Advice on bike engine size for Woodhill Sandpit bike park

**emerald** · 27th March 2008, 01:32

Is a Suzuki DRZ 250 okay for Woodhill Sandpit bike park or a DRZ 400 a better option?Need some expert advice on choice of bike that would be best suitable. I would be doing most riding there and new to trail riding.

**jimmy 2006** · 27th March 2008, 05:43

drz250 would be fine, perfect to learn on and after the first year or so you could upgrade to something with a bit more power if you needed it.

drz400 i think is too heavy, unless you weigh in over 100kg.

my 2c

**crazyxr250rider** · 27th March 2008, 06:07

Yea we need some dimenssions first.
Personaly I would go for the 400 and strip off all the lights, speedo,tail light extender and mount a front plate off a RMZ and Bobs your uncle!!! Or buy a Kick start only model,they are a lot lighter.

**chop** · 27th March 2008, 07:25

I would go the 250 but its a personal choice at the end of the day its what you feel comfortable on.A 250 would be alot lighter in the bush and easier to drag around if needs be.Bigger cc rating is not always the answer as in this case bigger is heavier and less nimble.

**jimmy 2006** · 27th March 2008, 08:40

thought more about this one,

just a hint, when asking for advice try and give a few details like.

have you ever ridden before?
how much you weigh?
your fitness?
howmuch you intend on riding?
how much you want to spend...... ect

if you are buying a drz250/ drz400 new, i would also think about the wr250 second hand.

(picking up a heavy bike (drz400) time and time again in the sand looses its appeal really quickly!)

**Finn** · 27th March 2008, 08:44

Did 2 years at Woodhill so know it well. Definitely start on a 250 and if you get good then you'll be wanting more power but DON'T start with a 450. It'll end in tears.

**emerald** · 27th March 2008, 12:09

Thanks for the advice so far. Height 5' 10 inches. Never riden before. Will be riding on weekends at Sandpit hopefully. The bike weight between the two is only marginal 115 kg vs 119 kg. Sounds so far i best stick to an entry level bike. Keep the advice coming. Fitnees is good, i weigh about 73 kgs. Early fifties.

**chop** · 27th March 2008, 12:29

250 for sure

**jimmy 2006** · 27th March 2008, 12:36

DRZ250 , Call scott at Mr motorcycles in Pukekohe, tell him you were recommended to talk to him from the blokes on Kiwibiker, or PM scott411. he can do you a great deal on boots and helmet ect as well as the bike. it is well worth the drive to puke to know that you are getting the right advice on the right products.

tip a 400 on its side and the pick it up, then tip a 250 then pick it up (any difference)?. try doing it when in the shop..... then think about doing this 10 times in the sand when your tired.......
i started on a mates drz400,so speaking from experience on bike lifting

heavy pig.

I really want one for the road though! DRZ400sm

**CRM** · 27th March 2008, 13:29

Originally Posted by emerald

Thanks for the advice so far. Height 5' 10 inches. Never riden before. Will be riding on weekends at Sandpit hopefully. The bike weight between the two is only marginal 115 kg vs 119 kg. Sounds so far i best stick to an entry level bike. Keep the advice coming. Fitnees is good, i weigh about 73 kgs. Early fifties.

I started back after lots of years not riding on a 250 4stroke (XL250 Honda Degree), then went to DRZ400 when I got more confident. I'm 5'9" and 80kg and 48 - reasonable fitness but riding the DRZ in the sand (Poutu forest) nearly killed me!! I've since gone back to a 250 2 stroke (Gas Gas Pampera -98kg) and I'm enjoying riding again. Light bikes are great!!! And 250cc for guys our age is probably about right I reckon unless you're a) tall, b) heavy or c) very good.

**TimeOut** · 27th March 2008, 13:42

Originally Posted by CRM

I started back after lots of years not riding on a 250 4stroke (XL250 Honda Degree), then went to DRZ400 when I got more confident. I'm 5'9" and 80kg and 48 - reasonable fitness but riding the DRZ in the sand (Poutu forest) nearly killed me!! I've since gone back to a 250 2 stroke (Gas Gas Pampera -98kg) and I'm enjoying riding again. Light bikes are great!!! And 250cc for guys our age is probably about right I reckon unless you're a) tall, b) heavy or c) very good.

+1 To that
I think a 250 would have plenty of go and still be enjoyable, if you can find one to try would be even better.

**cheese** · 27th March 2008, 13:54

kdx.........!!!!

**chris** · 27th March 2008, 14:27

Originally Posted by cheese

kdx.........!!!!

Sensible advice.

**charles23** · 27th March 2008, 14:55

Originally Posted by chris

Sensible advice.

carried..........

**jimmy 2006** · 27th March 2008, 14:58

i was waiting for the kdx band wagon, perfect bike but i still think a drz250 will be a hell of alot easier to learn on at woodhill to begin with, even if he does get a kdx in a years time. i tried to teach a mate of mine to ride a kdx, and he hated it, he just could not understand throttle control, where as the drz will let you grab some throttle and not toss you off the back......... again my 2c