I'm getting into dirt biking

[Borknagar]

Hey everyone

I'm new to dirt biking, a few friends of mine have convinced me to get a bike for trail riding - so I've got a couple questions.
I need some suggestions on what type of bike to get I don't want to spend over $3000 and I'm happy to get a second hand bike as I still need to purchase gear like helmets, boots etc and a trailer. I plan on riding at Woodhill mainly with mates.
I would appreciate it if someone could give me some suggestions on what type of bike to get, I'm 1m65cm and weigh 55KG (15 years old) if that helps, I've never owned a dirt bike before. I need a bike that is easy to learn on and will handle Woodhills beginner - intermediate tracks ok. I don't plan on racing it or doing jumps just simple trail riding for now.

My friends have told me to look at getting something a long the lines of a Suzuki DRZ 125 like this one: http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dirt-bikes/auction-445133068.htm
And another friend rides Forza FMX140 Big Foot 2012: http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/pocket-pit-bikes/auction-422981634.htm - this weekend I'm going to have a go on it and see if I like it.

So any suggestions on what to get and what to avoid would be greatly appreciated. Any links to useful reading or videos would also be nice.

Thanks for any help
Russ :)

[tigertim20]

Hey everyone

I'm new to dirt biking, a few friends of mine have convinced me to get a bike for trail riding - so I've got a couple questions.
I need some suggestions on what type of bike to get I don't want to spend over $3000 and I'm happy to get a second hand bike as I still need to purchase gear like helmets, boots etc and a trailer. I plan on riding at Woodhill mainly with mates.
I would appreciate it if someone could give me some suggestions on what type of bike to get, I'm 1m65cm and weigh 55KG (15 years old) if that helps, I've never owned a dirt bike before. I need a bike that is easy to learn on and will handle Woodhills beginner - intermediate tracks ok. I don't plan on racing it or doing jumps just simple trail riding for now.

My friends have told me to look at getting something a long the lines of a Suzuki DRZ 125 like this one: http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dirt-bikes/auction-445133068.htm
And another friend rides Forza FMX140 Big Foot 2012: http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/pocket-pit-bikes/auction-422981634.htm - this weekend I'm going to have a go on it and see if I like it.

So any suggestions on what to get and what to avoid would be greatly appreciated. Any links to useful reading or videos would also be nice.

Thanks for any help
Russ :)

ride all ya mates bikes and get a feel for them. might help you figure out what size/weight/characteristics etc you prefer

[Borknagar]

Thanks for the help, that what I plan on doing is just riding their bikes and seeing which one is the best feeling (hopefully I don't crash and screw it up):sweatdrop. Also is getting lessons worth it or is it better just to keep the money and drive around on my mates farm to get a feel of how everything works?

[unstuck]

Just buy a bike and ride,not important what,just ride.Ride ride ride.:yes:

[tigertim20]

its a dirt bike, dont worry about dropping it.
If you are going with friends, ask them questions if you have any while out riding.
you're gonna have a great time!

[Jay GTI]

Thanks for the help, that what I plan on doing is just riding their bikes and seeing which one is the best feeling (hopefully I don't crash and screw it up):sweatdrop. Also is getting lessons worth it or is it better just to keep the money and drive around on my mates farm to get a feel of how everything works?

A lesson from Tony at the Sandpit will pay dividends later on. Start out riding right, lot easier than unlearning all the shit you're doing wrong later. Got my GF a lesson with him the first time she tried riding, she now is way, way better than she should be for her level of experience. It's all Tony's doing.

[barty5]

Id go for some thing in the jap range if it where me the Chinese stuff all looks good but parts can be an arse to get and depending on how good you get my have an effect on how long it stays together as well you will also get a better resale value from any thing Japanese when it is time to up grade.

[glukasil]

get KDX 200..........not expensive and easy to fix :)

[D3ALN]

Cant agree more with what people have said re lessons. Broxy lessons are a good start.
When buying a bike think about where you want to ride and how you want to ride. I started on a KXF250 which was a little much for me as I was trail riding and falling off a lot and finding it hard to kick start the thing multiple times a ride so I sold it and got an electric start Wr250 till i got my confidence up and am now riding a 07 yzf250 when I get a chance to ride which is very little now due to work.

[ktm84mxc]

First thing work out a budget how much do you want to spend and allow up to $500 for helmet, boots, gloves, goggles, kidney belt etc.
A good 4 stoke trail bike can be had between $2.5g-4g were talking DR,TTr, CRf, KLx, 125-230cc . Some come with electric start which makes life easier for a newby.
There are good Chinese brands out there only you need to find a good dealer to get the parts support.

[Lawrence]

Be wary of small wheeled pit bikes. My nephew is same age as you and also starting out. He's been struggling at Woodhill with a small wheeled 125 Chinese bike (14"-12" wheels). Good bike, but the small wheels have limited traction in the soft sand. He's moving up to a TTR230 with elec start. A large wheeled 125 (19"-16" wheels) would be sweet for you. TTR125L DRZ125L CRF150F

[English Kiwi]

Be wary of small wheeled pit bikes. My nephew is same age as you and also starting out. He's been struggling at Woodhill with a small wheeled 125 Chinese bike (14"-12" wheels). Good bike, but the small wheels have limited traction in the soft sand. He's moving up to a TTR230 with elec start. A large wheeled 125 (19"-16" wheels) would be sweet for you. TTR125L DRZ125L CRF150F

I have a DRZ-125L and it's a great starting off bike!! You can still do the drifties as well which is great :):woohoo:

I've bailed a few times now at the Sandpit :laugh: and bike is still pretty mint with only a bent clutch lever :) :woohoo: They are pretty indestructable! :Punk:

But go ride a few...I'm only 5ft 4 (pretty small) but older than you and it is an awesome bike! Just get the DRZ 125 L!! you'll get the small wheel otherwise and that won't do you any favours! :no:

[Borknagar]

Hey guys thanks for all the help :). I've decided I'm just going to have a go on my friends bike and decide from there.
If I like it I'll go and get some proper lessons so I can get the basics and as other people said it's better to get good techniques when you start then teach yourself wrong techniques and have to try unlearn them.
I will also base my decision on what type of bike to get on how I like my friends bikes.

Also I've got a question regarding safety gear like helmets, neck braces and chest protectors.
Firstly my friends reckon that wearing a neck brace isn't worth it as they break your collar bone is this true?
And are there any specific things too look at and avoid when buying helmets, boots etc?

Thanks for all of your help :)

[Borknagar]

Be wary of small wheeled pit bikes. My nephew is same age as you and also starting out. He's been struggling at Woodhill with a small wheeled 125 Chinese bike (14"-12" wheels). Good bike, but the small wheels have limited traction in the soft sand. He's moving up to a TTR230 with elec start. A large wheeled 125 (19"-16" wheels) would be sweet for you. TTR125L DRZ125L CRF150F

I'll keep that in mind when buying a bike. The Forza 140 Big Foot has 17/14 inch wheels, will this cope ok at Woodhill?

[Leyton]

I'll keep that in mind when buying a bike. The Forza 140 Big Foot has 17/14 inch wheels, will this cope ok at Woodhill?

I don't know if they are a racey motor. If they are modeled off the brisilian crf230 then no, it will suck balls.

Someone up here mentioned a KDX200

For under $3000, they are the best value. Plenty of parts around for them, after market parts! and OEM of course. They are a 2-stroke but they have fairly good low down tourqe for someone starting out. They are not a bike that will give you too many supprises on the trail.

A MX 125 bike on the other hand is a good choice! But, they tend to appriciate someone whom is not afrade to ride with the gas wide open a times as the power is up top.

A TTR230 or CRF230, erm... they are a farm bike. They say they are a Trail's/Farmbike. But honestly, I have had one and the biggest let down was the suspension and brakes. I would recommend them for every other reason though, The motors are simple, easy to work on, electric start is nice. They dont rev out like a 2-stroke or perform too racey. So you will find you ride better on them just plonking around... one problem though...

Plonking does not clear the wheels of muck and mud! So your slightly weighty bike all of a sudden becomes a barge, and suspension that wont handle you riding quick over the mudded ruts etc.. to clear out ya wheels.

KDX200 For tamer, reliable cheap fun. Or MX125 (YZ125, CR125, RM125 etc..) for a bit of all balls entertainment with a higher maintence bill.

TTR230 or CRF230 for reliable, boringness. But atleast you always run, and are able to ride a trail right ?

Hope this clears up the nature of the bikes in question.

The Forza I know nothing about, apart from it is not a big brand. Eg.. they are just fresh on the market, and not proven themselfs just yet.

They are kinda like Hyosung road bikes 7 years ago, no one would touch them, now they seam like a decent entry level option.

Chur

[Crabby]

I second the vote for a KDX, they didnt seem to change a lot from about 99 upwards to the naked eye, Ive had 2 and probably the most usable bikes Ive ever owned, nice tame power but still get along well. Also DONT get a pitbike, you need full size wheels otherwise you will be falling off lots when the wheels drop into holes!

[BoristheBiter]

learners bike, has to be a XR250.
Cheap now, no maintenance (well vary little), go forever, handles the falls, in your budget range.

But either way listen to what Jay GTI said about a coaching session.
I rode for 10 years, had a few hours with Birchy and found I had been riding wrong (body position) the entire time. well worth a leason to get the basics right.

Have fun that's what it is all about

[Lawrence]

I'll keep that in mind when buying a bike. The Forza 140 Big Foot has 17/14 inch wheels, will this cope ok at Woodhill?

You should be fine on that, as there are plenty of young kids ripping around on bikes that size. You have many options on which bike to get, along with the mixed but all good advice here on this forum.

In the end so long as your having fun on the bike that is the main thing, because that's what its all about, fun.

I ride an old tech air cooled XR250. Some would called it a 'farm bike' , 'tractor' or worse. But I have fun on it, and no less fun than others on their mega dollar MX bikes.

Good luck with your hunt for a bike and have fun!

[barty5]

KDX is top heavy and for what it is it is just heavy and old.

[Leyton]

KDX is top heavy and for what it is it is just heavy and old.

Acaully thats a good point. The KDX is a little top heavy, however easy to control.

I had one between the ages of 14 and 18 and loved it!

They are only as old as the new piston, or bottom end rebuild. There are still some crackers out there!

I got my KDX a 1989 back in 1996, and was rooted when I got it. So just look around if you want a good one :)

[Mungatoke Mad]

learners bike, has to be a XR250.
Cheap now, no maintenance (well vary little), go forever, handles the falls, in your budget range.


+ 1 4 the XR 250 bullet proof go forever parts are plentiful & cheap as chips & being a 250 you wont grow out of it as Quick as you would on the smaller bikes

[meteor]

You're 165 cm tall so an XR250 or a KDX might be a bit tall. There are still some good and cheap XR200s out there that would be a good starter. I think a 2 stroke will teach you how to ride a bit better but your limited to an 85 which you'd be to big for or a 125 which might be a bit of a handful for a learner [possibly]. As said above have a ride on your mates... or you could book in for a coaching with Tony at the Sandpit and hire his bike, a KDX from memory and ride on bush and sand trails, or there is also Thundercross park where they hire DRZ125 and 250s and ride on open farmland and still do coaching. Enjoy.

[Dumruat]

I am the same height as you , i was born with ducks disease.( my A^$% is too close to the ground)

The ability to hire bikes at the sandpit is a huge advantage nowadays as is the all important training.

If i were you i'd grab your mates... save your coin and take their bikes out to sandpit. Practice a bit and take advantage of the great hire bikes / training available on your doorstep.( thundercross is good except a bit further away for you)

after a couple of days you may have spent a bit on bike fees but you have had the opportunity to try couple of different bike sizes and make a more informed purchase based on bikes you have ridden as well as some training.

I started on a ty50 trials bike at about 7

My bike order for next 15 odd years went KX80's , xr200() IT175 IT200 Yz 125 DT200 wr200 . or something very similar

When i was your age i bought a DT175 new as a form of transport as well. (the dt would be about perfect if just learning . air cooled low seat height except old design on the plus side you can road register them ,very similar to the dr125 etc. )

I have had 250's but always end up back on 125's or 200's for some reason.

The point is a good 200 / 230 or melow 125 is pretty much ideal for your height build.

Send me a message if heading out to thundercross sometime. I am happy to let you jump on my ktm , you'd be able to touch the ground ( just) and its so easy to ride .and with a twist of powervalve settings it can be mellower than a kdx200.

Hopefully you grow an inch or two more , otherwise you will master touching ground with tiptoes and/or putting one foot on the ground and doing the splits sort of thing with the bike under your other knee draped over the seat when stationary.

grow........

from a middle aged midget....

[Zedder]

The Waitemata Motorcycle Club does rides at Woodhill and Riverhead Forests often. Check them out for advice, training, cheap forest riding fees etc if you want to go the club way.

[Borknagar]

Hey guys thanks for all the help.
This weekend I'm going to go and have a ride on my friends bikes and then next weekend I'm going to go and get a lesson at Woodhill apparently you can hire a bike for the day which I will do. I'm not sure what bike you hire at Woodhill but I will ask and will base my decision on what type of bike to get off my experience of each bike I have ridden.

Two of my friends are coming out to Woodhill with me, one has the Forza 140 Big Foot and the other has a 125cc bike, I'm not sure what make it is but I'm sure its either a Kawasaki or a Suzuki. So I will see how each one performs at Woodhill.

Will report back soonish :)

[GPS MAN]

Good Luck and Welcome to the Insanity:Punk:

[Borknagar]

Hi everyone - just thought I would update everyone on what I've been doing.
So today I went to Woodhill/Sandspit for the first time! :sunny:
I got a lesson from Tony who was awesome, the best instructor I have ever had for any sport. He was super friendly, patient and just plain helpful. I rented a Honda CRF230.
My lesson went really well, still trying to get the hang of the clutch but I can ride pretty well for a first time - I managed to keep up with my mates woohoo!
I went for a ride with my friends afterwards one was on a ttr125 (I think) and the other was on a RM85 two stroke bike. I kept up with them ok no real problems.
Now the CRF230 which I was riding was really nice but I found it difficult to get into neutral (the bike is electric start and must be in neutral to start) which made starting a bit difficult especially when I accidently stalled and I got stuck trying to get into neutral to start the bike. The other thing I found was that the bike was really heavy so picking it up and pushing it wasn't the easiest my arms are sore just typing this and I ain't a fatty! Other than that the bike was amazing super smooth and fast also.

So now I'm hooked and I want to ride again. I need a bike preferably a kick start and one that isn't to heavy. Any suggestions? Oh and it needs to be under $4000

Thanks guys!

[Flicks]

CRF 230 are a nice bike, more expensive then your xr and similar bikes. But all bike will be the same to get into neutral you will just get used to knowing how to get it into neutral.( Rocking the bike sometimes helps and try putting it into second and giving it a light tap down). If you can afford a crf 230 then get one.
Dont get a forza as noone wants them so the resale value is crap and hard to sell/get parts for.

You wont get much lighter then a crf230 unless you get a 2 stroke.

[Transalper]

My 04 CRF230 doesn't need to be in Neutral to be started, just need to pull the clutch in and press the button.

[tigertim20]

as for it feeling a bit heavy, and having tired arms - give it a bit more practice, your arms are probably tired from arm pump since you're new to bikes.

get a 2 stroke 125 if you want a lighter bike but still want enough ponies to have lots of fun

[057rxz]

as for it feeling a bit heavy, and having tired arms - give it a bit more practice, your arms are probably tired from arm pump since you're new to bikes.

get a 2 stroke 125 if you want a lighter bike but still want enough ponies to have lots of fun

get a 2t 250 ull get sick of a 125 once u pound it enough. but for there displacement there wiked toys. done ur top end yet?

[tigertim20]

get a 2t 250 ull get sick of a 125 once u pound it enough. but for there displacement there wiked toys. done ur top end yet?

Yup, top end done, see my thread for constant updates. hopefully more reassembly tomorrow

[SMOKEU]

CRF230 is a great bike to learn on. Very simple and reliable. You don't want a 250cc 2 stroke unless you really know what you're doing, because it WILL bite you in the ass.

[Borknagar]

Hey thanks for the replies guys. Do any of you know of a good shop that sells second hand bikes around Auckland area?
I am a bit cautious of buying a bike off Trademe as a friend of mine bought of a second hand bike from trademe and on his first ride it caught fire and he couldn't take it back.
Will a CRF150 be a bit lighter? Or is a CRF230 the way to go? I'm pretty sure I will get use to getting the bike into neutral and the weight of the bike after a few rides.

[Flicks]

Dont get a 150, you will outride it so fast. A 230 is a good start. Trademe is fine most of the time, but you sort of need to know what to look and listen for when you are buying it. Make sure you ride it around somewhere if you can and make sure all the gears are changing nicely and the clutch is fine. Put it this way it will be cheaper on trademe but you wont get that reassurance that the bikes ok, where as a dealer you will but you will pay more most of the time.

[Fast Eddie]

get a 2t 250 ull get sick of a 125 once u pound it enough. but for there displacement there wiked toys. done ur top end yet?

meh.. dunno bout that. I had use of a pretty sick yz125 with the pipes and carb and intake kit on. was heaps of fun.

I had kdx200 or 220, can't quite remember now.. think it was 220.

fuckn sweet bike, much easier to ride than cr250/rm250 that I borrow sometimes. not as violent haha, but still went hard. had fmf pipe on it n shit...

dirt riding is so sweet, I +1 on KDX range, 200/220

[057rxz]

meh.. dunno bout that. I had use of a pretty sick yz125 with the pipes and carb and intake kit on. was heaps of fun.

I had kdx200 or 220, can't quite remember now.. think it was 220.

fuckn sweet bike, much easier to ride than cr250/rm250 that I borrow sometimes. not as violent haha, but still went hard. had fmf pipe on it n shit...

dirt riding is so sweet, I +1 on KDX range, 200/220

the whole point of being in the dirt is to be violent. dont be lazy and get a 4t be ruthless and roll a 2t 250

[057rxz]

CRF230 is a great bike to learn on. Very simple and reliable. You don't want a 250cc 2 stroke unless you really know what you're doing, because it WILL bite you in the ass.

thats prime!

[Flicks]

the whole point of being in the dirt is to be violent. dont be lazy and get a 4t be ruthless and roll a 2t 250

Having a 2t 250 as your first bike to learn on is stupid. It would get flipped and crashed so many times haha

[Leyton]

(the bike is electric start and must be in neutral to start)


I had the same complaints with my CR230 when I had it, it was a bit heavy to pickup from a fallen position, and just felt heavy.. although it wasn't really, I have had worse.

The electric start is brillent once you disable the clutch and nautral switch :) And thats REALLLL easy to do. Just pull the clutch in to start to be on the safe side and away ya go.

They are a good beginners bike in terms of grunt and are not going to supprise you.

Once you get faster, you will find the suspension will be your limitation, It is still a farm bike. It will do trails ok but you as the rider will be doing more work with your body then if you were on a bike with fully adjustable suspension.. eg.. cross country style bike.

I have no bike suggesions that fit lite, with good suspension and mellowish other then a crf250x (You are looking at big $$).

Or get a YZ,RM or CR125 2-smoker. However! You must be able to ride them hard when given the chance on the trail to keep the bike from fowling and keep it cripst (Unless you jet it stupidly lean). They can be a bit of a all balls bikes, But the advantage is in.

No weight
Easy to kick start the 125 (I have done it with my hand in despirate spots)
Enough grunt if you dont mind riding on the power band and reasonsibly quickly
Or slower in 1st or 2nd gear on power band, slower..

I think a KDX is still a good all rounder learner bike to be honest, they are just getting a bit old now.

Cheers
Leyton

[Borknagar]

Hi everyone.
Went to my friends house today and tried his Forza 125 bigfoot out. It was much easier to ride than the CRF230 because it weighs so much less and the quick start was really easy also. I was just riding around a fairly flat not very bumpy paddock but every single little bump on the paddock I felt. The bike doesn't have very nice suspension like the CRF does.

I am not going to start on a two stroke 250cc bike it will tear me into two seperate pieces! So I'm starting to think a two stroke 125 is the they way to go because it is light and has plenty of power. I don't mind giving the bike a little bit of speed (I like to go as fast as possible on the long flat bits - the faster the better!) as I realise that they don't like to be riden slowly. Or maybe something like a DRZ 125.

But I am going to have a look at some of the bike shops and see what they have.


the whole point of being in the dirt is to be violent. dont be lazy and get a 4t be ruthless and roll a 2t 250
I understand that one of the points of dirt biking is to be fast and aggresive but dirt biking isn't about being stupid. Buying a 2T 250 for someone who has only ridden two times would be extremely stupid.

And I forgot to ask my friend rides a RM85, would an 85 be better for a beginner - easier to handle?

[Transalper]

Don't get the problems you guys are experiencing with the CRF230, did they do something different over the various years that I don't know about? The clutch switch (as on all bikes I've had) is to override the neutral switch so if you aren't in neutral you can start them in gear so long as you have the clutch pulled in. Ride, stall, pull clutch, start, go, never bother to find neutral.
Also weight is a very relative thing, to me the CRF230 is a light weight... but then I am actually comparing it to my DR650 and Transalp which are 160kg to 190kg+ (dry) Adventure bikes rather than Trail bikes which are again different to MX bikes etc etc.
Of course it's only river beds, forestry and the hilly farmland based fundraiser Trailriding I do on the CRF in case you lot haven't already worked that out.

One thing I must say is if you want to be riding 2 strokes then learning on a small (probably a 85 or 125cc) 2 stroke may be more advisable so as to learn to use the brakes properly. Just noticed you a light weight so maybe the 85cc will be fine but again I don't really know what the power output is like other than knowing you'll probably have to learn to really keep an 85cc 2T in it's power band.
I learned on XR200's etc and now 2 strokes scare me a bit as in my riding I tend to let the 4stroke engine braking do a lot of my slowing for me. 2 strokes don't slow down in the same way when you throttle off.

[Rupe]

for under $3k a 05+ yz125 would be a good choice. Just get a clean, tidy, well maintained one rather than looking at what bling bits it has.

[gerbilofgondor]

Just my $0.02,
I have both a KDX 220 and a TTR 125 (similar to the DRZ-125) , If you want something dead easy to learn on I'd go for the TTR-125/DRZ-125. Your friend already has one so you can try it out. You might grow out of it in 6 months, but you even then you can still have a shitload of fun on it.

If you get a 2T 125 or 85, they are a bit of a pain in the arse to learn on by yourself- you have to get use to the powerband, rev the guts out and stay in the powerband or you will find yourself not really getting that speed you want . In the long run you will be a better rider but you fun level as your learning might not be as much as if your on something like the DRZ-125. If your going to go the 2T route, KDX gets my vote - top heavy for sure, weights a bloody ton at times especially if you bail off in sand. but its soo easy to fix and is super reliable (you don't want to be spending much money fixing you bike every-time you bail) . Also it feels like a 4t as doesnt have a big powerband hit so you can still get all those 2T skills but without worrying about getting flicked off whilst your still learning.

But it you like the fonza got with the drz-125 , a more reliable and can have mods added to it if you fall in love but want to bore it up to a 170 without the added weight like the CRF230- so will easily be a faster more agile bike.


Either way as you get better what ever bike you get eventually your going to want something bigger and more powerful, but which bike will you have the most fun on learning, still be able to keep up with your mates and is a reliable workhorse - a DRZ or a KDX

[Borknagar]

Today I was just looking around the web and I found a 2010 Suzuki DRZ 125 Big Wheel for $2995. http://www.autobase.co.nz/motorbikes-for-sale/Suzuki/DR-Z125/Motorbike---Off-Road/1429586.htm
The bike is in near new condition and is been sold from a Suzuki Dealer so if anything goes wrong I can take it back. It is in my price range and the bike looks in good condition also the bike is in Auckland.

So if you guys could have a look at that link and tell me if you see anything wrong with the bike please let me know.
I'm really keen on getting this bike it looks really good and from what I've heard the DRZ is a good choice.

Thanks

[BoristheBiter]

Today I was just looking around the web and I found a 2010 Suzuki DRZ 125 Big Wheel for $2995. http://www.autobase.co.nz/motorbikes-for-sale/Suzuki/DR-Z125/Motorbike---Off-Road/1429586.htm
The bike is in near new condition and is been sold from a Suzuki Dealer so if anything goes wrong I can take it back. It is in my price range and the bike looks in good condition also the bike is in Auckland.

So if you guys could have a look at that link and tell me if you see anything wrong with the bike please let me know.
I'm really keen on getting this bike it looks really good and from what I've heard the DRZ is a good choice.

Thanks

I don't know a lot about the Suzuki off road bikes but they seem to go alright.
It doesn't have electric start so make sure it will start first time when you kick it as while you are learning you will be doing a lot of it.
There is nothing more energy sapping then a bike that won't start.

[gerbilofgondor]

I'm really keen on getting this bike it looks really good and from what I've heard the DRZ is a good choice.

Thanks

Looks preety mint. Even got guards to stop you burning large chunks of your shin off :facepalm:
Like boris said make sure its easy to kick start, my mates 2010 drz takes one or two cold so don't be totally put off it doesn't kick start first shot.
It also has some other handy mods which will make it more comfy and your will find it has more power than the average stock.:Punk:

[Borknagar]

Cheers for the replies guys.
I found the kick start easier on the Forza then the electric start on the CRF230.
Yeah and it will probably take a good kick or two to get the bike running most of the bikes I have seen need more than one kick to start.

[clint640]

That would be a great choice - see if you can get them to throw some barkbusters in with the deal to save your levers when you crash - & you're good to go. You'll learn better on that than a moto-x 125, with less maintenance hassles & once you get some skills up it's more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow!
Once you're ready to upgrade from the DRZ you'll probably be a bit bigger too & able to choose from a wider range of bikes with mo power & suspension.

Also if you are buying from a dealer scope out all the gear you want - boots, helmet, knee guards, gloves as a minimum - & try & do a deal on the package if they have what you need, you'll never get that stuff cheaper than when you are buying a bike at the same time.

Cheers
Clint

[tigertim20]

looks like a pretty good deal to me.

If it were me, Id want bigger than a 125 if I was going 4 stroke, - but you are not me, so if you havent ridden something really similar to this, go down and take it for a test, and if you like it, buy it!

[Borknagar]

Tigertim I reckon a 125 four stroke will be ok, I'll probably ride it for a year and then upgrade and look for something bigger. It's just a bike that I'm going to learn on.

[057rxz]

just man up stop bitching about what bike you want and just hurry up and ride man if you flip it so what.. there dirt bikes.. cheap as hell is u scratch a front fender or snap a tail..its not a problem it wont matter as long as your out there trying it over sitting behind the screen discussing it... itll only lower your confidence more hearing everyones veiws so dont worry about us and just fucking do it already.

[clint640]

just man up stop bitching about what bike you want and just hurry up and ride man .

Settle down! :shutup:

$3K is a lot of money when you are 15 & spending a few weeks asking around & testing a few out before buying something is damn good sense I reckon.

Clint

[Borknagar]

just man up stop bitching about what bike you want and just hurry up and ride man if you flip it so what.. there dirt bikes.. cheap as hell is u scratch a front fender or snap a tail..its not a problem it wont matter as long as your out there trying it over sitting behind the screen discussing it... itll only lower your confidence more hearing everyones veiws so dont worry about us and just fucking do it already.

I don't have thousands of dollars to spend and I want to make a good purchase it's not like I can just spend 3 grand then decide wait a minute this bike is shit I want a new one. I can't do that, I want to get something that will last and be good. I don't have a full time job and $3000 is a shit load of money for me. I will ride don't worry but I want to get the best out of all the money.

[BoristheBiter]

I don't have thousands of dollars to spend and I want to make a good purchase it's not like I can just spend 3 grand then decide wait a minute this bike is shit I want a new one. I can't do that, I want to get something that will last and be good. I don't have a full time job and $3000 is a shit load of money for me. I will ride don't worry but I want to get the best out of all the money.

I know there is a xr250 at cyclespot at the moment.
I think they are after 3k for it but I'm sure they can do a deal.
I know people have something against Honda's but everyone I have had have been through hell and back and just keep going.
Your starting issue is the first one i have ever heard of.
Also the less techo the bike means a novice can work on them while they are learning about bikes.

[Zedder]

I know there is a xr250 at cyclespot at the moment.
I think they are after 3k for it but I'm sure they can do a deal.
I know people have something against Honda's but everyone I have had have been through hell and back and just keep going.
Your starting issue is the first one i have ever heard of.
Also the less techo the bike means a novice can work on them while they are learning about bikes.

I can vouch for the XR250 as well. The one I had a while back was very good, well used (and also well looked after) but I never had a major problem.

[tigertim20]

I don't have thousands of dollars to spend and I want to make a good purchase it's not like I can just spend 3 grand then decide wait a minute this bike is shit I want a new one. I can't do that, I want to get something that will last and be good. I don't have a full time job and $3000 is a shit load of money for me. I will ride don't worry but I want to get the best out of all the money.
good on ya for getting the coin put away, most your age are spending their money on booze and condoms. (when I was your age I saved money by forgoing the condoms and telling girls lies like, well i dont need to tell you, I bet youve told them yourself!!)
You are going about this in a good way, doing your homework, and asking questions, A good way to start out.

I can vouch for the XR250 as well. The one I had a while back was very good, well used (and also well looked after) but I never had a major problem.

oooh yeah XR is a good hack to have too. fucking near bulletproof too.

[BoristheBiter]

oooh yeah XR is a good hack to have too. fucking near bulletproof too.

yep my old one is a testament to that.
Retired after 12 years and could still piss up the B20 at tussock buster while newer bikes lay around watching.:Punk: