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Good beginner ladies bikes?

S

SLOryder

BBBRRRRRAAAAAPPPP
Joined
Nov 16, 2003
Location
Citrus heights
Moto(s)
14' ktm 350 xcf-w
My gf wants to get into dirt riding and the question has come up as to what bike to get.

We have been looking at TTR 125 L and LE versions (big wheel with or without electric start) and want to start out fairly cheap being a first bike that she will (hopefully) quickly outgrow.

I started doing a little research and have been finding some info about the kx100 being a good bike if a flywheel weight is added. I like the suspension and weight of the kx but the ease of use of the ttr. I think she won't outgrow the kx as fast, but it is more of a mx bike.

Are there other bikes I should look at? 2 stroke vs 4 doesnt matter to me, the ease and cost of maintenance of the 2 smoke are appealing to me...

I have never introduced anyone to riding before, and my first ride was on a cr 250:wtf.....not the best first ride, but thats what good (high school/college) friends do to you I guess....I don't want her to be intimidated, but don't want to waste money either.

She is about 5'4 and about 120 pounds if that matters.

Opinions? Offers?
 
I started on a TT-R125L. It's certainly a limited bike, especially for jumping, but it's so simple and tossable and easy to start and easy on the maintenance and inexpensive that it's really not a risk to pick up. If she outgrows it, it'll be easy to sell it and get something bigger. I'd skip the complexity and weight of the E-start; the thing kicks over so easily, cold or hot, that it's not a big deal.

If I weren't racing SMUSA, I probably would have put a big bore kit and a YZ80 suspension on it instead of getting the Arr.
 
The 230F has more power than the Titter, but it's also heavier and still has a trail bike (lack of) suspension.

I wouldn't buy a beginner trail bike new. There are plenty of them available used, many barely used (search terms on Craigslist: "bought for wife never ridden").
 
I say xr100 stay away from 2strokes at a first but a then again im in the market for a cr85 for my sons next bike
 
KE100, great bike.. it's a rotary induction 2 smoke(no reeds, crank is the intake port).. no power hit.. at all.. anywhere.. ever.. hahahah. Or anything below 250ccs.. I'd stay away from the cruisers.. I think they do a rider an injustice to skill..
 
I've taught a few people to ride and different folks take to different bikes. Young guys usually like something a little scary, older guys like something that won't make 'em break anything. Not sure what type of attitude your GF has but if you can borrow or go out with someone who has a small bike for her to ride you'll get a better idea about which type of bike will work better for her. One thing you don't want is her to be put off due to being hurt (too much motor) or freaked out by the ride. TTR is an OK beginner but if she's even partly aggressive and likes to ride she'll outgrow it really fast. KDX are lopers and cheap (maybe a little advanced but not much), small XR's are supposed to be pretty good but I have little personal experience with them. Best technique I've found for getting people into riding is start with a bike that almost bores them, then they get fired up about a bike that can perform and they can see/feel the difference.

my .02, probably not worth much more......
 
get an '06 or later 150F.
 
Depends on her innate abilities. If she seems to be pretty athletic, she'll be fine on a CRF 230. If she seems like she'll be awkward on a bike for a while, the CRF150 is a great beginner bike. That's what I got my girl wen she wanted to learn how to ride, and it worked out pretty well for her.
 
ttr 125

I have a 03 ttr 125 big wheels and disk brake in the front. It has a kick start only. It was serviced by mission moto. I have the pink in hand and it has new bars rear fender and grips. Ready to go. call mike if you are interested the price is $1,300 obo.650-208-3501:ride
 
my mom recently got a ttr125le that she really likes. The e-start is nice for her, but I agree that it's not really necessary - I could start that bike with my hand pretty easily. She's a total dirt newb and gets scared easily - so the lack of power isn't really an issue for her. Plus the bike is so light (much lighter than an xr or crf) and short that it helps her feel more confident.
 
4stroke will be easier for her, take her down to large shop and have her sit on a few bikes to get size, weight, height feeling of diff bikes. Then check out used ones on CL lol Electric start is the way to go for a beginners. I would highly recommend a used 125LE. If she grows out or doesnt like put it right back on CL. Good luck and let us know what you get!
 
Thanks for all the advice everyone! I think we will be looking at ttrs and crf 150's. She is pretty timid so I think the 230 might be too much power and weight. We have a littl ebit of saving to do but will hopefully have the cash soon and find a good bike for her.

Mrustay, I will give you a call once we get situated and ready to buy!
 
Gotta get her out there and have her sit on some... the one she feels is just a little too big is probably the right one.

If she doesn't take to that one... get another g/f and try again! :teeth
 
Rob said:
Gotta get her out there and have her sit on some... the one she feels is just a little too big is probably the right one.
If she doesn't take to that one... get another g/f and try again! :teeth
Click to expand...

I know that and you know that. However, the girlfriend doesn't know that...and it's her opinion that counts.

I've been riding a long time and I've taught lots of gals how to ride. Believe me, if you (the original poster) want this to be a sport that you can both share for a long time to come, she has to be 100% comfortable and enthused about whatever bike she gets. If she's looking at a used slightly beat XR100 for $300 that would be perfect to start on, but decides she really likes that shiny blue one over there that's heavier, newer and more expensive, go for the shiny blue one. It's only money, and there can be no better investment in your future happiness together than having your gal happy and looking forward to riding with you every weekend.

That being said, the idea of buying a bike that she won't grow out of (rather than choosing one that fits her perfectly right now) is counter-productive. If it's too big or heavy or cumbersome or too much work, it isn't going to be fun and she'll probably lose interest before she acquires the skills necessary to ride it. Getting her a bike that she likes and that fits her while she is learning is paramount when it comes to sticking with the sport.

I ride a KTM 450 EXC in the dirt most of the time, and I'm the exact same height now (5'1") as I was when I started riding dirtbikes almost 23 years ago. There's no way in hell I would have continued if I'd had to wrestle the 450 around instead of zipping around on my tiny little CR80.

Just my 2 cents, mind you...



WoodsChick
 
Agreed. But the OP is saying she wants to get into dirt bike riding...

So the real question is... does she want to get into it because SHE wants too... or because YOU do it and she wants to be included?

If it's really HER who wants to get into it... cr80 Expert... if it's not her... then XR100.
 
She wants to get into it because she sees how much my friends and I have....many of them are ladies. She is not an aggressive person so I think I will be looking more towards the ttr125l/le and the xr100 crf150 type bikes.

I dont really see her being a track rat, more of a casual rider, and maybe ultimately some more difficult trails.

Again, thanks for all of the help, advice, and opinions!
 
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