Need some edumacation - MX bike

[PainfullySlow]

Let me preface this with the fact that I know next to NOTHING about dirty bikes.

I am looking to get a bike that can be ridden on an MX track (specifically the one in Rocky Hill, CT). I am 5'9" and 180lbs. It also need to be tame enough that my 6' tall son can also lean to ride on it and not die. I will also need to learn how to ride MX on it and not die but needs to be interesting enough that I am not going to get bored of it in 6 months. Yeah, I know, I am asking a lot.

The trouble is there are a bazillion different models out there and frankly I don't want to spend the time to educate myself on the differences between woods bikes, trials bikes, MX bikes, etc.

I will further complicate this by adding that I don't have a ton of money to spend on it...


So, with all that in mind, any thoughts on what I should be looking for?

[loudbeard]

250 4 stroke.

/thread

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[isaac_]

250 4 stroke.

/thread

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Even for his son that's learning to ride? For Mike, sure. That's what I picked up. And other than the height issue it's an awesome bike for me.


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[loudbeard]

His son is 6' so that's a full grown man. It'll teach the young fella some throttle control.

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[breakdirt916]

when can we start a 2 stroke vs. 4 stroke debate?

[csmutty]

Not a lot of money to spend=2 stroke. Buying a cheap MX 4 stroke = spending $$$ on a rebuild. Mike, I'll let you know next time I'm going to Rocky and you can try out my yz125 MX 2 stroke?

And you know that track is closing relatively soon also right?

[Chippertheripper]

250 4 stroke.

/thread

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This reply couldn't be more wrong (IMO, I'll respectfully disagree on this one).
For short money all you're gonna find is a clapped out 250f. And you know how cheap those are to rebuild, right?
I do not subscribe to the buy a little dirtbike to start on, then move up theory, like a I do for street bikes. For dirties, mx on a track in particular, as a grown ass man with some moto experience (which we all know Mike has), I think you should start out on what you're going to end up riding.
If you find a 250f is what you eventually like to ride, then that's great, but I say you gotta go in with the mindset of what kind of riding style you want to pursue...hold the thing to the stops and let the clutch do the work, work the clutch and throttle together less you stall the machine, forget there's a clutch or even a tranny and roam around in 2nd all day and just womp the throttle, you know what I'm saying.

[Imbeek]

Used 250 2 stroke. f 4stroke headaches and rebuild costs, imo. I agree with smutty and chip.

As new and with as fresh a suspension, hopefully already revalved and sprung for your weight and style, as you can afford. Check the tightness of everything; wheel/linkage/swing arm/steering bearings, controls, chain and sprocket condition, fork and shock seals, spokes, etc.

This advice holds true even (especially) if budget is very limited, because even 15+ year old bikes can be fun as hell, but freshness/tightness is a huge factor. If you can afford around 2500, you can get something pretty sweet and not that old.

My latest is a 2009 KTM 250xc, love it and found it in that price range. I owned a bunch of 2stroke cr250r over the years too, they are durable and fun.

[loudbeard]

This reply couldn't be more wrong (IMO, I'll respectfully disagree on this one).

Fair enough, let's reopen the thread the thread then. My argument for a 4t 250 is that it's probably the easiest, most forgiving platform that would satisfy a novice dirt rider (but expert road racer) and a full grown young man. Also that it has enough nut to satisfy an experienced rider as they progress.

You are right though, I'm thinking along the lines of a crf250r or the like which in decent shape isn't exactly a budget bike.

What's the budget?

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[Kurlon]

CHRISTINI AWD 3 - Christini Technologies, Inc.

[PainfullySlow]

Thanks for the responses all!

Yes Christian, I know that track is closing soon. I hope to get a solid year out of it.

I admit that I lean more towards 4 strokes because 1) it will be easier on the throttle for my son and 2) it is what I know. That doesn't mean that I will avoid a 2 stroke, just that 4 is my preference.

Budget is around the 2k mark. I have no issue doing my own motor work so something that needs some TLC is fine as long as the purchase price reflects it.

Keep it coming~!

[Kurlon]

So, potential curve balls for you:

1) SSR 250 - Should be able to buy one new for around $3300. Think of it as a CRF250X clone. New bike smell, ride it till it pops, throw away / recycle / etc.
2) XR400 - Old, heavy, undersprung. Bullet proof, tame motor, used can be found CHEAP. They will get you into the woods and will allow light MX play. Once you're doubling stuff unload and upgrade.
3) Big two stroke, KTM 300, Yamaha 250, etc - Back the timing off, flywheel weight, pipe it right and it'll do an oil burning thumper impersonation. When you're ready for more, reverse said mods and look the hell out.

$2000 is a tough price point, you either have to walk into an amazing deal, or you'll get something that you really should spend additional money on but you've already hit your cap. The alternative is to spend even less up front knowing you WILL be spending more to make it usable again.

[breakdirt916]

based on the advice here, looks like it doesn't matter LOL

I'd say don't focus on a model - just search for every dirt bike $0-$2,500 (negotiate the $2,500 down to $2g), post the link here, and we'll help you pick the one in the best condition...imbeek and Kurlon are right - the maintenance costs can really add up, so you want the lowest hour/tightest bike you can find. It really sucks to buy a $1000 bike and spend $1,500 getting it up to speed

not sure how patient you are, but I think $2,000 can easily land you a fair condition bike...I live in everything-is-overpriced CA and found a '00 YZ250 for $800, '03 YZ450F (super low hour!) for $1,000 amongst others...it's a watch-n-wait-then-jump-on-it-right-away sort of game

edit - does dzircher still have that yz125? she wanna sell it?

offer $1,800...try to take home for $2,000 28 Kawasaki kx25f . Low hours , good condition. Will trade for clean 125

[csmutty]

I bought says yz125 from Dana! Love that bike! Just took her out of winter storage!

With all that said... 2 stroke ftw.

[backinthesaddle]

I second the 2 stroke. A new 250 4t would be nice, but a cheap used one, not so much. Never remember dealer stocking a replacement engine until the 250 4T got popular. YZ 125/250 would be great, little change over last few years, abundant parts as they still build them, and great handling. 125 was one of the best classes of mx ever, just remember it might feel a bit weak and wear out the left hand and left foot with all the work needed to keep it on the pipe, but what a blast.

[breakdirt916]

I bought says yz125 from Dana! Love that bike! Just took her out of winter storage!

With all that said... 2 stroke ftw.

what year is it?

I vaguely remember riding a few (don't remember the years tho) and really enjoying it...super light, plenty fast on the pipe, and because it's more work to ride than a 4stroke, it was a great learner bike. After that, moving to any other bike felt "easier"

surprised there isn't any KTM kool aid recommendations in here yet

[breakdirt916]

those $2g-ish 250 4-strokes aren't that fast anyhow...my bike is over a decade older and still I beat 'em

[csmutty]

what year is it?

I vaguely remember riding a few (don't remember the years tho) and really enjoying it...super light, plenty fast on the pipe, and because it's more work to ride than a 4stroke, it was a great learner bike. After that, moving to any other bike felt "easier"

surprised there isn't any KTM kool aid recommendations in here yet

It's a 2004. Last year of the steel frame before they totally redesigned the bike. I love the thing. Makes great power and handles amazing and the thing is 100% stock. Had the original tires with 2003 date codes on it when I bought it.

[Pigman]

It's a 2004. Last year of the steel frame before they totally redesigned the bike. I love the thing. Makes great power and handles amazing and the thing is 100% stock. Had the original tires with 2003 date codes on it when I bought it.

I was with my bud the day he bought that YZ125, and it was lightly trail ridden and serviced properly all of its life (he is a Mechanic at a Chevy Dealer for the last 23+years)

So you got a cream puff bud..... Just saying

[csmutty]

I like cream puffs

[breakdirt916]

ya...maybe the OP should get a YZ125 from that gen...super overall nice bikes