Choice of Dirt Bike! advice needed!!!

[forexd]

Hi Everybody! Hope I will meet most of you on trail rides and other events in the next few months!

Have finally decised to get involved into MX and trail rides!!! Me and my partner, are having a baby boy at the end of May!!!! This means, I'm going through my mid-life crisis at the moment, trying to get into things I've always planned on joining, but never did.....

Dirt bikes have always been a passion and something I started riding at the age of 15 on Suzuki TS125 (it was a very old bike!!!) fully restored it (was all done in KL, Malaysia) and used it get myself to high scoool for 4 years, until my parents got me a "chopper wana be" Virago.....

Currently living in Taupo, but will be moving to Gulf Harbour, Auckland in 2 weeks time... work needs me in Auckland. Plans are to join the Rodney MX Club, and attend as many evenents as posssible throughout North Island... Keeping an eye on the Calender....

Need your help on choosing a bike for myself. I have just purchased a 2007 250cc Hummer (chinese made bike) just for the fun of in, have spent 15hrs on the bike around the tracks in Taupo and absolutely love it!!!!!!! The bike is great and an excellent way to get into trail riding without blowing your budget!!! Recommend to all interested in getting into it!

Need something more serious for my weight (100kg) and for my future plans of doing some serious rides.

Second hand is something to consider, but I would prefer getting a new bike!

Need your advice! Do I go for new 2007 KTM exc, or choose this 2003 525exc from trademe
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=88847277

Maybe something new from Suzuki or Kawasaki?

All your contribution would absolutely help!!!

alex

[chop]

Good question and there will be many differant veiws. Im 93kg and have a 07 rm250 which i find to be magic on the other hand a friend of mine just got a KTM 250exc six days and he reakons its the best thing since sliced bread. Two strokes are cheaper and easier on maintenace if your using them alot also if your going to be using it alot i would buy new atleast then you know the full history and you only have yourself to blame if it goes pear shaped

[GR81]

talk to ArcherWC, he is a gulf harbour and rmcc lad :)

[scott411]

in the end you do not need a big bike to push your weight, i ahev seen a really big Stacy Olderman (would would have had to be 110kg at the time) lead the napier 6 hour on a 125 2 stroke,

lif you want to do alot of rides a 450 would be a good option, if you want elec start you have either the KTM 450 EXC, WR450 or CRF450X, or the New Kawasaki KLX450 which is due next month(can;t wait for our demo), try to get a ride on one before you commit tho as it is a huge jump from what you are coming off,

other cheaper options new are 2 strokes 250's although might not be the go if you are not used to the hp,

or something really cheap is a new KDX200, will still run at the front, (look at the castrol 6 hours, won was leading for a long time, and under $7000 brand new, you would want to put heavy fron tfork springs in for your weight tho, but they are only $225,

in the end, get some rides on some bikes, find a local bikeshop that will help you out,

if not find one that does mail order and has someone in their the shop that is into trail riding or MX so will no what the hell you are talking about when you ring up,

In the end do not rush into something cause its cheap, it will cost you more in the end

i think the 525 is way to big a step if you have not been riding much,

[ArcherWC]

other cheaper options new are 2 strokes 250's although might not be the go if you are not used to the hp,


I think a 250 2Stroke with a flywheel weight would be the go for you.

Cheep to buy and maintain, HEAPS of power, nice and light, flywheel weight will tame it a bit for ya. Spend the money you save on purchase price on suspension setup and you will never look back.

You are welcome to come for a ride and give my KX a go if you like since we will be living so close.

[forexd]

Looks like I'll have to test drive a few bikes first. Will probably go for a new bike, a little bit more "investment" but heaps more fun!!!

Thanks ArcherWC! I will be in Gulf Harbour beginning of April. Would really appreciate if we could meet up. Will be living at Alec Craig Way. Hope you could help me get into trail rides and MX meetings. As well as all you guys on this forum.

Will let you know what bikes I tested and what I think of them!