I need help choosing a first dirt bike!

[jrwisdom]

I was hoping you guys could help me choose my first dirt bike. But first here is some info about me to help you guys help me. I am a pretty big guy I am 6'-1" tall, and I weigh about 230 pounds. My legs are like 32 in. tall. Umm I would mainly be riding out in the desert out by victorville and whatnot, so I don't need a racebike or anything. My budget is as little as possible hopefully $800-$1000.I need advice about whether or not to get a 4 or 2 stroke, displacement, etc. I don't really care about the brand, the main thing is I need something that doesn't cost a lot so that when I crash learning to ride it won't be that big of a deal. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys.

Jim

 

[Ruff Rider]

First off, youre definately looking at a 250cc bike due to your size and stature. Im a 32 and the bikes hight is not a problem.

Contrary to what some will say, you can get a good bike and the gear for that budget. Now onto the bike. Try to leave 100-150 for helmet and what ever else you desire.

Four strokes are said to be great for trails and are catching onto a bigger market (ex: four stroke race bikes). Generally more expensive and are harder to find used. Honda XRs are the oldest most popular 4-strokes (Kawasaki KDX's are similar but 2strokes). These bikes are slower (250cc 4-stroke = 125cc 2-stroke)

Because you said about riding dunes, id recomend a 2-stroke. Many people who ride dunes ride either a 250 or 500. For a 1st bike, id go for a 250. You will have plenty of power and speed needed for dunes. These bikes are readily avavlible and priced in that range. Youre probily looking for years between 1988/89 through 1992/93.

As for brands, i like Kawasaki over Suzuki (havent had Yama or Hondas but have herd great things about both) because Kawasaki didnt often change the bikes that much over about a 5 year period so a part off of your bike also fits other bikes thus creating a greater need causing the store to carry it.

Any of these Japense models would be fine: KX, RM, CR, YZ,

Look for abuse when looking at bikes and look at many even if theyre over your price range (you'll get a good idea of what a good bike is like). Check nut heads - some dipsticks use piers instead of a socket/wrench. If theyre using piers i wouldnt want to imagine how else they care for the bike.

Good Luck
Brad

 

[SpeedyManiac]

Look at older Kawasaki KDX250s, Suzuki RMX250s or Yamaha WR250s. These are all 250 two-strokes that are trail-oriented bikes. They are a little easier to ride than full on mx bikes and don't need quite as much maitenance.

 

[jrwisdom]

Thanks for the help hopefully I will be out riding soon. Later.