Hello everyone, I'm totally new to this sport and looking for some guidance. My 12 year old son is starting to ride off road, and I want to get a bike and join him. I have been doing some research but still have a lot of questions about choice of first bike and would appreciate any suggestions or advice. Here are my vitals...
1) I'm 49 years old, 6 feet tall and 250 lbs (I know, I know...been on a 20 year long diet! ;) )
2) will probably not ride too agressively, at least to start with. Gotta set a good example for the boy!
3) strictly recreational riding, trails, woods, logging roads etc. No racing. Would probably be interested in joing a club and going on organized rides too.
4) I've done a little motorcycle riding but nothing too significant. I would still consider myself a total noob on 2 wheels. Never ridden off-road (at least intentionally!)
5) No plans to race...just my heart when riding...
6) I will probably do the simple maintenance myself but anything major would have to go to the shop.
7) I have no clue whether to consider a 2 or 4 stroke. I am also struggling with motor size and don't want to go bigger than is necessary for a starter bike.
8) All of the major brands are readily available (Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki...)
9) Cost is a factor (go figure, right!)...another reason for #7 above. I've been looking for a good used bike for a reasonable price, but am also considering buying new if I can't find something used. I need to keep the cost down because of all the other startup costs...trailer to haul the two bikes, helmets and other riding gear etc.
10) if this is a factor, I live and will porbably do most of my riding in southeastern Ontario.
That pretty much sums things up! Any help would be appreciated.
Neil
1) I'm 49 years old, 6 feet tall and 250 lbs (I know, I know...been on a 20 year long diet! ;) )
2) will probably not ride too agressively, at least to start with. Gotta set a good example for the boy!
3) strictly recreational riding, trails, woods, logging roads etc. No racing. Would probably be interested in joing a club and going on organized rides too.
4) I've done a little motorcycle riding but nothing too significant. I would still consider myself a total noob on 2 wheels. Never ridden off-road (at least intentionally!)
5) No plans to race...just my heart when riding...
6) I will probably do the simple maintenance myself but anything major would have to go to the shop.
7) I have no clue whether to consider a 2 or 4 stroke. I am also struggling with motor size and don't want to go bigger than is necessary for a starter bike.
8) All of the major brands are readily available (Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki...)
9) Cost is a factor (go figure, right!)...another reason for #7 above. I've been looking for a good used bike for a reasonable price, but am also considering buying new if I can't find something used. I need to keep the cost down because of all the other startup costs...trailer to haul the two bikes, helmets and other riding gear etc.
10) if this is a factor, I live and will porbably do most of my riding in southeastern Ontario.
That pretty much sums things up! Any help would be appreciated.
Neil