(Bigger) Newbie looking for a starter bike

We got the kids started on bikes now it is time for dad to play   . I don't have any experience with bikes so it is all relatively new to me. I am a (ahem) bigger 31 year-old guy - at 240 pounds, six feet tall. I'm looking for something used to putt around in the desert in (no racing for me). I don't want to short-change myself on power but I also don't see myself being overly adventurous. My buddy who has been riding since practically birth tells me I should go straight to a CRF450 or YZ250 but that seems like it might be too much even considering the extra poundage.

Any insight you guys can give is appreciated. I have been through quite a few posts on the website but I haven't come across one yet that take in consideration the extra weight.  

im 6'1 250 lbs.. not really ahem big though but weight is weight no matter. id get a crf450x notice the x dont get an R. it will have more than enough power for you
DavidS  
i take a lot of pride in what i am

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ride: 02yz426
local: north east Oregon

terrain type woods with lots of roots & rocks

Welcome to the forums jdawg53

It's good that you have a buddy that can help you, but I think the 250 two stroke might not be the best bike to start off with.  What bike does he have?  Can you try it out for a lap or two?

I'd definitely suggest a four stroke since you don't have any experience and have a lot of resposibilities (your kids).  I don't know much about desert riding - maybe some of the west coast folks will chime in.  I would normally suggest the Honda CRF 250X, but I'm not sure it'd be a good bike considering your height and weight.  The 450 might actually be the way to go as Dave mentioned.  
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Hudson Valley NY
KTM XC-W 250

"If you don't have a dream, how can it come true?"

Agree with sanders crf450x or maybe the wr450.  
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I love this dirt stuff.

Thanks, guys. The next time I head out to the dez with him, I will try out his bike (not even sure what it is). If anyone else has anything to chime in, please let me know.  

no matter what dont get a race bike get an off road bike.. there much easier to maintain
DavidS  
i take a lot of pride in what i am

___________________
ride: 02yz426
local: north east Oregon

terrain type woods with lots of roots & rocks

While I would also endorse the posts above, regarding the CRF and WR, if you're not that serious perhaps you could consider an XR400 or DR400z.  Potential advantages of these include lower purchase price and you don't have to be so fussy about servicing them.  When I used to ride those bikes I weighed about 230(?) pounds (not sure on that, I'm used to working in kilos....) and while I was using all of the suspension (and then some... ) I was giving them both a bit of a hiding as well.

That said, if you've got the bucks go for the CRF/x or WR though.  Happy choosing....  
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And on the fourth stroke....      All hell breaks loose!!!

my suggestion would be a yamaha wr450f,if you leave it stock it produces a little more power than a 250 4stroke,nice mellow power delivery.after you get used to the bike then you do a few simple free mods and youve got the 450f that you bought in the first place.ive owned both the crf450x and my current ride the wr450f.the yammaha is beoynd user freindly,and for a novice this is a big plus.read up on the reliability and youll see why the yamaha is the only choice for the modern 4stk.now if you want to go with the old technology(very durable)go with the xr400honda or if you can find the xt line of yamaha.good luck  
---------------- different toilet,same ***

Would the XR line be good for his weight? They are already supposed to have mushy suspension. I rode an 80s model 200 when I was in my teens and it was a fun bike but I weighed all of 120.  


2 strokin till I die. Which I hope aint soon.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

1994 CR80

I know alot of my uncles freinds love the wr series. I have never heard anything negative about them. Wel whe you get a bike make sure you get us some pics!  
Adam
2002 XR 100R
2003 RM 100

Thanks, everyone - I appreciate the feedback. I will be sure to let everyone know the outcome. The CRF450X's seem hard to come by but there is a gluttany of R's out there.  

the WRs are rock solid like i said check out the durability compared to other brands,and the price is really low right now!i had an x,but if you incest,ive said my peace.  
---------------- different toilet,same ***

I agree, the WR450F or CRF450X would be prime choices. You definitely do not want an 'R' model, as it will be harder to learn on, maintain, and to ride on the trails.  
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Adam
B.C, Canada
2007 CRF150RB

I don't know why everyone hates the R models? I love my 250r so much more than my dad's old 250x. It does GREAT on trails and has a much stronger engine, but is still easy to ride. For you, I would say either a XR400, mabey WR450F, or the best in my opinon, the CRF250X. My dad is 225 lbs and loved riding his 250x. If you're the kinda guy that just wants to get out every now and then and ride with the kids, this bike will be great.  
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Lancaster, PA
2007 CRF250R
4 Stroke 4 Life!