Getting back in the saddle at 41.

Hey all, I have decided to get a bike after over a 20 yr hiatus from riding dirt. So, I'm looking for a liitle advise. The last dirt bike I owend was a 1981 Suzuki 125. This was back in 84-88 and I was living in California (So Cal) I realize that there has been a ton of changes in the dirt bike world so heres a little info on me.

I currently resside in MI. I am looking to trail ride and am considering a WR250F (the yr modle is a 07 with 177 mi on it) I snowmobile, and at this point have become Moderate to very agressive. (I understand they are two different sports) But, I assume that my riding style will be the same once I get my chops back, if I can. On my sled I tend to blow through the woops and I take a pounding for it. my back shoulders and thighs hate me for it.

I am 5'5" 170 and am a little intimidated at the hieght of the new bike. I have been advised to get a 250 by some, and a 450 by others. Wieght and pwr is a concern for me. I know I'm the one in control of the throtle, But I am thinking I should approach a new to me bike as a beginner to be on the safe side. I'm sure trees have not gotten any softer since the 80's. I'm leaning to the WR250/450F Yami due to reliabilty reviews and a couple of suggestions that I have recieved friends. I don't plan on racing just riding with friends. I would like a suspention that is on the soft side (at least I think so) And dont want to be constantly clutching to get out of the thurns or make it up hills. I have never ridden a 4 stroke and have been told by a couple of friends to not worry about it on the 250.

Any suggestion ya'll have would be great. I doesnt have to be about the yami wr. Any bike that you think might be exceptible for a "beginner" One more thing I'd rather ride than wrench, I already owen a snowmobile. I wrench enough :bang:

Thanks for your input.

Todd.

Sry, I just noticed the What bike do I get forum. Mod, feel free to m ove the post.

Thanks guys. I have line on a WR450f 04 and a 250 07. I'm still not sure which one. I have been advised that if I intend to ride on the streets as well as dirt the 450 would be a better choice. The 250 is listed at $5800 but it is a dual pkg with a ttr 250. talked to the guy and he is willing to split the two and sell me the WR. I did'nt want to waste the guys time and told him I'm still looking and thanks for the info. so I did'nt get a price. What do you think I should pay? It has 118 mi and looks really clean. cant even spot any knee wear on it in the pics. I know the msrp was lie $6400.

The 04 looks a bit worn. The blue paint on the frame at the kness/gas tank has wear to the point of a bit of rust where the paint has come off.I emailed the guy and have yet to get a respones. ( he did'nt list his phn number) The bike is street legal with a plate. But at this point I'm not sure if it's worth saving a few bucks. He's asking $3000 obo.

Do I really need the 450 just to ride to work (about ten mi surface rds)and or the trails from my cabin? (about 7 mi) I know trailering isn't a big deal, I do it with my snowmobiles when I have to. I just like the fact of riding to the trails. Here in MI it's a violation to ride a dirt bike or quad on a M road which is what my cabins on but sleds are ok, go figure. Any who What do you think is a fare price for the 250?

Thanks.

Todd.

Thanks Rod, The bike would be inside in my station if I did ride to work. Was more or less thinking of just getting to the trails about 1 mile of street, then on a dirt road to the trails.