Newbies Forum

I ride a harley.  My son wants a dirtbike.  He's ridden his friends 80 automatic and loves it.  Everything I hear and have found is the recommendation that he stay away from the 4 stroke 80/100 and just step him into a cr85 2 stroke for the suspension, size and durability in the woods, etc.  He's 5'4" and 110 lbs. Doubt he'd like a clutch, but he'll have to learn sometime anyway if he continues to ride seriously.  Any suggestions?  Anything to look-out for when checking out a used bike? What would be a fair price for something used (not too hard)?  Thanks!!!  

I'd say cr85 or maybe 125. Vets, wut do u guys think?  
1998 KTM 200 EXC
1996 KX250
1993 XR100r
NORTH CENTRAL H.S. FOOTBALL FOR LIFE! GO INDIANS!!!!!

I would say keep your son off the 2-stroke until he is more experienced, and if you do go with the smoker, get him the 85, the 125 is to tall. I suggest he would learn best on the Crf 150 or a TTR 125. The 4-strokes will be better for gas milage, good on spark plugs (unlike the 2 smoker) and he wouldn't have to keep the RPMs up all the time. The 4-strokes have a smoother power band (which will be a lot better for him to get used to dirtbikes). You can get a good used TTR or CRF for $1500-$2500. Possibly look on craigslist.  

My son rode a pw50,pw80,kx65 before I got him a cr80
when he was 10. You should understand that a 2st 85 is a racing bike w/ a wicked powerband that will raise the front wheel in many, if not all gears. Make sure your son wears all of his safety gear. I would look for a leftover from a dealership. I bought a new 02 CR80 in 06, from a dealership.  
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I love the Turtle Posse!

Did that PW80 have a fatty on it?!  
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Isn't the KX65 a race bike as well?? Do you have to keep the rev's up on it as well?? Just curious as I was looking at one as a trail bike for my son but my husband says its a race bike so idling and not going full out will just foul the plugs??? What do you think??  

Yes the kx65 is a race bike, it belonged to a friend of my sons and he raced the kx at a track.
I dont know how the kx was in the woods, my sons CR80 can be ridden in the woods, but I had to put a hotter spark plug in it, to avoid fouling plugs. If your son is just riding in the woods, you may want to buy him a trail bike, but W/ practice I am sure he could learn to ride the KX in the woods w/out fouling plugs.  
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I love the Turtle Posse!

That's my rub.  He's been riding a 50 and an 80 4 stroke for some time at a friends house.  I'm afraid getting a crf will just need replaced in a year and won't be as rugged.  I realize that I can't limit the torque, but what about a training throttle or limiter?  

Wow delema.....A kx85 or YZ is going to hit hard and with no clutch exp...BAD.
BUT, He does have some exp and needs to learn to clutch. 5'4, 110lbs, riding woods,! 4 stroke.  
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Ruff!

I'm gunna have to agree with Woods. As much as it pains me to say it a 4 stroke sounds like a good idea.  
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I really want to thank everyone for the input!  I rode a 2 stroke 125 when I was 18.  I test drove a cr85 today and was quickly reminded of the difference from the 4 stroke when I inadvertantly had the front wheel off the ground in 1st AND 2nd.  He will get a crf 100 for now -with all the safety gear- and I'll re-evaluate his skill and interest after a year or so. Maybe I'll get a cr 125 and ride with him!!!!  

I bought a 125 after riding my sons CR80.  
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I love the Turtle Posse!

the 100 is a great purchase! hows he like it? thats like a perfect bike for him until he learns the finer points of dirtbikeing. and hte consequences of not knowing them. lol.~pat  
PEACE GUYS ITS BEEN A BLAST!!!!! ~patrick

Good choice!  
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Ruff!

im gonna have to say i think he will do fine on a cr500. JK. seriously though i was going to say pw80 but the crf100 is good too.  
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Ride 2 strokes, buy 2 strokes, save the 2 stroke.

1998 cr125
2002 cr80