Kinda stumped on what bike to get...

[weasel497]

Ok, I'm new here. And was wondering what bike would be good for me.

I'm 5' 0" and 85 lbs, I'm not too agressive, and I'm pretty cautious... I've grown out of my DRZ110 and was thinking about getting into motocross for fun, not races or anything, but something that can handle jumps and goes faster than 45mph. I was thinking about getting a Yamaha YZ85, but I'm not sure if I want a 2 stroke. And I have some questions about them.

1. Do you use the clutch when you shift? Or just on accellerating and exiting turns?

2. How often would I have to replace the top end if I ride like once a week or less at the track? I might take it out for like 15 minutes at my house, but there's not really any place to ride, so is this considered easy on it?

3. How much does it cost to do a top end job? My mom freaks out about money issues...Could my friend and I do it?

4. I have kinda weak hands and was wondering if the clutch would be too hard for me to pull.

We are going to the dealer tomorrow afternoon, so I would appreciate fast replies.

Thanks!!!

 

[Xtremesports445]

1. Yes, u use the clutch when you shift, and when you get better you use it for accelerating quickly out of turns
2. it also depends on how hard you ride, not just how long you ride. You should be able to go about a riding season before u rebuild.
3. i don't know, most people says it's not hard though
4. you should be fine, i've never heard of weak hands

Other bikes to look at: ttr125l, crf150f, drz125l, klx125l

 

[weasel497]

How would I know when the top end needs to be replaced? What are the procedures to replace it? And I usually don't ride too hard.

 

[rickyd]

When i had a 2 stroke, i knew it was time for a new top end (piston, rings, wrist pin, bearing and circlips) when it would take more than 2 kicks too start my bike..

As far as procedures too replace, first of get a owners/shop manual.. Basically drain the radiator fluid, remove fuel tank, i would take off my radiators, disconnect exhaust, disconect carburator and remove cylinder.. replace parts and then repaet steps in reverse.. Best thing to do is get a good manual for your bike..

As for the clutch, i was one that wouldnt use it when shifting, different people, different answers..

Good luck w/your purchase..
Rick

 

[SilverBurr]

Back in the late 70's I had a chance to talk with some pros at a MX race in Houston. One of the questions that came up was clutch usage. The answer was... Clutch is only used to take off and downshift.

 

[gwcrim]

You didn't mention your age but.... I started doing my own top ends when I was about 14-15. It ain't rocket science. It sure was easier when the engines were air cooled.

 

[Xtremesports445]

One of the questions that came up was clutch usage. The answer was... Clutch is only used to take off and downshift.

Doesn't that hurt the clutch? :whoa:

 

[FruDaddy]

Doesn't that hurt the clutch?

If you don't use the clutch, you don't hurt the clutch. That being said, you are more likely to damage the internals of the trans. Shifting is a little easier with the clutch.

Don't worry about your hand strength, you can probably opererate the clutch with 2 fingers.

If you want a suspension that can take a landing, there is no 4-stroke that will suit you. The CRF, TTR, DRZ, and KLX lines are all under suspended for truly aggressive riding, the 85 class MXers will do what you want them to.

 

[weasel497]

Well, thanks for all the advice! I went with the TTR 125L because it was cheaper, same size and required little maintenence. I'm not a truely agressive rider and don't usually jump anything big, But it seams to have a lot of cround clearance, so I'm happy. I have no problem with the clutch, I stalled it once when taking off, but that's it. The only problem I have is finding neutral, I seem to pull too far up when in first and then it pops into second and stalls and dies... But I've only had it for like 5 hours, so I'm sure I'll get used to it.

Thanks again guys!