Looking for my first ever off road bike...

[scottieducati]

I'm thinking of taking the plunge this fall and snagging a dirt bike. I want something mostly for learning throttle control while spinning the rear, but wouldn't mind at all doing some trail or mx riding, all of which I've never done before. Vast road and road racing experience, but none, whatsoever, off-road.

I'm also 6' and a bit north of 200 lbs, so I'm looking for suggestions. Would a 125LE be too small, should I be looking at 250 4 strokes? Input appreciated.

Would love to find something reliable and cheap to start getting dirty with.

[Paul_E_D]

Yes and yes. A little warning though. spinning in the dirt=easy, spinning on the pavement =difficult. Not much cross over. In general though dirtriding rocks and I think you'll be hooked in no time.

[Chippertheripper]

I might be intersted in selling my bike.(this is an intense inner struggle). But yup, a 250 four would be perfect. Capable, but not too wussy.

[scottieducati]

I've already laid a few strips in my day, it's more establishing a comfort level with it, and the bike in general when things move around. I'm pretty sure I'll get hooked too, I just want to know where to start, and def. assume a 450's way too big.... 'course, I'll need gear too, a whole other investment.

Yes and yes. A little warning though. spinning in the dirt=easy, spinning on the pavement =difficult. Not much cross over. In general though dirtriding rocks and I think you'll be hooked in no time.

[CEO]

I'm also 6' and a bit north of 200 lbs, so I'm looking for suggestions. Would a 125LE be too small, should I be looking at 250 4 strokes? Input appreciated.

Especially since you are a twins/duc guy, I think the 250 4stroke would be a lot more learning-friendly for you, but still gets up and goes good enough... ask black squirrel about his yamaha 250, he'd probably let you do a little rip on it as well. Great bike.

and def. assume a 450's way too big....

I have a 450 that should be slow enough...

[scottieducati]

Kinda along the lines of what I was thinkin...

So who'se got one for me cheeeep?

Especially since you are a twins/duc guy, I think the 250 4stroke would be a lot more learning-friendly for you, but still gets up and goes good enough... ask black squirrel about his yamaha 250, he'd probably let you do a little rip on it as well. Great bike.

I have a 450 that should be slow enough...

[Mondo]

http://nh.craigslist.org/mcy/1366712556.html

http://nh.craigslist.org/mcy/1326858858.html

[Awesome]

What are you looking to spend? I have the CRF250r I'd consider parting with.

[union]

Get a bike and Ill show your around Franklin once I get everything settled.

[Jim]

848, 800ss, husky motard, zx1200, and dirt bike

[scottieducati]

Lil bit of everything, no?

I'm not sure on budget yet, right now I gots nothing. Might have to move the 800SS before I can go "all in" for dirt.

In which case I'd have a few grand for bike + gear.

848, 800ss, husky motard, zx1200, and dirt bike

[scottieducati]

Good finds! I'll have to search once I have the cash in hand. But something like those, plated, would be pretty nice actually. I dig the first w/ the Avons and Knobbies too.

http://nh.craigslist.org/mcy/1366712556.html

http://nh.craigslist.org/mcy/1326858858.html

[Chippertheripper]

if your in the market for something plated, i do have a '89 xr600r plated. it's as docile as you want it to be. it pulls like a tractor, though. $1700? i dont really even know if i should sell it...

[seth399]

I saw a smokin deal on an 07 rmz250 for like 2200...tried to get richie to buy it, lemme know if you are interested and I'll find the info, though I'm not sure it would still be for sale

[Mondo]

you could always buy a 95 xr250 for 400$ and be told you dont need to put much into it to get it working.....then 1000$ later its running...

sounds familiar

[scottieducati]

So the general consensus is, a 450 would simply be too big / unruly to "learn" dirt stuff on?

[a13x]

So the general consensus is, a 450 would simply be too big / unruly to "learn" dirt stuff on?

Yes. I recommend a 250F MX bike.

[Manny]

Are there any out of the crate street legal 4 stroke 250s that you can do trails with and be legal plus use for some basic mx stuff?

I bought a dirty toy a few years a go and sold it 2 weeks later...Ive also been re considering it as an option.....

[R7]

Are there any out of the crate street legal 4 stroke 250s that you can do trails with and be legal plus use for some basic mx stuff?

I bought a dirty toy a few years a go and sold it 2 weeks later...Ive also been re considering it as an option.....

You won't find a bike out of the crate that's street legal, for trails and MX riding.
There are 250 thumpers that are street legal and great for trails, though the trade off for being street legal is weight. Just as an example, the Yamaha WR 250 street legal bike is 70 lbs heavier than my YZ 450 MXer

[csmutty]

I have a 1995 RM250 with a new top end, reeds, flatslide carb, plug, and good tires I'd part with. Also has a full FMF system on it and is in good condition for the year. Has C Cycle suspension already done up for someone 200 +.

[breakdirt916]

where are you going to be riding it?

[Jim]

scottie, lemme opinch your cheeks

[burnham]

http://worcester.craigslist.org/mcy/1354697163.html

My first bike was/is a KTM 300 EXC, great bike. I think this bike may be overpriced by $200-400.

[DuncanMoto]

Scottie.
Come with me brothah and ride the wifey's KLX250 in dirt.
We found 2001 KLR250 for my friend for $1,650 a 1999 KLX250 for $1,400 in NH.
Dual sports are cool 'cause you can ride the trails and only risk a $25 trespass ticket for a registered bike. Dirty bikes get $500 fines and impounds now.

Oh yeah. Let me know how much for the 800ss

[DBB]

So the general consensus is, a 450 would simply be too big / unruly to "learn" dirt stuff on?

Do NOT get a 450 to learn on, I cant stress that enough. A 250 four stroke is more than enough.