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Bikes for Father, Son,...and Son
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Posted by: biglou---------------------
I think you're in the right ballpark with your bike picks. A DRZ400S (dual-sport model) might be just the ticket for you. They are heavy when compared to the off-road only versions, but capable nonetheless. I don't have any experience with any other dual-sport bikes, or bikes that have been converted to DS from dirt-only. I think a KDX might be a good choice for son 1, too. Although, it is a 2-stroke. For son 2, a TTR90, or TTR125, maybe? I'm just guessing based on his size. You'll get a lot more (and better) info here shortly from some of the other members with a wider knowledge base of the different bikes than me. Good luck. 
Posted by: Patman---------------------
Texas is pretty lax when it comes to DSing a bike so don't be too worried about getting a street legal bike right off the bat. I'll throw an idea out that might seem odd but could save you some grief and running around. Get all the same make of bikes if possible. I'm in your range (plus a few pounds) and think your choices are good for the intended use. Son 1 might work well on a DR250, TTR250, or XR250 (my personal favorite). Son 2 fits almost exactly where my son is and I'll tell ya' the TTR90 is waaaay to small. Give a lot of sonsideration to a TTR125 or XR80 for him. The TTR is a neat bike with lots of hop-up potential, the XR80 is a bomb proof bike that's tons of fun. My son is on an XR and while it's a big change from his KTM Pro 50 2 stroke he's having fun and it's A LOT less maintenance. If you were to round up a XR400, XR250 & XR80 you'd need to keep some fuel & oil on hand and maybe a tire patch kit, other than that I doubt there would be much need to go to the dealer The XR's don't have a lot of the things that get damaged in a crash because they are oil & air bikes, the down side is they are a little older tech. When my son & I both rode KTM's it was great to have one stop shopping, now we're both on Hondas and it's even easier.
Posted by: whyzee---------------------
Patman's advice is dead on! For your intended purpose stick with the 4 strokes, the maintenance requirements will be much easier to keep up with than the two strokes. Again I have to say that Honda’s XR reliability is top notch, almost a ride, wash, park and repeat. I would actually suggest a XR100 for your 9 year old, I started my son on one at 8 and a little shorter than your boy. The suspension can be lowered very easily and the bike adjusted to fit him for the next few years.
Good luck,
Posted by: blanc---------------------
WHY DONT YOU TRY THE KAWASAKI KDX200/ 220 FOR YOURSELF AND SON1!
I HAVE HEARD NOTHING BUT EXCELLENT REVIEWS ON BOTH, PARTS ARE CHEAP AND REBUILDS ARE MUCH CHEAPER THAN A 4STROKE, AND IF ONLY USED AS A TRAIL BIKE NOT SO NECESSARY! GOOD LUCK!
Posted by: troglodyte---------------------
I have been thinking along Patman's and Whyzee's line. I agree that having all the bikes being of one make is the smartest thing. I think I'll go with the Hondas. Not the newest technology but it still works and is reliable, plus I tend to be a little old school. Thanks to all for the input. It was all valuable. Now to get the funds up and find the bikes. Looks like I'll be watching the dealers and cycletrader for the next couple of months.
Trog
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