Next bike advice!

[English Kiwi]

Hi All,

I am new to dirt biking (on and off for the last year) and I have got to the stage where I have out grown my little DRZ 125L. I have realised after some training that I am too big for it.

I want something in the 250cc range, but the main problem is my height, I'm 5"5! :crazy: As i'm still new to dirt riding, I'd like something that is quite Linear in power, like my little DRZ (just so I don't scare myself too much!) I'm also just looking for a 4stroke... :)

Many people have recommended the WR250...I love the look of the bike, but I can't even get tip toes down :facepalm:, which makes getting the bike upright (off the side stand) on the flat a difficulty :weep:

I mainly ride at the sandpit, but will start doing the Trail Blazers.

Any recommendations??

Cheers :)

[mattnzl]

I'm not much taller than you (175cm which I think is about 5'7"....?) and found the KDX200 a good size for me, quite low seat height and very mellow in the power delivery if stock.
Downside will be the increased weight, but most "big" bikes will be heavier than the 125, including the WR.

[English Kiwi]

I'm not much taller than you (175cm which I think is about 5'7"....?) and found the KDX200 a good size for me, quite low seat height and very mellow in the power delivery if stock.
Downside will be the increased weight, but most "big" bikes will be heavier than the 125, including the WR.

Thank's for that :) although I should have mentioned that I was looking for a 4stroke.

Yeh I realised after sitting on the WR that they are heavier, really makes me realise how light my DRZ is!!

[ktm84mxc]

First off work out your budget then will you go 2 stroke or four stroke, do you need or want electric start ? most bikes can be lowered in the suspension and have the seat cut down etc
Next visit a few shops and try for size, even approach riders and ask if you can try their bikes for size at the sand pit you'll be surprised how help full we can be. You'll get a real feel for the next bike to buy.

[takitimu]

Gasgas are pretty low & the 200 is a nice bike, but I'd talk to someone like Danger about your options lowering a bike & go with his suggestions ( he's proride.co.nz ).

[L Rider]

Is there a reason you are after a 4t?
There are many options of bikes out there just depends on your price range & reason for wanting a 4t. The 2t enduro bikes don't have that 'snappy' power like an mx 2t bike has.
As already suggested trying various bikes is your best option to find the bike you like then you can do various things to lower it.
I'm shorter than you at about 167cm. Our kx125 we had lowered - shorter springs in forks & spaces taken out of the rear shock I think it is. My KX85 I can get my toes down on both sides. My husband has a 250 sxf which I ride as is - can only touch toes on my foot. We do have a lower seat for it coming.

Our boy who does MX is very short for his age - is on a KTM 65 and we've had alot done to this to get it as low as it can go & he still can't touch the ground. Confidence over time means he can ride this well.

[English Kiwi]

Is there a reason you are after a 4t?
There are many options of bikes out there just depends on your price range & reason for wanting a 4t. The 2t enduro bikes don't have that 'snappy' power like an mx 2t bike has.
As already suggested trying various bikes is your best option to find the bike you like then you can do various things to lower it.

The main reason for a 4t is that I ride a 4t road bike so that's what i'm used to and the either 'on' or 'off' throttle of a 2t kinda scares me!:o

I took the TTR230 for a spin the other day (just in a paddock mind) and it was alright, but something was missing...

I was hoping Honda, KTM and others might have a demo day at the sandpit so I can go and ride a few, but I guess they don't do them all that often.

Price range is prob $12k...as I'm awaiting the new KTM Freeride to come out so I can see how that compares.

Yeh lowering the bike is always an option, though I'd have to lower the WR by about 3" to even be able to get tiptoes down :facepalm:

[L Rider]

The enduro type 2t's aren't on & off. They're mellow but have power when needed.
Budget of 12k leaves you many options! You should look at both the enduro & XC range of KTM's.
Husky are doing a range of Enduro bikes too. I've ridden the Husky WR125 it was very nice to ride although it was quite tall - think KTM is taller though.
Also bare in mind that when the suspension is set up for your weight & set up correctly this can change the height of the bike too by a bit.

[L Rider]

Also forgot to say that the KTM demo days are coming up soon. Auckland one's start next month. If you contact South Auckland Motors you could find out when & where they're having theirs & be able to go try a range of their bikes.

[English Kiwi]

The enduro type 2t's aren't on & off. They're mellow but have power when needed.
Budget of 12k leaves you many options! You should look at both the enduro & XC range of KTM's.
Husky are doing a range of Enduro bikes too. I've ridden the Husky WR125 it was very nice to ride although it was quite tall - think KTM is taller though.
Also bare in mind that when the suspension is set up for your weight & set up correctly this can change the height of the bike too by a bit.


Also forgot to say that the KTM demo days are coming up soon. Auckland one's start next month. If you contact South Auckland Motors you could find out when & where they're having theirs & be able to go try a range of their bikes.

Thanks for your advice :) Yeh the budget always helps with options esp if you look at KTMs :) I sat on the other half's KTM and with the suspension set up it's lower than a WR!!

I'll look up the Demo day and hopefully I can get along to it :)

[L Rider]

When the finances allow I'm hoping to get a KTM150XC.
You'll find all full size bikes are a decent height - spending the $$ on suspension is well worth it to have it set up for you.

[Ktmboy]

Part of your problem probably stems from the difficulties starting a bike due to your hieght. An electric start would cure that. Problem solved.
When you are actually riding the height issue is not an issue anymore (hopefully you are standing up 90% of the time) and a 2t will actually encourage you to stand up as opposed to a 4t which encourages a rider to sit in the arm chair. I'm riding a 4t now after 10yrs of 2t and I have definitely noticed that I sit down alot more.

Secondly the modern enduro style bikes like the KTM200 exc 2013(electric start) are very very easy to ride and have a wide range of power. They are not an MX bike that will rip your arms off and chuck you into a tree.
Also they have 6 gears, an 18 inch rear tyre (more rubber and cushioning) and a dual band mapping switch.A bit like a fork hoist that has the rabbit and a turtle button. Bottom end power to boot.

I think Cyclespot Euro are going to have a demo day at The Sandpit soon and that would be the ideal time to try the 2t's.

[crfchick]

I am just over 5 5" and ride an RMZ250. Have just cut a bit out of the seat and had the suspension set up for me. Before that I had a CRF150R which was great but just a little too small!
Good luck with the decision making, it's a tough call to find the "perfect" bike :yes:

[English Kiwi]

Thanks for all your assistance and advice :)

I have signed up for the latest KTM Demo day, which will have their full range of 2t and 4t including the new Freeride :)

We're off to the Sandpit this Saturday with a couple of mates so might try chatting to a few people there and possibly (if I can pluck up the courage :o) ask a couple of people to take their bike for a quick spin.

Feel free to post on here if you've just ridden a different bike that could be worth a try :)

Thanks again all :)

[krad_nz]

I'm sure there is a Yamalink (lowering link) available for that bike.

My 5'1" gf has a yz125 with Yamalink fitted and she loves it. You're 5'5" height should be no trouble!

[andy 101]

Part of your problem probably stems from the difficulties starting a bike due to your hieght. An electric start would cure that. Problem solved.
When you are actually riding the height issue is not an issue anymore (hopefully you are standing up 90% of the time) and a 2t will actually encourage you to stand up as opposed to a 4t which encourages a rider to sit in the arm chair. I'm riding a 4t now after 10yrs of 2t and I have definitely noticed that I sit down alot more.

Secondly the modern enduro style bikes like the KTM200 exc 2013(electric start) are very very easy to ride and have a wide range of power. They are not an MX bike that will rip your arms off and chuck you into a tree.
Also they have 6 gears, an 18 inch rear tyre (more rubber and cushioning) and a dual band mapping switch.A bit like a fork hoist that has the rabbit and a turtle button. Bottom end power to boot.

I think Cyclespot Euro are going to have a demo day at The Sandpit soon and that would be the ideal time to try the 2t's.


Please give us non bike owners, notice when the demo days are on, I think I need another bike not sure but may go 250 4t this time.

[oldguy]

When you are actually riding the height issue is not an issue anymore (hopefully you are standing up 90% of the time) and a 2t will actually encourage you to stand up


as opposed to a 4t which encourages a rider to sit in the arm chair. I'm riding a 4t now after 10yrs of 2t and I have definitely noticed that I sit down alot more.




I would agree with that statement, I refuse to lower my bike, even with my big fat ass on it, still don't lower enough for me to get both feet on the ground, just ride it.:scooter:

and here I thought it had to do with you getting a little older:lol:

Oh and next bike, you will fit in here nicely, if you go orange and a 2T;)

[Chia]

Hiya - I'm 5'2 (shorty!!) and I ride a Husaberg TE 125. I haven't lowered it at all and the power on it is really smooth, there's no on/off 2t power and it's got quite a bit of torque down low for a 125! So I would definitely recommend one. Prior to this bike I had a KTM 150 sx on which the power was different to the 125 but it was still an awesome little bike so you won't go wrong with either.

I wouldn't go down the 250 4t road as I used to ride one of those too and just found it too heavy to man-handle.

If you setup your suspension with the right springs for your weight front and back, and learn to ride without putting your feet down too much then you'll be fine with not lowering any of your bikes :niceone:

[L Rider]

Please give us non bike owners, notice when the demo days are on, I think I need another bike not sure but may go 250 4t this time.

You may want to call the KTM dealers re the demo days - they usually have a list of pple who take priority.

South Auckland Motors and Cyclespot Euro will both be doing them at different times.

[English Kiwi]

Hi All,

Thanks for all your advice on bikes :)

Went to the Demo day Cyclesport held today and rode 2 bikes. First was the 200 XC-W, this was quite scary with the power and not being used to 2t's...

The next bike was awesome! I rode the new 350 Freeride! All I can say with this bike is... EPIC!!!! Just what I was after, something bigger than my current bike, but not full size (the 200 I really struggled on!) Throttle was nice and smooth, and by no means snappy.

So after the demo day, I have put my name down for the Freeride :) I would happily recommend this anyone looking to upgrade :)

Thanks again for all your help :)

[mattnzl]

Cool, as a "shortish" guy I'd be keen to hear your review when you get it. Just to give you some encouragement, look what it's capable of :shit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-20xs65ct7o

[English Kiwi]

Cool, as a "shortish" guy I'd be keen to hear your review when you get it. Just to give you some encouragement, look what it's capable of :shit:


Those guys are INSANE!!!

I'll definately let you know what it's like :) I should get it soon :)

The other half had a go on it as well, but he's 6ft and wasn't right for him! But if your "shortish" then you'll be sweet! I'm sure a KTM dealer down there will have the Demo bikes soon :)

[takitimu]

Cool, as a "shortish" guy I'd be keen to hear your review when you get it. Just to give you some encouragement, look what it's capable of :shit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-20xs65ct7o

I only rode it for a few minutes, but it's very light & low, very torquey, but kinda weak. Put it this way it'll pull up a hill perfectly, but it won't ever pull your arms off ( or even think about it ). Given it's the 350 motor from the sx-f detuned, I'm sure it can be re-invigorated if you want.
It's the perfect bike I think for someone shorter & for learning on, it deserves to sell bucketloads.
( It's not gutless, I seem to recall ktmboy mentioned it threw him off ).

[L Rider]

Hi All,

Thanks for all your advice on bikes :)

Went to the Demo day Cyclesport held today and rode 2 bikes. First was the 200 XC-W, this was quite scary with the power and not being used to 2t's...

The next bike was awesome! I rode the new 350 Freeride! All I can say with this bike is... EPIC!!!! Just what I was after, something bigger than my current bike, but not full size (the 200 I really struggled on!) Throttle was nice and smooth, and by no means snappy.

So after the demo day, I have put my name down for the Freeride :) I would happily recommend this anyone looking to upgrade :)

Thanks again for all your help :)

Yay, glad you got along to one of the demo days. Thats interesting how you found the 200 XC-W. So glad you have found what you like. Just shows though that a bike thats perfect for 1 person isn't for another. Definately got to try bikes for yourself & get WHAT YOU like not what other people say will be right for you.
It'll be like xmas at yours when you get it.

[Ktmboy]

( It's not gutless, I seem to recall ktmboy mentioned it threw him off ).

Well not really in that sense. Put it this way, we had a wee moment going over a log (in the carpark in front of the VIP's and the press).
Rather large wash out on the other side and we ended up side down. Funny as:facepalm:

I think they will sell a few of the Freeride for the casual trail riders and especially ladies. Quite a neat bike and would be cool to fang a round town on. Only problem would be keeping the front wheel on the ground between lights.