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Thread: Suitable dirt bike or setup for shorter dudes?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    1st June 2008 - 17:34
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    2009 Kawasaki ZR1000
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    west
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    Suitable dirt bike or setup for shorter dudes?

    hey was wondering what bike or setup would suit a novice dirt bike rider with height of 1.68m? had my heart set on a KDX250 or something but most bikes i have been on are a little hard to kick start unless I am on a flat piece of land ie if I stall on a hilll or something I am stuffed to start the bike again

    maybe I should look at a 4 stroke unless there are 2 strokers with electric start or I can somehow adjust the shocks to bring the hight of the bike down

    Anyone with similar experiences or legit advice?

    Gspiggs

  2. #2
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    20th April 2008 - 22:25
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    '07 YZ125
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    Hiya,
    I'd suggest getting a full sized bike of your choice and either cutting out the seat a bit or adding a lowering link. I'm 5'1" and did this on my YZ 125. Don't know much about the KDX 250, but the KDX200 has a fairly low seat height to start with I think, I've ridden one around stock a few times and do have to get a bit creative with kick starting, but it's mostly ok, better than a big tall mx bike anyway. Shouldn't be too hard to get sorted for you. Oh yeah, midget on here has a super slammed KDX, she might have some insight

  3. #3
    Join Date
    21st September 2010 - 19:16
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    2007 yamaha yz250f
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    I got my first bike just over a month ago and got a Kx250f Easy to kick start. Parts are relatively cheap for them and pretty easy to maintain. I have no problems starting it takes 3 kicks at the most. I have a fake knee so makes it harder and still have no problems. My bike is 05 and I have heaps of fun.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    1st June 2008 - 17:34
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    Quote Originally Posted by SpikedPunch View Post
    Hiya,
    I'd suggest getting a full sized bike of your choice and either cutting out the seat a bit or adding a lowering link. I'm 5'1" and did this on my YZ 125. Don't know much about the KDX 250, but the KDX200 has a fairly low seat height to start with I think, I've ridden one around stock a few times and do have to get a bit creative with kick starting, but it's mostly ok, better than a big tall mx bike anyway. Shouldn't be too hard to get sorted for you. Oh yeah, midget on here has a super slammed KDX, she might have some insight
    lowering link sounds like a plan, i'l stick to a bike i can get plenty of parts for, thanks!

    gspiggs

  5. #5
    Join Date
    25th September 2005 - 07:21
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    currently in gimp mode
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    Capitola, Ca, USA
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    you can have the seat cut as was mentioned and you can also have the suspension lowered. The only downside to this is a lessened ground clearance.

    if you're new to off roading you may consider something like a Yamaha TTR-125L or a Suzuki DRZ125L
    before you laugh, there are big bore kits available for them, race cams ans what not that reallllly wake hem up. A YZ-85/ KX100 front end bolts right on and CR85 shock fits the DRZ. You'll be for sure hurting some feelings with one. I didnt have any problems hanging with most of my friends on the one I built.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    1st June 2008 - 17:34
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    Talking

    Quote Originally Posted by D3ALN View Post
    I got my first bike just over a month ago and got a Kx250f Easy to kick start. Parts are relatively cheap for them and pretty easy to maintain. I have no problems starting it takes 3 kicks at the most. I have a fake knee so makes it harder and still have no problems. My bike is 05 and I have heaps of fun.
    yeah nice one thanks, normally no problem kickin it just issues getting my other foot down on the ground so I can stabilize the bike and give it some gusto ha ha

  7. #7
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    11th January 2010 - 04:48
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    Lowering links are the way to go, with the forks dropped through the clamps to suit. Shorty mate of mine did that to his WR250f and has no problems. As said, you will lose some ground clearance and the handling will change (not a great deal, but it will change), but it's better than having to ride a kid's bike.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    9th January 2005 - 22:12
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    Street Triple R
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    could you buy a bike with electric leg fitted? I am still keen on a DR650 which is electric start. Of course its for shingle roads/double track, and I am way too old and fragile to be fanging the shit out of anything offroad.

    And isn't Bubba Shobert about 5 ft 6?
    I thought elections were decided by angry posts on social media. - F5 Dave

  9. #9
    Join Date
    12th October 2009 - 19:00
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    2000 Honda cr250
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    Levin
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    Got a kdx 220 for sale which is not much taller than a crf230 or ttr 230

  10. #10
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    31st January 2005 - 06:43
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    I've got a KDX200 I've had lowering linkages put in, and generally have no problems with the height. There's always the odd stuff-up, but not often (then again, not ridden the old girl much over the past few years). No problems kicking her, and I'm crap at kickstarting (very few bikes I manage to consistently start).
    I'm 5'2.5".

  11. #11
    Join Date
    27th October 2010 - 12:28
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    Shop Full
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    YAMAHA TTR230. Electric Start Four Stroke

  12. #12
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    28th August 2008 - 10:49
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    I've got a 2007 KDX200 done approx 15-20 hours, being 5'4" I found it too tall (not helped by a lack of dirt riding experience) CKT lowered the bike with Racetech gear and it transformed it. Could also be lowered a bit more cutting into the seat foam. Bike is mint, still has original tyres and would sell for $5,500.00 if your interested.

  13. #13
    Join Date
    1st June 2008 - 17:34
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    2009 Kawasaki ZR1000
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    west
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    yeah thanks all that replied to steer me in the right direction, unfortunatly no fundage at moment to buy anything but will be purchasing next year.

    gspiggs

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