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TT-R125L, how big is to big?
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Posted by: BenjaminPQ---------------------
I bought my 15 year old brother a 1987 RM80 as his first bike and he had a really hard time on it. We ride in the woods and for a beginner it was a bad choice. He always had to keep it revved up (which isn't the type of rider he is, he was always lugging it around) and was afraid to turn it. So we sold it about 6 months ago and bought him a Blaster (quad). He has a lot of fun on it but it's hard for us to ride the same trails when I want to hit some single track as his quad won't fit on the trail. Also, I don't like the idea of him tipping that quad and rolling over on him. It's the hills that seem to make the quads so dangerous, you can't just lay it over when you don't make a hill climb.
So I was thinking maybe it's time to get him back on a bike. I don't think that a full size bike would be a good idea and I know for sure he wouldn't get on one. He needs something that he can muscle around with ease so he won't get discouraged. So back to my question, is he to big for a TT-R125L? He's about 5'7" and 140 and I know that might sound big but he is very timid, not one of those people that will just get out there and crash until they get good. It would be used as a trail bike, probably not much MX. Would the power be a problem too? I don't want to get him something that will get him stuck on hills all the time. I was thinking about putting taller bars and seat form on it to make it fit better and maybe a pipe. New tires would be a must to ensure he would feel as confident as posable. What do you guys and gals think? Thanks! 
Posted by: Jonala---------------------
Ben,
The TTR-125 would be a good choice. So would an XR 100 or 200.
From what I have read stay away from the TTR-225.
Posted by: Danman---------------------
I would think it would be a good choice as long as he was not to cramped on it. The XR200 I think would be better. A little bigger and he still will not get in trouble with the power, but there is maybe a little more there for the hills. Maybe a class would help him feel more confident. I don't know where you are located, but Honda offers a riders saftey class. They teach you how to use the bike and techniques over trail obsticles. There is one in CA and one in TX. I would like to try to get my GF to go to the one in Texas.
Posted by: Slack_505---------------------
Stay away from the ttr225 they are incredibly heavy. They have no hopup options like the 125. He may be a little heavy for the stock st\ettings on the suspension. but he can get stiffer springs at bbr and has tons of hopup options that are open to him.IF that doesnt sound pleasing than you can go with a xr200.
Slack
Posted by: XRBiker220---------------------
just get a xr200. My friends just got a ttr125l and its the right size for him but its just too small for me to handle and doesnt have enought power for me to lug around on (im 5'7" and about 140lbs too)i have an xr200 and it is perfect. u can just lug it around and it just has alot more power. i learned on it easily, it is very friendly powerwise to learn on. now im moving up to a better bike.
Posted by: KelvinKDX---------------------
BenjaminPQ,
My wife (who happens to have a TT-R125L) took the Honda Off-Road training class in Ohio. I think it was in Troy, Ohio (or near by).
She said that the class was a great help.
At 5'7", 140# your brother will be a little cramped on the TT-R125L but that does not mean that he could not ride it and have fun while learning. I ride the wifes bike from time to time and I am 6' even. He should try to see if there is someone who can let him borrow a bike to see what he feels comfortable on.
He may even like a KDX. Much taimer than his RM80 - but with room for him to grow into.
If he is as timid as you say - look at an XR 200 or 250 (might be kind of heavy for him though). Realize that if he does like the sport he will progress quickly. Get a used bike! You can usually turn around the XR's for what you pay for them.
The good thing about the tt-r125L is that it is light. This is great for my wife who pushes the scales at 112# of pure muscle mass. :D
Posted by: Montana300---------------------
I wouldn't worry about the TTR125L being small if he is just getting his bearings and learning some confidence. He will grow out of it like any mini bike, but I think it would be a great one to learn on, enough power [can buy more when necessary] light and agile. I ride my wife's as much as she does and have lots of fun on it, I'm 5'-9" 180lbs.
I have tried to get my buddies to buy TTR125s [or the new DR125L, and soon there will be the CRF150] so we could have mini races, big fun. :D
Posted by: BenjaminPQ---------------------
I was able to get a ride on one for my brother and I today from a very kind family.
I was VERY impressed with this little bike. It had enough power to carry me up hills and I'm 210#'s. So I know it will be more then enough for my brother. The suspension was fine for him cause it had stiff springs installed.
As far as the fit, the only complaint he had was the position of the bars. This TT-R had tall bars on it but they weren't high enough. I think he would fit it fine if we could get some double hi bend bars on it or even a Travis Pastrana Pro Taper bend. Does anyone know if these are available for it? Will the triple clamps accept non-mini bars? I want him to be able to stand on it. I don't think that I am trying to stretch it either. It looked to me like the TT-R triple clamps positioned the handle bars down close to the tank, I guess TT-R's weren't designed to be rode while standing. As far as the seat height, this TT-R had tall seat foam and it was just about perfect for him. His legs were barely bent when he was sitting on it, so I'm not concerned about the overall size just the handle bar height.
I think this will be the perfect leaning bike for him. It's just small enough for him to throw around and not feel overwhelmed on, and it's big enough for him to be comfy on. Riding around here in the tight woods, I think it's important to not have something to big. It's not like we will keep it long either. Once he gets really confident on one and is pushing it to it's limits then a big bike will be the next step, and he will be ready.
Oh yeah, and I of course want to ride it too, it a blast!:confused:
Posted by: SpeedyManiac---------------------
The TT-R125L would be just fine. I'm 5'9" and still ride an XR100R. If he doesn't like the TT-R, he could also try an XR200R. Good luck.
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