what's the best used bike out there......

i'm returning to riding and am looking for a good used bike.  i've been out of it since about 1985.  i only want to spend about $1500.  what will that get me for the money.  i know i'm limited at that pricepoint, but which bikes and what years are good for that price.  i don't even know anything about the four strokes, but they might be too new for that price.  i grew up on a dr80, yz80, and a kx125.  1984 was my last bike and i was 14 at that time and i'm now 38.  i'm not very big either, 5'5" and 140lbs, so any help appreciated.  i'd also like to keep it under 10 years old.  

sk8z27:
i'm returning to riding and am looking for a good used bike.  i've been out of it since about 1985.  i only want to spend about $1500.  what will that get me for the money.  i know i'm limited at that pricepoint, but which bikes and what years are good for that price.  i don't even know anything about the four strokes, but they might be too new for that price.  i grew up on a dr80, yz80, and a kx125.  1984 was my last bike and i was 14 at that time and i'm now 38.  i'm not very big either, 5'5" and 140lbs, so any help appreciated.  i'd also like to keep it under 10 years old.

Welcome!

What type riding will you be doing (track, trail, woods or a mix) as that help get good suggestions.  
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Dave H 2006 YZ250
(2008 YZ 125 son)

a mixture of trail riding and track.  my 9 year old nephew is getting into riding also and i'd like to take him out on the trails also.  i can't say i'd be laying it out there on the track, but would still like something that would handle it.  back in the mid 80's, the kx, rm, yz, and cr bikes were all i knew.  now i'm clueless with all the new bikes out there.....and a 10 year old bike is new to me.  i've raced xc mt. bikes for the past 15 years to keep some of my handling skills somewhat sharp.  

check craigslist and ebay for any make 125 2 stroker. For your price range, you should be able to get a 03-04.  
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Lancaster, PA
2007 CRF250R
4 Stroke 4 Life!

Honda250rider:
check craigslist and ebay for any make 125 2 stroker. For your price range, you should be able to get a 03-04.

Welcome to the DR forums!

I agree with Honda 250 - right now it's a buyer's market and there are many deals to be had.  Just be sure to ask lots of questions about maintenence, etc.  Good luck and let us know how you make out.  
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Hudson Valley NY
KTM XC-W 250

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

I will sweat to honda xr line,  They last for ever and are great trail bikes maybe a 250 or a 400 would do good or any 125 2 stroke i know all those bikes can be got for good prices.  
IBEW LOCAL 697 1st year apprentice,  fuels my passion of riding.

I think the 2st 125 would fit you and your wallet well.  
__________
"Every time I start thinking the world is all bad, then I start seeing some people out there having fun on motorcycles. It makes me take another look." -Steve McQueen

2stk 125  or xr400 sounds best to me..
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

thats my dream bike....XR 400 ....no sense for me having a MX bike cause I'm to fat to fly lol  
1978 Yamaha 175 MX
Northern Ontario
Canada
31 yrs young
WHEELIES!
Yaaaayyyyyy!

Welcome to the FORUMS!!!!!

For $1500 you can get a real nice bike in this market and pretty new. Sounds like a 125 2t would be excellent.  
Patrick
1989 Cr250r.

Sorry, Goose, but it's time to buzz a tower.

Mount Hope, Kansass

Craigslist is where I found my bike and my son's bike. I paid $450 for the PW and $800 for a 98 KX250 with gear and extra parts (boots, helmet, pants, tires, sprockets, chains). I looked for about a month before I found it. Good Luck on your search  

The best used bike would be the one in the best condition.

Typically, newer is better, but it is possible to find a 2001 in much better condition then a 2004.

Take your time, and look around. I would suggest any used 2 stroke at your budget. The KDX200/220 are great bikes for the average trail rider. I would recommend either a 125 or 250 2 stroke for MX duty.  

pin got it right the xr 400 wont do well enough on the track  
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mike

i wish i had a ski-bear in

central florida
03 ttr 125
06 rm 125

autismspeaks.org
check it, its pretty
sweet