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MX, SX & Off-Road Discussions
General Moto | Off-Topic Posts
Getting the kids the first bikes... Need help.
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[QUOTE="justalonewolf007, post: 1375192, member: 77294"] I'll pop in here quicklike to point out that the 150R 4-stroke will have some pretty good snort to it, in fact very compareable to the 85 2-stroke. Just because it's a 4-stroke doesn't mean he won't be flipping it over - only that the power will be a little more predictable. I am a few pounds lighter than your boy, but exactly the same height. I love the way the 150 feels sitting on it, but after pushing one around a bit, and checking out the actual weights, I realized that the 150 is a far heavier bike than the 85 I currently ride. This may or may not be a factor you want to consider. Either way you choose, both the 85 and the 150 are a considerable step up from what he's currently got. The first ride might be slightly intimidating, but he will be left with a huge grin on his face after the second go-round. It will take a couple days for him to re-learn how to ride and get used to the difference in power, and learning how to use a clutch if he hasn't already done so. I'll warn you that I am slightly biased towards 2-strokes, but I will hopefully convey a few facts and suggestions based on those facts. Pricewise, a 2-stroke 85 is going to be a pretty solid bet. The maintenance and rebuilds are quite a bit cheaper, and easy enough for an only slightly mechanically inclined young lady such as myself, and can be done without fancy tools. You can find a very very clean 2-stroke 85 for 1200 (fresh rebuild, race ready, new tires). Parts are incredibly easy to find, as these bikes are everywhere. The only "downside" there is with this type of engine is that you have to pre-mix the gas. Aftermarket goodies that offer a few decent hop-ups are also easy to find, and quite reasonably priced as well. The opposite is also true, as there are a great deal of options to help make the bike far more trail friendly, and less hard hitting as well. The lowest prices I have seen on the 150s are 1900 thus far. Tip top maintenance is key, otherwise the result is a rebuild that may cost half the original buying price of the bike in parts alone (others correct me if I'm wrong please, I'd prefer to list facts, and not blab a bunch of opinion and hearsay). If you're not familiar with the upkeep of a motorcycle, you may want to hunt someone down who can teach you the finer points if you're mechanically inclined, as taking it to a dealer does add up after a while. Checking valves and maintaining them on a 4-stroke also requires one or two additional specialty tools. Starting them takes a "method", especially if it is hot or especially cold, but gassing up is as easy as going straight from the pump to the tank! My suggestion is that you let him hit up the track on his Baja 70 once or twice on low traffic days - Even go there once or twice without the bike and try talk to a few people there to get an idea of when some better times might be. In doing this, make a couple friends with people that have kids of similar age/size as your son. Chances are, they may let your son at least sit on their bikes and possibly even take a quick lap around the pit area to get a feel for things. When he does venture the track, he will crash, no matter how slow or carefully he rides. Do NOT let him ride on the track without decent gear! I repeat, DO NOT LET HIM ON THE TRACK WITHOUT DECENT GEAR. This means a MINIMUM of: - a good fitting (not loose or floppy) [b]full faced helmet[/b] that isn't from 10 years ago, and actual motocross [b]goggles[/b] - a good fitting [b]chest protector[/b] - sturdy, over the ankle [b]boots[/b] that fit him well. Motocross boots are highly recommended! (My first time on a track had me in normal leather workboots, and nearly putting the footpeg through my lower calf in a low speed crash). Very Highly recommended: - Neck roll - Long sleeve shirt or jersey - durable pants - jeans are fine - but if he's going to be riding regularly, a good set of mx pants will last longer, and are better designed for riding (heat shields, reinforced areas, padding etc) - knee/elbow pads - gloves Some quick advice you may have already heard is to make sure that he holds his line. Ride straight down the track, if he enters a corner on the outside, don't cross over to the inside halfway through the turn. Don't suddenly move over to let faster riders by. Hold your line and let them pass you. Lastly, I'd suggest you let him sit on all the bikes he wants, and let HIM tell you what feels right and what doesn't. If the dealers will let you, have him take a test ride on each bike he can. If you choose a 2-stroke, between the different bikes, I'd suggest a Kawasaki KX80 or 85. The power is just a little less "sudden" than it is on the the Honda CR85s and KTM SX85s. I have spent a little time on all three of those brands so far (with quite a bit of time on the Hondas), and noticed that there is a pretty significant difference as far as how hard hitting they are. Feel free to ask any more questions you might have, or drop a PM or email through this site to get ahold of me personally. [/QUOTE]
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MX, SX & Off-Road Discussions
General Moto | Off-Topic Posts
Getting the kids the first bikes... Need help.
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