Newbies Forum

I am looking into trying out dirtbike riding and would like to get a bike in the next month or so. I'm 23, 6'-1" and weigh about 180lb. I am completely torn on what kind of bike to get so hopefully some of you can help me out. The questions:

2 stroke vs 4: I do not know which to get at this point. I currently have no plans to race, though I may someday get into it as I have been racing cars for years. I'm not sure what kind of riding we will be doing, but I'd definately like to try everything. We will for sure be doing a good bit of trail riding. Would a 2-stroke not be good for this? I have never owned a motorcycle. Which will be easier for me to maintain? How often will I have to do major maintenance/rebuilds (rings, etc.)? I am a very accomplished car mechanic so I can fix just about anything. Saving money is a definite factor.

Power: How much power will I need for my height/weight? I was looking at 125cc 2-strokes because they are readily available in my price range(would like to stay at or under $1500), but am slightly concerned that I may outgrow it quickly. I admit to having never ridden a dirt bike and have limited street bike experience so I haven't much basis for this though. I do like to go fast and definitely want something with some get-up-and-go. What do you all think I will need?

A friend of mine told me this "Ok, here's my .02.  2 stroke bikes are low on torque and high on maintenance.  They are really much better suited to racing than trailriding because the useful powerband is way too high in the RPM range.  Most frequent riders are doing rings every few months.  Racers do a set of rings every race.  It just in not worth it to go with a two stroke.". As far as I know the only bike he has ever owned(and still has) is a XR200R so he may be biased against the 2-stroke though. I definitely like to go faster than him in cars and will likely want to do the same on bikes. I will likely be riding with him in the near future.

I need real help here. I am totally at a loss. I want to have the potential to go fast, but around my budget level($1500ish maximum for the bike). My girlfriend has a (1999 i think) CR125R back home. She has an affinity for 2-strokes and Hondas so I will in all likely hood end up with a Honda. 2st vs 4st and size is still completely up in the air though. I'd appreciate any advice. Thanks  

Have you ridden your GF's CR? Your friend is right and wrong. 125's are low on torque, and only moderate maintenance if you are racing every weekend.

You will spank his xr200 w/ a 125mx bike. I used to own an xr200 and now I'm ridin a CR125. I am 6'2 180 lbs, which is big for a 125, but it still hauls the mail.

W/ your budget and size, you probably want to start w/ a 125 2st or a 250 4st-if you can find one for that price.  
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Nobody's gonna hurt anybody. We're gonna be like little Fonzies here. And what's Fonzie like? Come on what's Fonzie like?

go for the 125 2 stroke they are much easier and cheaper to maintain i own a 2st and i am really happy with the lightness and nimbleness of the bike  
=====================i eat the desert and the dessert

No I haven't ridden her CR. Her bike is, unfortunately, back at her home in California and we are in Texas. She loves dirt bikes and I'm hoping once I get one she'll want to get her bike down here and get back into it too .

Thanks for the replys so far. Let's keep them coming  

Welcome Zach, if there is anyway you can test ride a 125-2 st and a 250-4st that would be the best thing you can do as far as determining what kind of power you like the most.  
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Nobody's gonna hurt anybody. We're gonna be like little Fonzies here. And what's Fonzie like? Come on what's Fonzie like?

a 125 2 stroke will be good for u it can last forever as long as u change the oil and filter regularly a 2 stroke top end will only cost around 150 bucks while with the 4 stroke u have to check the valves every lil bit 20 hours or so and if ur engine does blow and u have to rebuild it will cost u a arm and leg so if u wanna save money and stay on low maitence get a 2 stroke 125 i prefer the yamahas they are soild bikes try to get a bike no older then 99 and up the newer the better but ya 2 stroke is the way u wanna go if u wanna save moeny and maitence costs  
06 Yamaha YZ 250

4 strokes aint nothin but problems

At $1500 you are probably looking at a 125 or a four-stroke trail bike, not a newer 250F racer. I would say go 125 since they are a blast and are simple so they make the learning curve easier for working on them  (yes, I know you're a mechanic already, but simple and cheap is good).

The best part of your approach is that if you find a good bike for $1500, you will likely be able to re-sell it for about the same, so don't worry so much about starting off on a 125 then outgrowing it.

I wish there was a better way to help you, but until you have some riding experience as a reference point, all we can do it tell you some basics. Different riders have different preferences, there's no 'best' bike. The important thing is to get a bike in good condition because buying a junker and fixing it up will likely cost more, and will be a big drain on your time.

In your case, look at anything in your price range, consider which dealers are close by that carry parts and accessories for dirt bike, and shop until you find a bike in great condition for a good price.  

Sounds good. I have a new question. Why not get a bike older than '99? Did something drastically change in that year?

I only ask because I've been shopping around and found a '97 CR250R local in my price range. Is there something wrong with these that was upgraded in '99? Do you think I would kill myself with it if I were to get something this powerful to start with? I am cautious and won't get something I can't handle and would go easy untill I'm ready. Maybe I could even put a throttle stop on it or something if I need to for a while.  

i would recommend getting a 250 four stroke. if you look online, you can find plenty of them for 1500 and under. four strokes are ALOT easier to maintain, and if you decide to get into racing, you'll be in good shape.  

alpine stars does not know what he is talking about 4 strokes are more maitence and cost more to repair thats a FACT also no there is nothing wrong with 97 or even older models just few minor changes over the years bikes get lighter easier to handle better shocks and frames and all that jazz just look for a bike in good condition there is a guide here somewhere on dirtrider its an article about what to look for when buying a used bike it is very helpful i suggest u take a look at that bike prefernce is up to u get a 125 2 stroke yamaha honda kawa suzuki u will be good yammies and hondas i think are at the top so ya just look around see wat u find  
06 Yamaha YZ 250

4 strokes aint nothin but problems

not much has changed since 99. just the suspension and some engine mods. people say no later then that because you go later and it might not be in the best shape. it might be in great shape though. if you find a 96 in mint condition, chances are you'd never know the difference between the 2000 and the 1996. by the way alpinestars is wrong. 2 strokes are way easier and cheaper to maintain. ~pat  
PEACE GUYS ITS BEEN A BLAST!!!!! ~patrick

yeah alpinestars must be on crack. if there was a new 250f for under 1500, it would be in my garage.

two strokes are the best bikes for any kind of trails. it is also great for racing. a 125 will haul you but a 250 would be better but try a 125 first and if you ever feel like you could use more power then sell it and get a 250.

and with maintenance. any kind of race or mx style dirt bike is going to need maintenance. top end rebuild and suspension rebuild every 40 hours. i do mine once a year and i get way more then 40 hours. change the tranny oil every 3 to 5 rides and use good oil like bel ray gear saver, honda sae 80/85w. use good premix like bel ray h1r, honda hp2, or yamalube 2r mixed at 32:1. clean air filter every other ride. clean the bike every ride with a hose and soap, powerwashers are bad. if you do these your bike will last a long time in good condition.

now 4 strokes you have to do all these other things plus valve maintenance every 20 hours. top end rebuilds are way more expensive. a 2 stroke top end can be done for 100 to 200 dollars. a 4 stroke will cost way more then that and should be done at least once a year. if a 4 stoke ever decides to crap on you then you will have to pay big bucks to get it rebuilt.  
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Ride 2 strokes, buy 2 strokes, save the 2 stroke.

1998 cr125
2002 cr80

pat nailed the age thing pretty good. most advances have been made in the suspension. if you get the suspension revalved by factory connection then you will have a suspension that is the same thing that would be on a brand new suspension. this cost about 400 dollars. its not necesary. it should be rebuilt at least once a year though this cost about 200 dollars.  
______________________________
Ride 2 strokes, buy 2 strokes, save the 2 stroke.

1998 cr125
2002 cr80

yea wat elko said  
06 Yamaha YZ 250

4 strokes aint nothin but problems

First off I want to say that you could get any bike and adapt to it and come to love it's characteristics, but bikes of different displacements do have it's good and bad traits.

For your weight and ability a 250f is what you will be most comfortable on.   They are super easy to ride and have enough power for your weight.

  The problem with those bikes is that a used one is a very risky affair since they are expensive to repair if it's worn out.  
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A better choice under a tight budget would be a 250 2stroke.  They are easy to maintain, cheap to buy and repair and very powerful.  The downside is a motor that can be a bit scary for a novice, since the power tends to come very strong at certain revs.

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I don't recommend a 125 for your weight.  It will be underpowered except on the sweet-spot of the power-band, and it's hard for a novice to keep it there.  They also tend to eat pistons and rings often if ridden hard.  (granted: they are not that big of a deal to replace).

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A 450F has a slightly more durable motor than a 250f, but it's just as expensive to repair.   The ample power and weight could get a novice in trouble.