Dirt Bike Questions

[KahrMan]

My 13yo son has decided he can't live with out a dirt bike.

Anybody here have any experience with bikes in the 70-100cc range.

Any tips on suggestions on brands to consider, brands to stay away from, etc.. would be appreciated.

Not looking to get into motocross or anything like that. Just something to ride around the neighborhood or down on the farm.

Also, are there any good training/safety classes around Nashville?

Thanks

[TripleDigitRide]

In my humble opinion, you can't go wrong with a Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha or KTM. I'd stay away from the cheaper off-brand bikes you'll find.

If he's 13, I'd look into the 125cc. If he's an extra large 13 year old, he may have to step it up to the 250cc.

I'd look at the classifieds before buying brand new. You can find some amazing deals on very nice used bikes.

I'm not aware of any training centers around, but even if there were, no training is like the real thing. I promise he will fall, crash, and likely get hurt while riding. It's all part of it. I would suggest investing in a helmet, and riding boots at the very least. After a while he can move into the full set of gear.

I was raised on dirt bikes, and even raced a bit when I was much younger and thinner. I loved it.

Edited June 22, 2008 by TripleDigitRide

[Guest Engloid]

And with him being 13, you really need to stay away from something in the 70-100 range. As said before, buy used. Let him learn in the grass, so when he wipes out, it does less damage to him and the bike.

[TripleDigitRide]

Here are a few good examples of bikes to look at. These are just some examples I could find quickly. I'm not sure of your price range, so you may want to go a few years older to save a few bucks.

Also, I personally would go woth a 2-stroke over the 4-stroke. That's just me though. With a 2-stroke motorcycle, you'll have to mix the gas and 2-cycle oil much like you would in a weedeater. The 4-strokes are usually quieter, but don't quite have the get-up-and-go power. Although, the newer 4-strokes have much more torque than in years past. You'll have to check out both.

http://nashville.craigslist.org/mcy/727426987.html

http://nashville.craigslist.org/mcy/723282912.html

http://nashville.craigslist.org/mcy/716824628.html

http://nashville.craigslist.org/mcy/711067405.html

http://nashville.craigslist.org/mcy/702138349.html

http://nashville.craigslist.org/mcy/677448996.html

[TripleDigitRide]

Oh, 1 more thing--When you do decide on a bike, I'd stock up on clutch and front brake levers, because you'll need'em.

[LazyAce]

Having been a cycle dealer for 50 years and have been in the business for 60+ years I tell all my customers to buy something that they can get worked on by a local dealer or shop. DO NOT BUY any of this low priced China made stuff that is sold by anyone anywhere. Parts are all but non available. Like the others have said--start with used until he gets used to riding and then go for something better. You won`t lose as much money that way when you do trade up. Good Luck

[Guest Mugster]

If you are mechanically inclined and can jet the bike, a kdx200 might be a good first machine...and if it fits him. I'd stay away from 125 2 strokes...the modern ones are a bit high strung...its either full out or nothing. They are race bikes for the most part, at home on an MX track. The old kdx is very friendly, with enough pep that I raced one for 2 full seasons not long ago (not MX, offroad) and won a couple trophies on it with a few mods.

A 125 4 stroker might be the better bet. Alot lower powered and much fun. Or perhaps a honda 200 4 banger if he pretty short. A honda 100 is an oldie but a goody as well.

[Guest Mugster]

Actually, I'm not a member but MTDR is reportedly a good bunch of folks. You can probably go to a ride and they'll put him on a few bikes and help you get going. We used to (i was in a club named volunteer trail riders) in east tn.

Hit this:

http://www.mtdr.net/

[KahrMan]

Thanks for all the replys.

TDR - Thanks for the leg work. I would like to keep his first bike under $1000 if I could. He is average height wise but a bean pole. He only weighs about 85 lbs. The one comment on most of those were "to fast for me". Thats why I was thinking a smaller sized bike. Although I dont want him to outgrow one to fast either.

Mugster - thanks for the link to mtdr. I will check them out.

[TripleDigitRide]

It was no problem.

While browsing, I did see some older bikes that were $600-$800.

Tell him that the bike will only go as fast as he makes it go. He doesn't have to go full throttle all the time. What he doesn't realize is, it will only take him a very very short time to get used to riding, and then he'll want a bigger and faster bike.

The decision is ultimately between you and your son, but knowing what I know, anything much smaller than a 125cc, and both of you will likely regret it. My first bike (no previous riding experience) was an 80's model Suzuki DR 100. I was only 11 then. It took me only to weeks to realize I really wanted something a bit bigger and faster. That's just my opinion.

Edited June 22, 2008 by TripleDigitRide

[strickj]

I rode a Kawasaki KE 100cc for a couple of years when I was around 16 back and forth to work mostly.It had plenty of go juice being only a 100! The few people I let ride it all said they have never seen a 100cc that powerful! At the time I weighed maybe 180 lbs I guess.

I have ridden a few bikes,but when it came down to it nothing beat my Kawasaki's!

[Guest jwp]

I would stay in the 80-125 four stroke range for a beginner of his age.

(also daddy will be able to ride something that large too!)

[Guest canynracer]

Kawasaki KX125....he will love it, and will be able to ride it for a while before "growing out of it"...

If you must stay under 100cc...go with the Kawasaki KX80...it is really fun, and really powerful...for an 80