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What Bike for a 15 year old?
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Posted by: da_snacks---------------------
I am 6 ft 1 165 pounds.
I have ridden dirtbikes on a few occasions. I need mostly a trail bike, but it couldnt hurt to be able to taken to the track every now and again. Budget is 2500. I DO NOT WANT TO BE CRAMPED UP riding a smaller dirtbike. I have looked at a 2006 Yamaha TTR-230, would this be a good bike for me? (I need something with low maitenance costs, and good size for me_
Edit- Also looking at a 96 CR250R honda.
Honda is about 1400$, TTR is around 2000$
A 2000 Suzuki DRZ400 just came into play, also a 2007 honda crf-230.
As did a 2003 Yamaha yz250f.
Make reviews, recommendations!
Posted by: only_mixed_gas---------------------
get a crf250r
Posted by: da_snacks---------------------
Will it fit my size frame?
Posted by: flyingfuzzball---------------------
mixed gas did you read his post at all. he wants something low maintenance. a CRF250R is not low at all. it is a high performance race machine. the ttr230 would be your best bet but after riding it a little you might notice that it doesnt have much power. the YZ250F is out because that is the same league as a CRF250R.
the CR250 might be a good option but again it is a race bike. the difference between it and the CRF250 is that it is a 2T so the maintenance isnt as expensive and is a little easier to do. (but will still have to be done.)
the DRZ could be a good option but i dont really know that much about them.
PS any bike that is a full sized bike SHOULD be big enough for you.
PPS also if your fill out the sticky thread at the top of this forum (the what bike) it will be easier to help us help you.
Posted by: da_snacks---------------------
Try to include the following info in your first post
1) your physical size (both height and weight are important)
6 ft 1 165
2) How physical / aggressive are you ?
Moderate, I like to push sometimes
3) what do you plan to ride- MX/SX tracks, woods, fields with friends or ?????
Woods, fields, some mx
4) Do you have any riding experience?
4-5 times
5) Do you think you will race ?
No
6) Are you mechanically inclined and will you be doing your own bike work?
Less maitenance
7) Do YOU have a preferance to a brand/ motor choice (2 or 4 stroke)?
No
8) Do you have a dealer close by your home that you might use and what brand(s) does he carry?
Yes, but I will not use them
9) How much ($) do you plan to spend on a bike?
2500
10) Do you live in California?
no
11) Your age?15
12) anything else that you think would help form an opinion
I like it to have zip but plenty of control
Posted by: CReighty---------------------
A TTR230 is going to be small for you. I would consider a 125 2 stroke as it should fit your needs. Stay away from the 4 stroke racing models as they can be costly to keep up.
Posted by: 2strokesrock---------------------
Get an XR400 they are extreamly tough, vary low maintance and have pretty good power.
Posted by: da_snacks---------------------
I think I am going to go with the Yamaha ttr then upgrade. I went to the dealer today and now have to decide to get it a new 09 model for 3000, or a used 06 model for 1800 :D
Posted by: 2strokesrock---------------------
get the used one..you will want to upgrade in a couple months anyway.
Posted by: CReighty---------------------
Didn't you feel cramped sitting on the 230?
Posted by: da_snacks---------------------
I did feel cramped because my legs are very long, but I think a new set of handlebars will help? See, the TTRs, and the Suzuki are my only real options. I tried the other 2 bikes and didnt like them. I eliminated the Suzuki because it is 9 years old. I just always fear buying used, can someone give me details to look for? I have zero experience buying used.
Posted by: da_snacks---------------------
Edit* I could get the suzuki also, but from what I have heard electric start is much better, and the ttrs are easier to maintain with better technolodgy.
Posted by: _JOE_---------------------
The drz400 would make about the best long term sense for what you plan to do with it. The maintenance is low and it will fit you for as long as you like. The ttr230 is shorter and doesn't have as much suspension travel as the drz. Any used bike is a gamble though. It's worth it to try to see if the owner will let you take it to a shop to have it looked over.
Posted by: da_snacks---------------------
Kickstart hard to use? How much does it cost to replace also. Thanks for the reply!
Posted by: _JOE_---------------------
Uhh, the kickstart works fine? Sure the magic button is nice, but no where near neccessary.
And what are you asking for a price on?
Posted by: da_snacks---------------------
To replace a faulty kickstart. My dad told me the 400 could be a problem for me in the woods. The seat height is nice though, but I am unsure about handling that big a bike, instead of a 230.
Posted by: 2strokesrock---------------------
noooooo! it will not be a problem...a little practice and you will be just fine
Posted by: da_snacks---------------------
Even considering I have only ridden 5-6 times? Finally, could someone give me some details to look for/ask him :d
Posted by: _JOE_---------------------
Chances are you'd never have a problem with the kick start. E-start adds more parts to break/wear out.
The 400 will be a bit heavier and taller which might make it a bit less friendly to learn on in the woods, but the suspension is better than the ttr and you won't get bored with the power as quickly.
I'm not trying to talk you out of the ttr, just making you aware that the drz shouldn't be ruled out as an option. Go look at the drz and sit on it. If you feel like it's too big go find a used 230 and ride that for a while. Confidence in your ability to handle the bike is good for learning how to ride.
Posted by: da_snacks---------------------
Thanks very much. I am going to go sit on it in the next day or to and see how it feels! The bike only weighs 7 poun d smore but has a 140cc bigger engine?
Posted by: da_snacks---------------------
Alright I just called the man selling the Suzuki. He said he was the 2nd owner and bought in 2001(model year 2000). He didn't know about the air filter, but said he changed the oil regulary and ran the bike no more than 10 times a year on trails. Im biting my nails on the fact that that is probly around 100 rides and i would get no warrenty. He said he is a mechanic and the bike runs perfectly. Talked him down to 1650 for it too. Will most likely go down Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday for a test run on the gears and take it to a shop. Does everything sound good to you guys?
Posted by: 2strokesrock---------------------
Sounds pretty good to me...1650$ is (in my opinion) a good price.
Posted by: da_snacks---------------------
TTR just lowered price to around 1700. :D Dealer lowered to 2900. The choices are endless. 
Only concern is do I really need that much power in a bike. Everything else has been settled
Posted by: _JOE_---------------------
If you have a 2500 dollar budget and can buy that drz for 1650 I would probly do it. You'd have money left over to fix anything that might not be right.
Posted by: da_snacks---------------------
Best friend in school offered me a custom 1996 honda 250r for 800$
Posted by: _JOE_---------------------
Custom eh? Make sure it has a clear title.
Plan on having the suspension and engine rebuilt with the money you have left over. That way you'll have a safe, reliable ride for a long time. Anything that isn't new is probly worn out on a 13 year old mx bike.
Posted by: _JOE_---------------------
It's also going to be much quicker than a drz or ttr. Definately a sharp learning curve for a beginner that may end up being expensive and or painful.
Posted by: da_snacks---------------------
Yeah my friend was the #1 racer for south carolina under 13 division a few years ago I think. He got the bike customized by his sponsor. He said the topend was rebuilt after ever race but Im not much of a race expert. Will it be a good bike for trails? I have a few days to decide before I have to go see the drz. Would this be a better bike than the drz and lower price after rebuilding? I thought it might be a little since I know how the bike has been treated.
Posted by: _JOE_---------------------
I think your friend is telling you a story. I would bet the farm that the #1 racer in SC for the under 13 class a few years ago was definately not on a 1996 cr250.
Posted by: da_snacks---------------------
Dunno, he rode it 1 race before he got a 2005/2006 ktm 450 from his sponsor.
Posted by: da_snacks---------------------
Can someone answer the above questions? I mean I want it to have zing but I want it to have trail capabilities. My dad said the drz is better for that but I like to here experts :D
Posted by: _JOE_---------------------
The cr is not designed as a trail bike. The transmission isn't geared like a trail bike and the power not nearly as smooth. The suspension is much stiffer. The cost of maintenance and repairs is substantially less with a trail bike.
Posted by: CReighty---------------------
The CR250 is made to be ridden aggressively. You really have to stay on the throttle otherwise you could end up fouling alot of plugs. If you are riding some wide open trails then it could work fine for you but the tight and slow trails wouldn't work too well with that bike.
Posted by: 02stampede---------------------
Your talking about a 2 stroke cr 250 right? No, thats probably one of the harder bikes to ride on the trails with. My yz 250 gives me a workout for sure, but Im partial to the 2t and love the power. Your either on it or flat on your face. There isnt a whole lot of in between..
Posted by: da_snacks---------------------
I rode the drz and quickly found out it was way to much bike then needed. Also it was very very very heavy with the electrical start. I am very happy to say I am the proud owner of a honda 1990 honda 200r. FOR FREE! Kickstarts the 2 or 3 time without needed to run longer than 30 seconds. My dads friend lets me keep the bike at my house and use it, and if it needs any repairs he fixes them. I know the bike is old but it is almost the perfect seat height and I can whip it around the trails fairly easy. The power is low but I only notice it when I am on wide open trails. Great bike :D
Posted by: _JOE_---------------------
Good deal! The XRs are rock solid bikes. It will make a great learner bike for you and will allow you to save up so you can buy a nicer bike when you're ready to move on.
I would suggest you spend a little time maintaining it even though it's not yours and the owner will repair anything that breaks. It will give you some experience turning a wrench and caring for a dirt bike. I would go out and spend some YOUR money on a can of chain lube, some air filter oil and some engine oil. I would at least want to take care of the bike I was being allowed to borrow.
Posted by: BARON89---------------------
What ever you do i would go with a honda they're very reliable. Also A friend of mine rides a 230 and he loves you can not only have fun on the tracks every now and then but also have lots of fun on trails. Good luck and happy buying
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