I have a 95 KDX 200, and I want to get a 250cc motocross bike and keep the KDX as a spare so I can take friends who don't ride or don't have a bike, and possibly any girls that I am dating out for a ride too. Do you think riding is a good date idea? Maybe not a first date, but like second or third date. Would the KDX be too big for girls, and is having to kick-start a bike a turn-off for girls? I was thinking this would be a good way to weed out nagging girls that are just posing as being adventuresome and don't want to do the effort of kick-starting. I don't mind stopping and picking the bike up off of her if it's crushing her and spilling gas on her face :p , but I don't want to have to kick-start the bike for the girl every time she stalls it. I don't know what size frame my future dates are going to be, so they could range anywhere from like 5' 1" to 6' 0", who knows. Do you think after having to struggle to kick the bike over a few times, most girls will get turned off by dirt biking? I thought about buying a used TT-R 225 or a KX 100 so I could have a bike that would fit a girl better, and the TT-R has electric start, but I want a bike that I can ride as a backup, and what good is a KX 100 or a TT-R going to do me? :think I don't want to sell the KDX and get a used 125 either.
Kick-starting a turn-off to girls?
- Thread starter Clutch
- Start date
It's really going to depend on each individual girl you go out with, but generally if she's 5'5" or less, she'll more than likely be intimidated by the height of the bike, especially if she's never ridden before.
When first learning to ride, I needed to be flat footed for the most part, now I just want to be able to touch the ground with my toes (doesn't always work, but that's okay).
With my KDX I've got the longer dogbones in it, which has lowered it about 2cm (20mm). This doesn't sound like a lot, but believe me, it's the height I'm comfortable with now. My husband was racing my bike the other week, so had put it back up, and I thought I'd see what I
thought of that - I didn't even bother hopping on it, I just asked for the longer dogbones to go back in - it was too tall.
As for kickstarting, the KDX is easy, so that shouldn't pose a problem - so long as she can touch the ground. It really does depend on the woman though - we're all individuals too.
If you're keen on a spare bike, why not look at an XR200? Less intimidating, shorter riders are able to ride them first off, and if anyone becomes keen, they can go buy what she they want after learning the basics. (I admit I'd never want to ride one long term).
Oh, the other thing is, experience will come into it. I had a friend's friend trying to learn to ride on a KLX300 the other week - talk about hard - reason being - no experience. None, zilch, never ridden a bicycle, never driven a car. But we'll try again another day, preferably on something smaller - she couldn't kick start the bike (she freaked herself out, so we thought we'd leave it for the moment).
Hope that helps some, but it really is going to be up to each individual woman as to how she gets on.
When first learning to ride, I needed to be flat footed for the most part, now I just want to be able to touch the ground with my toes (doesn't always work, but that's okay).
With my KDX I've got the longer dogbones in it, which has lowered it about 2cm (20mm). This doesn't sound like a lot, but believe me, it's the height I'm comfortable with now. My husband was racing my bike the other week, so had put it back up, and I thought I'd see what I
thought of that - I didn't even bother hopping on it, I just asked for the longer dogbones to go back in - it was too tall.
As for kickstarting, the KDX is easy, so that shouldn't pose a problem - so long as she can touch the ground. It really does depend on the woman though - we're all individuals too.
If you're keen on a spare bike, why not look at an XR200? Less intimidating, shorter riders are able to ride them first off, and if anyone becomes keen, they can go buy what she they want after learning the basics. (I admit I'd never want to ride one long term).
Oh, the other thing is, experience will come into it. I had a friend's friend trying to learn to ride on a KLX300 the other week - talk about hard - reason being - no experience. None, zilch, never ridden a bicycle, never driven a car. But we'll try again another day, preferably on something smaller - she couldn't kick start the bike (she freaked herself out, so we thought we'd leave it for the moment).
Hope that helps some, but it really is going to be up to each individual woman as to how she gets on.
- Thread starter
- #3
I had considered getting an old XR 200 pretty cheap and then fixing it up and keeping it as a spare for a girl or someone's son to ride on, but then that's extra investment for me on a bike I never get to ride, or would even want to ride. I'd rather have an old Z 50 to play around on and hop up than an XR 200. Plus, if I were to buy a spare bike for a girl to ride, I think I'd want the KX 100 because the XR 200 and the TT-R 225 have drum brakes, except the TT-R has a disc on front. Plus, parts availability is a big factor, and in all the parts and performance catalogs it's easier to find KX 100 replacement parts than it is the other 2. By keeping the KDX and letting them ride that, I don't have to spend anything else. I'd like to have a girl ride with me, but like most people I can't afford a bike just for such a purpose. I don't want to bend over backwards or anything, either she likes it or she doesn't. I figured that anyone under 5 5" wouldn't like it, but I can't cater to each girl. I figure if the girl likes riding enough, she'll want to get her own bike anyway and will want a bike that is her favorite color, or suits her complexion, or accents her hair, matches her helmet, or something like that. There have just been times when I gave a girl a spin on the back of my bike and I wish I had one for them to ride, too. I hate going to the movies, it's so boring and been done to death. At least even if they hated riding, they could say it was an original idea, and something they'd never tried before. We could stop and get some photo ops next to some pretty sites or something. Get way out in the woods...take a break by the trail and put the moves on her...etc.
bbbom
~SPONSOR~
- Aug 13, 1999
- 2,092
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Only if I have to start his bike more than once for him! :p
I wouldn't worry about keeping a spare bike just for a possible date unless it's a bicycle. You would also have to have the spare gear, at least a helmet and goggles. Get the bike you want for a spare and if the chick fits it fine. If not but she still wants to ride find her something to borrow or let her find her own - then you will KNOW she's serious about riding.
In my experience most people, men or women will gladly accept an offer to use YOUR spare bike but they don't so happily repair the damage to it.
I wouldn't worry about keeping a spare bike just for a possible date unless it's a bicycle. You would also have to have the spare gear, at least a helmet and goggles. Get the bike you want for a spare and if the chick fits it fine. If not but she still wants to ride find her something to borrow or let her find her own - then you will KNOW she's serious about riding.
In my experience most people, men or women will gladly accept an offer to use YOUR spare bike but they don't so happily repair the damage to it.
firecracker22
Sponsoring Member
- Oct 23, 2000
- 3,213
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A KDX might be too heavy and tall for many beginners. If you can find an XR 100 or TTR 125, you can get plenty of hop up parts and joing the backyard minibike racing craze, like Langtown etc. So you could still have fun and dork around on it. There are far more parts available for a XR 100 or TTR 125 than there are for an XR200.
As far as a date idea, I think it's great. Of course I already ride but I've been on plenty of riding dates; I figure if he calls back after he's seen me dirty and sweaty with helmet hair, cussing at my bike and crashing, then he's worth a second chance.
As far as a date idea, I think it's great. Of course I already ride but I've been on plenty of riding dates; I figure if he calls back after he's seen me dirty and sweaty with helmet hair, cussing at my bike and crashing, then he's worth a second chance.
LoriKTM
Super Power AssClown
In answer to your original question, kickstarting isn't necessarily a turn off to girls. Look at us, most of us ride kickstart only bikes. If she's interested in dirt bikes to begin with, then she'll understand that kickstarting is just an obstacle to work through in order to learn to ride.
As far as the KDX goes, you couldn't ask for an easier bike to kickstart. My KDX was tons easier to start than my XR200, especially after a crash or tip over. If she's a little shorter than average, you could do exactly what Michelle did-- just pick up a set of longer dogbones. You can swap the dogbones in and out easily enough, and sack out the rear spring a bit to temporarily lower it. If she needs to be a bit taller to start it, just have her stand on a milk crate, or find a rock or a rut on the trail.
The KDX makes a great back up bike. It may be a little heavy or tall for the smaller riders, but a little extra patience when starting out will help that. (And stay off the really gnarly trails!)
The first dirt bike I rode was an XT350, neither light nor that short, but it was all that was available. I was interested enough, though, to pursue getting my own bike. (Which is, of course, the ultimate goal when teaching someone to ride! :D )
As far as the KDX goes, you couldn't ask for an easier bike to kickstart. My KDX was tons easier to start than my XR200, especially after a crash or tip over. If she's a little shorter than average, you could do exactly what Michelle did-- just pick up a set of longer dogbones. You can swap the dogbones in and out easily enough, and sack out the rear spring a bit to temporarily lower it. If she needs to be a bit taller to start it, just have her stand on a milk crate, or find a rock or a rut on the trail.
The KDX makes a great back up bike. It may be a little heavy or tall for the smaller riders, but a little extra patience when starting out will help that. (And stay off the really gnarly trails!)
The first dirt bike I rode was an XT350, neither light nor that short, but it was all that was available. I was interested enough, though, to pursue getting my own bike. (Which is, of course, the ultimate goal when teaching someone to ride! :D )
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AnneBrooks
Member
- Jan 17, 2001
- 313
- 0
IMO, kick starting is not a turn off. As LoriKTM said, most of us have to kick start our own bikes now.
I would keep the KDX. You stated that you also wanted this bike as a back up for you, and IMO, I don't think you would be happy with the other bikes mentioned. For example, the TTR 125 (IMO) is too small and will cost much more than the KDX to add all the hop up parts to meet your needs. The TTR225 is EXTREMELY overweighted, top heavy, poor suspension and underpowered. Yes, it has the magic button, most women can touch flat footed, and is very tame, but would not be a good back up bike. I don't know much about the KX 100, so I will not comment on that.
I would suggest keeping the KDX and see what comes down the pipe (so to speak). If, by chance, you do find a woman who is willing to ride, you can always do a swap then, if necessary.
I would keep the KDX. You stated that you also wanted this bike as a back up for you, and IMO, I don't think you would be happy with the other bikes mentioned. For example, the TTR 125 (IMO) is too small and will cost much more than the KDX to add all the hop up parts to meet your needs. The TTR225 is EXTREMELY overweighted, top heavy, poor suspension and underpowered. Yes, it has the magic button, most women can touch flat footed, and is very tame, but would not be a good back up bike. I don't know much about the KX 100, so I will not comment on that.
I would suggest keeping the KDX and see what comes down the pipe (so to speak). If, by chance, you do find a woman who is willing to ride, you can always do a swap then, if necessary.
Yamaholley
Member
- Jul 12, 2001
- 175
- 0
hmmmm, you mean they make an electric start bike? ;)
j/k
j/k
Hmmmm
What about a CR500? or possibly a KX500. Both are very tame bikes that will be great for begining riders :confused: :scream: All kidding aside This seems like a pretty good idea (A riding date). But I guess I need to worry about replacing my own bike before I think of geting one for a date (got stolen). It sucks being a poor college student.
Ty
What about a CR500? or possibly a KX500. Both are very tame bikes that will be great for begining riders :confused: :scream: All kidding aside This seems like a pretty good idea (A riding date). But I guess I need to worry about replacing my own bike before I think of geting one for a date (got stolen). It sucks being a poor college student.
Ty
Re: Hmmmm
From what I've gathered, he didn't take her on the easiest trail to begin with (a bitch to get into - sand), she bounced off & broke her tailbone (ouch).
When I heard the story, I couldn't believe his idiocy. I know the female (I grew up with her & siblings, even though she's younger than me - friends of the family sort of thing), and she's a big lass (probably around 6' & solid - not fat), but the last thing I would have grabbed to teach her would be a CR500 *****cat.
Clutch, have you decided yet what to do? An update is always appreciated here ;)
The one female I know who was being taught by her husband on a CR500 decided to get into riding horses ;)
From what I've gathered, he didn't take her on the easiest trail to begin with (a bitch to get into - sand), she bounced off & broke her tailbone (ouch).
When I heard the story, I couldn't believe his idiocy. I know the female (I grew up with her & siblings, even though she's younger than me - friends of the family sort of thing), and she's a big lass (probably around 6' & solid - not fat), but the last thing I would have grabbed to teach her would be a CR500 *****cat.
Clutch, have you decided yet what to do? An update is always appreciated here ;)
- Thread starter
- #11
I'm just going to keep my KDX 200, because my buddies can ride it as well as girls. The funny thing is, now I can't even kickstart it myself without some trouble, not because I'm lacking in force, but because the long hockey-stick KDX kick starter has some metal fatigue on it and doesn't stick straight out. The joint has worn and the kickstarter rotates too far back for me to get an efficient kick in without my foot slipping. Fredette racing makes a shorter kickstarter for $50, and it's one of my next replacement parts for this bike as soon as I get the cash. I am even asking for some snap ring pliers for Christmas so I can take the snap ring off of the kickstarter so I can remove it.
I'm probably going to upgrade to a 250cc motocrosser next year if I am lucky, and keep my KDX as a backup for myself, a buddy bike, or a date bike. Basically I will ride it when the trails call for it, but I'd rather have a full-on motocrosser for the tracks, and my KDX for the woods. I'm going to use it as a recruitment tool to get more of my friends into riding, because they have all enjoyed it when I have let them ride it- I just hate having to sit on my tailgate watching them, I'd rather be riding beside them. Another thing I hate is letting them ride down the trail out of sight, and then hear them stall it out, or they disappear out of earshot, and take too long coming back, so I start to wonder, or have to walk after them.
I'm probably going to upgrade to a 250cc motocrosser next year if I am lucky, and keep my KDX as a backup for myself, a buddy bike, or a date bike. Basically I will ride it when the trails call for it, but I'd rather have a full-on motocrosser for the tracks, and my KDX for the woods. I'm going to use it as a recruitment tool to get more of my friends into riding, because they have all enjoyed it when I have let them ride it- I just hate having to sit on my tailgate watching them, I'd rather be riding beside them. Another thing I hate is letting them ride down the trail out of sight, and then hear them stall it out, or they disappear out of earshot, and take too long coming back, so I start to wonder, or have to walk after them.
- Thread starter
- #12
The guy starting someone out on a CR500...stuff like that is what turns people against motorcycles for the rest of their lives. The one thing that I always try to do when letting someone ride my bike is just let them take it easy and go at their own speed, I don't care if they ride around in 1st the whole time. I also don't gun it right off the bat when I am riding two-up with a girl on back, that's just a real jerk thing to do, no one wants to be subjected to that. I used to hate riding on backs of bikes because people would always gun it when I wasn't in the mood for it. That's a horrible feeling- like you're out of control and about to crash at any moment and are helpless to do anything and yelling "stop stop!" and the guy just laughs and does it more. Made me want to punch the hell out of him when I finally got off and never ride a motorcycle again. This was when I was like 11 or 12.
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