is to wear boots or at least a hard soled shoe when you go look at the bike. Let the seller start it up when you get there, see how many kicks he takes to bring it to life. Then after it has been off for 10 minutes, you try to start it. This is where the hard soled shoes come in, you don't want to be doing this in tennis shoes.

The bike looks good in the picture and the price is right.

Rod

Posted by: joymarie627---------------------

Nevermind on that bike. I wasn't paying any attention to it being a 2 stroke and I am looking for a 4 stroke. So, I'm still looking if anyone knows of one around Spartanburg, SC.

Posted by: justalonewolf007---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by joymarie627

Ok, I have decided on a yz 250. I am going to call about this one and see if it is still available. Any advice on what I should look for?

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/mcy/816612685.html

I would also suggest asking a few things such as:

- When the engine was last gone through (they should mention something about a "top end")

- What kind of maintainance was done (and whether it was done by a shop or not)

- How often the oil was changed

- What ratio did they mix the gas at (this isn't as important)

- How long they have owned the bike

- Why they are selling it (if they say "it needs a new crank" it will require some pretty involved work, and an additional 3-400 dollars in parts).

- Ask if it was raced, and what kind of racing it was used for

- Then ask for any additional information they might have for you (any quirks the bike might have etc.)

Some of these questions may bring up red flags. If they say they never changed the oil, or appear to have absolutely no idea what they are talking about, then I'd suggest that you wait around for another bike (yes, there will be more for that price).

Other things you can look at are how scratched the plastics seem to be. At that age, a fair amount are normal, but if there are an excessive amount (if the bike looks like it has been dragged down a highway behind a car) it's okay to ask about how they happened.

If they refuse to tell you, then they very well may be lying about everthing else too...(happened to me unfortunately).

Posted by: justalonewolf007---------------------

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/mcy/823182547.html

See if the owners would be willing to bargain with you on the price?

Posted by: joymarie627---------------------

Ok, ya'll know that I am new to all this so I have a few more question. I sat on a Suzuki 125 trail bike and I was flat footed on it. Then I sat on a KTM 125 and was on my tip toes. What's the difference in the bikes? Why is one a bigger bike than the other? Is it because ones a two stroke and one a four? I'm still trying to learn everything I can before I get my first bike. Thank you all for your help so far! The store where I sat on the KTM said that they have a Yamaha 125 two stroke coming in at the end of the week that is used. Said it would be around $2000. Would that be a good bike for me to go look at? I don't have any details on the bike. I work in EMS and got a call when he was telling me about it so I had to leave.

Posted by: joymarie627---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by justalonewolf007

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/mcy/823182547.html

See if the owners would be willing to bargain with you on the price?

I noticed it said it's very loud. How hard would that be to change because I would be riding it around other houses and don't want it to be louder than it has to be.

Posted by: justalonewolf007---------------------

It would probably require that you change the exhaust system (here, someone with way more knowledge can step in please!) I know they aren't too cheap (cost a months' rent (around 300) if you live in a little cave like I do).

To a certain degree, almost any of the racing 4-strokes you look at will be pretty loud. Do a lot of other people commonly ride in the area where you do?

(here's another bike http://charlotte.craigslist.org/mcy/812949974.html )

Posted by: joymarie627---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by justalonewolf007

It would probably require that you change the exhaust system (here, someone with way more knowledge can step in please!) I know they aren't too cheap (cost a months' rent (around 300) if you live in a little cave like I do).

To a certain degree, almost any of the racing 4-strokes you look at will be pretty loud. Do a lot of other people commonly ride in the area where you do?

(here's another bike http://charlotte.craigslist.org/mcy/812949974.html )

I don't have any friends that ride but there are a lot of tracks within an hour drive around me. Would a 125 2 stroke mx bike suit my size? 5'10", 120lbs?

Posted by: Deadohiosky39---------------------

If you want a fourstroke then you shouldn't look at a two stroke unless it really isn't that important to you. If you find a bike with a stock exhaust then they really aren't too loud. And the reason the suzuki was short is because it was probably a trail bike. A 125 and 250 two stroke and a 250 and 450 fourstroke are all relatively the same size as long as you are talking about the race bikes. Its kind of deceiving how it works if you don't know much. A little rule of thumb is if it is a fourstroke and it has little horizontal lines on the engine where the pipe comes out means its a trail bike. I'm guessing the suzuki you looked at had them.

Posted by: _JOE_---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by joymarie627

I don't have any friends that ride but there are a lot of tracks within an hour drive around me. Would a 125 2 stroke mx bike suit my size? 5'10", 120lbs?

Yes. It will feel very powerful at first. The 125 2 stroke is "peaky" power. When you first take off they aren't that powerful, but the power comes on quick in the midrange and pulls hard in the top end. The nice thing is that at your weight the bike will have a very easy time pulling you so you can use the bottom end to get used to it. If you plan to ride mostly mx the 125 2 stroke is the way to go.

Posted by: joymarie627---------------------

Thanks Ya'll. I am meeting a guy half way to look at his 2000 yz 125 that has been bored out to a 209. He says that he only raced it a few times and most of the time he is riding it around on his farm. Said he's not had any problems with it. He is going to the navy and needs to sell it. Asking $1,000 but will probably take less.

Posted by: _JOE_---------------------

Ok, I just went back and re-read the thread.

The difference in size of the 125s is becuse the suzuki is a trail bike and the ktm is an mx bike. The mx bike has long travel suspension to soak up the roughness of the track, where the trail bike has softer, shorter travel for slower speeds.

I would not try to mx with a trail bike. You will break or wear parts out quickly. The problem with buying a 250 four stroke mx bike in your price range is that they tend to need ALOT of work, if not immediately, in the near future. I would suggest trying to find a 2000+ year 125 2 stroke. The maintenance is less involved, though still frequent. The repair bills are generally smaller, as long as you do reasonable maintenance. The 2t will teach you how to use the clutch to go fast after you get comfortable, which is a good skill to have even on a four stroke.

Another thing to cosider is gear. Plan on 500 bucks for a helmet, goggles, boots, gloves and chest protector at least. You WILL crash. Dress for it and it won't be a big deal.

So, I guess I would say go find a 125 2t that appears clean and maintained for around 1500, then go get some spiffy new gear and hit the track!

Posted by: _JOE_---------------------

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/mcy/824293060.html

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/mcy/811053099.html

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/mcy/801964445.html

Any of those near you?

Posted by: joymarie627---------------------

Joe, look at this one. This is the one I'm looking at saturday. Let me know what you think. It's not the actually picture though and it's actually a 2000. He said he make a typo.

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/mcy/814683559.html

PS: Thanks for your help!

Posted by: rmc_olderthandirt---------------------

I was skeptical when you posted about that YZ-250, that seemed like a lot of bike.

Like Joe said, an "off road" or "trail" model bike is built with a lower seat height. They don't have as much suspension travel and are typically heavier and will have lower performance engines. Great bikes to learn on, terrible bikes for the track. Examples of off road bikes are Yamaha TTR-230.

An "MX" bike is built for race and will usually leave off all the frills, like kickstands, headlights, electric starter, etc. They have high performance engines that typically require premium pump gas and if they have been modified they may require even higher octane racing gas. Yamaha YZ line are all "MX" bikes.

There are some bikes that have the performance and suspension of the MX bikes and have the frills, such as the Yamaha WR-450f or WR-250f. They are a bit heavier than the MX bikes but will hold their own on the track and when you want to stop along a trail you don't need to find a tree to lean the bike up against. Electric start is nice when you are tired and the stupid bike doesn't want to start back up after a fall.

I was thinking that a 125 two stroke would suit you well, although a 2 stroke is a bit harder to learn on than a four stroke would be. But a 125 two stroke that isn't too old can be picked up fairly cheap.

As for the YZ that has been bored out to 209: I would advise against it. I believe 125 will be powerful enough for you, especially as a beginner. If you plan on racing the 209 may bump you up a class so that you are racing against 250s.

If nothing else, ask the seller what the compression ratio is on that 209 and if it can run on pump gas or if you need to buy special racing gas for it.

Rod

Posted by: justalonewolf007---------------------

I also have to agree with Rod, the 209 will probably require harder to find, and much more expensive set of parts when it comes time to do a top end rebuild, which happens about once a year for me (or more).

(These really aren't that scarey - if you get an owner's manual, it's very easy).

As Joe said, the 125 will be plenty of power for you even if it isn't bored out to a 209.

Another quick question that would help us help you, would be to know whether or not you have experience using a clutch? (I know you ride quads, but I don't know a whole lot about them at all).

Posted by: _JOE_---------------------

I did see that one as I was skimming through and didn't think it was a good choice for you. I've never even heard of a 209cc big bore. Seems excessive on a bike where 144 is about the biggest you see. Your best bet is to spend as much as you can afford and hold out till you find a really clean well kept bike. When it comes to used bikes alot of the time the price difference between a really clean bike and a spanked on one is just a few hundred bucks. Chances are a neglected bike will need twice that in repairs. Don't get too excited and buy the first bike you come across.

Posted by: joymarie627---------------------

Thanks all! I had already talked myself out of the 125 bored to a 209. I am just going to spend the $100 it'll take to fix my other four-wheeler so me and my fiance can ride together and hope to make friends with someone who rides mx bikes and see if I can try theirs out and see if I really like it. Thanks again.

Posted by: motoxgurl47---------------------

The YZ250F is overall an awesome bike. You should definitely consider one

Posted by: ladyMXracer232---------------------

I started racing/riding on a YZ125 with no problems. I'm 5'8" so the height wasn't an issue for me. I had to switch to a CR250 because the YZ125 had trouble lugging around my big butt especially on the hills. My husband is taking me off the CR250 and is going to build me a KDX/KX 200 hybrid (picked up a KDX 200 this week for $900 and will start saving $ for a KX125 frame)for the track and desert. I really wanted a CRF250 like he rides but $$ is an issue. For under $2000 you can easily pick up a 125 or 250 2-stroke. If I was your weight the 125cc would've been fine for me. Most of the other gals I ride with are on 250F's but it's hard to find a decent one that has been taken care of for $2000. One of that really fast gals in this area is on a YZ125 and can kick most of the local guys butts

I currently race both 30+ Vet beginner and Women's.

Posted by: nsxxtreme---------------------

I recently purchased by girlfriend a crf150r and she LOVES this bike. She is short 5'2" so you would probably need the big wheel "expert" version of this bike. She went from cr80 2 stroke to this bike. The 150r has a LOT of power for the bike. If you get a chance to check when out do it. Just make sure it's the 150r not the 150f their is a noticable difference.

Good luck!

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