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Recommend dirt bike

J

jmann

New member
Joined
Jun 10, 2015
Location
cali
Moto(s)
sport
Looking to get into dirt bikes. Other than a CRF50, never ridden dirt bikes before. I know, the 50cc probably don’t count. My riding background: Been riding 300, 600, and 1000cc sport bikes at the track for a few years. I’m 5’5 inches tall. What’s the best dirt bike for me? Below are the things I’ll most likely use it for and random thoughts.

1) trail riding
2) following the kid in his 50cc around
3) the MX tracks seems fun, but having never ridden on them, not even sure I can handle or enjoy them.
4) Will a 450cc kill me or make it so I want to quit? Plus 38 inch seat height!!
5) Want something I can grow with. Don’t want to repeat the sport bike experiment and move up every couple of years.
6) Most likely will be riding at the SVRA parks most of the time

Thank you ��
 
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A Honda CRF230F is a great bike for basic getting out and trail riding. Lots of used ones for sale, and they are super reliable. So you could pick one up for $2000-$2500 and sell it later for about the same amount.

Seat height and suspension travel numbers are reasonable (decent amount of travel without a crazy high seat).

A WR250F is a step up, both in cost, seat height, and performance. A bit harder to find a good used one though. This can handle trail riding, mild motocross track riding, and offroad racing.

I wouldn't suggest a 450 four stroke for first dirt bike for a 5'5" person. But ... just like it is possible ride around on an R1 like a reasonable person without doing stupid stuff, it is possible to do that on a 450 dirt bike.

So the CRF230F is like the Ninja 500 of street bikes.
The WR250F is the CBR600 of street bikes.
And the YZ/CRF/etc 450's are the R1s .
 
5'5" rider here :ride

I started on a 250 dual sport (heavy, slow), moved to a 200 smoker and a 450 thumper after a year. My experience:

- The 450 is not difficult if you have good throttle control. Given your track experience on large machines, I'd say you'll be fine
- Two strokes IMO are the best but took me some time to learn throttle control. Once the power band kicks in, you better be ready for it :teeth
- If I had to have only one bike, I'd get a lightweight 250 or 350 (4S KTM or equivalent)
- I ride all my dirt bikes with stock suspension. I don't reach the ground and do rolling starts/butt shift, but once you get past this, it is really not an issue. I only use my legs when I stop or when I go down. If this still bothers you, you can get a lower seat and/or lower the suspension.
 
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I would consider a 2-bike setup and start with something like this for following the kid around and go from there. Ultimately I think you'd want a nice 250 (2t or 4t) as the bike to grow into, but I think you'd be really surprised how much fun dirt biking can be with a "toy" versus what you might think is proper.
 
OP- what is your budget?

Off of the list you made, I'd say any of the following-

Most beginner friendly:

Honda CRF230(used) or CRF 250F(new)
Kawasaki KLX 300 or 230R (both available new)
KDX 200/220 (used)

Better in the long run:

Yamaha WR250F- modern suspension but tall
KTM 2 stroke with TPI?

Most of those will be green sticker for the SVRAs. As a fellow dad I will tell you electric start is practically mandatory, at least till they're older. Fuel injection is a big plus but depends on your budget. I just bought a CRF250F in 2019 and it fits the same bill- putt around with the kids and basic trail bike. Not too tall either.
 
Wr250f or crf250x. You can start on those and ride the shit out of them also when you get more experience
 
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jmann said:
Looking to get into dirt bikes. My riding background: Been riding 300, 600, and 1000cc sport bikes at the track for a few years. I’m 5’5 inches tall. What’s the best dirt bike for me?
Click to expand...

Basically, divide the cc’s above in half and you’ll have a rough guide to the dirt bike craziness factor. A 450 MX is about as big a handful in the dirt as a liter bike is on the track.

A 230 is a good rec.
 
I would go with something inexpensive until you decide if you like dirt riding. Like a Yamaha TTR 250 or Honda XR 250 or Honda XR 400. They are built Like a tank and ride like a tractor. Very easy to learn on
 
I would honestly go with a 250 four stroke like a crf250x or wr250f. Both are enough bike that you won't feel the need to upgrade as quickly as a 230, but don't have the same scary instant throttle response of the 450's or bigger. I rode a 250f for a bit before buying a 450 and to be honest the 250 was plenty in all but a few situations. Your experience with road bikes will help, but dirt is a very different animal and it takes some getting used to. Let us know what you end up with, riding dirt is super fun and I fell like it made me a much better rider.
 
I can't say enough about how much fun my WR250R is, I lowered it put on a Rekluse with LHRB, 3 gal. tank and have a blast on it after buying and selling 2 other dirt bikes within 6 months trying to find what works for me. The 1st change I wanted was dual sport as trailering to destination was a real PITA and limiting to me. I like grand loops that can see pavement and need plates. FMF and fuel controller and even with lower gearing it does over 85mph.
 
Most of these 250's everybody has suggested are pretty high strung engines based on race bikes. I spent 10 years on an XR400, tried a yz250f, and didn't enjoy the way the bike needed to be ridden.

Growing into something might be good on that new KLX300F, it looks pretty sweet. Plenty of bike for anybody, but not a rabid dog.
 
byke said:
I would consider a 2-bike setup and start with something like this for following the kid around and go from there. Ultimately I think you'd want a nice 250 (2t or 4t) as the bike to grow into, but I think you'd be really surprised how much fun dirt biking can be with a "toy" versus what you might think is proper.
Click to expand...

Wanted to thank everyone for their comments and suggestions. Did more research and even went shopping. Holly cow, most dealerships are out of the dirt bikes I wanted to check out and the few that had in a couple in stock had a bunch of add on fees that made expensive based on MSRP. I’ve bought new motorcycles in the past and usually had to pay freight and a fees, so was nothing new. Was surprised at what the out there door cost of a few modes were. Example: Honda dealer wanted $2600 OTD for a CRF50, when MSRP is $1599 The CRF110F was $3700 OTD, when MSRP is $2499. The CRF125F was $4600 OTD, when MSRP is $3099. They didn’t have any in stock and took my info and will get back to me when they do come in. Might have to look at used, but really wanted EFI as still having nightmare of GoKarts dying on the track, because it carb issues. 😂 Again, thank you all for your response.
 
Starpower said:
I can't say enough about how much fun my WR250R is, I lowered it put on a Rekluse with LHRB, 3 gal. tank and have a blast on it after buying and selling 2 other dirt bikes within 6 months trying to find what works for me. The 1st change I wanted was dual sport as trailering to destination was a real PITA and limiting to me. I like grand loops that can see pavement and need plates. FMF and fuel controller and even with lower gearing it does over 85mph.
Click to expand...

That’s what I’m trying to avoid. Playing dirt bike musical chair. Will do some research on the WR250R. Thanks.
 
Clem Kevin said:
Most of these 250's everybody has suggested are pretty high strung engines based on race bikes. I spent 10 years on an XR400, tried a yz250f, and didn't enjoy the way the bike needed to be ridden.

Growing into something might be good on that new KLX300F, it looks pretty sweet. Plenty of bike for anybody, but not a rabid dog.
Click to expand...

I’m used to high strung engines as most non 1000cc sport bikes are this way. I get what you mean!
 
D408 said:
I would honestly go with a 250 four stroke like a crf250x or wr250f. Both are enough bike that you won't feel the need to upgrade as quickly as a 230, but don't have the same scary instant throttle response of the 450's or bigger. I rode a 250f for a bit before buying a 450 and to be honest the 250 was plenty in all but a few situations. Your experience with road bikes will help, but dirt is a very different animal and it takes some getting used to. Let us know what you end up with, riding dirt is super fun and I fell like it made me a much better rider.
Click to expand...

How is maintenance on the CRF250X and WR250F? Keep hearing that the near competition models requires frequent maintenance. At least more maintenance than a street bike or air cooled dirt bike.
 
usedtobefast said:
A Honda CRF230F is a great bike for basic getting out and trail riding. Lots of used ones for sale, and they are super reliable. So you could pick one up for $2000-$2500 and sell it later for about the same amount.

Seat height and suspension travel numbers are reasonable (decent amount of travel without a crazy high seat).

A WR250F is a step up, both in cost, seat height, and performance. A bit harder to find a good used one though. This can handle trail riding, mild motocross track riding, and offroad racing.

I wouldn't suggest a 450 four stroke for first dirt bike for a 5'5" person. But ... just like it is possible ride around on an R1 like a reasonable person without doing stupid stuff, it is possible to do that on a 450 dirt bike.

So the CRF230F is like the Ninja 500 of street bikes.
The WR250F is the CBR600 of street bikes.
And the YZ/CRF/etc 450's are the R1s .
Click to expand...


Comparing the CRF250F and the KLX230R. Too bad none of the dealers around this area has any in stock. Wanted to see them in person.
 
951dude said:
OP- what is your budget?

Off of the list you made, I'd say any of the following-

Most beginner friendly:

Honda CRF230(used) or CRF 250F(new)
Kawasaki KLX 300 or 230R (both available new)
KDX 200/220 (used)

Better in the long run:

Yamaha WR250F- modern suspension but tall
KTM 2 stroke with TPI?

Most of those will be green sticker for the SVRAs. As a fellow dad I will tell you electric start is practically mandatory, at least till they're older. Fuel injection is a big plus but depends on your budget. I just bought a CRF250F in 2019 and it fits the same bill- putt around with the kids and basic trail bike. Not too tall either.
Click to expand...

Budget - I’m okay with MSRP of the bikes and reasonable fees. Just haven’t found any dealers who has the bikes in stock and not charging outrageous markup or other fees. Guess they’re in high demand.

Want to get EFI if possible. Had my share of carburetor issues. Quit GoKart after a few years because just couldn’t handle all the carb problems anymore. They’re all minor, but when you have a couple kids who can’t get their GoKart started it just takes the fun away. �� LOL
 
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Like you, I got into dirtbikes after many years of street and track riding. Not a whole lot of track riding skills directly translate.. If anything, it hinders learning dirt riding.

Started off with a CRF250X. It was a bad idea for me. Eventually I got a CRF150, had a lot of fun and learnt the fundamentals and then got a 450. The transition wasn't bad once I had learned the basics on the 150.

Regardless of what you buy, highly recommend having two things: EFI & Electric start. Last thing you want is to kick start a flooded carb when you dump your bike on an insanely steep hill climb at Carnegie..

I was lucky to have a few talented / experienced riders help me learn the right things. Make sure you reach out for some tips.

COVID has done strange things to OHV. If you are not in a hurry, wait for a bit before buying. Meanwhile, you can start buying the protective gear. Do not skimp on those.

It's too dusty & hot anyway to have fun on dirt right now.
 
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Sportbiker said:
Like you, I got into dirtbikes after many years of street and track riding. Not a whole lot of track riding skills directly translate.. If anything, it hinders learning dirt riding.
Click to expand...

Yeah this was me. It took a while for me to get the hang of dirt and even then I'm not very good at it. Fun trying though. I wish i could have learned the other way round.
 
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