new rider

Laurattu04 · Jan 22, 2003

Well I went riding for the first time this past weekend and I have to say that I'm hooked. My boyfriend is already talking about selling his hot rod that's been sitting in the driveway for months uninsured to buy me a bike. I've been to the Yamaha and Honda shops in town and it seems that the only bikes I've really been able to fit on are the ttr125, yz85, cr80... and they didn't have a xr200 for me to try... I'm actually really curious as to how to determine whether to go 2 stroke or 4 stroke... I'm almost afraid that a 2 stroke would have too short a power band for a first bike... the only bikes I've actually ridden were a xr80 and xr100... also if i buy a used bike would the 2 strokes typically be more ragged out than the 4 strokes since they require more maintenance or would they be about the same? Thanks for any info you girls have!

theresa · Jan 22, 2003

Hey welcome to the club. From here on out you will be asking for new tires for presents, and be shopping for bargain prices on chains and handlebars. Very cool that you and your boyfriend found something you both like.

One thing to check out a bike when you see it is the air filter. Pop off the cover for the air filter and take a look at it. If it is dark and dirty odds are maintenance was not a priority for the owner. My experience was to start out on a 4-stroke and move on to a KDX for a 2-stroke. I bought the KDX very slightly used and have loved it. The best bet is to start on something you are comfortable on and move up as your ability improves. As far as a 2 or 4-stroke that is a matter of what you are comfortable with. A 2-stroke will have more of a hit as you said in the power band. 4-strokes will be more forgiving.

Most of all have fun!!!!!!!!!

firecracker22 · Jan 22, 2003

I always get flamed for saying this, but SOMEONE has to stick up for two-strokes. Yes, they are harder to ride. Yes, they have a much harder hit. However, you won't outgrow it as quick, and you won't learn as many bad habits. That is a decision for you to make. Try an 80--and don't forget the KX100 as an in-between size--and see if it would be too difficult to control. Most of us here have started on four-strokes, but there are others I know who started on two-strokes. I wish I had, or at least sold the XR200 I had long before I did. One GOOD thing, for beginners especially, about two-strokes is that they are VERY light and VERY easy to start.

For the most part, however, the four-strokes are more popular as beginner bikes. Try everything you can and see how you like it.

Fe_princess · Jan 22, 2003

Like Theresa said...
If you're going to buy a used bike, 4 or 2 stroke, it doesn't matter.
What does matter is how it was taken care of.
I bought a used ktm 200 2 years ago('98 mx/c) and it was in good condition.
It's been modified but not because it didn't run well.
I wouldn't worry about power band if you are a beginner.
I know that an xr 200 is very heavy, ask GETMETOCA about it.
Two strokes are light but very powerful.
FC22 I salute your devotion to your bike.
I love mine and will ride with anyone.
Have a good time and don't spend too much time trying to figure out which one. Just get on one that feels comfortable to you.
What's your size and weight and is this the first riding you've ever done?
Does your boyfriend ride too?
You'll find lots of info in here.
We all ride different bikes and on completely different terrain.
From desert to mountains for kx 80's to CR500(right bboom!)
DRN ROCKS :flame:

GETMETOCA · Jan 22, 2003

Originally posted by Fe_princess
I know that an xr 200 is very heavy, ask GETMETOCA about it.

Princess, it be an XR two-fitty and it be damn heavy. :cool: But only when I had to pick it up.  My kTm250 is about 20-25 lbs lighter by far.

Just try as many bikes as you can fit into your schedule and go with the one that makes you feel all giggly inside. 

firecracker22 · Jan 22, 2003

XR 200s aren't light either--they probably weigh 235+ ready to ride. Compared to some, that's not bad, but when most 125s and my 200 are in the 205-215 range, it's heavy. Every pound makes a difference especially when you pick it up as often as I do.

70 marlin · Jan 23, 2003

Congrats Laurattu04! It would be a lot easier to give advice on your first bike. If we had some height and weight specs to go by? Also what bike did your boy friend let you try? I my self would rather start on the smaller side and sell the bike off quickly once the new rider have got the hang of it. Then go for the bike that you really want! I've taught beginners on both. Two & four strokes and feel they both have their drawbacks.
Four strokes have a better bottom end to teach with. But are heavier and harder to start. Two strokes bottom ends are a bit weak till you get the rpms up. But are lighter and easier to start.
As for buying a used bike. Small CC dirt bikes two or four. They both can be money pits! Most of the time a teenager has ridden it and beat it. Just pick a bike that you feel comfortable with! And start off nice and easy. My beginner pick's are. Small frame riders. Four strokes xr100 98 or newer, ttr 125 01, drz125 98 or newer, klx 125 those new crf 150's look pretty trick. Two strokes kx100 01 or newer or rm100 01 or newer. The 80-cc bikes seem to be to flat on their bottom and pipey on top, for my likes. Even though both of my boys's learned on them. Just remember take it easy and have fun!

lisa'sxr4 · Jan 23, 2003

Welcome! The girls here are knowlegdable and give wonderful advice. Since I haven't been riding very long (and will hopefully ride a 2-stroke for the first time this weekend) the only advice I could give is to buy something you are comfortable on.

Then - give it gas and have fun!

Philip · Jan 23, 2003

Originally posted by firecracker22
I always get flamed for saying this, but SOMEONE has to stick up for two-strokes. Yes, they are harder to ride. Yes, they have a much harder hit. However, you won't outgrow it as quick, and you won't learn as many bad habits. That is a decision for you to make.

I'm not a GIRL but I ride like one. Just kidding Ladies!! :laugh: Here'e my 2 cents, four stroke do make you lazy and for a newbie may teach you bad habits. I would suggest a lighter,easy to start 2 stroke and learn proper SAFE riding habits. Four strokes tend to make you sit on the seat a twist the throttle and proper riding requires a little more than that. The ladies here on DRN are great riders and can teach you all you need to know, just ask and they will help. welcome to the addiction, have fun and be safe! :thumb:

Lissa · Jan 23, 2003

Welcome to the lifestyles of the dirt and knobbies!
Whens it comes to bikes, it's not a 2str or 4str thing; it's a trailbike or racebike thing. A trailbikes usually has a smoother power delivery, plusher suspension, lower seat heights, and tend to have farther part service intervals then race bikes. Racebikes on the other hand require more rider input to ride and need to be maintaned a little more often. Find a bike that you feel at ease sitting on (seat heght and weight), thats half the battle. The other half is making sure you aren't getting in over your head on to lpowerful of a machine.

For shorter riders: Kawasaki KLX125+KLX125L,
Suzuki DRZ125+DRZ125L, Yamaha TTR125+TTR125L,
Honda XR100, CRF150, XR200, CRF230

If all those machines have you bent leg and you personally feel to tall on any of them, then you purchase one of these machines instead:

Larger riders: Kawasaki KDX200*, KDX220, KLX300;
Suzuki DRZ250*; Yamaha TTR250; Honda XR250
(*-my pick for a good full size mount)

First things first though; purchase saftey gear! Never skimp on gear!
Have fun and be safe!

Lissa · Jan 23, 2003

farther apart...Sorry!

bbbom · Jan 23, 2003

You betcha Fe_Princess! :aj: Gotta love the pretty pink bike!

lisa'sxr4, get mad and KICK IT!!! :flame:

Wow Natalie, I didn't realize the XR250 was even heavier than the KLX300. It has 13 more lbs, no wonder I like my CR.

In my experience though, the controllability (if thats a word :think: ) of the 4 stroke outweighs any additional weight for most beginning riders. I know I crash more often on my CR than I did on my KLX and if you aren't picking the bike up or trying to manhandle it over & through objects then the weight is not a big deal. The more control you have, the easier it is to ride.

I learned how to ride on a 4 stroke and after a year and a couple months, went to the 2 stroke. My son learned how to ride (at 4 1/2 years) on a 2 stroke and he's been on 2 strokes on the trails ever since - he's now 10 and tearing it up on his CR80R.

I don't think that I would have learned how to ride as quickly on the technical terrain on my current bike because it was frustrating enough at times just controlling the KLX. When I moved to the CR, it was an adjustment to learn how to control it again but one that I was ready for (most of the time still working on it).

Like Fe_Princess said, your best bet is to find something you are comfortable on that is in decent shape and in your price range. Most likely you will want something different as your skill level progresses.

As far as maintenance goes, they both need some of the same maintenance, attention to suspension, air filters, chains etc. but the motor is what makes the difference. 2 stroke engines do require more periodic maintenance than the 4 stroke but since the 2 stroke engine is much simpler than the 4 stroke it is easier to work on.

We do all the work on our 2 strokes but if my KLX were to have a major problem I think it would have to go to the shop!

Good luck on finding a good bike and welcome to the Ladies Room! :thumb:

Laurattu04 · Jan 23, 2003

Ok sorry not to include the height weight thing I'm 5'4" and weigh about 140 pounds. I sit most comfortable on about a 32" seat height. The only bikes that I have ridden are a xr80 and a xr100. My boyfriend rides a yz250, so does his roomate, so does his brother... his brothers wife has a 70 something honda 500 4stroke... I actually found a bike that I'm kind of looking into more but I wanted to hear opinions first. It's a 2001 kawasaki ke 100 with 300 miles and they are asking 1600 at the dealership for it... I sat comfortably on it but haven't ridden it yet... I know dirt wise I'll outgrow it eventually but it's also street legal so I figure it would always be cool to keep it for that. It is a 2 stroke but has a wider power band than most... the only real complaints I've read about it are that it is too slow and not snappy enough for some people... but I figure those aspects would be good for a first bike and unexperienced rider. Any input?

bbbom · Jan 23, 2003

Sounds like a good beginner bike. You can check the book price here:

http://www.nadaguides.com/

and here:

http://www.kbb.com/

70 marlin · Jan 23, 2003

That ke 100 is a nice trail / beginners bike. They haven’t change since 1970 or so. But that price seems a very high? you can buy a close out 02 xr100 for that? take a look around a few dealer ships for last years model?

Fe_princess · Jan 23, 2003

Originally posted by bbbom
You betcha Fe_Princess!

Wow Natalie, I didn't realize the XR250 was even heavier than the KLX300. It has 13 more lbs, no wonder I like my CR.

Hey, at least I got the brand right :|

Fe_princess · Jan 23, 2003

Originally posted by Laurattu04
Any input? [/B]

I have some questions ;)
You'll be riding around Lubbock. Is that pretty flat?
Do you or have you ridden street bikes.
Is someone trying to freak you out with power band talk?
1600$ seems high to me to.
If you have the desire to ride, you can grow into a bike.
GETMETOCA was only riding for six months or so and she came to DW'02 bought a ktm250 last October and is now racing her butt off whenever she can. She had the intention to become a good rider and she has :yeehaw:
Sounds like you have the same thought.

LoriKTM · Jan 23, 2003

Hi Laura, and welcome to the club!

I had to chime in-- you can find much better bikes than the KE100!!  Please look elsewhere.  Besides, I think you could buy one brand new for the $1600 that person is asking! 

A friend of ours stored a KE100 at our house for awhile.  I rode it around in the dirt behind our house.  It's not really geared properly for dirt use, and not really big enough for street use.  Kinda the worst of both worlds.  Yeah, you can learn on it, but I think you'd be pretty disappointed.  

Think about the ones from Lissa's list-- that's a good place to start.  The TTR125L and the XR200/CRF230 would be fine, and have good re-sale value should you progress quickly.

If you want to go dual sport, consider an XT225.  (It's actually supposed to be a better bike than it's TTR225-sister).  Or, if you're thinking motocross is more your style, consider the KX100.  You can put a heavier flywheel on it to de-tune it somewhat while you're learning.   

Think about the types of riding you want to do, and then narrow your choices down from that.  You want a bike that's fun and will help you learn and challenge you, but not too much to scare you off from the sport. 

Good luck!

 

 

Lissa · Jan 23, 2003

Don't purchase the KE100.  Why?  2001 is the last year for them.  They were unchanged since 1981 and brand new retailed in 2001 for $1999.  Most dealers that might have one left will sell it for about $1800 (not including freight and tax).  It was a good bike, but is better as a bike that tags along with campers/RVers then as a dirt bike.  They are known to be a little on the fragile side for dirt abuse.  Meaning, don't try to jump it, the rear hubs are known to explode from the impact (break..).  My shop has replaced three rear hubs on the KE model from adults trying to reinact scences from Crusty Demons of Dirt this past year.

A good dualsport bike that isn't a total foo-foo off-road would be a Suzuki DR200 or a Yamaha XT225 like Lori said (Hi Lori !).  You would probably appreciate a dirt only model better because of the lightness. 

Kimberly · Jan 24, 2003

I just wanted to say "hi" too since I'm also a new rider, and a new member here. I bought an '03 Yamaha TT-R125L last week, and am loving it already! I'm looking forward to learning lots from the ladies here. :)

Lissa · Jan 24, 2003

Hello Kim! Welcome to the dirt! Where you from? East or west?

bbbom · Jan 24, 2003

Yeah, welcome Kim!

Kimberly · Jan 24, 2003

Originally posted by Lissa
Hello Kim! Welcome to the dirt! Where you from? East or west?

Thanks! I am in Louisiana, but it seems I'm in the wrong part. :D I hear all the good tracks are in Northern LA, and I'm near Baton Rouge. I do plan on checking out Kevin Windham's place soon. It's about an hour and a half away from me, but just a couple miles from my great grandmothers property where I am learning to ride.

Lissa · Jan 24, 2003

Must be nice and warm there right now? Up here in New Jersey it's freezing! The past two weeks is the longest I've been without riding in like two years. When its this frigid it worries me to crash. Not only does plastic shatter easy at these temps (20 degrees is like the average high!) but so do bones! How did you get intrested and decided to start riding?

Kimberly · Jan 24, 2003

Originally posted by Lissa
Must be nice and warm there right now? Up here in New Jersey it's freezing! The past two weeks is the longest I've been without riding in like two years. When its this frigid it worries me to crash. Not only does plastic shatter easy at these temps (20 degrees is like the average high!) but so do bones! How did you get intrested and decided to start riding?

Actually it got cold a few days ago. We go back and forth with the temps this time of year. I think it got down to 18 last night, and has been in the 30s all day today, but will hit the teens again tonight. It's supposed to warm up over the weekend...I think to almost 60-65 on Sunday, so it'll be beautiful riding weather. But right now it's just cold and windy!
I've always had an interest in bikes, even though I never had one. My uncle (who is 8 years older than me) got a used something 80 (I didn't know what they were at the time) when he was about 12...so I always watched him playing on it and dreamed of the day that I could ride it too. Of course, it wasn't even near running years later when I was big enough, but my mom never would've let me anyway.
So this past Christmas I got my 6 year old son a KDX 50, and 3 weeks later got myself the Yamaha. We're learning together. :)

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