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First Bike please HELP!
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Posted by: rattattooey---------------------
I'm going to be purchasing my first dirt bike in the next month or so. I have some riding experience on dirt and an adequate amount on the road. As far as my dirt abilities go I would consider myself to be at the beginner level. I've mostly ridden my buddy's CR250, which I love, but it does scare me abit. I'm a big guy, 6'1" and 230 pounds. I want a bike I'll be comfortable on but also one that I won't want to upgrade when I get better. Any Ideas?
Posted by: The^^Rock---------------------
I have always said that XR250's/400's are great bikes for starting out. That is, unless you are jumping them. I started on a XR250 as my first full sized dirt bike, had it for 6 months, sold it and moved up to something bigger. Its a great bike, very controllable.
Have now moved up to 03 CR250 
If you are jumping though, maybe look at a WR250.
If you really want 2 smoke you could look at a 125, even a 250 might be ok, my CR still scares me sometimes 
Posted by: rattattooey---------------------
Let me ask this. Is a 98 or 99 YZF400 too much bike?
Posted by: Danman---------------------
No, I don't think so. You could possibly get into trouble with a bike as powerful, but its got no more juice than any current 250 mxer. The XR and the YZ are totaly different animals. The XRs power is more liner (no MX type hit at a certain RPM range) You may want to smooth it would a bit with a flywheel weight if you riding in the woods. On a track you should be just fine, just watch the throttle and respect the power 
.
With the new YZ450's out I think that you will see a lot more 400s out there for a lot less money. The suspension has not changed a lot in the past years that I am aware of and is plenty good for a beginer level rider. You still might want something new in a few years. You might need to freshen up the motor a bit and its a good idea to have the suspension serviced. Check it over realy good and I'm sure they would make a nice bike.
Posted by: rattattooey---------------------
One more question. Would a YZ or WR250F be enough bike for a guy my size or am I going to want to trade up in a few months when I get some more experiance and the bike won't push me? I don't really want to upgrade so soon and would prefer a bigger bike that my skills can grow into. Hope this makes sense. Thanks for everyones help so far.
Posted by: DahlElama---------------------
What kind of riding will you be doing? MX, trails and woods (offroad) or a mixture of both?
In any case, you mentioned you didn't want a bike that you would outgrow quickly and so I think a guy your size would want something with more power than a WR250F. The WR250F is a great bike but it's low on juice for me and I'm 6'-1" and 210lbs.
Posted by: rattattooey---------------------
I'll definately be riding a mix of both. Thanks for the input. on the WR. Do you have anything in mind?
Posted by: agitt73---------------------
ktm 250-300 exc
Posted by: DahlElama---------------------
Quote:
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Do you have anything in mind?
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Yup... Gas Gas ec250 or ec300. If you like your friends CR250 but want a smoother hit, the GG250 is the way to go. The GG300 would be easier to ride than the 250 as the power is very smooth and linear. Both are great woods bikes that can moto too.
Posted by: b-b00gie---------------------
How about a KTM 200 SX?
It's an MX bike which falls somewhere between a 125 and 250. A 250 is too much to start off with and a 125 may be a bit small for your size.
Then again you can get a 125 and build your confidence on it, then sell it and get a 250.
I would stick to the MX bikes if you think you'll be doing that type of riding.
Posted by: Kiwi MX---------------------
Don't get a 4 stroke or an enduro bike as your first
I made the switch to MX from BMX and MTB's and went to a 250 first - big mistake. After a 2 yrs I humbled myself and got a 125. Started winning and having a blast. Still on the 125's today.Plus you can throw them upside down and recover easily enough!
Get a 125 but not a KTM they are too powerful to learn on - honestly
depending on your build and experience (bmx, MTB also counts) as to which bike is for u.
A Honda will feel twitchy and a little rigid but will turn like a cut cat.
A Suzuki will feel similar to the CR but not be as fast or as reliable second hand - going by our experience over here in NZ.
A Kawasaki is good if you are short due to RC's influence, if you aren't forget it!
:thumb: A Yamaha is quite tall and has good power but its best trait (and worst) is its stability. You can ride it over rough ground standing with your hands suicide style behind your back and it will track straight! A good thing for a learner. In the air its predictable and forgiving. However its stablitiy makes it harder to turn.
A KTM is a monster in the power department! They really haul. they feel extremely slim and have some fairly trick parts as standard, but have odd handling.Hell even the KTM 400 feels like a 125!! Atleast till you twist the throttle!!
Huskvarna's are an unknown to me unfortunately.
Your best bet is get on as many as your can and feel them out ( 
Oi! don't EVEN think that way...) for yourself. Just make sure you can set the suspension to your weight. Thats the one biggest inprovement you could make. A Works 125 would feel like crap next to an older 125 set for you. you'd be faster on the older one too!
Simon
Posted by: jho410---------------------
If a CR250 scares you, DO NOT GET A YZ400F. YZ250F could work but maybe not enough power. Look into a KTM 400 - stay away from the pigful XRs.
Posted by: BSWIFT---------------------
Unfortunately, at your size and not wanting to upgrande too soon, you will probably have to go with a 250. My advice would pick a 250 that fits you. Add a flywheel weight for a time to hone your skills and remove it when you feel comfortable with it. The suspension mods set up for you are by far the best money spent. If you are going second hand, a bargain price may not be the best deal. If the bike is 2 years old a top end will be in order, if three years old, a bottom and top end is recommended.
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