Whats a good beginners bike???

[NZHS102H]

Hey,

Am keen to get into off-roading and was wondering if anyone could suggest a good beginners bike to get going with. Was probably looking at either a 125 or 150cc...

The only constraint is price at this stage, don't really want to spend any more than $2500.

Hyosung bikes - are they any good? Particulary interested in the XRX125 - have seen a few of these used for around the $2000 mark. Skyteam? I know you can pick up the 150cc (STF150) new for $2000. Whats the build quality like on these - can you get parts for them?

Othewised any other suggestions would be welcomed. Don't mind getting a used bike, but would probably want something like a Honda, Suzuki etc - something thats solid mechaically.

All suggestions are welcome.

Cheers
James

[Zed]

All suggestions are welcome.

Cheers
James

Can't help you with the specifics cos i know little about off-road bikes, but my advice to you would be to do two things 1) Get it checked out thoroughly & 2) Test ride it.

Welcome to KB, I hope you get on two wheels real soon!

[stify]

ditto with don't much bout off road machines.welcome to the nut house

[Edbear]

My company may be able to help. PM me and I'll give you the details. WE have a good 150cc trail bike with full back up and warranty from a major NZ company.

[Sketchy_Racer]

the skyteam bikes are Ok...

They are chinese so you have to expect the quality to be down on the jap bikes.

IMO the best learners bike (second hand) is a XR200. So simple.... get thrashed for years.. just keep going. But because they are getting older, they are starting to be riddled with little probs like the auto decompression ETC.

I would get the skyteam bike though. Just check every single bolt after each long ride..... and make sure you catch the bits that fall off

[Wellyman]

the skyteam bikes are Ok...

They are chinese so you have to expect the quality to be down on the jap bikes.

IMO the best learners bike (second hand) is a XR200. So simple.... get thrashed for years.. just keep going. But because they are getting older, they are starting to be riddled with little probs like the auto decompression ETC.

I would get the skyteam bike though. Just check every single bolt after each long ride..... and make sure you catch the bits that fall off

I agree about the chinese bikes that the quality is crap compared to the jappers. I also would reccomend and old XR or maybe KDX would be an awsome easy to ride eaisy to maintain bike to have as your first dirt machine

[Henk]

I'd look for a KDX or XR that you can afford. The chinese bikes are OK for chasing around paddocks but the weight and suspension will start to be a problem if you take on anything more challenging than that. If you do go down that road be aware that the resale value will likely be close to zero, also look into the parts back up. I know of one importer that keeps whole bikes as parts donors as it can be difficult if not impossible to source bits when the bikes age a bit most don't do this. Also be prepared to do all your own work as a lot of bike shops won't touch them as they don't want to be held liable under the consumer gaurantees act for repairs that don't last due to the nature of the bikes as opposed to their workmanship. I've told people to buy chineese kids bikes in the past on the theory that they are enough to give the little ones a taster and if they wear out you can throw them away without having lost too much. I'm not sure that I would be willing to go down the disposable bike route at 2 grand however and that is how you are going to have to look at it.

[umka]

just get a 125 motocross bike. they look way cooler that any of the other non mx bikes and will be fine to learn on and be able to last u longer than a chinese 4t. simple as to do maintanence on and u can ride mx coz of the good supension( chicks dig guys in mx gear)

[Coyote]

I learnt to ride on a 1974 Honda TL125 and a 2003 Honda CRF150 (brand new model at the time, we got the first one in the Wellington, maybe the country). The TL was old and slow but I learn't the very basics on it at least. The CRF was a brilliant learners bike. It was quick but had a linear powerband so a beginner could handle it easy, it was very stable, it could jump fairly well but it was a bit heavy for it and it handled well. We traded it in for $3000 2 years ago in good condition, so you might be able to find a cheap one privately. My KX80, now that was a different story...

How old and tall/big are you anyway? It's hard to say what bike would be ideal for you

[NZHS102H]

Cheers for all that info guys!

Yeah the Skyteam's sound alright but yeah, don't know how good they will hold up when you start 2 do some serious riding!

Would probably be better off going with a used XR125/XR150. What about Hyosung? I was looking at the XRX125 - what is this bike like?

alarumba - I am 6ft'1, 85kg. I have been for a ride on my friend's 150cc bike and it got around fine with me and him on it! Probably a 150cc I would think??

umka - when you say a motocross 125, what exactly do you mean by this? (ie design, engine, model to look out for etc)

James

[kiwifruit]

those chinese bikes would be ok,
i would suggest something like these:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...069&key=149254
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...466&key=149254
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...885&key=149254

the xr 100 would be a breeze to get learn on and you would be chucking it round pretty quickly.
the xr200 would also be a breeze to learn on, bit heaver and bit more poke. Bullet proof bikes, would keep you happy for a good time.
The kdx would be light and sharper feeling. Different sort of power being a 2stroke, bit peakier and next to no engine breaking (and u gota rebuild them from time to time)

I think you are looking at the right sort of bike to learn on - small dirt.
Much better than jumping straight onto a road bike
What ever you go 4, have fun! and keep us posted

[Wellyman]

just get a 125 motocross bike. they look way cooler that any of the other non mx bikes and will be fine to learn on and be able to last u longer than a chinese 4t. simple as to do maintanence on and u can ride mx coz of the good supension( chicks dig guys in mx gear)

yeah bro start on a 125 MX twist the throttle and straight into fucken hospital:slap:! people learning to ride should start on something a bit easier and not a 125 mx'er. We want them to love riding, not hating it while sitting in a hospital bed.
WM

[cheese]

at that height and weight get a 200 at least! Or buy my RM250!!! That would be a fun way to learn at least....

[umka]

wellyman just because u ride a second rate 4t doesnt mean that other people cant ride a better bike. u dont want to buy somthing that u are going out grow when u are on a tight buget. think about it it doesnt matter what bike u ride there is always a risk off ending up in hospital but that is why we ride for the rush. a good 2t (cr,kx,rm,yz) would be good to learn on yet can be raced and is easy to maintain.

in the end it is up to the person who is spending the money.

[Henk]

At your height and weight you don't want an 125 / 150 4 stroke. You'll be getting tangled in the handle bars, and as soon as you have figured out how to get from point A to point B it will be holding you back. As for the XRX, they are a good cheap bike for use on 10 acre blocks but thats about where it stops. Get an XR200 or preferably a KDX