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New to the sport, what Bike do I get
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Posted by: 95z115---------------------

I am 5'8 150 pounds, I want to get into dirtbikes. I have never been on one, but i have ridden banshees a few times on the dunes and loved it. I think i want to get a 250 of some sort, I have 1,000-2,000 to spend. I love the sound and power of the 2-stroke, but since I am new to the sport shall I get a 4 stroke? I have friends in the sport that I could question about maintance issues, but personally I have never worked on a 2-stroke motor. What do you guys suggest I buy?

Posted by: Senior KX Rider---------------------

I like the 2 strokes

Try to find people that own bikes that you are interested in and see if you can get a ride on them.

Posted by: gwcrim---------------------

Nothing at all wrong with a 2 stroke. Take a look at a KDX 200 if you get a chance. Mellow enough for a beginner but you can beef it up as you progress. They're so popular they even have their own sub forum here.

Posted by: beer_stud_76---------------------

95z115 -

where do you plan to ride? this may change periodically as you ride more and more, but where you ride - conditions andsoforth - have a lot to do with what bike you ought to get.

if you are a stone cold beginner i'd steer clear of the two strokes with the possible exception of the KTM EXC's, MXC's and the KDX's. motocross two strokes are blindingly fast with a punishing power delivery and as such are not suitable for beginners.

first thing is figure out where you plan to ride and what type of riding you plan to do. if it helps to figure this out, find out from your friends where they ride cuz more that likely that is where you will ride.

jeremiah

Posted by: 95z115---------------------

I plan on riding mostly on dirt trails and maybe dunes 3-4 times a year

Posted by: beer_stud_76---------------------

at the $1000-$2000 price point you can't be too picky in terms of you're "ideal" bike. i personally would decide a minimum power requirement (say...4 stroke 250...or whatever) and find the soundest bike you can for your budget. you can get a pretty good bike if you're shrewd and patient.

you don't seem like you are all ridden with doubt and fear. this makes me think that you could handle well a bike that i might consider to be "too much" for most begginers.

when shopping around, be sure to post some bikes (model, year, ect) for some specifics.

jeremiah

Posted by: 95z115---------------------

Yeah I am looking for a near stock (maybe muffler and whatever can be aftermarket) Honda, Yamaha, or Kawasaki 250 2-stroke, 1995-1997. The only experience I have is on Banshees, and I had a ton of fun on those. I will keep you updated, thanks for your help.

Posted by: Fred T---------------------

Quote:

Originally posted by beer_stud_76
95z115 -

if you are a stone cold beginner i'd steer clear of the two strokes with the possible exception of the KTM EXC's, MXC's and the KDX's. motocross two strokes are blindingly fast with a punishing power delivery and as such are not suitable for beginners.

jeremiah

I think you may be a little surprised at how fast my or any 250 EXC is. Other than fly wheel weight for instant revs I doubt the motor gives up very little HP to MX bikes.

Posted by: beer_stud_76---------------------

fred -

my meaning is not the total RWHP, but the manner in which it is delivered. and i wouldn't be surprised how fast an EXC 250 is. the blow by me on the trail all the time.

i based that judgement on a simple formula. to wit - MXC's/EXC's, KDX's = fun on trails. whereas SX's, YZ's, CR's, RM's, KX's = not so fun on the trails. (this is given a stock configuration, of course)

EXC's, MXC's, and KDX's are totally different animals than the motocross 2 strokes. thats all i was getting at.

jeremiah

Posted by: flying W---------------------

In Colorado, you are lucky to get a 80cc in good shape for $2K.

Posted by: ChrisB---------------------

i think the KDX 200 is the best overall bike there is. i've put one through a very severe beating and it survived without a hitch. it would be something you could learn to ride and still be plenty good when you've gained more experience.

Posted by: sluggerjoe---------------------

Used KDX 200 or 220. You can add some mods later and get some pretty impressive top end for when you need that power in the sand, yet you have a torquey little docile bike that handles very well for a smaller fellow like yourself. The factory suspension would perform well, too. Four strokes (xr400) are heavier and harder to handle and just not as much fun as the KDX'x. Not to mention they cost more to buy.

Posted by: Red Rider 53---------------------

I think an 80 2-stroke would have plenty of power for you.

Posted by: beer_stud_76---------------------

red -

not for nuthin' but don't you think he might be just a bit too big for an 80?

Posted by: atc3434`---------------------

A 250 MX bike would probably not be a good way to start off. Thats a lot of power, a 250, hell, a 125 will smoke SMOKE a Banshee, and they are pretty quick. These guys are right on with looking into KDX 200 or 220. Both are great bike stock, have a ton of potential, and are bullet proof! A KDX is a 2 stroke bike, but has the reliablity of any 4 stroke. And a hell of a lot easier to start. A KDX is a good starting point for anybody looking into getting into riding.

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New to the sport, what Bike do I get

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