What bike to get?

[meteor]

Hi all, looking for some expert advice...
I'm just starting out and only want a bike to follow the kids, early teenage, around the trails, not into jumps, motorx or any racing. Just want to nana about on a Sunday arvo :baby: so am not going to throw big dollars at an occasional toy, around 2K to 2.5K. And I weigh in at a colossal 85Kgs. Tell me if I'm wrong but my thoughts are a 4 stroke around 200 or 250 would be the go and I have no fixed idea about make... was thinking , in order of preference, XR then KLX then DR then TT. I see most of the XRs around that price seem to have drum brakes... it that a big detriment?
Also, forgive me for saying it, but because of the money and usage I'm looking at... is a new chinese a better option than a branded 10 to 15 yr old bike? Your opinions please.

[CaMo]

Aint heard much good news about them cheap Chinese bikes. Would go for an older branded bike. I'm sure the XR would do the trick. Would def recommend a KDX, tho not sure what you would find in that price range.

[tommorth]

kdx
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dirt-bikes/auction-152326598.htm

kdx
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dirt-bikes/auction-152361771.htm

dr250
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dirt-bikes/auction-152172554.htm

xr250
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dirt-bikes/auction-152115560.htm

xr250
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dirt-bikes/auction-152213151.htm

3min on trade me found these all in your price range
xr250s are indestructable and and aparantly kdxs are pretty tough they have quite a bit more go than a xr but uses more gas + 2t oil

[nallac]

Having owned a 95 kdx and a 01 xr250 i would definatly recomend the KDX over the Xr.
The KDX is so much lighter and easier to start if ya fall off.And i had lots of pratice at that.

[Taz]

I also recommend the KDX200. Cheap to buy cheap to run and they are giant killers.

[Voltaire]

I've just started doing what you propose, but I'm not as skinny as you!!!
I come from a road bike background and had small 4 stroke Hondas years ago, was leaning towards the XR 200/250 but then read lots of good things about the KDX 200. Ended up with a '96 one that had been looked after for less than 2K.
Been round Woodhill twice, two MR Motorcycle runs and the Jolly Poacher with my 13 year old on his Honda XR 100.
He picked it up real quick, 1st big 30 km ride was a bit frustrating, stalling and falling off lots.
Second one he fractured his wrist.....
Sunday...awsome!!!!
I can't do a comparison but the KDX does everything I want and probably a lot more....amd its light to pick up and starts easily when you drop it.
Once you get used to the strange noises at idle, the smoke and weed trimmer exhaust note its great.

[cave weta]

KDx and 1995 ish XRs are both bonza bikes. But they are getting long in the tooth now and bits are expensive and will not be around forever. They are very different to own and ride. Rear shocks on both if they fail will cost you 1/2 the value of the bike to replace with a new one!

Chinese bikes,- 5 years ago I wouldnt have wiped my arse on one.... Orions, Hummers, Loncins, Rhinos. They will fall apart under you as you ride. Ive seen lots. The metalurgy of the bolts and brackets is very suspect.

OK now- 18 months ago I was shown a bike that looked just like a Honda CRF230f. after putting the two side by side and comparing them I decided that the Cavallo 230 was actually a better bike! It has better features and is fully road legal. The finish is just as good and the warranty is a full year! Honda give 3 months - pffft!
oh and the price........ well Honda will start you off at $6995 before they start offering you a free weedeater or $500 cash back. The Cavall-well click here and look.http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=151575461
I own 6 of them now and they rock! parts are 1/3 of the price and the only breakages Ive had have been the usual levers and front guards. Brake pads are same as the honda. Plastics are crazy cheap and just as durable.
I believe that the chinese bikes have come of age! More bikes are built in china than anywhere else in the world.

[Henk]

Another vote for the KDX