Time for a bike upgrade methinks

[Sammikins]

Looking at either a TTR230 or CRF230. Pro's and con's of each??

[SpikedPunch]

Have you looked round the thumpertalk thumpette forum? Theres quite a bit of discussion about them there for more info :) Bit heavy for my liking, but I'm a weakling.

[cheese]

No don't get either of those. The TTR is better, but both are a bit poo.

Give us some info on you (cause I've not met you) whats you height and weight (chicks love that question).

Though about a 2 stroke? A KX85 could be a good bike for you if you're a short arse!

[Sammikins]

Im 5'7", somewhere between 55-60kg, red hair, like long walks on the beach...

[Sammikins]

dont want a two stroke btw. thought about it though...

[barty5]

Crf is 7 kilos heavyer, slightly taller but dose have kick start as well.
Wait for the KDX responses they will come.

[Pierce]

dont want a two stroke btw. thought about it though...


and here i was thinking you seemed quite cool:Oops: Haha jokes.

yeah i've heard the crf230f (note the f on the end for farm) are crap, my grandfather had one of these for the trail and said it lacks power and suspension. You'd be better off going for an XR200 or 250 if that's the case.

[barty5]

Im 5'7", somewhere between 55-60kg, red hair, like long walks on the beach...

arnt you married?

[raglanash]

dont want a two stroke btw. thought about it though...

My wife had a TTR125, she didn't want a 2 stroke either (" i don't like the noise they make") until she rode one, she is now on an 06 YZ85 and loving it. Light, powerful and the suspension is waaaaay better that the big 4stroke slugs that you are talkin about, and she can start it and pick it up off the ground herself. It fly's with a 55-60 kg pilot, it even go's pretty well with an 85kg one... Noise what noise??

[barty5]

and here i was thinking you seemed quite cool:Oops: Haha jokes.

yeah i've heard the crf230f (note the f on the end for farm) are crap, my grandfather had one of these for the trail and said it lacks power and suspension. You'd be better off going for an XR200 or 250 if that's the case.

yeh i rode a crf250 the other week and thought i lacked good for what it was and i guess i had just taken mine up the same hill. Never had a go on the new tt230s altough i did have a tt225 a few years back would rate it the same as the crf.

[Sammikins]

My wife had a TTR125, she didn't want a 2 stroke either (" i don't like the noise they make") until she rode one, she is now on an 06 YZ85 and loving it. Light, powerful and the suspension is waaaaay better that the big 4stroke slugs that you are talkin about, and she can start it and pick it up off the ground herself. It fly's with a 55-60 kg pilot, it even go's pretty well with an 85kg one... Noise what noise??

well i kinda do like the noise they make, im just freaked out about peeling myself or something, the whole powerband thing worries me.

[Sammikins]

and here i was thinking you seemed quite cool:Oops: Haha jokes.

yeah i've heard the crf230f (note the f on the end for farm) are crap, my grandfather had one of these for the trail and said it lacks power and suspension. You'd be better off going for an XR200 or 250 if that's the case.

My dad reckons Im way cool, so there! :crybaby:

[barty5]

We could steal rupes wifes bike sure he wont mind could proberly do with a run (kx85). See what he posts up later.

[cheese]

I think that if you try a 85 2 smoker you will love it. They take a little bit of adjusting, but you will find it so much easier. They are lighter, faster and once you get used to the power I think just as easy to ride. Rupes wife got a KX85 and loves it. Don't worry about "power bands" most of the 85's have a power valve so the "power band" is not some horrendous power spurt that flips bikes and kills children. The "powerband" is such a stupid saying and isn't really relevant in todays 2 strokes. The power delivery is different to a 4 stroke, but not as bad as what you think.

At 5 7 you're in between sizes on bikes. I don't think that you'd like a 125 2 smoker, but a 200 like a EXC could be good. Most girls (not trying to generalise here) feel more comfortable on a 85 size as they can put there feet on the ground. I just think that the TTR and the CRF is not really much of an upgrade. They are more on par with what you have, just a bit more power.

Booom is selling a CRFx250 that has been modded to go like an R, but its heavy. His wife went from that to a 85 and loves it. She is more liek 5 3 though.

[L Rider]

I would also suggest an 80/85 2 stroke. As the name suggests i'm learning. First bike i ever rode was my CR80. I love it for many reasons.
When looking at what to buy we (me & hubby) decided that a 2 stroke wud be better as they are lighter, i wud 'grow' into it rather than buy a bike purely to learn on then sell it few months down track for something more fun & also maintenance side came into the decision.

Sister in Law brought a RM80 - what can i say - good bike for right person but was no good for her - was a size thing & its powerband was rather random. She now has a cr80 also loves it.

Many pple go on about how hard they are to ride etc etc - although still learning i don't find it that bad to ride just challenging in places like deep sand at woodhill!!

Try as many bikes as you can cause what suits one person doesn't suit another.

[SpikedPunch]

At 5'7" you could possibly fit a lowered full size bike? I really like my little rm100 (having come off a dr-z), but if I had an extra 6" I'd go for something bigger, mainly for the big wheels, makes a difference with logs and roots and stuff.

[L Rider]

At 5'7" you could possibly fit a lowered full size bike? I really like my little rm100 (having come off a dr-z), but if I had an extra 6" I'd go for something bigger, mainly for the big wheels, makes a difference with logs and roots and stuff.

Its Joan (LittleJohn's wife) here, sorry didn't get to see or talk to you much at Tussock, jst wasn't our families wknd. What is the size of your RM compared to a CR or KX 85?

[Sammikins]

At 5'7" you could possibly fit a lowered full size bike? I really like my little rm100 (having come off a dr-z), but if I had an extra 6" I'd go for something bigger, mainly for the big wheels, makes a difference with logs and roots and stuff.

yeah if i got the ttr i'd have to shave the seat a little, its just a teeeeny bit too big. im more worried about weight than anything

[SpikedPunch]

Its Joan (LittleJohn's wife) here, sorry didn't get to see or talk to you much at Tussock, jst wasn't our families wknd. What is the size of your RM compared to a CR or KX 85?
Same height as the kx85, exact same bike really just bored out and yellow :) With no boots on I can get my big toe on each foot on the ground. So stalling on a downhill or uphills a bit of a mish to get going again.
How's your little girl going with her arm? Healing up nicely I hope! :)

[L Rider]

Same height as the kx85, exact same bike really just bored out and yellow :) With no boots on I can get my big toe on each foot on the ground. So stalling on a downhill or uphills a bit of a mish to get going again.
How's your little girl going with her arm? Healing up nicely I hope! :)

Thawt they may have been same but wasn't certain. John's like that on his can only tiptoe with 1 foot.
Atlanta's arm is hopefully nearly all mended. She got it reset again up here, then a week later a full cast on, go back on 27th to hopefully have cast off. She's asking to ride again so least she aint been put off by it.

[Reckless]

Ok bit of background!
What happened was Sammy rode my daughters CRF150f yesterday. And it fitted her much better than the DRZ125 as it was a bit bigger/taller. She liked the power delivery as well. The two of them are a similar level in learning and I bought the CRF for my girl because of the electric start and especially the power delivery. I know its a heavy old bus and the suspension isn't mx level but quite frankly they don't need MX level suspension to learn basic standing, braking and balance skills (which they still need to master). And they DEFINATLY DON"T need to be on a bike that scares them, the terrain alone does that at the moment!! In size the KX85 probably would be the only other bike that would fit or maybe a KX100 would be a good choice. But they can't get around the old B loop at thunder without a hand let alone get anything airborne anywhere. So I still reckon for my daughter the big ole CRF150f is the best choice till she's starting to outride it! User friendly power & electric start. Shit I followed a young lad on a CRf150F last MR moto ride and he was fair bloody hooning along on it, and not just on the straights either. You all know I'm a 2smoke man through and through and would love to get my daughter onto an 85 but the ride-ability/elec start of the CRF is perfect for where she is at at the moment!

Sammy is far to small for a 125 or 200 size bike for starters. But a ride on a KX85 would be a very good idea! The 230's might still be to tall for you Sam so go to Botany Honda and have a sit on a CR85(the kx85 should be similar??), CRF150F, CRf230 see what fits. You can still learn a lot on the DRZ you have, so take your time and ride a few different bikes! I kow the Drz is a little small but I reckon buying a new bike and being on tippy toes everywhere you go would be any good for you at all.
Just my 2c

[Sammikins]

I have sat on the TTR230, could touch the ground with tippy toes but was considering shaving the seat a bit. I was just thinking that upgrading to something (CRF150) which is only a bit bigger than what i've got would be a bit of a waste of time....

[Reckless]

I have sat on the TTR230, could touch the ground with tippy toes but was considering shaving the seat a bit. I was just thinking that upgrading to something (CRF150) which is only a bit bigger than what i've got would be a bit of a waste of time....

Yes good point! All part of the decision isn't it, as I say you need to ride a 150, 230 and an 85 then you will know for sure. Nothing like being stuck 1/2 way up a hill to let you know whats the best bike for you!!!!


would be a bit of a waste of time.... A waste of time would be buying something that you found harder to learn on!

[Sammikins]

A waste of time would be buying something that you found harder to learn on!

Or a waste of time would be being pinned to the side of a mountain by some big tank that i cant lift, waiting for somebody to save me...

[Reckless]

Or a waste of time would be being pinned to the side of a mountain by some big tank that i cant lift, waiting for somebody to save me...

Agreed! But your the one suggesting the 230 after riidng the 150f?

BTW There's always a knight in shining armor out there on every trail LOL!!!!

[cheese]

that is why a 85 would be better

[Sammikins]

Agreed! But your the one suggesting the 230 after riidng the 150f?

Well your daughter had to help me lift my pipsqueak bike when i dropped it anyway, I need steroids or something. Chicks with big muscles are hot, right?

[B0000M]

Booom is selling a CRFx250 that has been modded to go like an R, but its heavy. His wife went from that to a 85 and loves it. She is more liek 5 3 though.

stop exagerating cheese! shes more like 5'1 lol, can ride the 250 easy, jsut becomes a problem after a few crashes due to picking up the weight of it.

the 85- she loves, stuck a flywheel weight on it and that smoothed things out dramaticly. hasnt ridden it much like that yet.

my opinion on the situation is there is no perfect bike for these vertically challenged trail riders - and the 85s seem to be the only ones with decent suspension and brakes. aside from the crf150r as far as i know

[Sammikins]

i wouldnt mind a 150R but they're way too pricey for me

[REDRIDER]

i wouldnt mind a 150R but they're way too pricey for me

Hey Sammikins, I got a friend selling a 07 crf 150, I havent seen it but I was told it was "mint". 4g maybe slightly under?? if your interested

[Sammikins]

nah am only able to spend what i sell my bike for, which won't be as much as $4G. sorry... am quite keen to try out the kx85 now!

[barty5]

nah am only able to spend what i sell my bike for, which won't be as much as $4G. sorry... am quite keen to try out the kx85 now!

just spoke to rupe a loan on the kx85 is all sweet.

[Sammikins]

just spoke to rupe a loan on the kx85 is all sweet.

Wicked! :woohoo:

[L Rider]

Ok bit of background!
What happened was Sammy rode my daughters CRF150f yesterday. And it fitted her much better than the DRZ125 as it was a bit bigger/taller. She liked the power delivery as well. The two of them are a similar level in learning and I bought the CRF for my girl because of the electric start and especially the power delivery. I know its a heavy old bus and the suspension isn't mx level but quite frankly they don't need MX level suspension to learn basic standing, braking and balance skills (which they still need to master). And they DEFINATLY DON"T need to be on a bike that scares them, the terrain alone does that at the moment!! In size the KX85 probably would be the only other bike that would fit or maybe a KX100 would be a good choice. But they can't get around the old B loop at thunder without a hand let alone get anything airborne anywhere. So I still reckon for my daughter the big ole CRF150f is the best choice till she's starting to outride it! User friendly power & electric start. Shit I followed a young lad on a CRf150F last MR moto ride and he was fair bloody hooning along on it, and not just on the straights either. You all know I'm a 2smoke man through and through and would love to get my daughter onto an 85 but the ride-ability/elec start of the CRF is perfect for where she is at at the moment!

Sammy is far to small for a 125 or 200 size bike for starters. But a ride on a KX85 would be a very good idea! The 230's might still be to tall for you Sam so go to Botany Honda and have a sit on a CR85(the kx85 should be similar??), CRF150F, CRf230 see what fits. You can still learn a lot on the DRZ you have, so take your time and ride a few different bikes! I kow the Drz is a little small but I reckon buying a new bike and being on tippy toes everywhere you go would be any good for you at all.
Just my 2c

I agree with some of your points Reckless re the scaring them etc. End of the day i think as a learner rider you need to spend the time becoming familiar with your bike & what you are terrain you are capable of riding. Rather than charging in & doing something way to hard spend the time mastering smaller tracks etc that you know you can do. When i first got mine i went out on a track at woodhill which too sandy for me - i struggled partly cause of sand but also turned out I'd blown a crank seal so had no power. That day put me off bigtime - not the bike but riding outside of my abilities. Since then i've spent all my time riding the learners track at woodhill & learners at Thunder. Sat just gone i finally went out & did couple of trails at woodhill & enjoyed it. Tussock i just stuck to a small track & spent the time mastering that.

When changing bikes you don't just wanna do a step sideways.

I think you need to ride a few then see what you feel more comfortable on.

[Sammikins]

my first time was on sand too, some mates just left me to it all by myself in some sand dunes in the middle of nowhere by muriwai, spent too much time falling on my butt so i tried to ride on the beach ended up saturated by a freak wave, worst time of my life.

[L Rider]

my first time was on sand too, some mates just left me to it all by myself in some sand dunes in the middle of nowhere by muriwai, spent too much time falling on my butt so i tried to ride on the beach ended up saturated by a freak wave, worst time of my life.

No way, nothing like being put off totally.
I'm sure you'll be sweet on a 85 mxer aye. If i learnt to ride on one then you should be fine. We didn't even know till recently that my one is higher geared than standard too which makes up hills harder.

[Sammikins]

i reckon i'll be sweet, im at the stage where im doin the 'babies' track at thunder ringing it out in 4th gear, and got round part of the b loop without falling off, conquered the big yucky hill that i couldnt do last time... :yes:

[cheese]

I think that you will get of a KX buzzing out wanting to buy one.

[L Rider]

i reckon i'll be sweet, im at the stage where im doin the 'babies' track at thunder ringing it out in 4th gear, and got round part of the b loop without falling off, conquered the big yucky hill that i couldnt do last time... :yes:

Sounds like you're doing fine. the mxer's are so light & easy to start - 2 things i really like bout mine. Least when i come off i can get it off me & back up & started.

[Reckless]

I agree with some of your points Reckless re the scaring them etc. End of the day i think as a learner rider you need to spend the time becoming familiar with your bike & what you are terrain you are capable of riding. Rather than charging in & doing something way to hard spend the time mastering smaller tracks etc that you know you can do. When i first got mine i went out on a track at woodhill which too sandy for me - i struggled partly cause of sand but also turned out I'd blown a crank seal so had no power. That day put me off bigtime - not the bike but riding outside of my abilities. Since then i've spent all my time riding the learners track at woodhill & learners at Thunder. Sat just gone i finally went out & did couple of trails at woodhill & enjoyed it. Tussock i just stuck to a small track & spent the time mastering that.

When changing bikes you don't just wanna do a step sideways.

I think you need to ride a few then see what you feel more comfortable on.

Exactly my point!
Bearing in mind we did have a KX85 and it was a light switch, even 2 extra base gaskits and other mods didn't turn it into a leaners bike for a young lady. BUT it could have been ported so maybe I had a bad one! Dunno!

Secondly its always very hard for us that ride well and often to put ourselves back into a learners shoes. We always want to bring them on so fast and teach them our skills all at once. Its still all about fun not winning or going really fast for most beginners, often the terrain is enough challenge in itself.
If my girl is still keen on it in the next year or so we might try a flywheel weighted CR85 or something?? Who knows just want father time to be fun for her!

You keep that up L Rider we'll have to change your name to pro rider LOL!!!

[raglanash]

Sounds like you're doing fine. the mxer's are so light & easy to start - 2 things i really like bout mine. Least when i come off i can get it off me & back up & started.

Thats what my wife likes, and I must say I like it too, makes for a much more peaceful day on the bikes. They go really quick too, I have imbarrassed a few trail riders on the wifes YZ, and myself as well because I look like a dick on it but I don't really care it's great fun.. The wife go's really well on it too, funny when people realize they just got owned by a chick on an 85.

[B0000M]

Sounds like you're doing fine. the mxer's are so light & easy to start - 2 things i really like bout mine. Least when i come off i can get it off me & back up & started.

on the east to start thing, i can start an 85 with my hand. that kinda shows how easy they can be started

[L Rider]

Exactly my point!
Bearing in mind we did have a KX85 and it was a light switch, even 2 extra base gaskits and other mods didn't turn it into a leaners bike for a young lady. BUT it could have been ported so maybe I had a bad one! Dunno!

Secondly its always very hard for us that ride well and often to put ourselves back into a learners shoes. We always want to bring them on so fast and teach them our skills all at once. Its still all about fun not winning or going really fast for most beginners, often the terrain is enough challenge in itself.
If my girl is still keen on it in the next year or so we might try a flywheel weighted CR85 or something?? Who knows just want father time to be fun for her!

You keep that up L Rider we'll have to change your name to pro rider LOL!!!

Sister in law got an RM80 thinking it wud be alot like my CR80 - well it was rather Random with its powerband. You never knew when it wud hit & it did have quite a kick to it. She had trouble with it at Thunder on B Loop - flipped it etc - ended up riding mine & found it great. She's since gone & brought a CR80 & now the RM will be up for sale soon.

[Midget200]

Hey there Sammikins!

If you're out at Woodhill, or Jolly Roosta, or any time you're more than welcome to have a ride on my bike! I was on a KLX140, which was awesome for a year! It was the right height, I put an FMF pipe on it for more power! I could touch the ground, magic! I like the electric start, so that restricts me! I'm only 5 foot 1 and the CRF250X is huge! I've put a lowering link on it, changed the suspension, cut the foam out of the seat. It's nearly there now! Power is awesome, but it's heavy! I think sometimes the guys definitely do forget that we're learners and don't remember back that far! I certainly do remember flailing around Woodhill in the deep sand!!

[Sammikins]

Hey there Sammikins!

If you're out at Woodhill, or Jolly Roosta, or any time you're more than welcome to have a ride on my bike! I was on a KLX140, which was awesome for a year! It was the right height, I put an FMF pipe on it for more power! I could touch the ground, magic! I like the electric start, so that restricts me! I'm only 5 foot 1 and the CRF250X is huge! I've put a lowering link on it, changed the suspension, cut the foam out of the seat. It's nearly there now! Power is awesome, but it's heavy! I think sometimes the guys definitely do forget that we're learners and don't remember back that far! I certainly do remember flailing around Woodhill in the deep sand!!

Whoar, crf250 is a big bike for me! i think i'd be too scared to ride it!.... :sweatdrop

[barty5]

Hey there Sammikins!

If you're out at Woodhill, or Jolly Roosta, or any time you're more than welcome to have a ride on my bike! I was on a KLX140, which was awesome for a year! It was the right height, I put an FMF pipe on it for more power! I could touch the ground, magic! I like the electric start, so that restricts me! I'm only 5 foot 1 and the CRF250X is huge! I've put a lowering link on it, changed the suspension, cut the foam out of the seat. It's nearly there now! Power is awesome, but it's heavy! I think sometimes the guys definitely do forget that we're learners and don't remember back that far! I certainly do remember flailing around Woodhill in the deep sand!!

Dont for get the high heal boots.

[Midget200]

Yeah thanks for that! I left that off there!!! Geez, note to self, 1 roost for Spiked Punch on the weekend when she rides with me!!!!:bash:

[Midget200]

Oops sorry Spiked Punch, it was Barty5! More than one roost, if I can roost at all!!!! I'm height challenged, what can I say!

[chop]

Hey there Sammikins!

If you're out at Woodhill, or Jolly Roosta, or any time you're more than welcome to have a ride on my bike! I was on a KLX140, which was awesome for a year! It was the right height, I put an FMF pipe on it for more power! I could touch the ground, magic! I like the electric start, so that restricts me! I'm only 5 foot 1 and the CRF250X is huge! I've put a lowering link on it, changed the suspension, cut the foam out of the seat. It's nearly there now! Power is awesome, but it's heavy! I think sometimes the guys definitely do forget that we're learners and don't remember back that far! I certainly do remember flailing around Woodhill in the deep sand!!

i still flail around!

[Midget200]

Yeah right White Boots! Didn't see much flailing from you!!!

[SpikedPunch]

I'd never diss the platforms!:innocent: Wouldn't mind some myself, us midgets have to stick together.

[flyingcr250]

I'd never diss the platforms!:innocent: Wouldn't mind some myself, us midgets have to stick together.

give in, get a 2tanga, youll love it.:ar15: if anything else the smoke smells nice:doobey::devil2:

[daddycool651]

has anyone mentioned that yamaha also does the ttr 125 , bit lower and a lot lighter than the ttr 230 , my wifes vertically challenged , tried the 230 felt a bit heavy but loved the ttr 125, i saw sammi at ardmore a few weeks back , your taller than my wife , that could be an option , ps wife got a horse instead of a bike ( waste of an afternoon ):argh: could have been riding ...:angry2:

[SpikedPunch]

has anyone mentioned that yamaha also does the ttr 125 , bit lower and a lot lighter than the ttr 230 , my wifes vertically challenged , tried the 230 felt a bit heavy but loved the ttr 125, i saw sammi at ardmore a few weeks back , your taller than my wife , that could be an option , ps wife got a horse instead of a bike ( waste of an afternoon ):argh: could have been riding ...:angry2:

I've ridden both, the ttrs not that much different from the dr-z except it's got an E start. I think Sammis after something a bit more grunty! :Punk:

[Rupe]

Wicked! :woohoo:

Yeah would have to be on a break it, you fix it though. She's keen to get back on the bike in the near future, so it would have to be returned as it was before.

[Sammikins]

I'll be nice to it, i promise! :2thumbsup

[Taz]

I've got a good 2005 KDX for sale........;)