Newbies Forum

First let me say, I've read a number of forums and appreciate the work and time that members here have taken in support of other members and their welcoming of new members to the community. As for my question, I've searched and read numerous request for what bike should I get since "I'm new to bikes" or "I'm just getting back into bikes" or what have you, hoping to find some suggested bikes for someone with my same age, size, background and bike needs. However, I have yet to find any similar so here goes:

I'm 39 years old. I'm 5'8" and weight 165 lbs. About 20 years ago I had a Kawasaki Tecate 2-stroke three wheeler as my only off road experience, although I road it extensively for about 4 years. However, I have about fifteen years of sport bike experience. I rode a 600 cc for about 8 years and rode 1000 cc bikes for the rest of the time. For about 12 years I rode only on the streets, then switched to road course/ race track only (I figured I'd seriously hurt myself, kill myself or go to jail riding on the streets). So, I've done numerous track days and been to a number of racing schools all on a liter sized (150 hp) bike.

I've decided to not ride road bikes any longer. Now I'm looking for a dirt bike for trail and enduro type riding, anything from closed woods to more open terrain, but would also likely go to MX courses for practice riding as well. I've always thought enduro racing might be fun - I guess I'd be in the older guys group now so that might be a possiblity in the future, depending on how things work out. However, I don't think MX racing, jumping or stunts will ever be in my cards.

As to bikes, I'm pretty sold on getting a 4-stroke. The mixing of oil, the smoke, and the potential environmental issues (especially that I may not be allowed in public State Parks or National Forrest) are big things. So it seems some type of "off road" or enduro type bike with kick stand, electric start, a head light and tail lights would be my choice (although if the lights are easy enough to add to an 4-stroke MX bike then that might be okay).

Lastly, I'd like to buy the bike new and the cost really isn't an issue to me in regards to the purchase price or to maintanence cost. I have no real brand preference either. Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, and KTM dealers are all close enough for me as well.

So, given my lack of dirt experience (other than a 250 2-stroke three wheeler), my  experience with road bikes, my age/ size/ weight, my bike wants/ needs, and finances... What should I get???

Thank you all in advance!  

Yamaha has a WR250 for trail riding, Honda has a CRF250X model for trails.  
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I love the Turtle Posse!

oderus i like how you think. also welcome to the board mdw!! its niec to have a new one on who actually gives us information in their post in advance thanks.oderus is right. the wr 250 and the crf250x are all great bikes. built mmore ruggidly for trails and enduro but still have a good suspension. I'd advise you also look into the wr450 and the crf450x as you have the experience to handle one. and it might suit you better in the long run. good luck and keep us posted! ~pat  
PEACE GUYS ITS BEEN A BLAST!!!!! ~patrick

Kawasaki also has it's KLX450, and KTM has a multitude of engine sizes with their XCW series of bikes.  These are all good ideas for new bikes.  If you are looking for something older I really like the XR400, and the KDX220.  

A properly jetted 2 stroke is not much harsher on the enviroment than a 4 stroke.  They both burn the same amount of gas to get similar power.  

Bill H. 2000 CR250R

I agree with the other guys who posted....the 250 (regardless of brand) is probably the way to go...just go for the trail/off-road version (like the honda crf250x) rather than the race version. I'm 5'8" too and honestly, touching the ground is kind of awkward...not that I can't touch the ground or can't hold up the bike...but both feet won't touch at the same time and when I was younger and not as good as I am now, it made me really nervous.  But as long as you know that going into it, you should be fine.  
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--Court