Dirt bikes

Dirt bikes

by Zoe
(Florida)

I am a 200 pound girl and i need to know what type of dirtbike i should get?

Comments for
Dirt bikes

Sep 04, 2011

Thanks
by: Zoe

I'm trying very hard to get into motocross actually. Many of my family members have done it and I too would also like to do it. Thank you all for your helpful comments. I hope soon I will be able to get one but im raising my own money so its very hard! But again, thank you for your comments and if you have any other advice PLEASE COMMENT!!! Thank you so much!

Best Regards,
Zoe :)

Aug 30, 2011

Experience???
by: Shannon

There are a lot of factors to consider here:

Are you truly looking for a dirt bike, or a dual sport? (Street legal or not?) As stated before, dirt bikes are generally very high - I have short leggers disease so my dirt only bike was lowered - even with that, boots and a lowered seat, I do some pretty interesting tip toe dances when we ride. It is not as important to be flat footed when you stop on a dirt bike - in fact, the higher you can stand it the better - this allows more "play" in the suspension which gets very important when you are jumping logs or flying over rocks - the last thing you want is the suspension bottoming out. I ride some very technical areas which includes jumping logs, riding over narrow trails with lava rock to go over, etc. Places I would never take my dual sport, but my dirt bike eats it up. The other thing to consider is most dirt bikes are "sprung" for a certain weight stock. This can be changed to help with suspension bottoming out - obviously the bigger the bike the higher the weight tolerance. My KTM 250 XCF-W is "sprung" to 150lbs - this is my weight plus gear and I can tell when I gain or lose just a few pounds. My husband's KTM 450 XCW is "sprung" to 170-200 lbs stock. I can't really talk to other bikes - we are KTM riders and I know them pretty well.

For a first dirt bike I would say a Honda CRF150 or a CRF230 depending on your inseam - both are easy to ride and great beginner bikes. You can also find them pretty inexpensive used and they are easy to sell after you give them a try. My first adult bike was a CRF230 - I was out riding it in about a year. Now that I have moved passed that bike my riding skills have vastly improved because my new bike is just better, but the time spent on the CRF was good.

If you are looking for Dual-Sport there are lots of options, but being able to put your feet down in a stable position is a lot more important so seat height is a factor. I have a Yamaha XT250 dual sport. It is low to the ground and easy to ride on the streets. The off-road factor is yet to be determined as I really have not had much chance to take it off pavement. Another option would be the CRF230L or even the KTM 450, however the sticker price of the KTM may give you some shock - they are great bikes that last a long time but they can be VERY expensive, especially for a first bike that you may not keep for long.

Good Luck!

Aug 29, 2011

Height
by: Anonymous

Hey Zoe!!

Height doesn't matter so much in dirt bikes, as it does in street bikes, or even more so, cruisers. I rode a KTM 450EXC the other day. I'm 5'5", 130lbs, and could barely get my leg over the 36" seat height. I can touch the VERY tip of both toes on each side if I stretch down far enough. But the bike only weights 250lbs, so it doesn't really matter. In fact, I find it easier to balance than my 390lb Ninja 650R with a 31" seat height.

What are you looking to do with the dirt bike? My boyfriend (6', 220lbs) and I share the KTM, and it works out great for both of us. Right now we have 17" wheels on it with street tires, for supermoto use. It's a blast to ride on the track because its so super light. If you're looking for a legit dirt bike, something around the 400 or 450 4-stroke range would probably be pretty good for you. Weight isn't too much of a factor since most dirt bikes are meant to hold more weight than that (unless they're the small ones made for kids).

Aug 26, 2011

Depends ...
by: Robin_uganda

It depends on a lot of things. It's way easier to ride a low-bike with your center of gravity way down. With a dirt bike, your inseam height is a big factor. Check http://cycle-ergo.com/ It will allow you to check alternate bike designs to get an initial idea of how it will fit your body. The weight of the bike & engine size are also going to factor in, then--your experience level. Off road automatically causes you to to face a wide range of factors--clay, corrugation, ruts, water, sand--you know, all the fun stuff!! See if you can test drive a few. Once you've got one to fit, you'll never look back. My BMW F650GS Dakar is off the planet. Purrrfect! -- but you've gotta have pretty long legs. I wish you well in your choice.

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