I'm thinking of getting into dirt. What bike?

[Crasherfromwayback]

Update: Bought a 2012 KTM 350SXF today, just got back from Woodhill. A perfect balance in what I am looking for - great handling with manageable power. Onwards and upwards.

Nice one mate. I bet they're great to ride.

[Milts]

So I'm in exactly the same position, but:

• Pretty small guy (5' 7, 65 kg)
• Looking to spend 2k-3k
• Keen to ride wherever - probably mostly trails, I live in Brooklyn near Long Gully which makes that an easy option on the weekends
• Keen to do so MX track riding for shits and giggles but not looking for quick lap times
• Basically zero dirt experience

It sounds like I should probably be looking at a 250cc fourstroke Enduro? Electric start is a must, probably a kickstand as well...

Strongly leaning towards a KLX300 at the moment.

What's it like taking an enduro bike to the MX track from time to time?

What do people think of these options? And what's the real difference between something like a DRZ250, KLX300 or the Honda CRF250?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=898539386
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=896577031
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=901544519
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=900883197

[Brett]

My dirt experience is still rather limited, but I would say that a 250cc 4 stroke would be a good option. I would have gone down to 250cc except at 100kg/6ft 3 I am a bit bigger. I would have thought that for $3k you should be able to pick up a tidy older 250cc, such as CRF250r? That's what I would be looking for if in your shoes.

[flashg]

You'll still have heaps of fun on an mx track on an enduro bike. Enduro bikes have electric start these days and the gearing is more suited to tight trails with a wide ratio gearbox and low 1st gear. MX bikes have a tall 1st gear and close ratio gearbox, no kick stand, no electric start. Look at Yamaha WR 250, Honda CRF 250X KTM 250 exc, etc etc hope this helps

[pipe]

With a 3K budget have a look at a KDX200 as well.No electric start but easy to start and ride.
KLX300 are good old school trail bikes. u would be lucky to get a good CRF250R on your budget.