Looking to get a dirt bike, 1st timer.

[RaceCase]

Any advise would be helpful. Thanks in advance

1) your physical size (both height and weight are important)
5' 8" 125 (and way done growing.)

2) How physical / aggressive are you ?
Decently, once I get comfortable it increases.

3) what do you plan to ride- MX/SX tracks, woods, fields with friends or ?????
Friends to start with, then who knows.

4) Do you have any riding experience?
I own a honda shadow 750, never ridden a dirt bike.

5) Do you think you will race ?
Probably not.

6) Are you mechanically inclined and will you be doing your own bike work?
I would like to learn.

7) Do YOU have a preferance to a brand/ motor choice (2 or 4 stroke)?
No.

8) Do you have a dealer close by your home that you might use and what brand(s) does he carry?
I want to buy used.

9) How much ($) do you plan to spend on a bike?
Under $2500 for bike and gear I might need.

10) Do you live in California?
No.

11) Your age?
23.

12) anything else that you think would help form an opinion
I want something that will maneuver well and not break often. I am guessing with my size power will not be a problem.

 

[250girl]

I'd suggest a two-stroke.They are pretty easy to work on and fun to ride.The most reliable bike I have ever ridden is my old wr.It is indestructible,no joke.The wr's are awesome for the trail and have better suspension than the other trail bikes.yz's are really nice and handle better than the wr's,yz's are my personal favorite of the race bikes.

If you don't think power will be a problem,go for a 2-stroke 250.I have always found yamahas to be good and realiable,but any kind will do,it's just preference,or even just a colour choice.

Good luck,hope you find a nice bike.

 

[zoommx]

I think a KTM 200, GasGas 200 or KDX200 would be great choices. All available used for your price range, a used GasGas for sale may be a little more difficult to locate though. Some 4stroke trail bikes fine as well.
Roger#491

 

[flyingfuzzball]

dont rule out a 125 2 stroke either. they are great bikes that can easily be found in your price range. the power isnt too crazy too. i would think that the 250 2 stroke would be a little much for a beginner.

 

[2 strokes for life]

I think a KTM 200, Gasgas 200, Kawasaki KDX200, KDX220, Honda XR250, and suzuki DR250 would all do you well along with a TTR250 from Yamaha.