Txbigguy

Camp Tejas Chef
N. Texas SP
Jan 14, 2002
544
1
Ok guys I am looking to getting back into riding in the dirt. I currently ride in the street. I used to ride when I was younger on a friends bike. I am 5'10 and around 220. (played football for a long time) I want to do mostly trail riding and playing around in the fields. I might look into getting into MX once I get my skills up. What kind of bike should I look into getting. I was thinking either a XR250 or TTR250. The one problem that I have is that it seems that most of the bikes out there are too tall. Can that be fixed?
 

Anssi

Member
May 20, 2001
868
0
At 5'10", you should have no problems with both bikes. You don't have to get both feet flat on the ground, both feet with toes on the ground is plenty once you get used to it. The bikes can be lowered (suspension), but it won't be cheap if done right so as to not disturb the handling. The trail bikes sometimes have a lot of seat foam, though, that can be trimmed at zero cost.

The XR and TTR are not that tall anyways, but you may be disappointed by the power once you learn to ride a bit, especially if you have any faster sections.
 

Txbigguy

Camp Tejas Chef
N. Texas SP
Jan 14, 2002
544
1
Hey thanks for input. I guess I am used to having both feet solidly on the ground with my cruiser. I was thinking about the speed and thought maybe to get a cheap CR or YZ 125 and then going up from there. Would the 125 be too small for me?
 

agitt73

~SPONSOR~
May 11, 2000
1,078
0
an 125 would not have enough power
i would go with a 250
or kdx200 or 220
also ktm 200 would be a good choice
 

slo' mo

slower than slow...
LIFETIME SPONSOR
May 5, 2000
1,425
0
I think you should evaluate your riding wishes. The TTR is a great bike but you may be disappointed with it on an MX track. The XR is a great all around bike and very tough. On the other hand if you go for an MX bike you may not like it on the trails.
I'm pretty close to your size and ride a CR250. If I was more into riding trails I would trade it in a heartbeat for an XR250. If you like smooth power delivery, go for the XR or a similar 4 stroke. If you like that rush of trying to keep the front wheel down once you hit the powerband go for the two stroke.
Whatever you get, I would start with a used bike. You are bound (by honor) to push yourself above your riding abilities and crash it. ;)

PS - there are a lot of riders in the N. Metroplex area. Don't be hesitant about posting on the "Places to ride" forum or sending PMs to tohers when you go. Always more fun to ride with others.:cool:
 

Txbigguy

Camp Tejas Chef
N. Texas SP
Jan 14, 2002
544
1
Hey thanks Mo. I think I am leaning towards either the XR250 or KDX 200/220. I am looking around for a used one. I know its not a matter of if but when I go down. But then thats all the fun of it. I have a group of guys at work here that ride and we are all looking at getting back into the dirt. I will have to look at the places to ride section.:eek:
 

TWRT

Member
Sep 13, 2001
249
0
remember, no matter what bike you get, plan on getting proper riding gear. riding gear boosts your confidence and helps to lessen injury. boots, knee guards, riding pants, padded jersy, chest protecter, helmet, gloves and eye protection. oh yeah, bicycle riding shorts or jock, keeps things from getting smacked...... have it happen once, and you will never forget again....

I have learned the hard way, like, gee if I had proper boots, I would not have this hole in my leg. or 'bet that rock would not have hurt so bad if i was wearing a chest protecter. even better, sure glad i had my knee guards on when that golf ball size rock hit my knee at about 60mph and almost knocked me off the bike!!!!!!

third world racing team, we may ride old bikes, but we wear proper equipment.
 

Txbigguy

Camp Tejas Chef
N. Texas SP
Jan 14, 2002
544
1
I agree. I think I have made up my mind. There is a guy living near me the is selling a 02 KDX220. I think I will try and get that.:silly:
 

Txbigguy

Camp Tejas Chef
N. Texas SP
Jan 14, 2002
544
1
Well I am getting my money together and it looks like I am actually going to go with a 98 YZ 250. I found a great deal on it and I think it will give me what I want and then some.
 
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