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Thinking of moving on to dirt bikes...

We went by and sat on a few and did some homework. I think I would grow out of a 125 or a 150 very fast. I am leaning towards a 230 or a 250... and probably a 450 for the hubby. Now I got to find some cheap cuz those bikes new cost more than my street bikes.
 
That is a good deal, thanks!!
 
No problem. :)

Hopefully, we'll see you and the hubby out on the trails soon. :thumbup
 
SpyderGirl said:
Well I'm kinda short and I want to be able to touch the ground... I would need a seat height less than 29 inches. I was looking at the Yamaha 125's.

I think I'm going to try to get into that class... hopefully spots will still be available when I get back from vacation.

Keep the tips coming though. I don't want to let a spill keep me from riding altogether.
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My wife had never been on a bike before. She wanted to start riding streetbikes with me. That worried me, its very dangerous for a new rider. So I said if she wanted to ride street, she would have to start in the dirt first. Now after riding and crashing in the dirt, she says she never wants to ride on the street. Nice thing about dirt, is there are no cars,no cops and you can have alot of fun!

Anyways, she is 5'3", so we started her on a Yamaha TTR125. Its a electrci start , so that also made it more enjoyable and easy for her. The TTR125 is only 190 lbs compared to the Honda 150/230F which both weigh close to 230 lbs. So she was able to pick bike up easliy when she fell. Also able to stop on trails and put feet down becasue the 125 is so small. Yet it has plenty of power for a beginner.

She is now comfortable after a season of dirt riding, but still learning. She wants to get the TTR 230 now or the Honda 230. Since they are taller , it is more comfortable when she rides and is standing up, which is something you do alot of on the dirt. So , for some it might be too costly to be buying different bikes. But if you dont mind taking a little hit, buy a 125 to start, see if you like it and then maybe upgrade later. We paid I think $1800 for her TTR 125, but I see them now for 1000-1500. Once we get her 230, we will sell the 125.
 
SpyderGirl said:
We went by and sat on a few and did some homework. I think I would grow out of a 125 or a 150 very fast. I am leaning towards a 230 or a 250... and probably a 450 for the hubby. Now I got to find some cheap cuz those bikes new cost more than my street bikes.
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You might actually try riding one off road before deciding that you'd 'grow out of a 125 or 150 very fast'

Riding proficiently on dirt is a lot harder than it looks.
 
I'm selling my wifes 08 crf230. It's almost brand new (she rode it 3 times)...still has knubs on the original tires. It has hand gaurds and a Honda power up kit installed (jetting) that increases the power and lets it start/idle easier. It's electric start and has a current green sticker. My wife wants to ask for $3,500. but that's just a starting point. I'm willing to deal:).
(just put it on craigslist today)
 

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I've seen plenty of cops on the trails and campsites at the OHV parks. I've also run into some mountain bikers on some trials in far off lands ;-)


bfunky said:
The frequency of spills on dirt is higher then on the street but it's also a product of how you ride. If you ride chill on the green trails its relatively safe. Once you start trying to hit an MX track or riding advanced trails then you may see the floor more often. Example: I've been riding street for about 6 years. There was a time when I used to rip trough Mines Road 3 times a week from SJ to Livermore at a fast pace (or so I think). I never took a spill in all those years on my bike. Last spring i decided to join the dirt rider family because I wanted to teach my lil nephews how to ride. Since then I've had a couple of pretty hard falls and many minor ones but every time it was because i was pushing the limits of my own ability to ride whether on a track or trails. Whenever I'm with my nephews following them at their pace my accident rate is 0%. The key to limit big injuries is (in my opinion) 1. Dont go beyond your limits or the bike's 2. GEAR dont be cheap on dirt gear trust me on this 3. Go out there and have fun dont try to race people or show off

Find a bike you are comfortable with and enjoy it. It will be just you, the bike and the trail. No cars, cops, bicyclists ...

The CRF's and TT's that some people have mentioned are bullet proof bikes and relatively cheap. They dont require as much maintenance as the R bikes and they are green sticker so you can ride all year round.
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kxmike said:
I'm selling my wifes 08 crf230. It's almost brand new (she rode it 3 times)...still has knubs on the original tires. It has hand gaurds and a Honda power up kit installed (jetting) that increases the power and lets it start/idle easier. It's electric start and has a current green sticker. My wife wants to ask for $3,500. but that's just a starting point. I'm willing to deal:).
(just put it on craigslist today)
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Unfortunatley your going to take a hit on it. I just bought a BRAND new 2009 CRF 230F for my wife last weekend. It was $3k OTD.
All the used ones are going for 2k-2500 in good condition. Good luck on sale.
 
I'd say go bigger then the Yamaha 125... I dont know enough about dirt to say which bikes to get, whats lighter, whats taller etc...

But I do know that whenever I go I get stuck with my buddies TTR-125.

Its a blast to ride, handles pretty well even on really bumpy climbs, but doesnt have much torque. I have maxed it out a few times on faster sections at Metcalf, it'll get the job done though. Its kinda like a 250 on the streets.

Still though I think a 230 or a 250 is a better way to go...
 
Roadstergal said:
By a strange coincidence, the OP's street bike...
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pass tents...

mebbe a fiddy would be a better start? :laughing :teeth

Srsly... go get the TTR125 with electric start and disc brakes.

You won't outgrow it. Ever.
 
Eh, I'd skip the e-start. Weight is the last thing that bike needs, and I think you could start the Titter just sitting on the kickstart. :laughing
 
jraice said:
I dont know enough about dirt to say which bikes to get...TTR-125...handles pretty well even on really bumpy climbs
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If you think the TTR125 handles well for a normal sized person, you really don't understand how a good dirt bike should handle.
 
... that does raise a good question...

are you hawt?

no srsly... are you?

I keed... what I mean to say is are you fa... wait... no. That's not right.

um... are you a normal sized person?

Edit: what the hell.. I'll guess. I've got 5 on 5'2"
 
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Rob said:
... that does raise a good question...

are you hawt?

no srsly... are you?

I keed... what I mean to say is are you fa... wait... no. That's not right.

um... are you a normal sized person?

Edit: what the hell.. I'll guess. I've got 5 on 5'2"
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I'm 5'1" with short legs and the TTR is cramped for me. It hurts my lower back when standing because the bars are so low. The OP's mileage may vary, of course...




WoodsChick
 
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