Newbies Forum

I've never ridden anything but mountain bikes (the ones with pedals).

I'm getting the idea that the 'old' dirt rider around here is mid-30s or so, just based on a few threads I've started reading. I'm early 50s, 5'9'' and about 180 lbs and in okay shape but in need of improvement. Doc says I seem about 10 years younger, based on fat content and general specs, and I'm far more physically active than most of my peers. My knees have never been great.

I'd like to ride what are basically forest service trails here in Colorado--ruts and roots, but rocks are avoidable. Could be plenty rough, but likely not very fast.

Do many folks start this at my age (and survive), or should I just settle for 4 wheels and call it good?

I know NOTHING about dirt riding or motorcycles in general--that should be clear by now.

I didn't find a Search funtion, and didn't see any threads where folks were wondering about whether they should even get a bike at all--so here I am.  

I'm not quite as old as you, but I ride with people in your age group - and what's more, we ride in Colorado

Do many folks start at your age?  No.  But some do.. 4 wheels are easier for some things and harder for others. Motorcycles are far more maneuvareable, though. As for survivability - you should be just fine!

Do you want to ride?  Do you like the idea of riding these trails?  Do you think smelling the things around you instead of being in a tin can is a cool idea?  How about getting good range from a couple gallons of gas?  Age isn't the factor here, interest is.  If you are interested, get a nice used bike for an affordable price and give it a shot!  If you decide you don't like it, sell the bike and recoup your investment...  
Since when is Dirt blue??!!!

Unfortunately, I can't help, but I just wanted to say "hi" and that it's good to hear other "old" guys here in Colo. are thinking trying dirt riding, too.  (I'm in my 30's, for the time being...) I just joined the site, and did the search you did for advice on what bike to start out on.  

if your into it i'd say go for it.  just buy a used bike to see if you like it. worst case you dont like it and can resell the bike.  
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05 KTM 125 SX

you know what they say... 50 is the new 40.  I am 48 and just bought a couple of dirt bikes for me and my kids  I am guessing like you ,I am not going to go crazy.  but I will enjoy some trail riding .  It is a blast. - I had been a rider earlier in life.  
Go for it.  

Your story is much like mine, only a 10 year difference. I just got into dirt biking about 2 months ago, at the age of 40. I've already bought a used YZ 250. I jumped straight in the deep end with a 2-stroke. I also come from a mountain biking background (10 years). I'll tell you what, ever since I started with the motos I haven't ridden my bicycle once. My fitness might take a slight hit but damnit, moto is just too fun. I can even see myself buying a 2nd bike, like a WR or something for trail riding. I think the main thing that differs with older riders is the recovery time from either a long day of riding or from a crash. It takes me a little longer these days, and I consider myself to be in pretty good shape. Anyway, welcome to the fold. It's quite an addiction. Enjoy it while you can. Just make sure you ride within your limits.  

I just turned 40. I rode a dirtbike and atv's in my pre,early teens and just got back into riding a little over a year ago. I may be older, but I am still an adrenaline junky. It is also a fun way to spend time w/ my family.  

No way to old! With the right bike and guidence you will be fine. A great way to get out there and get exersize and enjoy the great out doors!
I'm 42.  

Not really the answers I expected, but certainly the answers I was fishing for.

I'm really lost when it comes to looking at bike descriptions and telling whether one is intended for racing or for something else. Unless they say 'mom and the kids' or 'playbike', I have no way of knowing anything other than displacement and 2- vs 4-stroke. Where can I start find out about the basic 'categories' of bike?

Say for example I'm looking just at 250 4-strokes or just at 125 2-strokes. Among either group, how do I learn what makes one better-suited to the track vs better for the trail? I need a 'Dirt Bike Basics' article.  

This question could take up a 'Dirt Bike Basics' encylopedia

We could go on and on and on, and probably will - so I'll skip to the chase and give you a short list of bikes that would suit the needs you outlined in your post.

1. Yamaha WR250F.  It's a great bike and durable as a brick.  Excellent for trail riding and you won't outgrow it.  Downside is that it has a rather tall seat for your height.
2. Honda CRF250X.  Same as above.
3. Any Honda XR (200cc or above) bulletproof and fun.
4. Yamaha TT-R 230.  Lower seat height, durable, but less power than the CRF or WR

There are some Kawasakis that also fit the bill, as well as some Suzukis.  What you want to avoid, given your experience, the type of riding you wish to do, and so forth is the racing bikes.  Specifically any 125cc 2-stroke (YZ, KX, RM, CR).  Don't get me wrong, I love them dearly, but they are not the right bikes for you.  Also, try to stay away from the racing 4-strokes (CRF-R, KX-F, RMZ..) - they require quite a bit of valve maintenance, and used ones may require a considerable investment in repairs to get running right. The notable exception is the YZ250F, which is practically bullet proof.
The 250cc 2-strokes, which again are dearly loved, are simply too much bike for you to handle.  Stay away from them (again, YZ, RM, KX, and CR). Whatever you do, though, don't be tempted into buying an off brand bike.  Stick with the big 4 (Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki) unless you want a REAL headache on your hands..
<EDIT> - ok, ok - and KTM too... if you fancy the bright orange color  
Since when is Dirt blue??!!!

You are me. I couldn't take it anymore and 5 weeks ago...at 47 years old, I bought a dirt bike. I went with the Honda CRF250X. Wow, are these things fun. Running slow was what I was after in a bike, at least thats what I told myself. Now I've turned my 30 acre field from a driving range to dirt bike track. You will be suprised at how stabil dirt bikes actually are. I find myself hammering the throttle and powering out of corners a bit more each day. If you like a little torque in your old weathered hands...don't worry its there if you choose.
I say get the bike, we can work on the golf game when we are 65.  

way to not even mention KTM lol  
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05 KTM 125 SX

Wow, I am not the only one. The best years of my life were riding dirt motorcyles as a teen. Now at 46 I am buying bikes for my 5 and 7 year olds, and getting a bike for my self.

Thanks for all the great info on bike selection, those are exactly what I have been shopping for, that makes me feel good. I am looking at a preowned xr 400 at a dealer tomorrow and I just got back from a KTM dealer where I looked at a 200 XC-W. The Yamaha WR 250 F, and the Honda CRF 250X look good also.

Any advice for a 5' 7" 140 rider in good shape with experience riding mx two strokes as a kid? I want to primarily cow trail with the kids, but want a bike that has room to grow on as my skills come back and hopefully incerease. I like the sound of the XR 400, but have not tried one. The WR and the CRF felt good also. Price is a consideration and a used XR is ball park. Most of the riding would be in Northern California, in Eldorado National Forest and Mendicino National Forest which is mixed terrain.

Any thoughts on the KTM 200 XC-W. Way back in the day (1977) I rode the pooh out of a YZ 175 and loved it. Tractable down low (sort of) and could scream like an eagle. It appears that the 200XC-W is a legit cow trailer with good low end and the ability to moto also, or is that not the case. They are also available used in the 3K range.

Any way, just joined, had to chime in. Enjoyed the messages.  

For Trails I would go with the CRF250X or CRF450X. A 125 2 stroke and a 250 four stroke is roughly the same power. You said rode the 175 2 stroke really hard. Thats probably a little more power than a 250. You might want to go with the 450. They are easy to control if you keep them in a low gear and don't give to much gas. The 200XC-w looks nice but I would say go with a Honda.  

Crap. I had my heart set on the KX250f and it's on the not recommended list! Well, thanks for saving me a lot of grief. Anyway, the 990 Adventure was my screen saver just a few months ago, so I guess I'm making some progress down the path toward Reality.