Dirt bike recommendations?

[unstuck]

Big paddock is the best place to practice the backing skills with a trailer. Backing a truck and trailer, now that can be a mind fuck when you first start.:eek:

[fridayflash]

i agree mate, luckilly i only had to do a straight 'back up' when i went for my trailer lic
them steering front axle trailers is weird to back!

[bosslady]

Well that went ok I thought. Better now have a sense of relief that although I'm far from great maybe I'm not as bad as I thought. Best things i got out of the lesson was probably keeping me fingies over the clutch always and when i start to panic, which i do and it gets me into trouble, just pull it in a bit, that and also looking where i want to go, which i always try to do but made more of an effort. Only dropped the bike once, when i panicked and grabbed a handful of throttle. Also i think i gave him the shits when i panicked, looked where i DIDNT want to go and gassed it Big time towards some trees haha.

I Tried to back the trailer down the drive but was most unsuccessful so just went in front first. Now i have to wash the effing thing blarghhh

[unstuck]

See, it does get easier. Good on ya for washing the bike down too, so many of my mates just leave them until the next ride, then wonder why their bikes are always falling apart.:niceone:

[bosslady]

See, it does get easier. Good on ya for washing the bike down too, so many of my mates just leave them until the next ride, then wonder why their bikes are always falling apart.:niceone:
Don't praise me yet, it's still sitting outside hahaha. Can't NOT wash it, Flatmate would call me a lazy bitch and rip me a new one for messing up his carpeted garage.

[bosslady]

Went to Woodhill again today. Epic.Fail. I think I need more lessons. I tried to put into practice the things I learnt with Tony but started confusing myself, not knowing what to do when confronted with corners (if you can call em that), hills (they weren't even hills!!!!), "loose" sand. I guess also cause there were a fair few people there the sand got "ripped up" (for lack of a better word) which I am told doesn't matter but just seeing it made me panic.

Dropped my bike maybe a half dozen times, almost always in places where I saw there was bunch of loose sand. And try as I might I couldn't 'relax and constantly kept looking at the ground. I tensed up so much that I got major arm pump, I could hardly even pull in my clutch because of it. Biggest problem was just not able to RELAX. I kept winding myself up, freaking out and pretty sure I had a wee baby panic attack LOL.

I don't want to admit defeat, that's for sure. But I need more lessons because I'm totally struggling to be honest. Tired!!

[Ocean1]

Dropped my bike maybe a half dozen times

Fucking amateur.

[bosslady]

Fucking amateur.
I know eh. Think I might have even screamed a little once before I went down too, lol

[nzspokes]

To be honest I find The Sandpit is bloody hard riding when your learning. I cant say I enjoy it there. Im still very much learning. it would be good to see you get a good ride in at Thundercross park in the dry. I love it there. B trail is easy slow and is still fun fast. Great place for a learner.

[fridayflash]

raced in the mercer 'sand prix' years ago..kinda a fun day thing, kool fun but deep sand is a learned skill
like woodhill..wfo is best but when slowing down for corners you can get into a bit of a weave

[Tony.OK]

I know eh. Think I might have even screamed a little once before I went down too, lol

Stop riding in the bloody sand if it freaks you out. Probably the hardest thing to start out in. Only thing you'll end up doing is shaking your confidence so much ya won't want to ride anymore.
Get on some nice dirt or grass tracks and learn the feel of the bike before tackling terrain that tests even experienced riders.

[pete-blen]

As I remaked before soft sand is prob the hardest surface to ride on.... If yer new
to dirt doubley so.... one day yer go for a ride & reallise I don't fall off anymore
or at least not as often....
Till then .. just ride / fall off / pick it up / ride some more / fall off again etc..
Thats how we learnt...
Most off all just have fun .. ride and learn at yer own pace...

[Ocean1]

I know eh. Think I might have even screamed a little once before I went down too, lol

I might have overstated things a tad, half a dozen rest-stops a day is about average. For a beginner.

It gets better. And worse. The falling down thing happens less as you develop moar awsomer dirt skills. And falling down hurts way more because awsomer riding involves moar velocity.

I hear.

[leathel]

as others have said sand is not a great place to gain confidence ;)

[nzspokes]

as others have said sand is not a great place to gain confidence ;)

Last time I rode at the Sandpit I almost jacked in riding. Then went to the Waitamata trail ride at woodhill and loved it. Im not bagging the Sandpit, its a great place for good riders.

[bosslady]

To be honest I find The Sandpit is bloody hard riding when your learning. I cant say I enjoy it there. Im still very much learning. it would be good to see you get a good ride in at Thundercross park in the dry. I love it there. B trail is easy slow and is still fun fast. Great place for a learner.
Thundercross closes soon for awhile dunnit? Is there anywhere else in auckland thats newb friendly?

raced in the mercer 'sand prix' years ago..kinda a fun day thing, kool fun but deep sand is a learned skill
like woodhill..wfo is best but when slowing down for corners you can get into a bit of a weavewhat is wfo?


Stop riding in the bloody sand if it freaks you out. Probably the hardest thing to start out in. Only thing you'll end up doing is shaking your confidence so much ya won't want to ride anymore.
Get on some nice dirt or grass tracks and learn the feel of the bike before tackling terrain that tests even experienced riders.I hear ya! I don't really know where else to ride, even woodhill and Thundercross are relatively far. And yup re; confidence, I can already feel thats where I am heading if I keep carrying on like I am. I have already invested time and money into this so I don't want to give up.
I

As I remaked before soft sand is prob the hardest surface to ride on.... If yer new
to dirt doubley so.... one day yer go for a ride & reallise I don't fall off anymore
or at least not as often....
Till then .. just ride / fall off / pick it up / ride some more / fall off again etc..
Thats how we learnt...
Most off all just have fun .. ride and learn at yer own pace...I tell you what it's hard to bloody find the time wish I could get out more often as like nzspokes I have kids every 2nd weekend. I am looking forward to having fun one day rather than dread lol


I might have overstated things a tad, half a dozen rest-stops a day is about average. For a beginner.

It gets better. And worse. The falling down thing happens less as you develop moar awsomer dirt skills. And falling down hurts way more because awsomer riding involves moar velocity.

I hear.bring on the awesomeness yo!!

[bosslady]

as others have said sand is not a great place to gain confidence ;)
Hahaha yes yes i can feel you rolling your eyes

[nzspokes]

Thundercross is closed July/Aug. Yes its a ways away. But I treat it like a special day and spend as long as I can there. With having my kids on every second weekend and looking after my girl I dont go often so make the most of it.

Farm trail rides are great fun to.

[flyingcr250]

for me travelling is part of the fun, going to parts of the country you've never been to before, even if its 1.5-2 hours away,

the mr motorcycles rides in the summer are pretty good "noob" rides

[fridayflash]

wfo is 'wide fucken open' or wide 'fully' open if your adverse to swearing <_<

[bosslady]

for me travelling is part of the fun, going to parts of the country you've never been to before, even if its 1.5-2 hours away,

the mr motorcycles rides in the summer are pretty good "noob" rides
I don't mind the distance so to speak but I do mind the petrol lol. It's at least a quarter tank of gas to go to and from woodhill. Is summer the most popular time of the year for dirt biking?

[ktm84mxc]

For a few it is , find somewhere you find comfortable and mark out a short track of sorts 10-15 minutes and keep riding it so you get the confidence and speed up , now just in crease the options and length. Before you know it you're a better rider.

[leathel]

The Mr Motorcycle fun rides have riders of all skills on them, most are great rides and my aim is to get the kids skilled up to go on them..... assuming I have another bike and Rose can ride my XR

I hope to pop down and see a mate that I target practice with on his farm Today and take the kids bike down....with the aim of getting you and my brothers kids down for a ride, gentle hills and flat, way flatter than the last paddock we went to ;)

I went for a road ride to do some quoting up a ride part of our old farm was on...... popped up to have a look and man I miss that farm!

[bosslady]

So I went to Woodhill today but I didn't bother going on any trails so that I didn't get myself worked up as I tend to do! I just went up and down the two way and around the small learners loop by the car park heaps of times. Probably a waste of thirty bucks but I figured it was better to do that than nothing? I keep having trouble accidentally hitting the gear lever and getting my right foot jammed against the brake. Anyway I am getting some help over a weekend the weekend after next and am hoping this will really help me with my dirt bike riding. If it doesn't, it'll be quitsville I feel, which I realllllly don't want. Even though my riding has been woeful on the dirt somehow I've felt it's helped with confidence on the road, weird eh! I've already invested a bit, especially money into this and want to keep on at it!

[unstuck]

Quitters never win, and winners never quit.:2thumbsup
Keep plugging away, dont judge your performance, just have fun. Laugh when you fuck it up, and go again, and again, and again.................

[bosslady]

Quitters never win, and winners never quit.:2thumbsup
Keep plugging away, dont judge your performance, just have fun. Laugh when you fuck it up, and go again, and again, and again.................
Thing is though, it's not fun, at least not yet. It's exhausting, stressful, sometimes scary but not fun. So basically I keep going back for abuse lol.

[leathel]

bakes and gear leaver might need to have the height set to suit your feet position, The bike needs to fit you to feel comfortable

[bosslady]

bakes and gear leaver might need to have the height set to suit your feet position, The bike needs to fit you to feel comfortable
Agreed. I am going to get those looked at when I go down the line for that weekend.

[blackdog]

Quitters never win, and winners never quit...

Tell that to yer average smoker or alkie.


Agreed. I am going to get those looked at when I go down the line for that weekend.

I know a good WOF guy could get them adjusted right for you.

[unstuck]

Tell that to yer average smoker or alkie..

You know exactly what I meant ya bastwerd.:msn-wink:

[Ocean1]

I know a good WOF guy could get them adjusted right for you.

Little French dude taught me how to set a bike up proper. It's a surprisingly neglected part of learning to ride...

[unstuck]

Thing is though, it's not fun, at least not yet. It's exhausting, stressful, sometimes scary but not fun. So basically I keep going back for abuse lol.

Try making it more about fun, and less about getting it right. Non of us got on a dirt bike and rode like pro,s the first few times , no matter what they tell you on here. Increase the fun factor and you will learn faster.:niceone:

[nzspokes]

Try making it more about fun, and less about getting it right. Non of us got on a dirt bike and rode like pro,s the first few times , no matter what they tell you on here. Increase the fun factor and you will learn faster.:niceone:

Im not even close to right, just love it when my little 2 stroker hits the pipe.

[unstuck]

Im not even close to right, just love it when my little 2 stroker hits the pipe.

I think if I didnt fall off every now and then, I would take up golf or something like that. :shifty:

[bosslady]

Try making it more about fun, and less about getting it right. Non of us got on a dirt bike and rode like pro,s the first few times , no matter what they tell you on here. Increase the fun factor and you will learn faster.:niceone:
I don't see what's fun about constantly dropping the bike sometimes every couple of minutes and being totally exhausted and stressed. I'm not worrying about getting it right, but my lack of ability to get things right directly corresponds to all my falls and stress. Don't see how I can make riding more fun, especially if my options as to where I can ride, are limited. So far I've really only ridden at woodhill and find it bloody stressful and I don't really know anything different. If I get stuck in a trail and get stressed I can't really stop for any length of time, cause there are other people around. And, if I do get stressed I have to keep going on through the whole trail just to get back to the car, you can't turn around and go back. There is no fun to be had in what I've been doing because of my lack of skill and of course, fitness, still!

[unstuck]

Maybe you need to work on some sort of stress relief system then. There is a solution to every problem if you look hard enough. If others are getting pissed off at you for falling off and blocking the trail, laugh at them too. Fitness certainly helps, but no crucial to having a good time. Maybe woodhill is not the place for you at the moment.
I personally think you are trying to hard, from what you have posted. And then it becomes a chore, and not fun at all. You have to find a way to get the fun back into it.
It will happen.:niceone:

[nerrrd]

Sounds like a break is in order, clear your head and maybe come back to it later? I wonder if successfully tackling some gravel roads on the Ginny (under supervision ie not on your own) in the meantime might be a way to shake off some of the stress? Once you've done that you might have a hankering to get back on the dirt. Mom reckons gravel roads are fun! Might be completely different tho what do I know.

[noobi]

You kind of picked the worst time of year to start learning how to ride, your options of places to ride are limited to sand. Which, as you have found, pretty much sucks unless you already kind of know how to ride.
You would enjoy it much more if you were learning to ride on dirt.

Or you're just having the biggest cry cause you can't do something you thought you would become good at quickly.

[bosslady]

Maybe you need to work on some sort of stress relief system then. There is a solution to every problem if you look hard enough. If others are getting pissed off at you for falling off and blocking the trail, laugh at them too. Fitness certainly helps, but no crucial to having a good time. Maybe woodhill is not the place for you at the moment.
I personally think you are trying to hard, from what you have posted. And then it becomes a chore, and not fun at all. You have to find a way to get the fun back into it.
It will happen.:niceone:
Sigh... I don't think you're getting it. I am basically in a world with little comprehension of what I'm doing both in terms of the bike and the surface I'm riding on and don't know what to do when faced with something. An experienced rider would think hey if i do this, then xyz will happen. Me, no idea, totally clueless. Trying too hard? haha I've been going on the EASY trails and resting and fluiding up constantly. If I could go slowly, that would be great, but if I go slowly, it makes things worse on the sand. I can't even get my standing position right. I'm not trying too hard, I'm just trying. Take today for example, I purposely did easy stuff, I didn't even go on a trail! but still, get tired. I'm also not worried about people getting upset at me blocking the trail, no one has, but it's bloody dangerous as you can't see through trees and they could come flying around and not see me in time. Not great for me, or them. And of course getting tired and having to continuously pick up a 120(ish) kg bike aint easy, I'm not exactly the hulk, well not strength wise anyway haha.

[nzspokes]

Sigh... I don't think you're getting it. I am basically in a world with little comprehension of what I'm doing both in terms of the bike and the surface I'm riding on and don't know what to do when faced with something. An experienced rider would think hey if i do this, then xyz will happen. Me, no idea, totally clueless. Trying too hard? haha I've been going on the EASY trails and resting and fluiding up constantly. If I could go slowly, that would be great, but if I go slowly, it makes things worse on the sand. I can't even get my standing position right. I'm not trying too hard, I'm just trying. Take today for example, I purposely did easy stuff, I didn't even go on a trail! but still, get tired. I'm also not worried about people getting upset at me blocking the trail, no one has, but it's bloody dangerous as you can't see through trees and they could come flying around and not see me in time. Not great for me, or them. And of course getting tired and having to continuously pick up a 120(ish) kg bike aint easy, I'm not exactly the hulk, well not strength wise anyway haha.

As I keep saying, wait for Thundercross. Summer will be here soon.

I hardly stand or do anything else right. I get puffed getting the bike off the trailer.

I dont want to block a trail but when I have most people stop and help.

Just wait for Thundercross, and the next Waitamata ride(no pressure there, I can kick the fast riders out of the beginner trail and its a great trail)

[bosslady]

You kind of picked the worst time of year to start learning how to ride, your options of places to ride are limited to sand. Which, as you have found, pretty much sucks unless you already kind of know how to ride.
You would enjoy it much more if you were learning to ride on dirt.

Or you're just having the biggest cry cause you can't do something you thought you would become good at quickly.
Yea great, thanks for your words of wisdom, real helpful. And I'm not having a bloody cry, I'm being HONEST and posting up about my experience, which, I'm pretty sure I'm allowed to do. I have nothing to gain by being a cry baby and publicly admitting I totally suck at dirt biking, if anything, it's embarrassing. I could just as easily have been posting about how awesome it is and how well I'm doing etc. and probably ppl on here would be none the wiser, but choose to be honest instead. And for the record I had no pre conceived ideas that I'd be a fricken mx rider or some shit, it took me 3 lessons in a car park on my roadbike to even brave it on the road! so it stands to reason I probably wasn't going to be a superstar after one ride on the dirt bike. But, in the same breath I never expected to find it so difficult and exhausting, stressful, even my flatmate just started riding and isn't having anywhere near as much difficulty as me. I can guarantee most kb rs would not be so forthcoming with admitting they are struggling with something, especially considering some people have taken a disliking to them and like to (attempt to) beat them down.

[bosslady]

As I keep saying, wait for Thundercross. Summer will be here soon.

I hardly stand or do anything else right. I get puffed getting the bike off the trailer.

I dont want to block a trail but when I have most people stop and help.

Just wait for Thundercross, and the next Waitamata ride(no pressure there, I can kick the fast riders out of the beginner trail and its a great trail)
Yup I'm looking forward to trying there sometime, am hoping it will be far less stressful as you've mentioned. Even my neighbour and his mate said they prefer thundercross over woodhill, clearly there is a reason eh!

[blackdog]

Sometimes it's just a good idea to admit you aren't any good at something.

For instance, I tried SCUBA diving and it really wasn't my cup of tea.

Maybe something like http://www.knittingparadise.com/ would be more your speed.

[nzspokes]

Sometimes it's just a good idea to admit you aren't any good at something.



Quiters gotta quit I guess. Seems like a way to a boring life to me.

I dont see Bosslady as a quitter.

[noobi]

Yea great, thanks for your words of wisdom, real helpful. And I'm not having a bloody cry, I'm being HONEST and posting up about my experience, which, I'm pretty sure I'm allowed to do. I have nothing to gain by being a cry baby and publicly admitting I totally suck at dirt biking, if anything, it's embarrassing. I could just as easily have been posting about how awesome it is and how well I'm doing etc. and probably ppl on here would be none the wiser, but choose to be honest instead. And for the record I had no pre conceived ideas that I'd be a fricken mx rider or some shit, it took me 3 lessons in a car park on my roadbike to even brave it on the road! so it stands to reason I probably wasn't going to be a superstar after one ride on the dirt bike. But, in the same breath I never expected to find it so difficult and exhausting, stressful, even my flatmate just started riding and isn't having anywhere near as much difficulty as me. I can guarantee most kb rs would not be so forthcoming with admitting they are struggling with something, especially considering some people have taken a disliking to them and like to (attempt to) beat them down.

I know you read all of my post because your reply was purely to the last line.

Maybe if you focused on the constructive feedback people have been trying to give you, instead of focusing on the little jabs at your behaviour on here, you may be better off.

[Madness]

Yea great, thanks for your words of wisdom, real helpful. And I'm not having a bloody cry, I'm being HONEST and posting up about my experience, which, I'm pretty sure I'm allowed to do. I have nothing to gain by being a cry baby and publicly admitting I totally suck at dirt biking, if anything, it's embarrassing. I could just as easily have been posting about how awesome it is and how well I'm doing etc. and probably ppl on here would be none the wiser, but choose to be honest instead. And for the record I had no pre conceived ideas that I'd be a fricken mx rider or some shit, it took me 3 lessons in a car park on my roadbike to even brave it on the road! so it stands to reason I probably wasn't going to be a superstar after one ride on the dirt bike. But, in the same breath I never expected to find it so difficult and exhausting, stressful, even my flatmate just started riding and isn't having anywhere near as much difficulty as me. I can guarantee most kb rs would not be so forthcoming with admitting they are struggling with something, especially considering most people have taken a disliking to them and some like to (attempt to) beat them down.

What about them Chiefs, eh?

[blackdog]

Quiters gotta quit I guess. Seems like a way to a boring life to me.

I dont see Bosslady as a quitter.

Quitting has nothing to do with it. I see it more as self preservation.

Just because you dream you can do something doesn't mean you will be any good at it.

Let's liken it to me pulling supermodels. Just because I want to, doesn't mean I'll ever be able to make it happen.

[nzspokes]

Just because you dream you can do something doesn't mean you will be any good at it.



Thats just a sad way to go through life. :no:

[blackdog]

Thats just a sad way to go through life. :no:

And, as we have discussed already. It can just as easily be a way to meet an early death.

[Transalper]

Hi Bosslady, sorry to read of your frustration, it just sounds like you need better terrain to get started properly and maybe a little better assistance in person (not online) with bike setup adjusting things to fit you and the infield help (someone who will ride with you and stay with you for the entire ride).
Stay away from hills and sand, keep out of mud. Learn elsewhere then progress to that stuff. The act of picking up the bike alone will sap your energy. I always picked up my womanly friends bike and kicked it in to life for her when she fell just to save her some energy for actually enjoying the ride.
Here in Christchurch we are lucky to have free access to the Waimak riverbed only 30 minutes from town and some forestry single track alongside it which is easy to learn on when it's dry in the more summery months, then after that it progresses to mud fun in wintery months. Definitely going to be harder to start out as a beginner in Winter.
It's all fairly flat here too so even easier again to learn on, tracks just wind about the trees and out on the open areas between sections. Few bumps and steps but no real hills. Hills come later once we are ready, and we do have to go further afield and pay to ride on those but by then we are confident and familiar with the bike and can concentrate on learning the one new thing of hill without worrying about learning all the rest at the same time.

[haydes55]

I had a go out at woodhill I think a few months back. Stalled and dropped the bike on a narrow uphill path. Held up heaps of riders, had a laugh and spend a minute trying to kick the bastard over haha. Don't worry about holding people up. I dropped the bike 2 or 3 times had ago breather and got going again. I had fun but that sand was horrible to ride on. I just went the cheat way, 2nd gear, both feet off the pegs, sit forward and pin it. The bike just wobbles around under me and point the front wheel where you suggest the bike goes. On sand it seems to go where it wants. Don't stress if you're doing a slalom all over the show. You're doing skiddies and having fun. If you panic and stress you'll just make things worse. I'd say skip sand and try out dirt or clay.

[unstuck]

Sigh... I don't think you're getting it.

Sigh......I don't think your getting it. If you keep telling yourself you suck at something, guess what, your going to suck at it. Maybe you NEED to work on YOUR mental attitude before doing anything else.

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

Albert Einstein

:msn-wink:

[leathel]

summer rides are fun.... Farms are still a bit wet so its not as good to ride on as fun rides rip them up hence not many on ATM, there are a host of relatively easy rides to go on soon, from maize paddock mx style fun rides to farm exploring rides and of coarse when my bike is sorted I will be taking my crew out as well (caliper kit arrived Friday so will sort that and see what else needs fixing :rolleyes: )

[bosslady]

I know you read all of my post because your reply was purely to the last line.

Maybe if you focused on the constructive feedback people have been trying to give you, instead of focusing on the little jabs at your behaviour on here, you may be better off.
Constructive feedback is based on having never gone out riding with me so while it's appreciated, it's not exactly as if anyone (with the exception of leathel) has ever been around or has gone riding with me and is able to see what's happening. And no, I'm not asking that anyone do that, but can see where I'm coming from? hands up how many people out of all the people in this thread have gone out dirt biking with me? only leathel at a farm and Tony for a lesson at woodhill, that's it. It's especially difficult because every single person gives different advice so you have to pick and choose what you use and it's really hard because it's all so conflicting and confusing; stand up, sit down, go faster, go slower, arches on pegs, front balls of your feet on the pegs, always use the clutch, don't use the clutch. All along I've been trying to read and understand the advice other people give me but you can see why I get confused? And then it's as if people don't like when you don't follow their particular advice, you just can't win.

Hi Bosslady, sorry to read of your frustration, it just sounds like you need better terrain to get started properly and maybe a little better assistance in person (not online) with bike setup adjusting things to fit you and the infield help (someone who will ride with you and stay with you for the entire ride).
Stay away from hills and sand, keep out of mud. Learn elsewhere then progress to that stuff. The act of picking up the bike alone will sap your energy. I always picked up my womanly friends bike and kicked it in to life for her when she fell just to save her some energy for actually enjoying the ride.
Here in Christchurch we are lucky to have free access to the Waimak riverbed only 30 minutes from town and some forestry single track alongside it which is easy to learn on when it's dry in the more summery months, then after that it progresses to mud fun in wintery months. Definitely going to be harder to start out as a beginner in Winter.
It's all fairly flat here too so even easier again to learn on, tracks just wind about the trees and out on the open areas between sections. Few bumps and steps but no real hills. Hills come later once we are ready, and we do have to go further afield and pay to ride on those but by then we are confident and familiar with the bike and can concentrate on learning the one new thing of hill without worrying about learning all the rest at the same time.
Hallelujah feel as if you know what I'm talking about. Sounds like the best solution is to win lotto and buy some farm or forest land? well I'll see what I can do, lol. And yes, the first couple of times picking up the bike isn't bad at all, well if I'm not winded or it didn't land on me and get me a little stuck, it's the 4th, 5th, 6th and... you get the idea, is when I get tired. But I grab my bike up, get on, get her started (how glad am I I followed the advice on here and got an electric start!) and maybe 20 metres later (rough guess, I've never been good at judging distance!) drop the bike again, and the next 20 metres etc. Anyway it sounds like you have some great resources down there, am definitely envious! and I'm hoping thundercross is definitely less stressful as spokes has said.

[bosslady]

summer rides are fun.... Farms are still a bit wet so its not as good to ride on as fun rides rip them up hence not many on ATM, there are a host of relatively easy rides to go on soon, from maize paddock mx style fun rides to farm exploring rides and of coarse when my bike is sorted I will be taking my crew out as well (caliper kit arrived Friday so will sort that and see what else needs fixing :rolleyes: )
oh to have your mechanical knowledge! my bike hasn't even had a proper look at yet, hmmm and apart from cleaning it after every single ride (air filter after every second) I've not done anything to it! I've always loved the look of mx riding, or racing I guess I mean, that to me is what looks like more fun than trails with lots of trees and narrow ish paths and shit!

[leathel]

oh to have your mechanical knowledge! my bike hasn't even had a proper look at yet, hmmm and apart from cleaning it after every single ride (air filter after every second) I've not done anything to it! I've always loved the look of mx riding, or racing I guess I mean, that to me is what looks like more fun than trails with lots of trees and narrow ish paths and shit!

I would prefer not to need to do the mechanical stuff but my bike is old and well used, yours wont need a lot of what I am doing for a long while yet....... nearly got another bike last week but I have told myself not until I get a couple of boats out of the way first....space and the money from selling one or being paid for the work on the other will give me a better bike :)

[bosslady]

I would prefer not to need to do the mechanical stuff but my bike is old and well used, yours wont need a lot of what I am doing for a long while yet....... nearly got another bike last week but I have told myself not until I get a couple of boats out of the way first....space and the money from selling one or being paid for the work on the other will give me a better bike :)
I reckon! no more bikesies for you mate, no more bikesies for you!

[budget biker]

sorry to see u r stuggling so much. not a great rider myself and I came from a road bike too. have a couple of kids riding now too.it got easier 4 me.
all comments only from my point of view.
most terrain has a different skill set
dirt bikes generally weight the opposite side when turning to road bikes. easier to get someone to show u than to explain with my 1 finger typing:laugh:
sand, especielly soft, is hard to ride in. it should however make other riding easier
picking up dropped bikes is hard work:no:.one technique is to pick up from the handle bars right at the end of the bars.more leverage means less work.if dropped on hill pick up from uphill side.u may need to spin bike on ground.u wont hurt it and its easier
keeping feet on pegs is better but if u need to paddle or r more comfortable feet down then its fine. feet down is better than falling off.

[leathel]

I reckon! no more bikesies for you mate, no more bikesies for you!

2004 DR400 for 2K was almost to good to pass up, not the electric start model but that doesn't bother me..... sold else where now, was never going to be there long at that price

[bosslady]

sorry to see u r stuggling so much. not a great rider myself and I came from a road bike too. have a couple of kids riding now too.it got easier 4 me.
all comments only from my point of view.
most terrain has a different skill set
dirt bikes generally weight the opposite side when turning to road bikes. easier to get someone to show u than to explain with my 1 finger typing:laugh:
sand, especielly soft, is hard to ride in. it should however make other riding easier
picking up dropped bikes is hard work:no:.one technique is to pick up from the handle bars right at the end of the bars.more leverage means less work.if dropped on hill pick up from uphill side.u may need to spin bike on ground.u wont hurt it and its easier
keeping feet on pegs is better but if u need to paddle or r more comfortable feet down then its fine. feet down is better than falling off.that's what I thought too but got told otherwise (weight opposite side) but then that wasn't an experienced dirt bike rider that said that, lol. As for picking up the bike I've now found that when I go to pick it up (yup at the handlebars) to give it absolutely everything I've got and get it up on the first try. Cause if I don't get it up the first time and it takes too many goes then I get too tired! hard work getting that thing up though! glad I don't have slippery mud to contend with. Definitely I fall less often if I stand up in the sand so that's the go er. Last time I tried to sit down and paddle I had twice as many mishaps, lol.


2004 DR400 for 2K was almost to good to pass up, not the electric start model but that doesn't bother me..... sold else where now, was never going to be there long at that priceoh yea, that's cheap! how do you come across all these bargains?

[nzspokes]

I wouldnt mind a ride today but theres only Woodhill open. May have to go out on the road bike.

[budget biker]

more guff from a back of the pack rider
lessons help immensely
adjust bike to fit you. eg lower forks a little if you r struggling to reach ground .this helped with the kids .downside is less suspensoin travel
find rides that suit you. hard to do in winter ,spring I know
find a practise area, paddock ,car park, waste ground, doesn't matter what. and practice. eg do figure 8s sitting, standing.play
.we used the back terrace tight but you had to turn or fall off the bank,10feet. upside was there is a hill to get up and down.downside was my son got better, got new bike rm1`25,and turned it from a slightly bumpy back lawn into a severlly rutted figure8 berms included.:cool: no need to mow:rolleyes: neighbour :mad:also got new layer of topsoil spread over his tidy back yard.lmao


hope it gets better and you can have some fun.

[nzspokes]

Thinking about it, tiz a shame there isnt a farm you can pay to ride on close to Auckland. Its not that wet out there right now.

So heres a vid to watch instead.

http://vimeo.com/user19485993/adayathome

[bosslady]

I wouldnt mind a ride today but theres only Woodhill open. May have to go out on the road bike.
I'd love to go for a ride on my bike too (road) but it's not fixed yet :(

more guff from a back of the pack rider
lessons help immensely
adjust bike to fit you. eg lower forks a little if you r struggling to reach ground .this helped with the kids .downside is less suspensoin travel
find rides that suit you. hard to do in winter ,spring I know
find a practise area, paddock ,car park, waste ground, doesn't matter what. and practice. eg do figure 8s sitting, standing.play
.we used the back terrace tight but you had to turn or fall off the bank,10feet. upside was there is a hill to get up and down.downside was my son got better, got new bike rm1`25,and turned it from a slightly bumpy back lawn into a severlly rutted figure8 berms included.:cool: no need to mow:rolleyes: neighbour :mad:also got new layer of topsoil spread over his tidy back yard.lmao


hope it gets better and you can have some fun.nah I reckon I reach the ground ok, can't put both feet flat down but can get front balls of feet down. Nowhere near home to practice that I know of and of course still involves the effort of hooking it up on the trailer etc. our yard isn't big enough to practice, there's a small plot of the neighbours land but I don't think they'd be impressed if I rarked it up lol.

[nzspokes]

Basic bike set up, CRF230.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-z6fOa_batM

Yes im bored.

[bosslady]

Thinking about it, tiz a shame there isnt a farm you can pay to ride on close to Auckland. Its not that wet out there right now.

So heres a vid to watch instead.

http://vimeo.com/user19485993/adayathome
that's a cool vid!

[nzspokes]

that's a cool vid!

Apart from a accent, this is a good series of vids of how tos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3ltjpawFEE

[T.W.R]

From what I've read, there's a few things of issue to focus on.

1) No offence but, you've bitten off more than you can chew trying to learn off road & road skills all at the same time; two separate things that need two separate approaches... and learning both from new it's hard to keep them apart. You'd have been better off learning off road before heading for the road
2) CRF230 is too small for you....it's a kids bike an intermediate stepping stone between minis and full size.
3) Talk of dropping the suspension to help you will be more detrimental to the issue than good,paddling around with your hoofs on the ground is for the tight stuff & negotiating shit at walking pace.

Years ago riding off road used to be about feeling the bike under you, keeping up on the pegs & getting to know the looseness of the bike being literally out of control 8/10s of the time just making sure it was pointing in the right direction & enjoying the thrill, keeping off the brakes and learning control via the throttle.

[nzspokes]

Gagging for a trail ride now. Sigh.

[nzspokes]

And, as we have discussed already. It can just as easily be a way to meet an early death.

You realize your on a motorcycle forum right? :nya:

[bosslady]

From what I've read, there's a few things of issue to focus on.

1) No offence but, you've bitten off more than you can chew trying to learn off road & road skills all at the same time; two separate things that need two separate approaches... and learning both from new it's hard to keep them apart. You'd have been better off learning off road before heading for the road
2) CRF230 is too small for you....it's a kids bike an intermediate stepping stone between minis and full size.
3) Talk of dropping the suspension to help you will be more detrimental to the issue than good,paddling around with your hoofs on the ground is for the tight stuff & negotiating shit at walking pace.

Years ago riding off road used to be about feeling the bike under you, keeping up on the pegs & getting to know the looseness of the bike being literally out of control 8/10s of the time just making sure it was pointing in the right direction & enjoying the thrill, keeping off the brakes and learning control via the throttle.
Agree with this post. I've been told this is too small for me, too late now though lol. What I don't understand is how is it that a "too small" bike adversely effects your riding? Part of me feels like maybe I should get better at road riding then come back to this. Kind of a bit late now though...

[nzspokes]

My XR200 was to small but epic fun to learn on. Just set the bike up for you and wait for thundercross to open.

on another note, how good are your tyres? Still got sharp edges? I struggle in sand with worn tyres.

[bosslady]

My XR200 was to small but epic fun to learn on. Just set the bike up for you and wait for thundercross to open.

on another note, how good are your tyres? Still got sharp edges? I struggle in sand with worn tyres.
ahhhhhhhh...... pass?

[Tony.OK]

If the thought of hooking up the trailer and loading the bike is enough to put you off having a ride you're seriously starting out with a bad mindset.

Seeing as you can ride the GN at the track ok maybe you should find an industrial area carpark and take the CRF there to just get the hang of riding on the thing, no need to worry about terrain then and you will be able to just tootle around and get the feel of being higher than on the GN and then get a really good feel for moving around on the bike, testing the brakes at each end etc..............real back to basic's shit.

The 230 will go just about anywhere once ridden well, lucky you didn't get the DRZ400 as was suggested :rolleyes: Stay off the sand tracks until confidence is gained (as said many times in this thread), better to not ride at all if the falls are knocking your resolve, also if you wait until you're just gagging to get out on the bike it makes the whole buildup to a ride much better. You have the bike etc now so parking it for a few weeks won't cost a cent and you'll feel the urge to ride build ;)

[nzspokes]

ahhhhhhhh...... pass?

Are the blocks sharp? or have rounded edges?

when I changed my rear tyre the difference was massive.

[T.W.R]

Agree with this post. I've been told this is too small for me, too late now though lol. What I don't understand is how is it that a "too small" bike adversely effects your riding? Part of me feels like maybe I should get better at road riding then come back to this. Kind of a bit late now though...

Trying to learn two different skills takes two different mindsets and being a novice, making the separation is difficult but if you persevere you'll get there.
The bike being too small or you being to big for the bike means all the balance of the bike is effected....weight distribution,C.O.G etc. Too big and the bike is fighting weigh transfer all the time, suspension gets confused; on & off throttle fires weight all over the place & turns the bike into a flexing bucking bronco and natural reaction is to fight this and that's where the trouble starts either blasting off track uncontrollably or ending up in a crumpled mess

[bosslady]

If the thought of hooking up the trailer and loading the bike is enough to put you off having a ride you're seriously starting out with a bad mindset.

Seeing as you can ride the GN at the track ok maybe you should find an industrial area carpark and take the CRF there to just get the hang of riding on the thing, no need to worry about terrain then and you will be able to just tootle around and get the feel of being higher than on the GN and then get a really good feel for moving around on the bike, testing the brakes at each end etc..............real back to basic's shit.

The 230 will go just about anywhere once ridden well, lucky you didn't get the DRZ400 as was suggested :rolleyes: Stay off the sand tracks until confidence is gained (as said many times in this thread), better to not ride at all if the falls are knocking your resolve, also if you wait until you're just gagging to get out on the bike it makes the whole buildup to a ride much better. You have the bike etc now so parking it for a few weeks won't cost a cent and you'll feel the urge to ride build ;)
I think you read wrong I don't mind sorting out the trailer although can find moving that 250kg beast around on a slope (and prevent it from attacking my car!) a bit hard. I just meant that it's hardly worth it if you spend more time hooking the trailer and bike up than you do riding the bike. Also I'm not sure how knobblies would handle on concrete? I also don't know any industrial parks to practice in and one time I did, I was told by security I couldn't do that and to leave (not dirt bike, something else). Bit much to go there all by myself, car, trailer and bike. I also don't know that it's better to not ride at all? like yesterday for example just up and down the two way and up and around the learners loop, I did drop the bike once but that didn't bother me, I went to turn around at the end of the two way and didn't hardly give it any gas when I turned and she keeled over, surprisingly easy to pick up then but I guess I wasn't tired either, it's the swinging the leg over that was hard haha. I feel that if I leave it too long all that happens is that the scardey catness builds up, I only have the opportunity to ride every second weekend.

[george formby]

I just wandered onto the last page of this thread but my interest is piqued that your learning on & off road at the same time. Good stuff IMHO.
I can't argue that they are different skill sets, I tend to think the same but different, but they are complementary. The G/F is doing both too.
We have found the best way to get better off road is to focus on doing all your handling practice standing up, same exercises as you do for a road bike, figure 8's, slaloms, braking etc. No matter whether it's on tarmac or off road. After awhile controlling the bike with your legs, staying balanced, leaning out from turns & generally just letting the bike move about underneath you becomes second nature. When you do get off road properly, standing up to negotiate obstacles is comfortable & natural rather than gluing your butt to the seat & hoping the bike will pull you through.
Knobbies are just fine on tar seal as long you as you stay away from the tire edges with lots of or no throttle. They even hang on in the rain........ just...

Enjoy.

[Tony.OK]

I think you read wrong I don't mind sorting out the trailer although can find moving that 250kg beast around on a slope (and prevent it from attacking my car!) a bit hard. I just meant that it's hardly worth it if you spend more time hooking the trailer and bike up than you do riding the bike. Also I'm not sure how knobblies would handle on concrete? I also don't know any industrial parks to practice in and one time I did, I was told by security I couldn't do that and to leave (not dirt bike, something else). Bit much to go there all by myself, car, trailer and bike. I also don't know that it's better to not ride at all? like yesterday for example just up and down the two way and up and around the learners loop, I did drop the bike once but that didn't bother me, I went to turn around at the end of the two way and didn't hardly give it any gas when I turned and she keeled over, surprisingly easy to pick up then but I guess I wasn't tired either, it's the swinging the leg over that was hard haha. I feel that if I leave it too long all that happens is that the scardey catness builds up, I only have the opportunity to ride every second weekend.

Oh ok, its reads like you fell off alot and were about to give up altogether. If thats how it went yesterday it sounds like a good day out.
I can't see why the 230 would be too small for you, ya can't be very heavy. I had one ages ago and they can be bloody fun, and one of the best learners bikes for trail riding. Coming from the GN it'd almost feel powerful haha.

[Motu]

My first time in this thread too - is there a picture of you and your bike somewhere in this 39 pages ? Unless you are overly long and lanky I can't see a CRF230 being to small for someone under 100kg. Small bike means you can push it harder, more brake, more throttle, closer and over the limit, crash and burn and more fun. You need to be laughing when you pick the bike up for the 10th time in that corner. You don't want to be scared of a big bike, that's not a good way to start the experience.

Kenny Roberts used to have a Superbike school where he taught road racers first on small bikes like XR80's and XR100's on a dirt track, then they applied those skills learned to the race track on big powerful bikes. I see nothing wrong with learning both road and off road at the same time, only benefits, the same applies to the bike, don't move up until you can push it far beyond it's limits. Of course you don't want to do that, but finding the limit of a dirt bike is what it's all about, and it's what is going to help you for riding on the road, and track.

[T.W.R]

Unless you are overly long and lanky I can't see a CRF230 being to small for someone under 100kg.



CRF230s suspension is very basic and it isn't about being tall etc it's the weight. The average new MX/off road bike is set-up roughly for a 55kg rider out of the factory, the CRF even less; and far less for one that isn't new. Tell me what's the fun going to be with a bike off road for a learner if that bikes going to wallowing around underneath them behaving like an unhinged pin and the rider is all over it like a gorilla on a tonka toy mmm?

What your implying is like seeing a 100kg rider on a RG150 scooting around a twisty backroad & them saying their bike is behaving badly and saying don't worry about it the bike is ideal for ya :crazy:

[george formby]

Well, if it's all about the bike I have been deluded for years riding clapped out twin shockers with spaghetti forks & licorice springs. Must not have been any where near as much fun as I remember.
Riding a PW80 round a muddy moto x track a wee while back was shite too, did not enjoy one second of it.

Guess you need a KTM EXC to learn on boss lady. Or T.W.R. is talking cobblers.

[Motu]

Tell me what's the fun going to be with a bike off road for a learner if that bikes going to wallowing around underneath them behaving like an unhinged pin and the rider is all over it like a gorilla on a tonka toy mmm?

From my experience, a shit load of fun. Just how fat is this girl ?

[Kickaha]

From my experience, a shit load of fun.
From my experience doing a trailride for several hours swapping with a mate on a DR125 a shit load of fun as well

[leathel]

The bike is not to small to learn on, hell I am 105KG and 6 ft tall and I had fun riding that bike that Bosslady has, yes it is to small for me but I could throw it around without an issue, The speed that bike is being ridden at the moment the suspension is not anywhere near its limit! Way way off its limit.

Going to a MX style bike 2 stroke or 4 will not go well for her style yet as any taller will only have her dropping it more as a lot of the drops as lack of footing at slow speeds, trying to put the foot down and stop rather than ride it out, Confidence is the key. Get used to dirt on that bike first as stepping up will not help her at this stage. In fact dropping the forks in the triple clamps and dropping the rear might be called for to gain confidence on smoother grounds first.

Yes when the basics are sorted an upgrade might be called for as the new bikes sure are sweet, floating over the ruff stuff like its not there but until she can ride in smooth hills without falling off new suspension wont help much :)

I loved riding on the near new RMZ 450 as it soaked up the landings from good air time but I am positive it would not have gone well if she had a go on that.


Get out of the sand and trees and confidence will follow, Unfortunately there are not a lot of easy rides on ATM. A day in easy country where you can stop and rest and ride at your leisure is needed, hopefully it works out like that on the trip you have planned

:)

[bosslady]

From my experience, a shit load of fun. Just how fat is this girl ?
100 kg, easy. I like my pies.

[george formby]

100 kg, easy. I like my pies.

I've noticed that riding standing up has strengthened my G/F's thighs & buttocks. Her pelvic floor muscles are noticeably taught-er, too.:drool:

[T.W.R]

Well, if it's all about the bike I have been deluded for years riding clapped out twin shockers with spaghetti forks & licorice springs. Must not have been any where near as much fun as I remember.
Riding a PW80 round a muddy moto x track a wee while back was shite too, did not enjoy one second of it.

Guess you need a KTM EXC to learn on boss lady. Or T.W.R. is talking cobblers.

:yawn: abusing a bike shows a bit of your attitude :finger:

From racing properly in the early 80s to doing quite a few organised trail rides on the likes of a IT250 & XR500A I restored I think could throw a few comparable notes your way about twin shocker off roaders :yes:
There's a difference between an experienced rider having fun on something they totally monster to a novice trying get to grips of the whole experience on something they're all over like a loose suit.




From my experience, a shit load of fun.

be honest what did you learn to ride on ??

[bosslady]

I've noticed that riding standing up has strengthened my G/F's thighs & buttocks. Her pelvic floor muscles are noticeably taught-er, too.:drool:

Oh em gee... grosssss, Tmi! Noted... but tmi, lol

[bosslady]

Oh ok, its reads like you fell off alot and were about to give up altogether. If thats how it went yesterday it sounds like a good day out.
I can't see why the 230 would be too small for you, ya can't be very heavy. I had one ages ago and they can be bloody fun, and one of the best learners bikes for trail riding. Coming from the GN it'd almost feel powerful haha.Oh, no, only once yesterday but many times on previous visits! And actually yes compared to the gn it feels like a beast!

[Lawrence]

Try Karioitahi Beach.

[leathel]

Try Karioitahi Beach.

At low tide the sand is hard..... but seriously wash the bike afterwards.....

[bosslady]

Try Karioitahi Beach.
is it legal to ride on a public beach?

[leathel]

is it legal to ride on a public beach?

Like 90 mile beach its classed as a road.... technically the vehicle needs a WOF etc but plenty ride on there, I haven't been there for years so I don't know what the deal in now

[unstuck]

I still think it is a mental attitude/ mindset problem more than anything else.:devil2:
vincit qui se vincit.:niceone:

[BoristheBiter]

Well, if it's all about the bike I have been deluded for years riding clapped out twin shockers with spaghetti forks & licorice springs. Must not have been any where near as much fun as I remember.
Riding a PW80 round a muddy moto x track a wee while back was shite too, did not enjoy one second of it.

Guess you need a KTM EXC to learn on boss lady. Or T.W.R. is talking cobblers.

I think I can guess which one it is.

[Lawrence]

is it legal to ride on a public beach?

I have ridden there recently. The rangers are ok with dirt bikes on the beach so long as you are sensible. Idle past walkers and in the parking areas. There are markers further down each end of the beach, within the markers it's cruising speed after that you can do as you please. Watch out for the fresh water streams that run down the beach, as they carve a trench which you do not see until you are really close. It is a great place to lean how to ride sand. There are hard packed parts and soft areas. Ride down the beach a few 100m and find an area all to yourself and try different things. Best of all there is nothing to crash into. The north end is usually the quietest. Keep an eye out for fishermen in 4x4s. You can park right on the beach to the right as you drive in across the stream. there will be other riders there and horse floats. And as mentioned wash your bike and car really well otherwise your it will not only rust but really stink.

[leathel]

I have ridden there recently. The rangers are ok with dirt bikes on the beach so long as you are sensible. Idle past walkers and in the parking areas. There are markers further down each end of the beach, within the markers it's cruising speed after that you can do as you please. Watch out for the fresh water streams that run down the beach, as they carve a trench which you do not see until you are really close. It is a great place to lean how to ride sand. There are hard packed parts and soft areas. Ride down the beach a few 100m and find an area all to yourself and try different things. Best of all there is nothing to crash into. The north end is usually the quietest. Keep an eye out for fishermen in 4x4s. You can park right on the beach to the right as you drive in across the stream. there will be other riders there and horse floats. And as mentioned wash your bike and car really well otherwise your it will not only rust but really stink.


And said fishing lines leading to the water....especially long lines as its thick and strong enough to not brake if you tangle in it....

Great place to do wheel stands and donuts and be a general Hoon :P

I should take Michael down to try his bike out....its taller than the XR100 and he is nervous to learn on it but I will likely just find a smooth paddock for him to learn on as the Iron sand is hard to clean out.....but not much different to Woodhill.

Outgoing tide is best...or you may be riding back in the soft stuff all the way :)

[bosslady]

I still think it is a mental attitude/ mindset problem more than anything else.:devil2:
vincit qui se vincit.:niceone:
Yea, sure, it's not even remotely related to my lack of ability/understanding of what I'm doing. It's all in my head, sure.

[bosslady]

And said fishing lines leading to the water....especially long lines as its thick and strong enough to not brake if you tangle in it....

Great place to do wheel stands and donuts and be a general Hoon :P

I should take Michael down to try his bike out....its taller than the XR100 and he is nervous to learn on it but I will likely just find a smooth paddock for him to learn on as the Iron sand is hard to clean out.....but not much different to Woodhill.

Outgoing tide is best...or you may be riding back in the soft stuff all the way :)
Maybe we could go sometime? I don't really want to go by myself...

[unstuck]

Yea, sure, it's possibly remotely related to my lack of ability/understanding of what I'm doing. It's all in my head.

Now your getting it.:2thumbsup

[nzspokes]

Maybe we could go sometime? I don't really want to go by myself...

If its a weekend when I dont have kids I will be in to.

[bosslady]

If its a weekend when I dont have kids I will be in to.
That sounds like a good idea. I just don't want to upset any locals or anything though and rip up the beach....?

[Lawrence]

That sounds like a good idea. I just don't want to upset any locals or anything though and rip up the beach....?

You'll be ok, just use common sense and stay well clear of other beach users, usually just people walking their dogs this time of year. Once your further down the beach you are usually on your own. There are some dunes at the south end, just watch for on coming traffic! And just be careful of the streams and ditches.

[leathel]

Maybe we could go sometime? I don't really want to go by myself...

My bike isn't to far of going so when it is I am sure we can sort something, Load up here and take the ute depending on numbers going :)

I wont be taking the mates 100 on the beach so I will need to double people or take the quad for Rose ?

I should have a spare weekend this month if you have, next month is pretty nuts with several Road rides.

[bosslady]

My bike isn't to far of going so when it is I am sure we can sort something, Load up here and take the ute depending on numbers going :)

I wont be taking the mates 100 on the beach so I will need to double people or take the quad for Rose ?

I should have a spare weekend this month if you have, next month is pretty nuts with several Road rides.

I have the kids this weekend, away for the weekend getting taught how to ride (my dirt bike) weekend after that, then there's the cold kiwi, then the kids, then another free weekend which is.... whenever that is? haha Unless I brought the kids but not a good idea esp if I am up the beach and can't keep an eye on 'em.

[leathel]

I have the kids this weekend, away for the weekend getting taught how to ride (my dirt bike) weekend after that, then there's the cold kiwi, then the kids, then another free weekend which is.... whenever that is? haha Unless I brought the kids but not a good idea esp if I am up the beach and can't keep an eye on 'em.

If I take both kids there will be more people that bikes so will have someone to keep an eye out.... as the quad will only be to cart people not play on, I could take a couple of surf casting rods and do some fishing as well :P

Next weekend would be afternoons with a 11am high tide from memory so a couple of hours after that, fortnight later would be an half an hour later (Saturdays) so lunch then ride

[motor_mayhem]

CRF230s suspension is very basic and it isn't about being tall etc it's the weight. The average new MX/off road bike is set-up roughly for a 55kg rider out of the factory, the CRF even less; and far less for one that isn't new. Tell me what's the fun going to be with a bike off road for a learner if that bikes going to wallowing around underneath them behaving like an unhinged pin and the rider is all over it like a gorilla on a tonka toy mmm?

What your implying is like seeing a 100kg rider on a RG150 scooting around a twisty backroad & them saying their bike is behaving badly and saying don't worry about it the bike is ideal for ya :crazy:

You're quite wrong. A friend of mine has a 350SXF and a 450SXF and still uses his CRF230 for practice every other day and I think he's a similar weight to BL and about a head taller than my 1.75m and pretty sure he hasn't done anything to the suspension. In terms of gaining confidence as a learner being over top of your bike is (IMO) a key ingredient. Also I have discovered that getting on a high spec bike can at times lead to developing lazy riding habits.

From the sounds of where BL is riding i.e. sand, you need to be really aggressive there - seriously twist the throttle to how fast you think you should be going then add a bit more. It'll take courage but if you can start doing that, you will find it easier. The other thing would be to not be decelerating through thick sand, if you can see it coming decelerate before it then get on the gas to go through it. From the top riders through to the bottom you will find numerous examples of people who have bluffed their way through an obstacle by staying on the gas. And it's difficult to do because from the outset it seems counter-intuitive. Another thing I have found constructive is to use helmet cams and get friends to take pictures when you're doing particular things then you can actually know if you are progressing (sometimes you are when you think you aren't) and can help you see what you can do better.

Finally and most importantly if you're not sure what to do at times then get lessons from the professionals - I really cannot emphasise that enough. I got lessons from Broxy and it made a absolute world of difference to my riding. I gather Chris Birch also does lessons up your way as well. Broxy has a women only day coming up on Sunday - perhaps that might work for you? http://www.broxy.co.nz/featured-events/calendar

PS check out this sweet gif from my first ride on an CR125 I fixed up, still plenty of work to do on it but good to get a rideable result at this stage and the first half reasonable 2 stroke I've had in about 15 years: http://sdrv.ms/182gU3F

[george formby]

I concur motor_mayhem. "Lazy riding habits" dings a big bell. Most important thing is to use your head / brains & body to ride. Compensating for the limitations of or getting the most from a softer bike is a fun way to learn.

Video of our practice has been a great way to spot the bad habits & see the improvement. More importantly you feel the benefit on the bike, what was a problem a week ago now has a solution & a wee woo hoo.

Good training. +1

The throttle is your friend +1 too.

[nzspokes]

The throttle is your friend +1 too.

I got told to pin it to win it.

Works well.

Apart from that tree.

It hurt.

[george formby]

I got told to pin it to win it.

Works well.

Apart from that tree.

It hurt.

That sounds more like enthusiasm than control. :laugh: I have a taste for Ti tree & clay.

[bosslady]

If I take both kids there will be more people that bikes so will have someone to keep an eye out.... as the quad will only be to cart people not play on, I could take a couple of surf casting rods and do some fishing as well :P

Next weekend would be afternoons with a 11am high tide from memory so a couple of hours after that, fortnight later would be an half an hour later (Saturdays) so lunch then rideI think I'm too scared to have my boys out of my own sight, lol.


From the sounds of where BL is riding i.e. sand, you need to be really aggressive there - seriously twist the throttle to how fast you think you should be going then add a bit more. It'll take courage but if you can start doing that, you will find it easier. The other thing would be to not be decelerating through thick sand, if you can see it coming decelerate before it then get on the gas to go through it. From the top riders through to the bottom you will find numerous examples of people who have bluffed their way through an obstacle by staying on the gas. And it's difficult to do because from the outset it seems counter-intuitive. Another thing I have found constructive is to use helmet cams and get friends to take pictures when you're doing particular things then you can actually know if you are progressing (sometimes you are when you think you aren't) and can help you see what you can do better.

Finally and most importantly if you're not sure what to do at times then get lessons from the professionals - I really cannot emphasise that enough. I got lessons from Broxy and it made a absolute world of difference to my riding. I gather Chris Birch also does lessons up your way as well. Broxy has a women only day coming up on Sunday - perhaps that might work for you? http://www.broxy.co.nz/featured-events/calendar

PS check out this sweet gif from my first ride on an CR125 I fixed up, still plenty of work to do on it but good to get a rideable result at this stage and the first half reasonable 2 stroke I've had in about 15 years: http://sdrv.ms/182gU3F
Yea I keep getting told going faster will help and I've tried and failed probably cause I haven't done it at the right time then freak myself out haha then it's all over rover, I guess it's also the trees and shit either side of ya, tis not like a wide open road! I've had one lesson so far, then am going out of town weekend after next for some help. Lessons get pretty expensive quickly esp as I still get road lessons occasionally, not that I don't think it's worth it cause it is, just all adds up lol.

[george formby]

I think I'm too scared to have my boys out of my own sight, lol.


Yea I keep getting told going faster will help and I've tried and failed probably cause I haven't done it at the right time then freak myself out haha then it's all over rover, I guess it's also the trees and shit either side of ya, tis not like a wide open road! I've had one lesson so far, then am going out of town weekend after next for some help. Lessons get pretty expensive quickly esp as I still get road lessons occasionally, not that I don't think it's worth it cause it is, just all adds up lol.

It's not about faster, it's about using the throttle for control. If you dive the bike into a corner & close the throttle it will turn into itself & fall over. If you dive the bike into a corner & open the throttle it will try to stand up & move forward. Slow in fast out is a well worn expression & true. Don't ride faster than you can see.
The speed of your turn & how much throttle to apply are the real skills. Grip is everything, to go faster you need to find more grip, to find more grip you have to ride better. Two tires touching the ground, the rider makes it move.

[Smifffy]

From the sounds of where BL is riding i.e. sand, you need to be really aggressive there - seriously twist the throttle to how fast you think you should be going then add a bit more. It'll take courage but if you can start doing that, you will find it easier. The other thing would be to not be decelerating through thick sand, if you can see it coming decelerate before it then get on the gas to go through it. From the top riders through to the bottom you will find numerous examples of people who have bluffed their way through an obstacle by staying on the gas. And it's difficult to do because from the outset it seems counter-intuitive.

Unfortunately it seems that the sand just gets in all the wrong places.

[Jay GTI]

It's not about faster, it's about using the throttle for control. If you dive the bike into a corner & close the throttle it will turn into itself & fall over. If you dive the bike into a corner & open the throttle it will try to stand up & move forward. Slow in fast out is a well worn expression & true. Don't ride faster than you can see.
The speed of your turn & how much throttle to apply are the real skills. Grip is everything, to go faster you need to find more grip, to find more grip you have to ride better. Two tires touching the ground, the rider makes it move.

There is an element of going faster helps, laws of physics work in your favour with additional speed, i.e. the momentum (excuse the crap terms/explanation, long time since I studied physics) helps keep the bike upright, it will keep the bike more static, meaning the suspension is doing more work but the bike is not going up and down as much and... ok I know what I'm trying to say in my head... but basically, if you're going too slow, the bike will want to fall over more easily, will react more to deflections and both you and the bike will be moving around more.

Beyond the basic physics comes the technique comes in and everything you say is correct, but pottering around at little more than walking speed actually makes riding more difficult in a lot of cases.

[leathel]

early days in learning we used to do a lot of slow learning (not on soft sand!) and see how slow we could go in each gear, teaches you your stall speeds, clutch control and balance, then short steep hills etc once that was mastered it was back to slow hill climbs and decents but we had plenty of great land to ride on the farm back then...

The flat packed sand lower down at the beach is good for slow learning, and wheel stands, donuts etc :P

[unstuck]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/kSWy-NzNEBg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>:Punk::Punk:

[george formby]

Beyond the basic physics comes the technique comes in and everything you say is correct, but pottering around at little more than walking speed actually makes riding more difficult in a lot of cases.

Yup, your right.
I'm from a trials / trail background so never really learned how to ride fast. Cases like badly pugged paddocks, tussock grass & loose rocks, like in streams etc require momentum & a light front end to negotiate without going over the bars. Yee haw, lean back & gas it.

[Jay GTI]

Yup, your right.
I'm from a trials / trail background so never really learned how to ride fast. Cases like badly pugged paddocks, tussock grass & loose rocks, like in streams etc require momentum & a light front end to negotiate without going over the bars. Yee haw, lean back & gas it.

Low speed riding is a skill in itself, one I'm not very good at (mainly because I am addicted to going... ahem, trying to go fast) so should be treated as another skill-set really.

My missus learned to ride a couple of years ago, she started with lessons from Tony at the Sandpit, but it took her a while to get the confidence to carry some speed. As soon as she did and clocked the momentum actually helped the bike get over obstacles and stay upright, she was away. Her 4th ever ride was a farm ride up Kaipara way and the last section was a creek crossing, a short hill climb and then a big open paddock. She would note it through the creek, fly up the hill then up into top gear across the paddock, with me in tow wondering how the hell she was doing it so easily and I was really having to wind the Kato out to get past her CRF150 at the end.

[BoristheBiter]

early days in learning we used to do a lot of slow learning (not on soft sand!) and see how slow we could go in each gear, teaches you your stall speeds, clutch control and balance, then short steep hills etc once that was mastered it was back to slow hill climbs and decents but we had plenty of great land to ride on the farm back then...

The flat packed sand lower down at the beach is good for slow learning, and wheel stands, donuts etc :P

One of the best things Birchy taught me was to try and go around in a circle at full lock.
Teaches throttle/clutch control, balance/bike lean/body position, back brake drag and vision.
Easy on the XR a bitch on the KTM.

[Ktmboy]

It's not about faster, it's about using the throttle for control. If you dive the bike into a corner & close the throttle it will turn into itself & fall over. If you dive the bike into a corner & open the throttle it will try to stand up & move forward. Slow in fast out is a well worn expression & true. Don't ride faster than you can see.
The speed of your turn & how much throttle to apply are the real skills. Grip is everything, to go faster you need to find more grip, to find more grip you have to ride better. Two tires touching the ground, the rider makes it move.

Throttle is not BL's friend. BL can be prone to the ole whisky throttle.
BL's friend is the clutch. Its all about clutch control and the more you use said aid the better you will be.

Yes the CRF230 has its limits but its a damn good bike to learn on. Unfortunately the foot peg position tends to make the rider lean way forward over the bars in the standing position. Hence it is very important to bend from the hips and put the arse out the rear.

These are basics that need hours of practice to get right. Its not going to happen in a couple of days. However i've had noobs getting it right in 1 hour.

[bosslady]

Throttle is not BL's friend. BL can be prone to the ole whisky throttle.
BL's friend is the clutch. Its all about clutch control and the more you use said aid the better you will be.

Yes the CRF230 has its limits but its a damn good bike to learn on. Unfortunately the foot peg position tends to make the rider lean way forward over the bars in the standing position. Hence it is very important to bend from the hips and put the arse out the rear.

These are basics that need hours of practice to get right. Its not going to happen in a couple of days. However i've had noobs getting it right in 1 hour.
Is there not something I can do about the foot pegs? (guess not). Yea, the throttle will send me straight towards some trees.. so i've uhh heard, lol.

[george formby]

One of the best things Birchy taught me was to try and go around in a circle at full lock.
Teaches throttle/clutch control, balance/bike lean/body position, back brake drag and vision.
Easy on the XR a bitch on the KTM.

+1 on all counts. In both directions....

[BoristheBiter]

+1 on all counts. In both directions....

then figure 8's.

[leathel]

Is there not something I can do about the foot pegs? (guess not). Yea, the throttle will send me straight towards some trees.. so i've uhh heard, lol.

From memory your pegs needed the stop welded a little to lift them as they sloped down a little, was going to suggest bringing the bike down to adjust bits and do some slow practice at the workshop lawn and carpark... Bit I have to pick up something Saturday now..... ;)

[bosslady]

From memory your pegs needed the stop welded a little to lift them as they sloped down a little, was going to suggest bringing the bike down to adjust bits and do some slow practice at the workshop lawn and carpark... Bit I have to pick up something Saturday now..... ;)
sounds like you've been naughty and bought something?

[leathel]

sounds like you've been naughty and bought something?

Nothing is bought...until money changes hands :P

Been a bit bad lately, More bits for the cruiser today, another tent for cold kiwi just arrived today too...ohh deer I need to stop spending and get back in black :facepalm:

[bosslady]

Nothing is bought...until money changes hands :P

Been a bit bad lately, More bits for the cruiser today, another tent for cold kiwi just arrived today too...ohh deer I need to stop spending and get back in black :facepalm:
I knew it! hey I'd still like to go to the beach one day maybe I can try and wheelie? maybe next month or month after....?

[leathel]

I knew it! hey I'd still like to go to the beach one day maybe I can try and wheelie? maybe next month or month after....?

We will get there....sometime :)

Only weekend free in September is the 7th & 8th now.....

Donuts and wheel stands and power slides :D

Also had a chat to another person today with a small block of land we can ride on....but I have yet to head to his place to see how small it is :)

[bosslady]

Well I am still going out of town this weekend to get some help with my riding however due to a change in living and financial circumstances (basically I am moving out of my current flat soon and my weekly expenses are going to go up shit loads) I won't be able to afford to maintain two bikes and a car and pay for all the extra petrol costs and entry fees to parks etc. etc. you get the idea. So, I am going to have to sell my dirt bike... which I am quite disappointed as I have ridden it f*ck all and have only just gotten started, also I feel like I've wasted peoples time who have tried to help me (on the net and in "real" life!). However, I am still going to keep my gear as that loses value pretty damn quickly and I might want to pick it up again another day when I am in a better position to do so. So... look out on trademe in the next couple weeks if you want a crf...

[leathel]

You have to do what you have to do to get things sorted, at least with the riding gear its easy to pick up another bike and go later....... Or join in on one of our trips with the kids..XR250 will there to ride, not push button start but starting isn't that hard...and if you can reach the ground RMX450 and DRZ400 are electric start :D ;)

[bosslady]

You have to do what you have to do to get things sorted, at least with the riding gear its easy to pick up another bike and go later....... Or join in on one of our trips with the kids..XR250 will there to ride, not push button start but starting isn't that hard...and if you can reach the ground RMX450 and DRZ400 are electric start :D ;)
Like I said, maybe if I can sell my GN as well, I can get a newer model (as in newer then my GN) DRZ400SM so maybe I can still bring that along with some different rims or knobblies or some shit... who knows..

[ktm84mxc]

If I was in your shoes I'd be looking at getting a trail bike something you can road reg so it can be your daily commute and weekend play thing there's plenty about Yamaha XT250, Suzuki DR250, Kawa KLX250 , Honda XR250 etc.

[leathel]

If I was in your shoes I'd be looking at getting a trail bike something you can road reg so it can be your daily commute and weekend play thing there's plenty about Yamaha XT250, Suzuki DR250, Kawa KLX250 , Honda XR250 etc.

Like she mentioned above that is what she is looking at but in 400cc, 250 on the road for open road is a bit lacking :)

[george formby]

Like she mentioned above that is what she is looking at but in 400cc, 250 on the road for open road is a bit lacking :)


A trailie with 2 sets of wheels is the shiz!!!:Punk: Mud on Sunday, work on Monday.

[BoristheBiter]

Well I am still going out of town this weekend to get some help with my riding however due to a change in living and financial circumstances (basically I am moving out of my current flat soon and my weekly expenses are going to go up shit loads) I won't be able to afford to maintain two bikes and a car and pay for all the extra petrol costs and entry fees to parks etc. etc. you get the idea. So, I am going to have to sell my dirt bike... which I am quite disappointed as I have ridden it f*ck all and have only just gotten started, also I feel like I've wasted peoples time who have tried to help me (on the net and in "real" life!). However, I am still going to keep my gear as that loses value pretty damn quickly and I might want to pick it up again another day when I am in a better position to do so. So... look out on trademe in the next couple weeks if you want a crf...

Why sell the dirt bike? Is it on HP or have you paid for it out right?
If you own it outright it costs nothing for it to sit there. If you have problems with storage you can park it in our garage (locked and alarmed).
Only fee is it might get ridden now and then:msn-wink:

But seriously we have heaps of room, it can sit next to the other 230.
We parked our old bikes up one day and never looked at them for 6 years, then one day we went out for a ride and started using them again and have ridden them at least once a month since then. It cost us nothing for them to sit there.

[bosslady]

Why sell the dirt bike? Is it on HP or have you paid for it out right?
If you own it outright it costs nothing for it to sit there. If you have problems with storage you can park it in our garage (locked and alarmed).
Only fee is it might get ridden now and then:msn-wink:

But seriously we have heaps of room, it can sit next to the other 230.
We parked our old bikes up one day and never looked at them for 6 years, then one day we went out for a ride and started using them again and have ridden them at least once a month since then. It cost us nothing for them to sit there.
Nah both my bikes are the only things I have in my possession that I don't own outright, as such (personal loans) but I'm selling the gn too and will use the money from the sales plus some extra coin to get a later model bike with more OOMPH.

[bosslady]

I've a conundrum. I wasn't going to, and didn't want to, sell my dirt bike gear and I'm still not totally decided that I will but I need some extra coin if I want to get this drz..? hmm?

[Smifffy]

I've a conundrum. I wasn't going to, and didn't want to, sell my dirt bike gear and I'm still not totally decided that I will but I need some extra coin if I want to get this drz..? hmm?

a. It kinda depends how much dirt you intend to play in on the DRZ, and how soon.

b. How do you feel about the gear - is it stuff you would really rather upgrade, or is it top notch kit?

c. How much gear are we talking about? If the 2nd hand price of a pair of boots, gloves and helmet are a dealbreaker, then I'd say you've possibly got bigger financial concerns.

[Ocean1]

I've a conundrum.

Good girl. Pays to be safe, eh?


If the 2nd hand price of a pair of boots, gloves and helmet are a dealbreaker, then I'd say you've possibly got bigger financial concerns.

What he said.

Bit of OT, perhaps? Give up the fags/piss for a while?

[bosslady]

a. It kinda depends how much dirt you intend to play in on the DRZ, and how soon.

b. How do you feel about the gear - is it stuff you would really rather upgrade, or is it top notch kit?

c. How much gear are we talking about? If the 2nd hand price of a pair of boots, gloves and helmet are a dealbreaker, then I'd say you've possibly got bigger financial concerns.

Nope it's pretty good quality I think. Might only get five hundy for everything but the bike im looking at is 8k so every bit helps? Hmm but might take ages to sell and somehow I am sure I'll regret it. ...

[bosslady]

Good girl. Pays to be safe, eh?



What he said.

Bit of OT, perhaps? Give up the fags/piss for a while?

Good idea except that I hardly drink and don't smoke. Heck I hardly go out!

[nzspokes]

Nope it's pretty good quality I think. Might only get five hundy for everything but the bike im looking at is 8k so every bit helps? Hmm but might take ages to sell and somehow I am sure I'll regret it. ...

8K? :wacko:

Would a DRZ400 be that much better than a Ginny?

[haydes55]

8K? :wacko:

Would a DRZ400 be that much better than a Ginny?

A drz400 new is 9k so one would expect a 2013 drz with 2hours on the clock and new wof reg for 8k.

BL there will be no difference between a newer drz and an older 1. Get an early 2000-'04 one for 4k or less. If it's a bit rough, new plastics are a couple hundred and a rebuild would be under 1k from the right person.

[Ocean1]

Would a DRZ400 be that much better than a Ginny?

Three times the bike?

Depends on whether it meets the need I'd say.

It's certainly twice the bike.


A drz400 new is 9k so one would expect a 2013 drz with 2hours on the clock and new wof reg for 8k.

BL there will be no difference between a newer drz and an older 1. Get an early 2000-'04 one for 4k or less. If it's a bit rough, new plastics are a couple hundred and a rebuild would be under 1k from the right person.

All true. Especially for an SM, slightly less likely to have been thrown down the road and bodged back together than the dirt models.

Don't forget TM prices are asking prices, I sold mine maybe 4 years ago for $6000, and it was mint.

[Smifffy]

Three times the bike?

Depends on whether it meets the need I'd say.

It's certainly twice the bike.



All true. Especially for an SM, slightly less likely to have been thrown down the road and bodged back together than the dirt models.

Don't forget TM prices are asking prices, I sold mine maybe 4 years ago for $6000, and it was mint.

So why not pay 2k more and lose 5 hundy on gear that you plan to replace anyway?

[Ocean1]

So why not pay 2k more and lose 5 hundy on gear that you plan to replace anyway?

Me? 'Cause I don't want another DRZ.

BL? possibly 'cause she can't afford it.

Anyone else? maybe because they don't like to pay more than they have to. And $8k is too much for a pre-loved DRZ, $7k is about the upper limit unless it's got fuck all miles and some outstanding bling.

[bosslady]

this is the one http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dual-purpose/auction-627520761.htm
2013 models are 11k new so not sure where 8k came from.

[Smifffy]

this is the one http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dual-purpose/auction-627520761.htm
2013 models are 11k new so not sure where 8k came from.

Cool bike. You should buy it. Maybe I should...

[bosslady]

8K? :wacko:

Would a DRZ400 be that much better than a Ginny?
Short answer is fark yea. Seat height is great, I can still flat foot even, although only just. Sounds awesome too! The front brakes, a bloody revelation compared to the gn on which I have to use all four fingers and squeeze reallllllly hard, the drz I can use two fingers and they actually WORK. Got up to speed no problem, even 120kmh no issue whatsoever, only possible on a good day on the Ginny. I really liked the extra height, I did a loop I know well and could see over things a little easier which was nice. Apparently it has twice the horsepower of the gn.

[bosslady]

Cool bike. You should buy it. Maybe I should...
Go away lol

[nzspokes]

Short answer is fark yea. Seat height is great, I can still flat foot even, although only just. Sounds awesome too! The front brakes, a bloody revelation compared to the gn on which I have to use all four fingers and squeeze reallllllly hard, the drz I can use two fingers and they actually WORK. Got up to speed no problem, even 120kmh no issue whatsoever, only possible on a good day on the Ginny. I really liked the extra height, I did a loop I know well and could see over things a little easier which was nice. Apparently it has twice the horsepower of the gn.

Thats a bucket load of money for a small bike. I would have a really good look around at others first if you havent already.

[sketch]

the seat doesnt look very cumfy...........
i rode to napier and back couple weeks back, got a sore arse, it sucked
i hope the new 390 has a cumfy seat

[haydes55]

this is the one http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dual-purpose/auction-627520761.htm
2013 models are 11k new so not sure where 8k came from.

I considered buying one and went into a suzuki dealer during suzuki-fest (which is their annual sale) and they had a brand new DRZ400E (still road legal but on knobblies with a bit more power and i think its a 5 speed?) For $9500.

Get the E model. Even on knobblies it will out handle the gn on the road. Definitely be more powerful and hold it's own on the road (if you didn't want to do any dirt riding you can buy rims and road tires to swap over). If you pay $8000 for that, it will be worth 6k 2 days later.

[Smifffy]

this is the one http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dual-purpose/auction-627520761.htm
2013 models are 11k new so not sure where 8k came from.

Really?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dual-purpose/auction-622364069.htm

9k was the figure mentioned.

CFWB might even be able to hook you up with a fly/ride or delivery deal.

[bosslady]

Really?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dual-purpose/auction-622364069.htm

9k was the figure mentioned.

CFWB might even be able to hook you up with a fly/ride or delivery deal.
thats a dr650 not a drz400sm

[Smifffy]

thats a dr650 not a drz400sm

Yeah true, realised after I posted. Sorry bout that.

Still:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dual-purpose/auction-598188243.htm

[haydes55]

the seat doesnt look very cumfy...........
i rode to napier and back couple weeks back, got a sore arse, it sucked

In my experience, on a klx though, the seat isn't as comfy as a road bikes seat if you just sit there. But being a slimmer seat, you can slide side to side each corner and give half your ass a rest every corner without much effort. When you get into town or roadworks etc you can stand up and rest you entire bum. I never had an issue with being able to last through 3-4 tanks of gas per day only stopping for gas (just over 220km for a tank). So in reality they can be comfier if used right. If not, i know a guy who reupholsters dirt bike seats for $75.

[bosslady]

I considered buying one and went into a suzuki dealer during suzuki-fest (which is their annual sale) and they had a brand new DRZ400E (still road legal but on knobblies with a bit more power and i think its a 5 speed?) For $9500.

Get the E model. Even on knobblies it will out handle the gn on the road. Definitely be more powerful and hold it's own on the road (if you didn't want to do any dirt riding you can buy rims and road tires to swap over). If you pay $8000 for that, it will be worth 6k 2 days later.
the drz400e is a dirt bike eh? not road legal? what is the difference between E and SM? I fathom a guess I'll be using it on the track more than the dirt.

[Smifffy]

Yeah true, realised after I posted. Sorry bout that.

Still:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dual-purpose/auction-598188243.htm

Holy shit. Just showed the Mrs, coz I thought it was cool. She said I could get it :) Might have to go for a test ride this days off.

[bosslady]

In my experience, on a klx though, the seat isn't as comfy as a road bikes seat if you just sit there. But being a slimmer seat, you can slide side to side each corner and give half your ass a rest every corner without much effort. When you get into town or roadworks etc you can stand up and rest you entire bum. I never had an issue with being able to last through 3-4 tanks of gas per day only stopping for gas (just over 220km for a tank). So in reality they can be comfier if used right. If not, i know a guy who reupholsters dirt bike seats for $75.
any idea what kind of mileage it'd get? besides, I have a very well padded ass, am sure I'll be fine haha

[leathel]

wellington is that that far to ride...

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dual-purpose/auction-626549509.htm

[haydes55]

the drz400e is a dirt bike eh? not road legal? what is the difference between E and SM? I fathom a guess I'll be using it on the track more than the dirt.

E for enduro. $9500 was the road legal ride away price. The knobblies are road legal dual purpose tires, has a light, indicators and all the rest. So they are definitely road legal (but some people kill the rego and use it as only dirt bike).

E has more hp, different gearing and softer suspension. All simple stuff to adjust for road if you wish.

[leathel]

they ont have to be the SM to be road legal

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dirt-bikes/auction-589053405.htm


but the SM has the smaller rims and a few up speced bits....

I saw a WOF ready one for 2.5K but a bit older....... still be a good rig....I here you can even get a tidy one close to 2K with all the gear :P

[bosslady]

they ont have to be the SM to be road legal

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dirt-bikes/auction-589053405.htm


but the SM has the smaller rims and a few up speced bits....

I saw a WOF ready one for 2.5K but a bit older....... still be a good rig....I here you can even get a tidy one close to 2K with all the gear :P
What's with the smaller rims and what specced up bits do you speak of?

Also took me awhile to get your sort-of sarcasm haha.

[sketch]

http://www.suzuki.co.nz/Motorcycle/Street/DR-Z400E+Street+Legal/

http://www.suzuki.co.nz/Motorcycle/Street/DR-Z400SM+Street+Legal/

dirt bikes = big wheels 21 inch ish, road bike = lil wheels 17 inch ish

[pete-blen]

Yer need to figger out what yer want the Drz for ?
The Enduro model will do road duty far better than the sm model will do off road duty..
If yer after a 80/90% road bike go with the sm... but if a 50/50 is what yer looking
for the enduro model is the bike...

[bosslady]

Yer need to figger out what yer want the Drz for ?
The Enduro model will do road duty far better than the sm model will do off road duty..
If yer after a 80/90% road bike go with the sm... but if a 50/50 is what yer looking
for the enduro model is the bike...
Mostly road or track, as that's the easiest thing, I mean I only have to ride a few metres and bam, I'm on thee road, dirt still a possibility but more likely to use it on the road, esp commuting and also some touring.

[leathel]

http://www.suzuki.co.nz/Motorcycle/Street/DR-Z400E+Street+Legal/

http://www.suzuki.co.nz/Motorcycle/Street/DR-Z400SM+Street+Legal/

dirt bikes = big wheels 21 inch ish, road bike = lil wheels 17 inch ish

Also forks are different, brakes are different

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dual-purpose/auction-627200549.htm


Go and sit on one of those SM model and see how it is for height, 17" wheels should drop the height but I am not sure that it will with the different forks??

You should be right, go and test ride one......but don't buy it, sit and wait as deals always turn up if you are patient :)

[sketch]

so just to recap you want a dirt bike thats been refitted for road use, to use more on the road/ track than on dirt, rather than a road/ track bike actually designed for said use.

womans logic:facepalm::facepalm:

or for around the same price http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-579201736.htm

[bosslady]

Also forks are different, brakes are different

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dual-purpose/auction-627200549.htm


Go and sit on one of those SM model and see how it is for height, 17" wheels should drop the height but I am not sure that it will with the different forks??

You should be right, go and test ride one......but don't buy it, sit and wait as deals always turn up if you are patient :)
I've already test ridden the sm, seat height was fine, can justtttt flat foot.

[pete-blen]

Mostly road or track, as that's the easiest thing, I mean I only have to ride a few metres and bam, I'm on thee road, dirt still a possibility but more likely to use it on the road, esp commuting and also some touring.

In that case go with the SM... yer can put 50/50 tyres on it.. If yer want to run gravel , do a bit of adventure rideing etc & they will do it quite happly..

[bosslady]

so just to recap you want a dirt bike thats been refitted for road use, to use more on the road/ track than on dirt, rather than a road/ track bike actually designed for said use.

womans logic:facepalm::facepalm:

or for around the same price http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-579201736.htm
Pretty sure I can use whatever bike I buy for whatever purpose I see fit and is possible, you never seen a motard on the track? looks awesome, not to mention I do like the riding style. They wouldn't make 'em if ppl didn't buy 'em.

[sketch]

Pretty sure I can use whatever bike I buy for whatever purpose I see fit and is possible, you never seen a motard on the track? looks awesome, not to mention I do like the riding style. They wouldn't make 'em if ppl didn't buy 'em.

to easy:msn-wink:

[bosslady]

to easy:msn-wink:
stop being a homo, must be past your bedtime!

[sketch]

stop being a homo, must be past your bedtime!

your getting cranky, must be past yours too, night xx

[Tony.OK]

or for around the same price http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-579201736.htm

Best suggestion yet!

BL had lots of trouble on the CRF, attempting same on a DRZ would only end in tears.
Don't compromise on maybe's BL, if you prefer road n track get a bike that'll give ya the kicks ya need, and can rack up the miles if ya feel like ticky touring.

[bosslady]

your getting cranky, must be past yours too, night xx
don't put kisses at the end of your posts that's gross :laugh:

[Smifffy]

http://cdn2.bikesevolution.com/pics/28/87/2002-suzuki-grass-tracker-ajilbab-com-portal_01.jpg

http://cdn2.bikesevolution.com/pics/4c/e1/crazy-orange-motorcycle-suzuki-grass-tracker-250_02.jpg

http://cdn2.bikesevolution.com/pics/f6/f0/suzuki-grass-tracker-big-boy-new-bike-yellow-km-details_02.jpg

All GNs xxx

[bosslady]

Best suggestion yet!

BL had lots of trouble on the CRF, attempting same on a DRZ would only end in tears.
Don't compromise on maybe's BL, if you prefer road n track get a bike that'll give ya the kicks ya need, and can rack up the miles if ya feel like ticky touring.
yea the 390 is a nice looking bike but two grand more, just that little bit out of my reach...

[nerrrd]

I quite like the look of the 400SM, industrial, no airs and graces (dukes might be just a little over-styled IMHO).

That's a small tank though, I think that would get old pretty quickly, but I guess it depends what you're used to. Also how would you get on for luggage? Doesn't look like there'd be much room for it, must be racks available I guess.

[bosslady]

I quite like the look of the 400SM, industrial, no airs and graces (dukes might be just a little over-styled IMHO).

That's a small tank though, I think that would get old pretty quickly, but I guess it depends what you're used to. Also how would you get on for luggage? Doesn't look like there'd be much room for it, must be racks available I guess.
Luggage? Pffft, just hop on my bike and go and I'll be fine :laugh: who needs clean undies on a trip when you have a nice new bike? Yea very small tank, mind the GN is only 12 or so litres. I wonder how much mileage the 400sm gets though.

[leathel]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/00-10-Suzuki-DRZ400-IMS-Large-Capacity-Fuel-Tank-4-Gallon-/230757224627

you might get 320 K's with that tank..... about 200 k's std if you are easy on the throttle...if my maths is correct :rolleyes:

It wouldn't be to hard to extend the subframe under the rear guard to mount a pack rack to.... and maybe sort a frame for saddle bags if needs must..... (spare fuel in the bags :P )

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Suzuki-DRZ400SM-Oversize-Gas-Tank-2000-2012-SMR-Fuel-Cell-uses-Stock-OEM-Petcock-/360720220719

http://www.thumpertalk.com/topic/673234-aerostich-tank-panniers-anyone-use-these/

http://www.thumpertalk.com/topic/224276-hard-saddlebags/

http://www.happy-trail.com/DRZ400S-KLX400S/Tail-Rack.aspx

http://www.happy-trail.com/Suzuki-DRZ400/Aluminum-Panniers-Teton-DRZ400.aspx

plenty of other options out there

Plastic tank can be painted when new...once fuel is in its not so easy as the fuel vents through the plastic....but I have seen the high capacity tanks in yellow and blue etc

[bosslady]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/00-10-Suzuki-DRZ400-IMS-Large-Capacity-Fuel-Tank-4-Gallon-/230757224627

you might get 320 K's with that tank..... about 200 k's std if you are easy on the throttle...if my maths is correct :rolleyes:

It wouldn't be to hard to extend the subframe under the rear guard to mount a pack rack to.... and maybe sort a frame for saddle bags if needs must..... (spare fuel in the bags :P )
Thanks. I asked a store and they said $500, $350-$400 is a better price. Definitely I will get sick of the small tank over time.

[leathel]

Thanks. I asked a store and they said $500, $350-$400 is a better price. Definitely I will get sick of the small tank over time.

more bits..

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/shop-by-bike/suzuki/drz400sm-drz400s-drz400

[leathel]

pics are shit...and way out of your area but his has the second set of rims pack packs etc

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dual-purpose/auction-627647888.htm

And would need a very good clean :P

[Jay GTI]

http://cdn2.bikesevolution.com/pics/28/87/2002-suzuki-grass-tracker-ajilbab-com-portal_01.jpg



I'd hope the battery doesn't go flat on the bottom of a gully, would be an interesting task kickstarting that one...

[leathel]

I'd hope the battery doesn't go flat on the bottom of a gully, would be an interesting task kickstarting that one...

None of the GN's have a kickstart...or the CRF230's or DRZ400E's

they are pretty easy to bump start and have a pretty good charging system....but more fool you if you are out on a tied battery if you end up in a muddy gully ;)

[Jay GTI]

None of the GN's have a kickstart...or the CRF230's or DRZ400E's

they are pretty easy to bump start and have a pretty good charging system....but more fool you if you are out on a tied battery if you end up in a muddy gully ;)

Ok... what's that lever thing I've circled then?

[gwynfryn]

Well spotted!
Kick start it easy though..... Just need a few sockets, some asbestos gloves for the hot exhaust and hearing protection for when she fires.
Something about form over function?

[Jay GTI]

Well spotted!
Kick start it easy though..... Just need a few sockets, some asbestos gloves for the hot exhaust and hearing protection for when she fires.
Something about form over function?

Yep, especially if the original Grasstracker photo is factory correct and the kickstart is a retro-fit....

[sketch]

bags.......... how bout genuine power gear ktm bags.
and apparently girls can ride them

[bosslady]

bags.......... how bout genuine power gear ktm bags.
and apparently girls can ride them
what's the seat height? might consult Google

[Smifffy]

In pic 4 the seat height looks dangerously low to the sand.

[bosslady]

In pic 4 the seat height looks dangerously low to the sand.
No idea what you're on about? lol

[leathel]

No idea what you're on about? lol

Almost looks like a motor scraper, behind the front wheel , drop from a wheel stand and dig up the sand :lol::lol:

[bosslady]

Almost looks like a motor scraper, behind the front wheel , drop from a wheel stand and dig up the sand :lol::lol:
ohhhhh I get it!

[buffstar]

In pic 4 the seat height looks dangerously low to the sand.


and here I was thinking it was a South Park reference :bleh:

[pete-blen]

If yer want a bike for road / track days etc..
why are looking at a retard ...
There's some nice 400cc road bikes out there
for a dam site less than the figgers being thowing
about for a bike that dose really nothing well
apart from being a compromise...

[leathel]

If yer want a bike for road / track days etc..
why are looking at a retard ...
There's some nice 400cc road bikes out there
for a dam site less than the figgers being thowing
about for a bike that dose really nothing well
apart from being a compromise...

But they are fun....

Compromise if you want to go fast but they are handy around town, high and narrow.... another set of rims and tyres and they will do dirt/ adventure rides well

Long runs at faster pace you can cop the wind but I have seen a few we screens that are supposed to work well....... but they can be very hit and miss

I loved my XR600 when I had it, a second set of rims was a must though as was a second front sprocket to drop the dirt gearing but in my case it was dual purpose tyres and full mud tyres.

This is what happened when I didn't have a great front tyre for the road (didn't have a second front then) and left the dirt rear on...... oh and it probably didn't help I only had a couple of hours sleep and was still ...... well not sober

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd316/leathel-one/IMG_7520.jpg (http://s222.photobucket.com/user/leathel-one/media/IMG_7520.jpg.html)

[Jay GTI]

Looks painful, how did the rider come out of the crash? Having also binned an XR600, it's amazing how heavy they become when you realise things are about to go very wrong.

[leathel]

Looks painful, how did the rider come out of the crash? Having also binned an XR600, it's amazing how heavy they become when you realise things are about to go very wrong.

Thankfully I had gear on...not great gear but enough, plastic MX style kneed pads under my Jeans, MX gloves and leather jacket, wore through the pads and gloves, not a mark on my knees but one finger had a good graize, nasty bruise/graize on my hip when my crossed the center curbing and the jacket rode up.... Concussion was the freaky bit, everything went black and white... so lucky nothing was coming the other way!!!!!

Crossing the white line on those tyres and giving it a first full isn't a good idea....especially if you are a bit slow on the reflexes from remnants of the night before ... was going backwards before I started to correct :crazy:

I took the bike to "wake me up" but its wasn't the wake up I was looking for :wacko:

but it was a wake up call to not be so fukn stupid next time, half pissed tired and dirt tyres were never going to be a good mix !!

[Jay GTI]

Jesus, you got away very lightly considering!

But yeah sounds like one of those times you say to yourself afterwards,

"Righto buddy, you got lucky this time so listen up, you're going to fecking learn from this one, right?".

[Skiwi]

Stop comparing yourself to boys - they are mental :brick:

Ahem! I prefer to think of it as "alternatively wired" :weird: