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Thinking of getting a bike..
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Posted by: Dragon---------------------
Well, as the 'description' says..I am a jet skier. I am considering getting a bike, but quite honestly have no clue what to get. I have been on a few over the years, and really enjoyed them. I am 5'7 and weigh about 250 lbs (hoping to lose weight here in the off season) and don't know anything about dirt bikes. What is a good cc for me to get? Who makes the best bike? Or are they all relatively equal? I want the bike to mainly rec ride, because I am in no way ready to race on land hehe.
Posted by: RanMan---------------------
Oh man, that narrows it down to a couple hundred bikes. Just kidding.
Seriously though, there are many to look at for example 4 stroke or 2 stoke?
The 4 strokes are gonna be easier to ride and maybe a better choice for a newbie. Here are a few examples of 4's and I'm sure I will leave some out, but someone else will fill in the void:
Suzuki DRZ250 or 400
Honda XR250 or 400
Yamaha WR's
KTM 250 or 450 EXC/RFS
Some examples on the 2 stoke side that should be easier and a little more tame:
Kawasaki KDX200 or 220
KTM 200, 250, or 300 EXC (lots of power when you want it)
I personally have the Suzuki DRZ250, but that doesn't mean it's any better than any other. Hopefully someone can give you a little more insight on this.
Posted by: Dragon---------------------
Thank you for the response. I realize that on bikes the weight of the rider does affect the bike, like I would be a bit too heavy for a 125cc. Would a 250cc be too small? Should I get a 400? I know that the bike gets taller with more cc's, and I am only 5'7. I plan on doing a lot of trail riding, and other recreational riding for a while.
Travis
Posted by: woodsy---------------------
Hi Travis: Welcome to a new way of life!! If you thiought Jet Ski's were fun you will be ADDICTED to dirtbikin!!!
If I were in your shoes I would NOT look at anything smaller then the 400cc fourstroke or the 250cc 2 stroke!! ALL of the modern bikes are up to par!! I have had not so good luck with NON mainstream bikes (I have owned VOR, Husky, Bultaco, White, Bridgestone, MZ) in dealing with parts. I am currently trying to get a set of sprockets for my ex-VOR as I promised the guy that owns it now that I would work it out for him. It has been a little over 8 month's and I still havent recieved them yet!! I could tell you other war stories about Husky that would make you cry!! Of course this is my fault cause I am ADDICTED to these thinigs and I love the off breed stuff too!!
IMHO, a good plan for a newbie is buy 5 years or newer ( a new bike is a treasure), if your thinking an ex-mxer check the frame/mono closely and stay away form ex-harescrambled bikes LOL...
If you are a good jet ski mechanic (do your own rebuilds successfully) there is no reason to spend big $$'a on a starter bike!! There are TONS of great bikes ot there just needing to be refreshed and riddin and your skills are greatly transferable!!! If this is the case the 5 year rule doesnt apply!! Just stay with the HOnda/Yamaha/Kaw or (this is a hard word for me to say) Suzuki and you will be fine!! DONT BUY A PRE_ACHIEVA HUSKY!!! They folded a while back (before Achiva bought the name) and they screwed EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You are in for a LOT of fun!!!!
Woodsy
Might wanna think dual-sportability (put license on it) cause this really adds to the fun! MXer's can be done for about 3 bills/buy one already done and save a few bucks!!! WR's, DRZs and XR's are easy to make DS!!
Posted by: Dragon---------------------
Thanks for the heads up on the 'other' brands. I am looking at the newest models for every make, because I know nothing of previous years and ignorantly assuming they aren't as good. You speak of this 5 year rule.. How can I see previous year models/specs of different bikes? I was looking on the Yamaha Website and considering the YZF250, but would rather buy old to get the hang of it and not have to worry about kiling a new bike. I am looking to mainly trail ride and mess around with, no racing yet.
Travis
Posted by: zio---------------------
Go down to a dealership & sit on some of the models. If a 250 MX'er (i.e. Honda CR250) fits you, that'll give you a good idea of how the other "big" bikes will feel. They may vary by an inch, give or take, but generally that's the max height for dirtibikes. However, seat foam density will make a bit of a difference (my kTm seat doesn't squish more than a half-inch, but I've sat on other bikes that the seat squishes down a good 2 inches).
I agree w/ you about buying a used bike. It's a good way to get into the sport w/o a lot of cash, and once you get the hang of it you'll then have a better idea of what kind of bike you'd prefer. Then you can consider new. I strongly recommend finding a buddy who rides to help you in your purchase. I went at it alone & got the shaft my first time out.
Here on DRN, there's a ton of info on all bikes. Just use the search function. I wouldn't worry too much about any bike that's less than 6 years old. Everyone has an opinion, but for the most part, most mainstream bikes will have more performance/technology than you'll be able to exploit. Trust me, I've been doing this for 4 years and I still can't use all the performance of my stock, 4 year old bike.
Now for my opinion- I'd recommend you look at a 4 stroke like a Honda XR400. They have plenty of power, won't jerk your arms off, and are as reliable as a bike comes. Or maybe a KDX 200/220. They're time-proven & well suited to trail riding and are also considered to be well-mannered for beginners. Also, you can get a used one with tons of mods for a steal. I think the seat height on both of these should be fine for you.
Good luck, and welcome to DRN!!!
Posted by: Dragon---------------------
How long ago did the 4-strokes come out on bikes? I know that just this year 4-strokes came out on skis. What is the difference between 2-stroke and 4-stroke on these bikes btw?
Posted by: 23jayhawk---------------------
Four strokes have not really been a novelty on bikes for the most part. What has happened is manufacturers are wanting to get ahead of the curve & develop advanced 4-stroke technology that competes with 2-strokes in power/weight ratio. Yamaha (YZ-F's and WR-F's), and KTM (RFS's) are the most successful so far.
Biggest difference between the two is how they build power. A typical 4-stroke is very linear in terms of power versus engine speed. Most 2-strokes will have a strong 'hit' as the engine comes into an RPM band where max power comes on. Can be exhilerating, but back in the woods can be a handful. A typical MX 2-stroke will come on like a light switch. 
And then there is the KDX, which is sometimes referred to as a 3-stroke, due to its very benign power delivery in stock tune.
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