Next Bike: KX65?

[Mikey350D]

My 9 y/o son rides an XR80. Am considering switching to a 2-stroke:
He is out-riding suspension XR and will probably start racing.
Is the KX65 a good, reliable bike??
What maintenance is involved (top end every year???)
How reliable is bottem end in a 2-stroke??
I realize there will be more maintenance involved-
Just want to know what I'm getting into.
Any other suggestions for bike?
At the local tracks, all the 65's and 85's seem to be KTM or Kawi's.

Mikey350D

 

[SPAZZZ6821]

Hey, how old is your son well i think i can help you out here since i went through the same thing. when i was younger (9yrs old) i got a xr80 for Christmas. i rode it until i was 11. i then switched to a cr80r (wich is what i have right now) .BEst desicion i ever made and i think i can go another year on it. Go for the cr80r. Go red .

 

[Einstein]

height and weight are more important. The 2 stroke would like a top end every year if it's ridden normaly. But if your kid rides like a batt out of hell then maybe halfway through the season. As long as you keep on top of preventative maintence 2 strokes are not that bad to keep up. KTM and Kawi are the only brands that are currently making 65's now, I think. There are others 60's but most are dinosaurs.

 

[Philip]

Josh is 9 yrs old also. Currently he rides an XR70. He is 4'-6" tall and a little over 100lb. In March of next year we will be getting him a 2003 CR85. His hieght and weight right now allow him to just get on the bike, but we think he will grow maybe an 1" by then. (must be the water down here) I am not too worried about the power because he is a good rider and I may slow it down and let him get used to it gradually. We felt at his size he will outgrow the 65 quick. My 2 cents hope this helps.

 

[MX-727]

My daughter had a KX65. Great bike. Really didn't have to do anything to it beyond changing the filter and tranny oil. Of course, she didn't ride real hard. She did outgrow it quick, but she is a five foot tall ten year old. :eek:

It really depends on your son's height. Take him to the shop and put him on the 65 and the 85. You'll have to decide how long you think he will ride the bike. I wouldn't put him on a bike that he is a year away from being big enough for. The 65's tend to hold their value on the resale market fairly well. Had mine for a bit over a year and sold it for $400 less than I paid.

Let us know what you decide.

 

[Mikey350D]

My son is 4'7", so I'll probably look at the 65 and a gross of plugs.
I think you guys are correct: I would rather have him comfortable on the bike and not struggle on a too large bike (I already went thru that with the XR80-his first bike)
I also have a 13 y/o daughter (5'7" 125# XR100), so I expect a KX85 may also be in the near future.
Financial note: My wife is super-thrifty: I just discovered that she has been saving (yes, saving) all her paychecks for the last several years!!!!
So when I told her that we wanted to upgrade bikes; She said no problem!
What a sponsor!!

Mikey350D

 

[Jasle]

If he is 9 buy the 65 if you plan on racing. If you throw a 9 year old in the 85 class he will get smoked. Even the beginner 80 class is fairly fast. At least in 65 class he will be racing with kids his size and ability. There will be a lot of kids that are fast coming in the 7-8 range just hopping off the Cobras.
also the Cobra DC65 is due out at Ponca and Lorettas in August. I have seen the pics of it. Looks nice and should be way fast just like any other Cobra.

Jason

 

[kdx357]

it sounds like your son is a pro i reccomend a cr500af but the power may be a little mild