I'm new to trail bike riding. Recommended bikes?

[Hads]

I have searched the threads for a similar question but haven't found the exact answer.

I'm looking for a cheaper to run and buy trail bike to take around the paddock and through a nearby 4wd track through a forest and alongside the Ashley River, and am wanting to put a budget together on what I should spend.

The way I see it I have several options too:

Convince my father to let me get his 360cc CZ 2 stroke going or 250 cc Jawa 2 stroke going and throw money at them to get them running again (having got one of his Jawa road bikes going before could be several thousand and lots of breakdowns)

Or put in the budget for a newer bike second hand at a good price range, my main issue is what bike and what price range should I be looking at?

My preference would be a 2 stroke due to the simplicity of the engine and how easy they are to work on, but the seem to be more expensive.

Another preference is to get a bike that doesn't need frequent engine rebuilds, as I imagine that can get fairly expensive.

I am not particularly tall, ie about 179cm, and not too strong yet, being a software developer by profession.

I don't intend to race, and also don't intend to ride too fast.

So 2 questions:
Is it worth getting old 70's motocross bikes running for the odd trail bike ride?
If not, what budget should I look at, and what bike would be ideal?

[Tazz]

I don't intend to race, and also don't intend to ride too fast.

So 2 questions:
Is it worth getting old 70's motocross bikes running for the odd trail bike ride?
If not, what budget should I look at, and what bike would be ideal?

Grab a 125 as the Ashley has some nasty spots and if you plan on plodding down alone you'll want a bike you can lift yourself if you get into some strife/stuck.

General rule is buy old if you want to save money on purchase (it goes into time and parts later on) and buy new you'd rather save money on parts (again, general rule, some vehicles are just duds from factory, and some old ones run mint).

As for what you like, only real way to find out for sure is to try as many as possible, or buy and cross your fingers/adapt =D

That's my 10c anyway.

Oh, one other thing, if they patrol up there like the Waimak (pretty sure they don't but I haven't been there in a while) you'll want a road legal bike, or at least something on farm rego, legally speaking that is

[merv]

Those old CZs and Jawas were pretty reliable bikes back in the day - so what cost you with the roadbike?

[gwynfryn]

If you haven't already got boots, goggles,helmet, gloves and armor get them first then look at spending from 2500 to $3500 for a 2 stroke like a rmx250 or kdx200 or a 4 stroke like a klx300, dr350 or xr250.
Just don't buy a shitter, take your time and buy one that has been looked after. Condition is more important than year. Having said that I would probably stay away from a 70's bike, or an 80's ( I do have a craving for an it465 but thats another story).

[Skiwi]

Grab an old XR, will go for ever, low maintainence, cheap to run. Not exactly arm ripping power, but ideal for poking around paddocks, forestry on river beds.

[scott411]

a 90's or early 2000 2 stroke (WR, KDX or RMX) or four stroke trail bike, (KLX, DR, XR, TT) will cost you less to buy than a 70's one, and be easier and cheaper to get parts for,
the 70's and early 80's stuff is getting collectable,

as above if you like the 2 strokes a watercooled KDX200 would be a good bet, 95 and later H model is better than the earlier E model, and easier to get parts for as well,

[Hads]

Awesome, I'll look into those bikes, glad I asked for advice here. It seems to be more appealing than getting an old bike going again.
It cost me about $1500 to get the 1972 Jawa Californian going/ keep it going, not to mention the 360cc bike would be too powerful for me I think, being about twice the power requirement to fit LAMS approved status.

[Hads]

As to costs with the roadbike:

New tyres
Drum brakes reconditioned
New seat
New Carb
New fuel line
Spark plugs (about 1 a month)
New piston

This was all over about 12000 km's

[pete-blen]

Convince my father to let me get his 360cc CZ 2 stroke

So 2 questions:
Is it worth getting old 70's motocross bikes running for the odd trail bike ride?
If not, what budget should I look at, and what bike would be ideal?

I wouldn't bother with those old shiters...

PS.... whats yer farthers phone number ?

[Hads]

I'd but lucky to ride them, let alone him selling them... He in particular loves a 250cc CZ he has, won't let me touch it.

[Dent]

Look for a not too flogged DRZ-250. $4k ish should get an ok one. 5k for a pretty decent one.
Good beginner bike, and can do the local paid trail rides when you get some experience.

The XR 250 suggestions are good, apart from one thing. Being older, they are mostly very flogged. Don't buy an old bike without some expert advice on just how flogged the thing is.

[SPman]

Kawasaki KX500 should be just the ticket........

[Jay GTI]

Kawasaki KX500 should be just the ticket........

Yeah a ticket for a free ride in a helicopter. Specifically the one sponsered by a large bank.

I'm with Scott, a watercooled KDX200 would be the perfect bike, plenty around so plenty to choose from.

[Crisis management]

Just a different suggestion, and mainly because when you are looking for cheap trail bikes the main issue is finding one in good enough condition to be worth buying... how about a Forza 230? Has been proven reliable (I think) and has a new price of around $3400 ish. I've not owned or ridden one but there seems to be enough satisfied customers out there to give it serious consideration.





Failing that, 200EXC!