Looking to get my first dirt bike.

[sil3nt]

But i don't really know what to get. I only have two on my list so far. Suzuki RM 125 and a KDX 200.

Just after something to hoon around the parents paddocks on and maybe even go on trail rides.

Cheaper the better! Anything over $2000 probably won't interest me.

Any suggestions? Something that wont cost an arm and a leg to maintain would be nice as well. I found out a spark plug for the RM 125 costs $90.....

[Ocean1]

But i don't really know what to get. I only have two on my list so far. Suzuki RM 125 and a KDX 200.

Just after something to hoon around the parents paddocks on and maybe even go on trail rides.

Cheaper the better! Anything over $2000 probably won't interest me.

Any suggestions? Something that wont cost an arm and a leg to maintain would be nice as well. I found out a spark plug for the RM 125 costs $90.....

The RM is a race bike, service intervals to suit, if you haven't done much time on a dirt bike I'd look elsewhere.

KDX200/220 are good machines, no slug but not difficult to manage.

If you find one for less than 2K it'll either be old and fookt or a bloody good deal.

[sil3nt]

The RM is a race bike, service intervals to suit, if you haven't done much time on a dirt bike I'd look elsewhere.

KDX200/220 are good machines, no slug but not difficult to manage.

If you find one for less than 2K it'll either be old and fookt or a bloody good deal.There are a few KDX machines on trademe for around 2k. Even one from a dealer http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dirt-bikes/auction-340932468.htm

Anything else i could look at other than the KDX? Not fussed on engine size so long as pulls 80kg nicely.

[Ocean1]

These are a good bulletproof general purpose dirt machine, good learners bike.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dirt-bikes/auction-342008903.htm

Keep an eye out for a Suzuki RMX250 maybe.

[Blagger]

If you like 2-strokes there are some reasonable Honda CR250's out there.



Don't worry about expensive spark plugs - if someone is selling them for that much there'll be someone else undercutting them for cheaper

[sil3nt]

If you like 2-strokes there are some reasonable Honda CR250's out there.



Don't worry about expensive spark plugs - if someone is selling them for that much there'll be someone else undercutting them for cheaperNever had a 2 stroke. I hear its better getting a 2 stroke dirt bike as they are easier to work on. No idea if that is true or not.

[neels]

Never had a 2 stroke. I hear its better getting a 2 stroke dirt bike as they are easier to work on. No idea if that is true or not.
Easier to work on, but you need to work on them more often, more modern and more racy means more frequent piston replacements etc.

If you're just going to be paddock and trail riding an older XL, XR, XT or DR would probably do the job. My old XL250 drags my 80kg along as fast as I'm keen to go on gravel.

[Ocean1]

If you like 2-strokes there are some reasonable Honda CR250's out there.

A CR is also a race bike. Light and quick they are, but also short lived and more apre' ride work.


If you're just going to be paddock and trail riding an older XL, XR, XT or DR would probably do the job. My old XL250 drags my 80kg along as fast as I'm keen to go on gravel.

+1.

[Rupe]

Fuck me you road bike boys are a different breed.

Mate if someone has posted in this thread and the bike they ride under their details isn't a current dirt bike I wouldn't even read what they have written, complete bullshit 90% of the time.


some facts;

For around the 2k mark, you prob be best to get a 2 stroke.

2strokes are a more simple engine so they are easy to work on.

125cc bikes a great for hooning round padocks and anything else, and they don't need rebuilding every 5mins.

kdx's are fine also, but get a 1995+ model, 2k-ish should get you a good one.

Might aswell price in doing a new topend for piece of mind

spend more than you can afford it will save you $$ in the long run

get the best maintained bike rather than your favorite colour.



Also post up what you've seen on trademe so some of the keen eyes on here can have a look

[Rupe]

A CR is also a race bike. Light and quick they are, but also short lived and more apre' ride work.



+1.

short lived????

[noobi]

short lived????

When you ride it like this maybe http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISQpYz7s6sk

[bogan]

for that budget I'd reckon a CR125 (or any other 125 but they ain't as good :shifty:). Depending on how you ride em you can get between 4-20hours out of a ring, double that for a piston, changing them is piss easy.

And 20hrs ain't long for a road bike, but on a 2t 125 race bike, it's quite a few days worth of riding, 10min ride followed by half an hour of rest keeps the engine in good nick :p:

[little.whittle]

Heres one... even has some gear.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dirt-bikes/auction-341904803.htm

[bogan]

Heres one... even has some gear.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dirt-bikes/auction-341904803.htm

Unless there's something wrong with it, that's a good buy :yes:

[Rupe]

Heres one... even has some gear.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dirt-bikes/auction-341904803.htm

thats well priced, leaves a bit for a new topend, then you'd be good to go

[Taz]

The mid 2000's RM125's were alot better powerwise than the hondas.

[Ocean1]

short lived????

Most people would consider them so, yes. Any competition machinery is, compared to equipment designed for recreation.

'Course, if you can make use of the better performance and you don't mind spending the time in the gargre then fill yer boots.

Again, I'd suggest a learner would learn better on something a tad more forgiving. But what the fuck would I know?

[bogan]

Most people would consider them so, yes. Any competition machinery is, compared to equipment designed for recreation.

'Course, if you can make use of the better performance and you don't mind spending the time in the gargre then fill yer boots.

Again, I'd suggest a learner would learn better on something a tad more forgiving. But what the fuck would I know?

depends how they are run, like the crf450 and crf450x, the later being trail and farm so has lights and an upgraded alternator, but as far as I know everything else is the same. Competition and cow cockies using the same bike, tis all in the usage :yes: granted the 2t 125s are a bit more competition, but usage will still make a big difference.

[Blagger]

Modern 250 trailbikes go like snot compared to old ones.
Two strokes are simpler machinery and easier to work on as there's less to go wrong
There's a lot of bikes at the 1000 dollar mark and they are nearly all crap
2000 should get you a decent machine
I own a 4 stroke and my next bike is gonna be a 2 stroke.

Besides, you already own a 4-stroke so don't you need a bit of variety?

[Azzman]

+1 for the KDX

For a beginner to intermediate trailbike they are perfect, you can chug around like a 4 stroke if you wish but plenty mid/top to get a grin on.
Piston will last 200 hrs, rings over 100, maintenance is the cheapest you will find on a dirt bike.
Do not touch that XR200...fuk it hasnt even got a disk up front and the power will leave you gasping for more after a few hours of riding...good for a farmer or someone who likes having to fang the fuk out of a bike to make it sort of perform.

KDX all the way...

[Latte]

Agreed, for the 2k budget a 125 or kdx200. Fanging about woodhill or a farm the 125's will last fine. Obviously if you were racing then wear rates would increase dramatically.

[sil3nt]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Have been doing a bit of research and the KDX seems to get everyones vote fore a good beginner trail bike.

Might even sell the road bike as i dont even ride it anymore. Only keeping it because the Mrs said she wants to learn to ride it. I reckon she would have more fun on a KDX than a GPX!

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dirt-bikes/auction-341907965.htm

[gwynfryn]

Don't forget to factor in riding gear; helmet,goggles, boots ,armour, trou etc etc. Then car ,trailer, tie-downs, insurance. Then you start getting into the groove and realise your tyres are shit so new tyres and tools to change them and before you know it you every minute is consumed with dirt bikes and your missus isnt happpy and..... tread carefully young man!

[cheese]

That KDX would have you grinning from ear to ear for a long time mate. I'd go for that one if it were me.

[sil3nt]

Now im getting a bit carried away http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dirt-bikes/auction-321123583.htm

Little comparison here as well http://onlytrailbikes.com/2010/10/07/kawasaki-kdx-200-vs-ktm-200-exc/

Might have to go have a look in the new year.

[Latte]

Stick with the KDX : D


exc's are neat bikes, but wether they are worth doubling your budget is another story.

[sil3nt]

exc's are neat bikes, but wether they are worth doubling your budget is another story.But its orange!

[Rupe]

But its orange!

Not sure if thats a good thing:innocent:

But having ridden both, the 200exc is a much better bike and great for a first bike. just make sure you get a well maintained one what ever you get.

[rachprice]

Mate if someone has posted in this thread and the bike they ride under their details isn't a current dirt bike I wouldn't even read what they have written, complete bullshit 90% of the time.




Like gaylord cock lover?? bahahaha

I haven't ridden much but as someone who can count the time she has ridden dirt bikes on one hand KDX was fun and easy to ride, 08 RM250 may be a little much for a first bike but amazing fun, and Im yet to ride my 125 but Im sure it will be awesome

oh oh and rmz400's are fucking fun

[Rupe]

Like gaylord cock lover?? bahahaha

I haven't ridden much but as someone who can count the time she has ridden dirt bikes on one hand KDX was fun and easy to ride, 08 RM250 may be a little much for a first bike but amazing fun, and Im yet to ride my 125 but Im sure it will be awesome

hahaha very good, who did that???

Nah those first few posts were bullshit though, rm's race bikes and need to much servicing, cr's don't last, 2strokes need more stuff replacing, get a xl250...wtf?

Sounds like he's looking at a much better bike now.

[Reckless]

The woods bike shoot out is what made me decide to trade my CR250 for a 200.

I've cracked on enough about how underestimated the 200exc is so have a read! Search is your friend! LOL!!

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/113744-WOODS-BIKE-SHOOTOUT-Good-read?highlight=Ktm200


http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/126253-200-EXC-vs-KDX200?highlight=Ktm+200

[Crisis management]

Before you talk yourself into an EXC have a think about what you wanted.... a paddock basher?
The 200 EXC isn't a paddock basher, it's a lot more bike than the KDX but I think the KDX is a better learners / trail ride bike.

Why don't you rent a KDX at the Sandpit for a day over the xmas break and have a play first rather than spending $4k on something you know nothing about.

[Latte]

The ktm is a better bike, but going from a 2k budget to a 4k budget is a big jump, specially when you add in all the gear on top.

[Reckless]

Btw re maintenance on a smoker if your Enduro riding is about100 hours-ish on a 200 or 300exc (probably similar for a KDX). Oil changes 20 hours by the book.

Full Ktm piston kit incl gaskets etc about $360-00ish. 100 hours would be about 2 years riding for the average rider ( twice a month) 1 year for the really keen (out every weekend a fit enough to ride (actual riding time, not out there or fallin on your arse time) say 3-4 hours a weekend.

Danger got 400 hours out of a 02 200 exc!

Vs a 125 MX bike pistons every say?? 30 hours ( I think the book says about 10?) and oil changes after every ride.

[honda_power]

piston every 30? no waaay... with good oil 80-100 easy and thats ringing its neck everywhere.

that exc is horribly overpriced.

how about this - http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=342745020

obviously been a bogan wannabe mullisha bike, but its dirt cheap

i have a mint rm125 that i would sell for the right price as well

[carver]

piston every 30? no waaay... with good oil 80-100 easy and thats ringing its neck everywhere.

that exc is horribly overpriced.

how about this - http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=342745020

obviously been a bogan wannabe mullisha bike, but its dirt cheap

i have a mint rm125 that i would sell for the right price as well

there was a similar bike on their with it listed as a CR but really it was a RM..

too bad it was waaaaay overpriced and the owner was rumoured to be gay

[Stylo]

piston every 30? no waaay... with good oil 80-100 easy and thats ringing its neck everywhere.

that exc is horribly overpriced.

how about this - http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=342745020

obviously been a bogan wannabe mullisha bike, but its dirt cheap

i have a mint rm125 that i would sell for the right price as well

Do Suppliers/manufacturers still supply a box of goodies with every new Bike ?

When I purchased my new Kx500 in '04 I also got the standard 'new bike' box of bits that contained everything, full gasket set ( around 20 gaskets and O rings ) two levers clutch and brake , 2 x packing for the stock silencer and a new Piston in it's own box plus a new gudgeon and a set of rings ..the whole lot all packaged perfectly. All good to go and probably worth a few bucks if sold seperately and complimentarey with the new Bike ...

Still got the box and still got the Bike though I'm not sure if that's the casy now days ....

[honda_power]

funny how the 500 owners post up a pic of their bikes no matter what the topics about :D:D:D

and i would imagine they do,i have never bought brand new but my 08yz came with a unused spares kit

[Stylo]

funny how the 500 owners post up a pic of their bikes no matter what the topics about :D:D:D

and i would imagine they do,i have never bought brand new but my 08yz came with a unused spares kit

And there can't be too many 500 's around now I guess....but...

Still nice to take the green machine out occasionally and pull the wheel up in every gear, most fun is in top when you get a weeee bit of traction in 5th, give it a squirt and ...up she comes oh , and you're doing over 130 :facepalm