How/where to get started in off-road riding in Auckland?

[chocobo_ff]

Hi all,

After having a long discussion with the folks, I guess it is now official that I won't be getting a road bike Instead, now I'm looking at going off road, and was wondering where would be a good place to start, what bikes would people recommend etc?

My parents have a farm (not big, I think it's about 13-14 acres?) that I can practice on, but I don't have any off road experience (in fact, I have next to no on road experience, being never having the chance to get a bike and ride on road ), so was wondering if I should just go out and buy an off road bike and start riding on the farm? At the moment I'm thinking something that's road legal, no idea what would be good though (I like Kawasaki, but open for suggestions ). Any help is much appreciated!! Thanks

[Buddy L]

something like a KLX250, from 1990 onwards would be good for you.
If you want to do the on road bizzo and then dabble in the off road sector as well.
Get you self a spare set of rims, if money is no object. as if you take the bike on the road you will wear out your tyres in no time, then they will be pointless for offroading.

And long live the golden Chocobo.

[chocobo_ff]

something like a KLX250, from 1990 onwards would be good for you.
If you want to do the on road bizzo and then dabble in the off road sector as well.
Get you self a spare set of rims, if money is no object. as if you take the bike on the road you will wear out your tyres in no time, then they will be pointless for offroading.

Was just looking at the KLX250 actually - have to have a look around this weekend

Good point about the spare rims - the cost IS important, but I'm happy to spend money on things like this

And long live the golden Chocobo.

Lol good to see someone who knows what a Chocobo is ^^

Looking at this thread about where to ride, with these places do I just turn up with my bike and money and ride? Sorry for the newbie question, but I'm completely lost in this ><

[arj127]

Why would you want to go road when you have 15 acres at your dispossal?
Buy a jappa four stroke of about 03 upwards vintage and enjoy the thrill that is offroading first. You will pick up more skiils riding dirt first, and then maybe look at riding seal later. Believe me, dirt riding is the shit.

[jimmy 2006]

15 acres near auckland? hmmmm...... i know a few people that would be keen to come around and give you some pointers

[B0000M]

haha, theres pretty much a whole forum full of such people right here....

im sure we could carve up a track the the back paddock for you in no time!

[chocobo_ff]

15 acres near auckland? hmmmm...... i know a few people that would be keen to come around and give you some pointers

I'm sure there are Unfortunately about 1/3-1/2 will be out of bounds cos there are horses on the farm, and there's a pond as well, and unless I have something like this, I won't be going near that pond

Guess I'll go check out some KLX250s when I can sneak out of work for a while!

[arj127]

I can understand you wanting to ride road first, i did. But, once i tasted dirt riding i was blown away and always had a smile on my face at the end of the day no mater how knackered i was. I would get a dirt bike of some sorts and head directly to Ardmore practise days and just enjoy the joy of dirt riding if i were you. Go there and borrow someones bike for a quick ride if you have to.

[glice]

I've got a klr250, those are pretty well mannered, and does me well for a first off road bike. but can be taken on some pretty haggard rides, did a fair bit of the wires track on the weekend without too much trouble.

[jimmy 2006]

stay with off road, learn some skills then by a motard as well as your off roader! i personally would not buy a bike that is designed for both. almost everyone here sings in unison when it comes to recommending a KDX200 as a first bike. call up MRmotorcycles, ask for scott, then get yourself a KDX.

even better, just buy this one http://www.mrmotorcycles.co.nz/produ...937147063d6961

then open the gate and let those horses escape, and we can create a perfect track around those 15acres.

in fact you only need to set aside about 3 acres for some serious fun

[chocobo_ff]

stay with off road, learn some skills then by a motard as well as your off roader! i personally would not buy a bike that is designed for both. almost everyone here sings in unison when it comes to recommending a KDX200 as a first bike. call up MRmotorcycles, ask for scott, then get yourself a KDX.

even better, just buy this one http://www.mrmotorcycles.co.nz/produ...937147063d6961

Trying to do my research on the different types of bikes at the moment, motard (supermoto? Man I'm getting confused with all the names!) seems really fun, but yes I see where you are coming from regarding the off road bike, and I think it'll hurt a bit less if I fall on grass/dirt than road

Would you (and any others here) recommend buying new or second hand? The KDX200 looks nice, doesn't seem to be on the Kawasaki website though (wanted to get some spec for it), and heck I don't know which bike is meant to be the successor to the KDX200 ?

then open the gate and let those horses escape, and we can create a perfect track around those 15acres.

in fact you only need to set aside about 3 acres for some serious fun

having access to a private farm must make one popular in the off road section here huh!

[clmintie]

Having access to land puts you in a fantastic position to enjoy your new bike (whatever you choose....) You will also have the opportunity to make more "instant" friends than you ever thought possible......

My recommendation for a bike is to go for as light, quiet and as new as possible, 15 acres isn't big enough to not annoy your neighbors and once you start riding, it will become addictive, you won't want to stop just for them..... See if you can find a motorcycle shop that does demos (warn them you haven't ridden much)

Give Scott a call at Mr Motorcycles, as others have said, you'll get friendly,knowledgeable info. I think Mr M/C's have demo days, but he will tell the details......

[clmintie]

2006 Kawasaki KDX200 Specifications:

Engine: Two-stroke single with KIPS®
Displacement: 198cc
Bore x stroke: 66.0 x 58.0mm
Compression ratio: 7.9:1 (high speed) – 9.4:1 (low speed)
Cooling: Liquid
Carburetion: Keihin PWK35
Induction: Six-petal reed valve
Ignition: Electronic CDI
Transmission: Six-speed
Final drive: Chain
Frame: High-tensile steel perimeter design
Rake / trail: 26.5 degrees / 4.3 in.
Front suspension / wheel travel: 43mm conventional cartridge fork with 20-way compression damping / 11.4 in.
Rear suspension / wheel travel: UNI-TRAK® single-shock system with adjustable spring preload, 20-way compression damping and 18-way rebound damping /
11.8 in.
Front tire: 80/100x21
Rear tire: 100/100x18
Front brake / rear brake: Hydraulic disc / Disc
Overall length: 83.5 in.
Overall width: 35.0 in.
Overall height: 48.4 in.
Wheelbase: 56.5 in.
Ground clearance: 13.4 in.
Seat height: 36.2 in.
Dry weight: 222.6 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 2.9 gal.
Color: Kawasaki Lime Green / Black

* Specifications subject to change
---------------------------------------------

No longer in production, so I guess ignore the last line......

I'm very happy with mine.... But I am a slow old guy.....

[B0000M]

* Specifications subject to change

lol, subject to, but never did lol

[jimmy 2006]

Would you (and any others here) recommend buying new or second hand? !

depends how much cash you have to spend, if you have lots of money buy new, remember that this sport is NOT cheap so make sure you set aside at least $600 ideally $1000 for all the protective gear, trailer (if you don't already have one) money for oil/gas, money for paying to ride at trail rides etc etc...... it all adds up. no one ever told me about the amount of cash it would drain, now i am addicted so just can't stop....


if you want really good advice try posting your height and weight. also where you think you might like to ride. do you live out west? if so woodhill should become your new home this winter.