New Bike Time!

[timmy]

Hey Guys

Im just in the process of selling my mountain bike and im looking at getting a motorbike as my latest toy. I used to ride an xr200 and was mtbn for the last few years as a replacement while i was studing at uni. But im going back to the farm over summer and looking at getting something to thrash around on. MAybe some trail rides and such

Problem is i really dont know what to get. 2stroke? 4? MX? And iv not got that much cash just lying round. I got 2000 for my bike so hopefully ill be able to buy for around that


I was initially thinking of getting an old MXer, my friend has a yz125 that has been babied while he has owned it, but it seems like the maintence for a mx bike is quite high. I dont mind getting my hands dirty, but id rather not spend to much either.

Just been reading some of the old threads and people recomend the kdx200. Thoughts?

So help me decide:

125 2stroke mx
250 2stroke mx
250 4 stroke trail

:scooter:

[emaN]

i'd go for a trail bike,
infact, I'm hoping to 'babysit' one for a mate next year!

and welcome to KB - i'm sure loads of dudes/chicks will give ya advice

[GR81]

i just paid $2k for my '93 CR250.
needs some TLC but mechanically it runs very well.
finding a good 4 stroke for that kind of money was practically impossible, thats why i had to settle for a 2 stroke.

just jump on tardme and search for bikes around the $2k mark and sift through and see whats up for sale. that will give you the best idea.

[timmy]

i just paid $2k for my '93 CR250.
needs some TLC but mechanically it runs very well.
finding a good 4 stroke for that kind of money was practically impossible, thats why i had to settle for a 2 stroke.

just jump on tardme and search for bikes around the $2k mark and sift through and see whats up for sale. that will give you the best idea.

Yea iv been sifting round tardme. But its the advise on what would be best that i need. what sort of maintence will the CR need?
how often do rings need done and whats the cost? what does the oil cost that the 2smokes run on?

found this bike: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=68949997

are the DR's good? how is the price looking for this bike?

thanks
heaps guys keep the advise comming

[GR81]

found this bike: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=68949997
looks not too bad :)
i found most of the good looking bikes were in canterbury and dunedin... so you might be in luck :)

if you want reliable, go 4stroke :)

[crazyxr250rider]

DR350/250 XR250Rs are all good bikes for blating around the farm and trails go TT-R250 if you can get a bit more $$$$ for electric start ect (XRs DRs ect are evil to start......)

[timmy]

DR350/250 XR250Rs are all good bikes for blating around the farm and trails go TT-R250 if you can get a bit more $$$$ for electric start ect (XRs DRs ect are evil to start......)

Had a ride on the dr250 from the link above this arvo. Really didnt impress me with the power. I think it needed a tune or something because it didnt go any better than my old 200.

[timmy]

Found this guys: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=69317685

Good option? Seems like guys on here are saying that 2smoke trail bikes around 200-250cc are a really good allround bike.

What price would you pay for the kdx? anything to look out for?

[Hellraiser]

Good old bikes the KDX you can pick them up new for relitivly cheep

[Buddy L]

Kdx's are realy good, if you can, try and get one with a after market pipe on it, makes the biggest different, other wise they lack heaps of top end. the best bike for some one starting out again, they can realy move with a good rider on it. i managed to get a 1997 kdx 220 a couple of years ago for 3 grand, and they use no gas,
A realy good cheap bike, aim for as new as posible, less to go wrong with the bike. like little thing, like missing spring and bolts,
but a bullet proff motor and will last a long time between rebuilds.
only things with the motors are the power valves cogs, one is steel and one is alloy grinding on each other, and the alloy one where's out first no a biggie but still, i think its with the 90's kx modles as well and thier KPIS systems.

Welcome to KB as well, their are heaps of people on the site with KDX's and they can tell you more about them.:rockon:

[timmy]

Kdx's are realy good, if you can, try and get one with a after market pipe on it, makes the biggest different, other wise they lack heaps of top end. the best bike for some one starting out again, they can realy move with a good rider on it. i managed to get a 1997 kdx 220 a couple of years ago for 3 grand, and they use no gas,
A realy good cheap bike, aim for as new as posible, less to go wrong with the bike. like little thing, like missing spring and bolts,
but a bullet proff motor and will last a long time between rebuilds.
only things with the motors are the power valves cogs, one is steel and one is alloy grinding on each other, and the alloy one where's out first no a biggie but still, i think its with the 90's kx modles as well and thier KPIS systems.

Welcome to KB as well, their are heaps of people on the site with KDX's and they can tell you more about them.:rockon:

Thanks for the help Buddy. The bike that im looking at is the 90's model but it seems that its had a lot of work done on it. Would it be alright? What sort of moeny are you looking at for fixing the 'power valves' and 'KPIS' systems (whatever they are)?

[SARGE]

Hey Guys
But im going back to the farm over summer and looking at getting something to thrash around on. MAybe some trail rides and such


go for the 4 stroker 250 MX'r.. heaps easier to ride on the trail.. wide torque band..same amount of power as a 125 smoker.. just from 0-WoT instead of at 6000- 9000 rpm or whatever..


2 strokes have 1.8 times the HP of a comparable 4 stroke..just in a narrow torque band so you have to ride them like you hate them and rebuild them often.. or ride them like a nana and rebuild them more often..


lots less maintenance on a 4 stroker

[scott411]

if you are looking for a cheap trail bike do not get a 250 4 four stroke MX bike, they are expensive to fix, although very light and powerful they are time bombs. Sarge you would have to put top ends in four stroke MX bikes more often than a KDX200 or even a 125 MXer.

the KDX looks good it is a E model, if he has receipts for the barryl etc, the E model (89 to 94) had a better standard pipe on them than the later H models (95 to 06), its 16 years old and i think that about $1700-1800 is top dollar for it, if it has a new barryl they are $800 + buy themselves

so having no pipe on a earlier models is not so much of a deal than it is with it

i reckon a KDX is the perfect bike for you, enough power to have fun with but easier to use, i am a pretty good rider (have been top 15 in NZ MX) and still love riding KDX's infact i am riding the hawkes bay 6 hour on on one

[timmy]

Thanks for the good advice Scott. Anyone know of a rough idea of price on a 96 yz125? good condition etc?

[Buddy L]

if you are looking for a cheap trail bike do not get a 250 4 four stroke MX bike, they are expensive to fix, although very light and powerful they are time bombs.


yer i think its about every 20 hours of racing you have to do the rings on the 4 stroke mx'ers, if you what a 4 stroke go for your XR or KLX range good with still toque to burn, rebuild time for them is when they start smoking more then a 2stroke. which is bearly ever.

[Buddy L]

Thanks for the good advice Scott. Anyone know of a rough idea of price on a 96 yz125? good condition etc?

your be looking around 3-4,500 grand or their is this one but not in your area
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=69309697&key=330231

[timmy]

your be looking around 3-4,500 grand or their is this one but not in your area
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=69309697&key=330231

I might be able to get a hold of my friends yz for about 2k. Would it be worthwhile in terms of price? im only really looking at owning it for about 6months, would it depreciate much over this time.

The decision is now down to the 96 yz125 or a kdx200 of some describtion.

[cheese]

if your mate has looked after it that is a ok del on teh YZ.

bikes are a bit of a bugger to sell.

[scott411]

your be looking around 3-4,500 grand or their is this one but not in your area
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=69309697&key=330231

thats a bit rich for an 06, i would expect and 01 -03 for that sort of money, a 96 would be 2 to 2500 if it was really tidy,

125's are really good to learn on as they don't have alot of power so you learn to use skill instead of power to get you out of situations, most 125's will still flip you off the back if you are not careful

[barty5]

i had a 91 cr250 6 years ago and sold it for 2grand bought another last year for 1800 and traded it on the yzf426 i have now plus cash for 2000 it was kited with a lot of extras thought so in that repect so should get your money back if you look after it

[timmy]

all good advice guys. now ill just have to get out there and ride both of the bikes so i can have a better idea of what i would like better. I cant wait

[Cary]

Good old bikes the KDX you can pick them up relitivly cheep

Good advice, go for a KDX200. Made for bush/farm country, 125,250 MXer will get too hot & much harder to ride.

KDX's are cheap to buy and fix and there's lots around so a buyers market.

Have fun:yes:

[timmy]

Just been surfing trademe and found this: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dirt-bikes/auction-69191831.htm

It seems cheap for what it is? whats the story with huskies? unique so expensive parts?

you can link me to other threads to explain something if you dont want explain something

also where do you guys put your bikes up for sale? e.g. trademe

[Cary]

Just been surfing trademe and found this: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dirt-bikes/auction-69191831.htm

It seems cheap for what it is? whats the story with huskies? unique so expensive parts?

2 words, barge pole:shit:

[timmy]

could you further explain 'barge pole'? im sorry im clueless to the lingo that will be used on this site

[Cary]

could you further explain 'barge pole'? im sorry im clueless to the lingo that will be used on this site

Ok, as in barge poles are used for pushing barge's around and about 20ft long.........

I my opinion they were/are harder to find parts for, do not hold their value and are harder to on sell. All goes back to the trouble they had a few years ago re parts availability. Look much better now tho.

In your case i think a KDX200 is a better option.

[timmy]

yea im am definatly looking like getting a kdx200 (or 220) but I like to keep my eye open to other options out there

[Buddy L]

this is a good price, thats if you were looking at spending that much and comes with the OEM lights, rear guard and stand (very handy).
Looks like the Odometer has been taken off, but that seems to be commen with the KDX's, good to start with but when you start getting faster you will want to change the pipe.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=69479638&key=391168
And also down your way as well

[timmy]

That does like a good bike eh

It seems that I might have to spend more than my original budget of 2k. For 3k it seems like I can get a bike 10yrs newer, which is a lot less thrashing, and will probably sell faster.

Saving while your a student is always so hard though. Hmm decisions

[Ruralman]

Definitely KDX 200 or 220. If you're doing a lot of trail riding the 220 is a little better as it was designed for more bottom end grunt at the expense of a little less top end than the 200.
I did rings and front brake pads on mine recently - under $400
They are far cheaper to run than a modern 4 stroke high revver, and much more exciting to ride than the less powerful KLX, XR, DRZ's which are all pretty bulletproof.
I bought mine off trademe - got it down from Auckland for about $350
I also use it all the time around the farm as well as regular trail rides. Mine has a Pro circuit pipe - any of the advanced pipes make a huge difference to these bikes.
You get a pretty good feel for the bikes on Trademe by asking questions and talking with the seller. Anything thats had a rebuild would be fine but I wouldn't not buy something that hadn't needed one yet. I rode mine for 18 months before deciding to do the rings and the bike shop said it was marginal if it needed it - and believe me it doesn't get nursed.
Worth checking wheel bearing when you get one - whatever the bike - and get them replaced before they need it because they can go very quickly and leave you stranded on a trail ride if you don't .
The thing that amazes me on the KDX220 is the way it can pull away from near death on a trail ride - no matter how good youare this will happen from time to time - motocross bikes are hopeless for this, as are the higher revving motorcross type 4 strokes - I have riden past many of them on difficult hills on lots of organised rides.
I'm about an hour from Dunedin if you want to ride it - but its definitely not for sale. PM me if interested

[Ruralman]

Always use the castrol TTR synthetic racing oil - I get it at CRT in Dunedin where its about $80ish compared to about $120 in some bike shops.
KDX is recommended at 32:1 - I keep a 20litre in the shed as I go through it before it gets too old. It takes 620ml per 20 litre
My bike is a 2000 model, paid $3200 + freight. Get the farm to buy it and you can claim back the GST content, although if you intend flicking it on again soon that won't be any advantage

[timmy]

Good call on the GST Ruralman. I think itl still help because im a student and dont have a lot of cash at the moment but after a summer of crutching lambs I normally have a bit of spare coin around.

Did you get a bike shop to check out the condition of the bike before you bought it or did you just trust the seller?

And thanks for the offer to ride your bike. I might go have a test ride of a kdx200 this arvo if the guy is home.

Found this ktm: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=68790995
For some reason I really like this bike. I think it might just be the orange colour, but i think it has brembo brakes and other fruity bits. I did a quick bit of research on the net and people seem to love there 200exc's. Any opinions on this?

[Ruralman]

Good call on the GST Ruralman. I think itl still help because im a student and dont have a lot of cash at the moment but after a summer of crutching lambs I normally have a bit of spare coin around.

Did you get a bike shop to check out the condition of the bike before you bought it or did you just trust the seller?

And thanks for the offer to ride your bike. I might go have a test ride of a kdx200 this arvo if the guy is home.

Found this ktm: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=68790995
For some reason I really like this bike. I think it might just be the orange colour, but i think it has brembo brakes and other fruity bits. I did a quick bit of research on the net and people seem to love there 200exc's. Any opinions on this?

They're meant to be really good - and a bit lower than the KDX if that is an issue. It's an enduro so will also be much better for trail and farm use than a motorcrosser. This one certainly looks tidy. There's a 96 or 98 KDX200 on there as well that also looks like a good bike and well priced - but don't go straight in with their asking price, give them the sob story about being a poor student and only having $X to spend. There's more sellers than buyers out there so they will generally be ready to negotiate.
Good luck

[Ruralman]

Forgot your other question - no I didn't get it checked by a bike shop B4 buying. Like I said you get a feel for it from the photos and talking with the seller over the phone, plus confidence in the brand that it will be pretty good anyway.

[timmy]

Forgot your other question - no I didn't get it checked by a bike shop B4 buying. Like I said you get a feel for it from the photos and talking with the seller over the phone, plus confidence in the brand that it will be pretty good anyway.

Really good advice here ruralman. Im a big guy (six foot and a hundy kg) so size isnt really a problem, unless its too small.

And i always like to negioiate when buying second hand goods. Must be something to do with studing economics

[telliman]

dude, just buy a bike!.

[Ruralman]

Really good advice here ruralman. Im a big guy (six foot and a hundy kg) so size isnt really a problem, unless its too small.

And i always like to negioiate when buying second hand goods. Must be something to do with studing economics

WE're about the same size and weight - the KDX220 certainly hauls me round no prob's and I would think the KTM would do it just as easily. The reason I said something about size was from a comment that Dwain at the tapanui Kawa/KTM agency made - he'd traded a KDX on a KTM 200exc for a girl who found the KDX just a bit too tall. This may have just meant that the KTM had more provision to lower it, I don't know - I do know you don't want to feel cramped up when riding. The size of the KTM's current owner should give you a clue.
Good luck, and don't worry about the last post on here - buy when you're ready and settled on what you want, can afford, and you can find one.

[timmy]

Yea i should get a hold of Dwain to see if he has anything in stock.

Where should I look for second hand bikes? Tardme, Buysellandexchange, local newspaper, local motorbike shops???

[Ruralman]

Yea i should get a hold of Dwain to see if he has anything in stock.

Where should I look for second hand bikes? Tardme, Buysellandexchange, local newspaper, local motorbike shops???

Cheapest deals for obvious reasons will be Trademe and local papers - buying now will also be cheaper than in another 2-3 months 'cos the trail riding season has started and demand picks up. Where abouts is home turf?

[timmy]

Cheapest deals for obvious reasons will be Trademe and local papers - buying now will also be cheaper than in another 2-3 months 'cos the trail riding season has started and demand picks up. Where abouts is home turf?

Parents have a wee farm near Maitland and a bit more land at Waikaka (near Gore). Are you near balclutha?

[Ruralman]

Parents have a wee farm near Maitland and a bit more land at Waikaka (near Gore). Are you near balclutha?

About halfway between Milton and Lawrence, but off the highway about 2km.

[timmy]

I just bought a bike yesterday: 2004 kdx200.
Cant wait to go for a ride this weekend. Im planning to do a couple of rides over summer such as the Nevis, Old Man Range and a weekend in Skippers Canyon. And any trail rides that are going.
Thanks for all the good advice, especially Ruralman

[Wellyman]

Hey CrazyXR, i see you sold your honda for a yamahahahaha, traitor. KDX is a great learners bike, alot of people on here have them
WM

[Ruralman]

I just bought a bike yesterday: 2004 kdx200.
Cant wait to go for a ride this weekend. Im planning to do a couple of rides over summer such as the Nevis, Old Man Range and a weekend in Skippers Canyon. And any trail rides that are going.
Thanks for all the good advice, especially Ruralman

Great to hear you've got one and the KDX is still a very underrated machine that in the right hands still wins a lot of races.
Great ride coming up real soon is the Toko High school Lake to the Sea ride on Oct 28th - goes from Waihola through the coastal forestry and farmland to the beach near Toko Mouth. Lots of side trails to cater for more skilled riders.
Last year there were 580 riders. Its getting more popular because its a well run great ride.
Anyway enjoy that green machine and go kick some 4 stroke ass

[Wellyman]

Congrat, nice bike you got thir.
see you out on the trails.
WM

[crazyxr250rider]

Yamahahahaha eh? Nice one!

[timmy]

I had a good play on my new toy today. I felt like the worlds fastest indian flying down oreti beach.

But i did notice one thing. At a constant mid rev range a occasionally heard a knock or some extra motor noise. Normal?

Also had a look at the front sprocket. Only two teeth left that hadnt broken (it seems) off. Should i get steel or alloy? and what are the best brand to get?

Im loving getting beck into it

[Buddy L]

get your self a steel item, its not like your racing and need to save the weight and the alloy one's will just wear asap. any brand will do they all do the same job. the sound you heard could have just been the chain jumping or slipping on the front cogg? if it only had too teeth. :(

[Wellyman]

As said above steel is better but not super major. Renthal is a good company for sprockets. once the back sprocket wears down you will also have to replace the chain.

the rule i follow is: replace the front when needed, but when the back is needed do the chain as well.
WM