Sizing a dirt bike for myself question

[sbabs]

Hello all,
Just found this site, it looks pretty cool. I am looking to get back into woods riding after a 20+ year hiatus. I've ridden street bikes since, but not really in the dirt. I have two small boys and I figured what a better way to spend the weekend with them than tearing up the trails since we've moved to the midwest. My main issue is what size bike to look for, and what brand. I'd like to stay with one of the 4 just out comfort level, Yam, Honda, Kaw, or Suzuki. I'm 40, 5"9" stocky at 220 lbs, and I have a crappy back and knee so I would rather go with a lighter bike than a heavier one. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

I've been thinking of around a 230 Honda or Yamaha, but wondering if the 4 stroke Honda 150 would cut it or not. I won't be getting out of control, it will be low level playing with my boys.

Thanks in advance for any help,
Steve

[Jamers!]

first off


as for bikes. well any of the smaller dirt bikes will probalbly work, just stay above 100 and below 250. the Suzuki DR-Z125L is a great bike. buddy of mine from school has one and ive ridden it around. Its comfy, peppy but not to crazy and its light. But just look around the dealerships at bikes in that range and see what feels right.


JWF

[sbabs]

I just moved from Los Angeles. (SFV 405 and Nordhoff) man do I miss it, especially the fishing! Do you think a 125 will suffice with my weight? The problem is of course that I cannot test ride anything, and the guys at the dealers all want to sell me a 250, even over the 230. Thanks again,
STeve

[icariz83]

230 is a lot to haul around for a smaller engine like the 150 (no offense, just the truth). If you just wanna kinda ride around for fun then it will work but you might wanna go a different route.

If money is a big issue try going for a used XR250 or XR400. Great power and low end torque that rocks and never stops.

Or you could go for the KTM 525EXC

[Ninja Geoff]

Yamaha TTR-125L MAYBE.

TTR-225L wouldn't be bad, nor would a XR200R if you can find it.

[jmillheiser]

any of the 250 4 strokes would probably be about perfect for you. The new 450cc 4 strokes are crazy fast for a dirt bike

[Bachstrad37]

Are you interested in a dual-sport? They have em in two flavors. Flavor 1 is more road oriented. Flavor 2 is more dirt oriented. You probably know already, but dual sport allows you to legally drive on public roads as they're equipped with brake lights and turn signals.

If you like this idea, try a Suzuki DR200. They're not crazy fast and will fit you pretty good. I'm 5'9" - 175lbs. and it fits me pretty good. It has a standard dirtbike style seat that allows you to roll around a bit, but as for long rides, the seat might be a bit too small.

If you want pure dirtbike, try a Honda CRF150F. The CR has been around for quite some time and the design has been around for 20+ years - unchanged. It's super solid and motorcrossers swear by this bike. It's a 4 stroker, but minimal in weigh. I drove a smaller 100cc version of this bike as a kid. The 150 is suited for adults and is one heck of a bike.