i rode bikes for 10 years but only really messed about on the dirt,the bikes i did have have been the 250n superdream,gs 550,dr 125,c50 and a twist an go scooter.I'm 6 feet tall and 90 kgs so i dont think tall bikes are gonna be a problem.
2006-12-23 04:17:21 · 7 answers · asked by paul m 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
Yamaha and Honda seem to consistently put out the highest rated bikes according to the comparisons (of course, many people will disagree), but there are lots of great bikes out there. KTM's a really nice, but you may have a harder time finding a dealer for service and after market parts etc.
I'd go for one of the 4 stroke 450's put out by any of the Japanese manufacturers. The differences are slight between them. There are more parts available for the Japanese bikes, more people can work on them, and they rip!
2006-12-23 05:32:28 · answer #1 · answered by keithshere 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Having looked at your list of bikes it would seem as though your biking experience has been commuting and little else. There would seem to be a lot of people advising you to jump straight on to a 450 but there really is a world of difference between going to work and throwing a bike around a dirt track. One of the biggest factors is physical fitness. The most important thing is to enjoy yourself. I would start off on a Japanese 125 two-stroke, as they are relatively inexpensive, and spend my time learning the techniques of off-road riding and getting fit (this could take 12 months - no joke). There will always be the macho element that dictates bigger is better but if you bite off more than you can chew at the start it won't but much fun at all. I know guys that have been riding for years that insist there's as much fun to be had on a 125 as on a bigger bike - it's all down to the rider! There are also many places where you can hire a bike and all the "kit" for a day to give yourself a taste of what's in store. Try http://www.tonymotomx.com/tmmx/Default.aspx?tabid=84 and http://www.essexmx.co.uk/ and http://www.apexmotocross.co.uk/ GOOD LUCK.
2006-12-24 09:07:43 · answer #2 · answered by mattyc 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the easy option for you would be a four stroke with an electric start.
these do cost more to maintain, and yes you can blow a 2 stroke up if you are pathetic at caring for it but even then its not as pricey as fixing a four stroke that you have forgotten to change the oil on or check the valves, prices on these things fixing wise is much better.
also if buying new no worry, but a second hand fourstroke can either be great buy or cost the purchase price again in parts.
ive owned yamahas, and my best mate had a ktm before riding for p.a.r honda. the jap bikes are much more reliable, we race enduro and laugh witht the ktm boys at how many spares they have to carry with them on an event.
take your time and ask around at your local track. dont forget the cost of things like trailers (if you dont have a van) kit, entry fees, tyres etc, it adds up quickly.
enjoy your riding though
Tom
2006-12-23 16:05:10 · answer #3 · answered by tommmythegun 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i ride a yz250f which is a four stroke, it is powerfull and reliable and will never blow up. two strokes blow up. 4 stroke technology has gone a long way in the past 10 years. . my bike is not very heavy and can own a 125 2stroke. if you ride a 250f and need more power try a 450, your best bet is to ride a yamaha or a honda, ktm are good but are expensive to buy and get parts, but it is your decision.
2006-12-23 13:34:29 · answer #4 · answered by tristan c 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ANY OF THE 400FS 450FS YAMA SUZ HONDA KAWA KTM EST EST THEY ARE GOOD BIKES AND ARE NOT AS VIOLENT OF POWER BANDS AS THE 2 STROKE BIKES PLUS YOU CAN ADJUST THE SUSP.FOR YOUR HEIGHT WEIGHT AND RIDING STYLE I WOULD RECOMMAND A USED ONE FIRST OFF BECOUSE IF YOU GO DOWN YOU IT WONT HURT YOUR WALLET AS BAD HEHE ALSO MAKE SURE THAT YOU BUY ALL THE GEAR HELMET CHEST PROTECTOR KIDNEY BELT GLOVES BOOTS DO ALL MAINTAINCE ON IT AND YOU WILL HAVE LONG RIDING WITH IT ALSO TAKE A SCHOOL THAT WILL HELP TEACH YOU PROPER RIDING TECHNICS STAY AWAY FROM JUMPING AND RACING UNTIL YOU HAVE MASTERED YOUR OTHER SKILLS BE SAFE SEE YA ON THE TRAILS!!!!!!!
2006-12-23 23:55:39 · answer #5 · answered by THE WAR WRENCH 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The simplist answer is to go to your local meet and ask the guys there. You may even be able to get a go on some of thiers so you can make a more informed decision.
2006-12-23 12:22:49 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
get a CRF 450
that bike has plenty of power and speed...plus it will fit you since you are tall
2006-12-23 15:36:07 · answer #7 · answered by slick 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋