Just getting started

[joefriday]

Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum and also new to the sport. I've done a bit of biking before but never ridden off-road (at least not intentionally!). My young lad has decided to take up the sport, so I figure I better too. We are both looking around for good starter bikes and trying to gather information on places to ride etc. We live in southeastern Ontario. Any suggestions or advice is welcome!

Neil

 

[HajiWasAPunk]

I just started riding last Fall with my son here in Florida. We started him on a CRF80 (he was 10 at the time) and I rode a CR125. He now races a CR85 and I have a CRF250. Good times learning to MX togther.

 

[joefriday]

I'm looking forward to it. My young lad is just turning 12.

I've been looking at the CRF150F as a possible starter bike for myself. Did you find the CR125 too small?

 

[cr125man]

I'm looking forward to it. My young lad is just turning 12.

I've been looking at the CRF150F as a possible starter bike for myself. Did you find the CR125 too small?

The CR125 is actually larger than a crf150f becuase the cr is a 2-stroke and the crf is a 4-stroker. I think that the 150 might be a little small for most adults but that depends on how tall you are and how much you weigh. I think that a 125 2-stroke or a 250 4-stroke would be good choices for an adult to start on and they will be about the same size. But it also depends on how big you are. I am about 6 foot and it is a good fit for me. Hope this helps some.

 

[HajiWasAPunk]

The 150F is too small for adults looking to motocross, and as CR125 said, the CR125 is bigger bike. It's much much faster than a 150F and comes with MX ready suspension. I'd say go with the 125 or a 250F unless you're extremely unagressive and just want to putt around trails.

 

[joefriday]

Thanks for the suggestions! This is helping to narrow my choices.

Any comments on 2 stroke versus 4 stroke? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?

 

[AnTs]

Well that's going to probably start a arugment. I can say ive road both 4 strokes and 2 strokes. I grew up on 4 stroke's and just recently switched to a 2 stroke and like it. But i wouldn't mind having another 4 stroke.

I guess try to ride each one and see how you like it.

 

[Tony Eeds]

Welcome to the site :cool:

Thanks for setting up your User CP and updated information relating to your location. Grab a spot on the couch.

Check out the Ontario Chapter forum for opportunities to hook up with some fellow DRNers in Central Canada.

We have a fair size group there. Hopefully they will have some bikes you can try out. A friend of mine live in Burlington, Ontario and he has an 8 year old son. I will raddle his cage and get him to give you some ideas.

Again, welcome to the site and shout if you have any questions!

 

[HajiWasAPunk]

Well, the debate about 4 vs 2 strokes goes on and on. Check out the "What bike should I get" thread. I think most would agree the 250F is easier to ride (less power band) and it give about 10% more horse power. The downside is that longer term maintance is more expensive (I haven't had mine long enough to see this yet though).

 

[joefriday]

Thanks for the kind welcome and the suggestions! I had a feeling that the 2 stroke / 4 stroke thing would each have their loyal followers. I'm taking your advice and heading over to the "what bike should I get" thread to poke around a bit...