So I'm looking for my first bike

[foppa21]

After riding some friends' dirtbikes a few times over the last couple years, I've finally decided to give up snowboarding in favour of a new sport, dirtbiking. Now I'm 16 and saving most of my money for university, but I'm looking for a cheap bike that I can have some fun with. I'd be doing a fair bit of trail riding with my buddies (2001 ttr-125, 99 ttr-250, and 81 xl250) so I need something that I could keep up with them, but also be able to take a jump with or just ride around and try to do wheelies in my back alley. For the last point it would have to be fairly light if I wanted to be able to bring the bike back down if I loop it at a low speed (I've only done this with a 4-stroke 125 before, would a 250 be too heavy?) I'm 6'0 and 165lbs and looking to spend about $1000 Canadian, so something early to mid 80's is the only bike to fit my budget. Reliability is important and I'm a Honda fan, but open to other brands. Right now I'm thinking an '84 CR125 would suit me well. Am I wrong? (and yes I know that 2-strokes are harder to wheelie than the 4s) Does anyone else have any different ideas or what to look for if I do choose the CR? For example, is it worth passing up an '82 or '83 CR125 just to get the disk brake on the '84, and how gas thirsty is the 2-stroke 125? Any input would be much appreciated. Thanks

 

[mobrown]

Be patient is the key.

You can get a much newwe CR125 for $1000. I have 1 '91 CR250 I bought for the same and it runs great! If you take your time you can find many bikes newer than a '84 for the money you are looking to spend.

BTW I am 6'1" and ride the 250... it screams! A lot of these guys in this site recommend the KDX line of bikes (Kawasaki 200 and 220) for guys who want to ride trails.

Best of luck... you'll have a blast. Make sure you buy protective gear 'casue you're gonna wreck (chest protector, boots and gloves as a minimum)

 

[KAWA200'sRule]

I think 2strks are easier to wheelie b/c of the lighter wieght most of the time. How much is 1000 canadian in US about?

 

[foppa21]

Mobrown, I'm in canada so $1000 up here is quite a bit less than in the US. KAWA, with the direct exchange rate it's equal to $764.00 US but I'm not sure how our prices differ as far as being in two different countries.

 

[mobrown]

True..

Yea but you guys have the greatest health care benefits system in the world!!! :)

I actually thought it was the other way around... the Canadien $ being worth more than Yankee $. Thanks for clearing that up.

$1000 (American) seems to be the benchmark for getting something in descent shape and not 105 years old here in the states. Something is going to have to be fixed/replaced on older bikes anyway so I would say that the key is finding someone who seems to be honest about the condition of the bike. If you know exactly what's wrong or what is worn then you'll have a good idea of repair/replacement costs... that's the trick, avoiding hidden costs.

To reiterate though, patience is very important and trying to resist impulse buying. When you find something that seems reasonable tell the great bunch of guys here on this site and they/we will help you all the way. You'll not find nicer, more competent, caring, and helpful people than the ones on this site.... and it doesn't cost any $$$, Canadien or American!!

Keep us informed.

 

[foppa21]

I just checked the buy and sell today and there is an '81 honda xl250 for $600. For that price, would it be a piece of junk and not worth it? My cousin has the same bike and he now needs to replace the carbeurrator (about $200). I'm still leaning heavily toward the cr, but is the xl strictly a street and trail bike, or is it useful for jumps too?

 

[Yz250FinAZ]

Xl has a metal tank and is suited for the street mostly. the XL is also pretty heavy(not the best to be jumping) and depending on the yr it prolly needs some better susp to be jumping or serious trail riding. look for soemthing newer, im sure you could find an awesome cr125 or soemthing for about 1000

 

[mobrown]

Ditto!

im sure you could find an awesome cr125 or soemthing for about 1000

 

[foppa21]

Thanks for the help, I'll keep looking for a cr125 then. Should I make sure it's a model with a disk brake ('84-) or is the front drum on the pre '84 models good enough. Also, is there anything specific I should know about the cr125 before I buy one (specific problems, questions to ask the owner, etc)? How does the reliability of the older Hondas compare to the other brands, specifically suzuki since I can get an RM125 for almost $200 less than a cr125?

PS - mobrown - Canadian healthcare is overrated in my opinion. We still pay for it through higher taxes but there are many people who will go to the hospital with a cough or sore throat because it's free, and create huge lineups and waiting lists. :|

 

[kdxtodd]

If you can get a 80s 4-stroke to wheelie better than 2-stroke, then get it :laugh:


Gotta love socialist healthcare :moon: