Hey Folks,
It's been 3 years since I last had a bike. My last ride was a 96 XR250. I currenty have an XR80 that I picked up for my daughter and need to pick up a ride for me now.
I loved the XR250, but looking for something with a little more punch but still has the strong reliability like the XR had.
Looking for some advice since I have not kept up with bike technology.
1) your physical size (both height and weight are important)
I am 5'8" tall and weigh 170 (trying to lose a few pounds.LOL)
2) How physical / aggressive are you ?
I would say I am about middle of the road on riding style. Like to get somewhat aggressive, but don't like to push my luck. I don't heal as fast as I used to when I was a kid. With all my adult responsibilities, I need to stay somewhat healthy to pay the bills.
3) what do you plan to ride- MX/SX tracks, woods, fields with friends or ?????
Typically woods, fields and trails. Most time will probably be with my wife (if I can get her to go) and daughter until she moves out for college (Also, she is just learning to ride). However, I do plan on getting out there with some friends that are much more experienced, so tearing it up will certainly be a part of the fun. Not a big fan of track riding (too redundant for me), however will occasionaly take a lap or 2 around the track.
4) Do you have any riding experience?
Yes, 30+ years with the occasional gap of 3-4 years during that period when I did not own a bike.
5) Do you think you will race?
No.
6) Are you mechanically inclined and will you be doing your own bike work?
I can, but would rather not. Willing to sacrafice performance for reliability. However, I always do the routine maintenance (oil changes, etc.) myself. Loved my XR, just want more juice!
7) Do YOU have a preferance to a brand/ motor choice (2 or 4 stroke)?
4 Stroke. Hate mixing gas. Also prefer reliability of the 4 stroke family. Have been a long time Honda fan for their performance and reliability. However, Yamaha has been a favorite of mine as well.
Not sure how these new 4 strokes perform, but they look like a blast.
8) Do you have a dealer close by your home that you might use and what brand(s) does he carry?
Probably will buy private party once I make a selection of best bike for me.
9) How much ($) do you plan to spend on a bike?
Approx. 3K. May go up a little depending on info obtained here.
10) Do you live in California?
Born and raised there, all my family still lives there, but I currently live in Texas. Work could pull me back into CA though. However, 90% of the riding will be in the Lone Star State.
11) Your age?
43
12) anything else that you think would help form an opinion
Can't think of anything.
It's been 3 years since I last had a bike. My last ride was a 96 XR250. I currenty have an XR80 that I picked up for my daughter and need to pick up a ride for me now.
I loved the XR250, but looking for something with a little more punch but still has the strong reliability like the XR had.
Looking for some advice since I have not kept up with bike technology.
1) your physical size (both height and weight are important)
I am 5'8" tall and weigh 170 (trying to lose a few pounds.LOL)
2) How physical / aggressive are you ?
I would say I am about middle of the road on riding style. Like to get somewhat aggressive, but don't like to push my luck. I don't heal as fast as I used to when I was a kid. With all my adult responsibilities, I need to stay somewhat healthy to pay the bills.
3) what do you plan to ride- MX/SX tracks, woods, fields with friends or ?????
Typically woods, fields and trails. Most time will probably be with my wife (if I can get her to go) and daughter until she moves out for college (Also, she is just learning to ride). However, I do plan on getting out there with some friends that are much more experienced, so tearing it up will certainly be a part of the fun. Not a big fan of track riding (too redundant for me), however will occasionaly take a lap or 2 around the track.
4) Do you have any riding experience?
Yes, 30+ years with the occasional gap of 3-4 years during that period when I did not own a bike.
5) Do you think you will race?
No.
6) Are you mechanically inclined and will you be doing your own bike work?
I can, but would rather not. Willing to sacrafice performance for reliability. However, I always do the routine maintenance (oil changes, etc.) myself. Loved my XR, just want more juice!
7) Do YOU have a preferance to a brand/ motor choice (2 or 4 stroke)?
4 Stroke. Hate mixing gas. Also prefer reliability of the 4 stroke family. Have been a long time Honda fan for their performance and reliability. However, Yamaha has been a favorite of mine as well.
Not sure how these new 4 strokes perform, but they look like a blast.
8) Do you have a dealer close by your home that you might use and what brand(s) does he carry?
Probably will buy private party once I make a selection of best bike for me.
9) How much ($) do you plan to spend on a bike?
Approx. 3K. May go up a little depending on info obtained here.
10) Do you live in California?
Born and raised there, all my family still lives there, but I currently live in Texas. Work could pull me back into CA though. However, 90% of the riding will be in the Lone Star State.
11) Your age?
43
12) anything else that you think would help form an opinion
Can't think of anything.
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