Height & Weight to Bike ratio?

[Henry89]

Is there some type of scale the people go by when getting a dirt bike. Like I'm 5'9" and 180lbs so a XXXX bike would be right for me. For example, with my height & weight a CR125R would be good or no good for me? Thanks. Just looking for info tho help with what size bike I should or should not be looking for.

 

[FruDaddy]

Height isn't so much a factor as weight with full size bikes, bigger guys need more power to pull them around in a hurry. Of course, there is a lot more to consider when choosing a bike. A 125 would pull you, A 250F has more bottom end torque for a beginner (less clutchwork also), it's easier to ride, but comes with a steeper price tag. The 250 smoker has a bit more bottom end than the 125, and can be ridden by a beginner that respects it (my first dirt bike was/is a KX250). The 450's are the torque monsters with the smooth powerband.

 

[Henry89]

FruDaddy.....Thanks for the reply. From what your saying I think I'll hold off on a 125 and be on the look out for a used 250 2t or 4t. When you say 250f are you meaning the CRF250R or X? Kind of new here so not sure about all the terminology.

 

[FruDaddy]

R, the X (like Yamaha's WR) is designed more for trail riding than MX. The engine is very similar, but tuned a bit differently to better suit it's intended use. If you don't intend to do any serious MX riding, the X model would probably be a good choice.

 

[richardgd]

Choosing the right bike has as much to do with skill as it does with size. A beginner, on a 250 2-stroke, that loses his balence and falls backwards causing the throttle to twist will head for the woods at mach-10 doing a wheelie into the trees. A beginner on a 125 2-stroke that does the same thing will head for the woods, but only at mach-3 and maybe not wheelieing. I know this from experience, I'm now back on a 125 and having more fun because I'm more in control. I also weigh 225 and my new YZ125 has no problem pulling me around. A 125 takes more work to make it go fast, slipping the clutch and shifting, but put a fast rider on a 125 2-stroke and he will whip the average guy on a 450 4-stroke. My point is that it is more about the skill of the rider than the size of the bike. I also tried the CRF250 4-stroke for a while this year and found it much easier to ride due to the great low end torque but I didn't like the heavy, bulky feel as compared to a 125.

 

[Henry89]

richardgd...Again thanks for the reply. Very well put.