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Small(er) dirty bikes?

  1. #1
    Lifer Pittenger5's Avatar
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    Small(er) dirty bikes?

    So we took my dirt bike out to teach a friend how to ride, and during a break Leeza hopped on my Crf250 and tried to ride it around, but she hated it. She couldnt stand at all (even one footed) and just didnt feel confident with how big it was (giggity). Is there any bikes that are smaller in size, but with relatively decent power?

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    Zip Tie Alley #505

    Quote Originally Posted by Pookie View Post
    My favorite was you going through T2 with your eyes closed.

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    Your Father csmutty's Avatar
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    Re: Small(er) dirty bikes?

    CRF150R, KLX140, KX100, DRZ125L, KLX125L, CRF150, TTR125L, to name a few...

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    Lifer union's Avatar
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    Re: Small(er) dirty bikes?

    XR 100. Low enough for short people and enough power to learn on.

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    James

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    Lifer Chippertheripper's Avatar
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    Re: Small(er) dirty bikes?

    actual dirtbikes? maybe a klx250s. plus you can rip it to the grocery store.

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    Lifer McBiggity's Avatar
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    Re: Small(er) dirty bikes?

    I got a crf150f for my wife. She loves it. I rode it in the trails for a few hours and it was a blast

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    Lifer Pittenger5's Avatar
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    Re: Small(er) dirty bikes?

    Quote Originally Posted by McBiggity View Post
    I got a crf150f for my wife. She loves it. I rode it in the trails for a few hours and it was a blast
    Yah I think this is how we're leaning. Was just worried about the power and stuff, she already knows how to ride street, but will be a dirt newb.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Pookie View Post
    My favorite was you going through T2 with your eyes closed.

  7. #7
    Posting Freak danny86's Avatar
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    Re: Small(er) dirty bikes?

    CRF150R, KLX140, KX100, DRZ125L, KLX125L, CRF150, TTR125L, to name a few...

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  8. #8

    Re: Small(er) dirty bikes?

    for more power in a small package, I'd say 2 stroke FTW!

    I'm surprised that nobody mentioned the KTM105

    got a lot of legal riding nearby?

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  9. #9
    Just Registered Doc's Avatar
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    Re: Small(er) dirty bikes?

    CRF230 FTW! and they make lowering links for dirt bikes...

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  10. #10
    Posting Freak KevinB's Avatar
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    Re: Small(er) dirty bikes?

    Quote Originally Posted by Bhavesh View Post
    for more power in a small package, I'd say 2 stroke FTW!

    I'm surprised that nobody mentioned the KTM105

    got a lot of legal riding nearby?
    Those 105's go, not really a good beginner bike.

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  11. #11
    Soul Rider Paul_E_D's Avatar
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    Re: Small(er) dirty bikes?

    Why do you want power? That's the whole problem. Height + power = not newbie freindly.

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  12. #12
    Lifer Pittenger5's Avatar
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    Re: Small(er) dirty bikes?

    Quote Originally Posted by Paul_E_D View Post
    Why do you want power? That's the whole problem. Height + power = not newbie freindly.
    Shes not a newb. She rides on the street, she raced at Loudon for a year. She knows how to ride a bike. Shes also 5'3 and just didnt feel comfortable on my CRF because of how tall it was, couldnt get a foot down easy, and wouldnt be able to start it if she stalls it.

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    Zip Tie Alley #505

    Quote Originally Posted by Pookie View Post
    My favorite was you going through T2 with your eyes closed.

  13. #13
    Your Father csmutty's Avatar
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    Re: Small(er) dirty bikes?

    Quote Originally Posted by Pittenger5 View Post
    Shes not a newb. She rides on the street, she raced at Loudon for a year. She knows how to ride a bike. Shes also 5'3 and just didnt feel comfortable on my CRF because of how tall it was, couldnt get a foot down easy, and wouldnt be able to start it if she stalls it.
    Are you thinking 2 stroke or 4 stroke? If you would be willing to go with a 2 stroke I would highly recommend it. Lightweight and powerful...plus it smells damn good. I would say if she wanted to go 2 stroke...kx100, ktm105. If she wants a 4 joke...you can go CRF150R/F, or any of the 125 4 strokes. If you want something with a little more power and a lot more weight...you could spring for the CRF230F. Not sure she could touch on that one either though.

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  14. #14

    Re: Small(er) dirty bikes?

    Quote Originally Posted by KevinB View Post
    Those 105's go, not really a good beginner bike.
    actually KevinB's right...they're not too far away from a full size motocross bike

    then I might as well add: Richie you guys looking for a frequently used, race bike? or a 2 weekend/month, low-maintenance play bike?

    Albeit fun and powerful, 2-stroke motocross bikes are not cheap: top ends, bottoms ends, toasted tires, and notched clutch baskets are not uncommon. They require a lot of upkeep and might actually be counter-productive to the fun if she's just on occasional weekend trail rider...

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  15. #15
    Lifer DuncanMoto's Avatar
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    Re: Small(er) dirty bikes?

    Doc's right and the CRF230 is allot different than the 250.
    I think it's the lowest seat height above 200cc.

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  16. #16
    Your Father csmutty's Avatar
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    Re: Small(er) dirty bikes?

    Quote Originally Posted by Bhavesh View Post
    actually KevinB's right...they're not too far away from a full size motocross bike

    then I might as well add: Richie you guys looking for a frequently used, race bike? or a 2 weekend/month, low-maintenance play bike?

    Albeit fun and powerful, 2-stroke motocross bikes are not cheap: top ends, bottoms ends, toasted tires, and notched clutch baskets are not uncommon. They require a lot of upkeep and might actually be counter-productive to the fun if she's just on occasional weekend trail rider...
    I rode my RM125 for 2 years and only did a clutch basket and 2 top ends...

    And if you get a high performance 4 stroke (CRF150R) you will put the same amount of money if not more into it with valves, top end, and bottom end. Even more if it grenades.

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  17. #17
    Lifer a13x's Avatar
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    Re: Small(er) dirty bikes?

    Try a TT-R 125L.

    Some would say 'nay sir they are weak little kiddie bikes and she'll get bored fast' but I'd like to point out I've smoked a number of grown men on fullsize dirtbikes in the woods on mine and Matt Stone takes his to Crow Hill and smokes a number of fullsize dirtbikes out there too (and we're both bigger than Leeza and slightly more experienced in the dirt then her).

    Even if you buy it and you wanna upgrade in a year or so (just hypothetically) you'll be able to get almost all your money back. Used market for TT-R's in solid shape is great and will run ya 1000-1500.

    FYI Jen's 5'4"



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  18. #18

    Re: Small(er) dirty bikes?

    Quote Originally Posted by csmutty View Post
    I rode my RM125 for 2 years and only did a clutch basket and 2 top ends...

    And if you get a high performance 4 stroke (CRF150R) you will put the same amount of money if not more into it with valves, top end, and bottom end. Even more if it grenades.
    ok...maybe I exaggerated a little bit, because my wallet's a couple thousand lighter than I'd like (& I didn't do all the work myself) with the RM

    but all I'm saying is race bikes require more maintenance than enduro/play bikes, so maybe the TTR/DRZ options might be better suited than the KTM105/KX100 options. And I'll be honest, I wasn't actually sure if the CRF150 and CRF230 were built to be high performance/high wear & tear

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  19. #19
    Shock you -jro-'s Avatar
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    Re: Small(er) dirty bikes?

    Quote Originally Posted by Pittenger5 View Post
    Shes not a newb. She rides on the street, she raced at Loudon for a year. She knows how to ride a bike. Shes also 5'3 and just didnt feel comfortable on my CRF because of how tall it was, couldnt get a foot down easy, and wouldnt be able to start it if she stalls it.
    No disrespect, but being an accomplished street and track rider does not always translate to dirt. For instance, I flat out SUCK at dirt riding. I've only been 3 times, but only on the kiddy tracks and still falling over like a dope. Dirt and asphalt are different, way different...truly! I hoped on that thing thinking I was going to own it and...I ate roost from the 8 year olds lapping me

    I like the TTR lots and I know I have plenty to learn on it. I don't expect I will be growing out of it for at least a few seasons. I have to agree with the sentiment that newbie riders should be on newbie bikes...I mean shit, I started riding street on a wimpy ass rebel 250. We all gotta start somewhere.

    Tell Leeza I said

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    Your Father csmutty's Avatar
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    Re: Small(er) dirty bikes?

    Quote Originally Posted by Bhavesh View Post
    ok...maybe I exaggerated a little bit, because my wallet's a couple thousand lighter than I'd like (& I didn't do all the work myself) with the RM

    but all I'm saying is race bikes require more maintenance than enduro/play bikes, so maybe the TTR/DRZ options might be better suited than the KTM105/KX100 options. And I'll be honest, I wasn't actually sure if the CRF150 and CRF230 were built to be high performance/high wear & tear
    Yea the CRF150F and CRF230F are not high performance by any means. They are both reliable. I am just tainted because after you experience that 2 stroke powerband...you never go back. Plus top ends are only $100 and I found a wiseco basket on ebay brand new for my bike for $50. Long live the 2 smokers.

    P.S. - If you ever want to sell the Rm....

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  21. #21
    Just Registered Doc's Avatar
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    Re: Small(er) dirty bikes?

    Quote Originally Posted by -jro- View Post
    I have to agree with the sentiment that newbie riders should be on newbie bikes...I mean shit, I started riding street on a wimpy ass rebel 250. We all gotta start somewhere.

    You make my heart all aflutter.

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  22. #22
    Lifer Pittenger5's Avatar
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    Re: Small(er) dirty bikes?

    Quote Originally Posted by a13x View Post
    Try a TT-R 125L.
    I rode that bike, I liked it hahah.

    Quote Originally Posted by -jro- View Post
    No disrespect, but being an accomplished street and track rider does not always translate to dirt.
    Haha I know, dont get me wrong, hell I suck ass at dirt too. I more meant, she understands the basic concepts of riding a motorcycle, its not going to be a motorcycle learning bike. We want something that she can ride in the dirt, but not get bored of the power in a few months or something like that.

    FWIW, shes kind of decided on a 125 4stroke, so now the hunt begins.

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    Zip Tie Alley #505

    Quote Originally Posted by Pookie View Post
    My favorite was you going through T2 with your eyes closed.

  23. #23
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    Re: Small(er) dirty bikes?


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  24. #24
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    Re: Small(er) dirty bikes?

    Quote Originally Posted by Pittenger5 View Post
    I rode that bike, I liked it hahah.


    FWIW, shes kind of decided on a 125 4stroke, so now the hunt begins.
    So much for power, lol!

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  25. #25
    Your Father csmutty's Avatar
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    Re: Small(er) dirty bikes?

    Quote Originally Posted by Paul_E_D View Post
    So much for power, lol!
    Maybe she can try to ride one before you buy? I think she will outgrow the power pretty fast IMO.

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