I need bike recommendations from the experts

[hotrodblazer]

So today, I purchased my boys first bike, a 2001 xr50. I have identical twin boys, age 5, another boy, age 3 and a baby boy, age 1. I figure if I am ever going to get them riding, I might as well start them young. But the problem is, I have only ridden maybe 5 or 6 times and I don't have a bike. I learned from an old friend who was a flat track racer in the late 50's. He put me on an IT490 that he had tuned with every goody he could, and, while it was it alot of fun TRYING to learn on it, it sure beat the heck out of me. That was 6 years ago and I haven't ridden since. But I enjoyed it so much that, since I have boys that seem completely enthralled with the idea, I want to make it the best experience possible for them. So now I need a bike for myself. I live in Northern California, so I need a bike the I can get a green sticker for it. I've looked at the XR's and my buddy had a WR, but other than that, my knowledge is lacking for what would be a good bike for myself. Any info or insight would be greatly appreciated.

 

[snaggleXR4]

Hey,
An XR would be an excellent choice in my opinion. I've had two XR's since '87 and have had excellent luck with them. They are very reliable, easy to maintain, and easy to ride. You basically have two choices, a 250 or 400. The 250 was greatly updated in '96, when they released the 400's for the first time.

If you will just be putting around with the kids, the 250 should do you right. On the other hand if you are 180lbs+ I would strongly urge you to look at the 400's. You really can't go wrong with either though.

Just in case you haven't already, make sure you and your kids have helmets, gloves, goggles and mx boots (tennis shoes or work boots don't hack it) at the very least. Knee and elbow pads can be optional but may come in handy as the kids, and maybe even you get used to the bikes.

Good luck, be safe and have fun!

 

[Dr.billZ]

Get something with electric start. It sure makes all the stops to pick the kids up much more pleasurable.......especially if you are going to ride one kid with you while the others ride. There is nothing worse than trying to kick start a bike with a kid on the bike. MY little girl loved to start the bike for daddy when I rode her on it......before she got the Z-50 from her older sister.

 

[spt23dc]

XR for sure

You want something to put around and follow your kids with #1, and #2 you have not been on a bike in 6 years. Look around and you will see more old XRs than any other bike. They are extremely reliable and long lived. Since you are looking to follow you kids and you are new to a bike as well, why not go with something inexpensive and easy to ride. My thoughts say look for a used XR 200. Plenty or torque for a beginner and can run at idle spped to stay next to your kids: they are small enough to be rather maneuverable,and they are easy to kick. You can find them for a very modest price...just be sure to buy one that has been adult owned and maintained and for about 750 to 1200 bucks your on your way. Take care of it and then next season you can sell it for about what you paid, and step up to something larger. Just my .02 cents.

 

[jalbert]

i would suggest a ktm 400 exc e-start,light weight,reliable,quality parts:D

 

[CRX]

I would consider a TTR 250 Yamaha. I have one that I am very pleased with. I have owned many XR's over the years, in fact I still have a 280 and 350. The TTR is very comparable with a XR 250 and the e- start is a definite plus.

CRX

 

[ride_red_15]

an xr, definately, their very very nice. but if you want something a little quicker, with the reliability of an xr, the kdx's are great bikes. i ride a kdx 220 and somedays an xr400 nd these bikes are nearly identical in performance. if u want a thumper, xr's are the way to go

 

[Yamamoto]

XR

Its great for what you want it for, I too was interested in a Kid compatable Bike but I refused to go from a 2s to a 4s because I like to ride hard.

so i am the dad that has to lean my bike against a tree or ride my friiends xr500 with a kick stand.

but when putting around with my boys I find the xr is a great choice.

 

[HiG4s]

Honda XR200 or Yamaha TTR225 are both great putt around trail bikes. the TTR225 has electric start and disk brakes which are both a plus. The only reason they may not be good starter bikes for you is if you are over about 6ft tall or over 200lbs, they I would look at the XR250 or TTR250.

 

[tm-enduro]

Don't rule out a GasGas Pampara or even a true trials bike. Used trials bikes are a good buy, and nothing goes slow better than a trials bike. When my daughter starts riding (i hope), I will most likely get trials bikes (at least for a while).

 

[Buellwinkle]

Get a bike with an electric starter. The kids fall and you may not have time to find neutral when you kids underneath the bike and you panic. After a few hours and when you are tired, a tall bike like the XR with a long kick start stroke is exhuasting. Look for a 1994 or newer Suzuki DR350SE, DR200SE or DRZ400E or Yamaha TW200, TTR225, TTR250 or KTM 400 with E-start. Also kids like to stop in the middle of a hill and if you stall helping them it's a real pain to kick a 4 stroke on an incline. Also you may want a bike that has a lower seat height so you can ride it real slow and get on and off easy.

 

[snaggleXR4]

Hey,
My stock carb XR4 started in 2-3 kicks cold, 1 kick hot. With the pumper carb I just bought, it starts in 1-2 kicks cold and 1 kick hot. Even my 140 lb. riding buddy can start his XR4 as easy as I can. I would hardly describe it as being exhausting. He is only ~5'8" and with proper sag for his weight has no problem handling the XR4.

Technology is great, e-starts are great, but to have to carry that big battery with you? What if your battery goes dead? It will one day. Will you be able to start your bike? On a street bike, or a small kids bike e-start is very nice, but on a real dirt bike? The old school dirt bikers would be ashamed of all of us.