Beginner ?'s

Beginner ?'s

by Savannah
(Clarksville, TN, USA)

I am 5'0" tall and I weigh 105-108lbs. I am wanting to start riding dirt bikes and I was wondering what kind of bike I should be looking for.

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Beginner ?'s

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Apr 09, 2010

Quicklimegirl
by: Anonymous

I am just speaking from the experience I've had with the few 2 strokes I've owned in the past. I agree with what you had said. I was just simply stating, I would choose a 4 stroke as a good beginner bike. Your experience far exceeds mine. My parents were still in high school in the 70's. I also agree with your recommendation of the Honda XR 100, any (old Honda, or new) will run forever, and not require a whole lot of maintenance. Sorry, I didn't mean to get involved in a 2 stroke vs 4 stroke battle.

Apr 09, 2010

2 vs 4 Stroke
by: Anonymous

You may have a difficult time finding a 2 stroke bike, as many states have made them illegal to operate.

We have a couple of d/s bikes:
Honda CRF230L
Kawasaki Super Sherpa
Suzuki DR200
and a pair of BMW f650GS's.

If you are going to stick to mainly dirt roads and seldom ride it on the pavement, or if on the pavement, local stuff, any of the first three would make good first bikes. Specially for us inseam challenged!

The GS's are bigger, heavier, more expensive to purchase and maintain, but will do 80 mph on the highway.

Mar 13, 2010

Vroomer, you're a bit off base..
by: Quicklimegirl

..on your comments regarding 2 strokes vs. 4 strokes, that 2 strokes require "more maintenance."

What exactly do you define as "more maintenance"?

You need to be more specific, because the only was that is a somewhat true statement is if the person riding the (2 stroke) doesn't know the difference regarding keeping a 2 stroke "on the pipe" or at high enough RPM's to keep them from fouling a plug.

You DO need to "de carbon" the exhaust port, top of piston, and the exhaust baffle (or silencer, if it has a high-performance expansion chamber exhaust) but other than that, which is a requirement on a street bike of every few thousand miles, or every couple hundred hours on a dirt bike, there's LESS potential maintenance: no valves to adjust, timing chains to adjust or replace, etc. Rebuilding the top ends is very easy and quick, and far less complicated than a 4 stroke, although they will not last as long. Perhaps that's what you meant?

I have owned 2 stroke dirt bikes since the early 70s, and currently own and ride SEVEN 2 stroke street bikes, most with 20-30k miles on them, so I know what I'm talking about.

In any case, in regard to the OP's question, I would start with something small enough to feel comfortable on, with which you can put at least one foot down on if you ride on tight trails. Perhaps an old Honda XR-100 (4 stroke) to start; it's a pretty forgiving, docile bike. I wouldn't recommend starting on a bike like a Kawasaki KX-80 (2 stroke) although it should "fit" you. It's an extremely potent MX racer with about 23 hp, not for beginners. Good luck.

Mar 12, 2010

Dirt Bikes
by: Vroomer

I have been riding dirt bikes since I was a child, in fact I learned to ride a dirt bike before My training wheels were off of my regular bicycle. I think you first have to choose between a 2 stroke or a 4 stroke. Being a beginner, I'd chose a 4 stroke as you will have less maintenance. 2 strokes require you to use mixed gas (which isn't difficult) while 4 strokes you don't have to and they are much easier to start than those temperamental 2 strokes are. Being your height unfortunately, you will always probably have this problem when choosing a dirt bike. Street bikes on the other hand are much lower. I think for you the perfect bike would be a Yamaha TTR125. It's one of the shorter bikes. It is a perfect beginner bike. It is light weight and has enough power to where you should be satisfied for a few years or so, (depending on how often you ride )before you would want to upgrade to something bigger. Another thing to consider is a dual sport. Dual sports are made for both dirt and street. However, if choosing a dual sport you lack the full dirt bike experience and the full sportbike experience but you get to do both. I would maybe go to a dealer and start sitting on a bunch of bikes until you find one that is comfortable. (I also recommend making vroom vroom noises when you do sit on them) lol that's what I do. Have fun shopping.

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