dirt/trail bike to start

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yardape · #1 Unread post by **yardape** » Sun Dec 03, 2006 2:36 pm

Hey all,

I'm Mark, a first time poster to the board and a nOOb to riding. I want a trail/dirt machine to be my first bike. The place I live right now is suited to it as well (not much pavement). After many considerations I'm guessing I'd want 250cc or less; in the 150 range??? 4 stroke and not a race bike. I'm 5'8 185lbs and don't really want to ride on a kid's sized bike either. I expect to spend between 1500 and 2500 for something used thats worthwhile. Soooo.. Which models should I be looking at? Am I way off base or what..

y.a.

t.c.rider · #2 Unread post by **t.c.rider** » Sun Dec 03, 2006 2:44 pm

You could get a KLX, an XR, or maybe a larger TTR. You should be able to find any of those used in the price range you posted. You could even consider a GasGas. Maybe one of their endurocross models. They aren't as common but I think they are great. They really have top quality components and great fit and finish...

qwerty · #3 Unread post by **qwerty** » Sun Dec 03, 2006 5:48 pm

Yamaha TW200. Easy to ride, very forgiving of mistakes. It does everything well, but nothing excellent. It also makes a great errand-runner/commuter in the city when you are ready for a more performance oriented dirt bike.

yardape · #4 Unread post by **yardape** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 1:29 am

qwerty wrote:Yamaha TW200. Easy to ride, very forgiving of mistakes. It does everything well, but nothing excellent. It also makes a great errand-runner/commuter in the city when you are ready for a more performance oriented dirt bike.

I was looking a lot at the KLX and DR. But this TW200 looks like a good fit, thanks for that suggestion.

yardape.

jstark47 · #5 Unread post by **jstark47** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 4:08 pm

qwerty wrote:Yamaha TW200. Easy to ride, very forgiving of mistakes. It does everything well, but nothing excellent. It also makes a great errand-runner/commuter in the city when you are ready for a more performance oriented dirt bike.

Hey, qwerty, I remember you were looking at a TW, did you go ahead and buy one? Just curious.

MotoF150 · #6 Unread post by **MotoF150** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 10:16 pm

Look for a used Suzuki DRZ400S, they have been made since 2000, you may get a 2000 to 2002 used one for under $2K. This bike is a serious dirt bike thats light as a feather plus its street legal too, its the closest off road, dirt, motocross race bike you can get thats also street legal. Once you get good at riding it you can ride with and do everything the 450 motocross bikes can do and all ur dirt biker friends will show respect cause you own the DRZ400.

yardape · #7 Unread post by **yardape** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 6:56 am

Is a 400 to much for a beginner to handle?

MotoF150 wrote:Look for a used Suzuki DRZ400S, they have been made since 2000, you may get a 2000 to 2002 used one for under $2K. This bike is a serious dirt bike thats light as a feather plus its street legal too, its the closest off road, dirt, motocross race bike you can get thats also street legal. Once you get good at riding it you can ride with and do everything the 450 motocross bikes can do and all ur dirt biker friends will show respect cause you own the DRZ400.

deejake · #8 Unread post by **deejake** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 1:02 pm

Not if you play it safe. It's a very forgiving bike and you'll know your limits. However, i say the TW is better for you.

yardape · #9 Unread post by **yardape** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 4:19 pm

I'm really liking the xr 125 right now, for price, size and favorable reviews.

bobchicken91 wrote:Not if you play it safe. It's a very forgiving bike and you'll know your limits. However, i say the TW is better for you.

qwerty · #10 Unread post by **qwerty** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 5:05 pm

jstark47 wrote:
qwerty wrote:Yamaha TW200. Easy to ride, very forgiving of mistakes. It does everything well, but nothing excellent. It also makes a great errand-runner/commuter in the city when you are ready for a more performance oriented dirt bike.
Hey, qwerty, I remember you were looking at a TW, did you go ahead and buy one? Just curious.

Yup. '03 with 712 miles. $1800. Love it. It's simply a goat offroad. Point, twist and go. No problem. 1st gear will pull a house. So different from other offroad bikes. So easy to ride. Serves well in the commuter role, too. Kind of buzzy over 55, but I'll order new cogs and chain next payday.