What's the best bike for me

[chewgravel]

Allright, I read the rules and it says I have to give my specs so here goes. I am just shy of 5'8" and weigh 125. I am currently riding a Yamaha XT225 as my initial interest was mostly back roads and trail riding. Then I started doing some little jumps, and cut my own "track" into a 5 acre vacant lot so I could practice turns etc. This weekend I got a taste of riding on a real mx track and love it! (see my post in the women's forum) I don't think I will race, but would like to play on that track like maybe every few weeks. I think the XT is at a disadvantage for that kind of riding. There are certainly more nimble, lighter bikes that would be quicker out of the turns and stuff. I would really like to stay with a four stroke, I think. I have been told they are less maintenance? I am still pretty new to this stuff, so reading about powerbands and modifications can be mind boggling. Especially for someone blonde and French. :) So can I get some advice as to what bike might be a better choice than my XT? Do I even need something different for just playing?

 

[Susie]

I have a KDX 220 that I have kind of outgrown, I am just a bit taller at 5'9" and 130 lbs. The bike has been good for single track trails, but my husband's ktm 300mxc is really something. Very light and snappy. I want to start jumping and this looks like the right bike, you may want to try one if you can. It is a two stroke though.

 

[nectar]

....if you're in good shape and have decent riding skill, then I would suggest a kx125, cause you're the perfect size for a 125....plus the kx has some low end....Ofcouse you would have to get the suspension dialed in for your size, riding level and style...but once its set-up, you're gonna have one fun track bike....good luck with it....

 

[Reesknight]

Well I would agree with Nectar that your the right size and weight for a 125 mx bike, but I believe with your experience and being used to the power delivery of a small bore 4 stroke, that a full blown mx bike might be too much for you right now. And although Suzie believes she has outgrown her KDX, I believe if she would do a few mods to it and open it up some, she might just find she hasn't outgrown it yet. I will definately not argue about the performance of a KTM though. They are hard to beat in the woods. My vote goes for either a KDX 200 or the KTM mxc 200. :cool:

And on a side note, the modern 4 strokes require as much if not more maintenance than a 2 stroke, so if that is your only reason for sticking with a 4 stroke, you may want to reconsider.

 

[MXP1MP]

if you want a good shorter 125 with good bottom/mid a decent top end get at least a newer KX 125 say like at least an '03. They are the shortest of the 125's out there right now I am 5'5" and can at least flat foot one foot really good and almost the other. It may not be the lightest but it have a low center of gravity so it feels light. I mainly suggest the KX cause it lower seat height be more similar to your XT and it would help you in gaining confidence. BTW I think the newer four strokes require alot more maintence then 2 strokes.

 

[chewgravel]

Can anyone explain more about low end power, dialing in suspension and the difference in maintenance etc? Or do I need to keep pouring through the other forums. I am pretty new to being on the track, but I think pretty gutsy about riding. I am pretty confident about handling the bike I have and not afraid to ride it to it's capabilities. I am kind of feeling it is a bit on the wimpy side, like I am outgrowing it's ability. I could be dead wrong. But I feel like it is a great confidence builder type bike, but now thinking I want something more nimble and powerful. Maintenance and noise is pretty much the reasons I was thinking of staying with the 4 stroke. And hearing something about needing to ride with the throttle pretty wide open with the 2 strokes to keep from fouling the plugs? I have a lot to learn for sure. Right now the bike I have seems pretty darned easy to ride and maintain by myself. Please keep the advice coming. I am finding these forums a great tool for learning.:)

 

[snb73]

Chewgravel,

Since riding on a track seems to be your primary interest, I would suggest a 125 2-stroke or a 250 4-stroke MX bike. Just about any of the current 2 or 4 strokes bikes would be a good choice. Remembering that a 250 four stoke is competative with the 125 two stroke.

I am a firm believer in buying a bike that one can grow into, not what suits you now. Something that is beyond a riders skill level and will keep up with you as your skills increase. You sound like you're an accomplished rider and I think you would really enjoy a 125 2-stroke. The suspension will be so much better. Power delivery will be different than what you're used to but don't let that turn you away from a 2-stroke.

Here is a general power description. Low end refers to the power from idle to the first 1/3 of the engines RPM range. Midrange refers to the power from 1/3- 2/3 of the engines RPM range. Top end refers to power from 2/3 to maximum RPM, or full throttle. A 125 two stroke bike generally makes most of it's usable power in the mid to upper RPM range.

"Power Band" is a term used to describe when the engine developes useable power. All bikes have a power band. Four strokes have smooth steady power band, nothing abrupt. They usually generate useable power in the low to mid RPM range. A Two stroke has more defined/abrupt power band. This usually comes on in the mid RPM range and continues to the top-end RPM range. Both types are very usable and predictable.

Maintenence on both are pretty simular. Transmission oil changes and air filter cleaning about every or every other ride. Two strokes require pre-mixing, four strokes don't, but four strokes require frequent valve clearence/lash checks. The big difference is in the cost of top end rebuilding. Most MX bikes like a top end done once a year, to keep the engine fresh. A two stroke costs around $200-$300 dollars. A four stroke costs in the $800-$1000 dollar range. Something to consider when buying a used bike that might need a top end.

"Dialing in" the suspension means setting the bike up for your weight and riding style. First you would set the the sag for your rear suspension. Next comes riding the track. Adjusting the compression/rebound settings front and rear for the track. Most bikes come from the factory with springs designed for riders in the 160-180 pound range. You might benifit from having a set of spring installed to match your weight.

If a bike has it's carburetor jetted properly, it won't foul plugs. I have been using the same plug for the last 8 months.

Generally, Kawasaki and Suzuki have good low to mid range power. Honda and Yamaha make power in the mid to top end. I think a KX-125 would suit your needs perfectly. Just buy the newest bike in your price range.

Before spending alot of money on suspension or engine work, I would suggest riding the bike for a few months to get used to it. I am sure you will enjoy it.

Hope this helps, Steve.

 

[nectar]

....listen, if you want to have the most fun possible...the most challanging, and the most exciting time on the track..well, you gotta get a 125 2stroke....Yes, its gonna require alot more maintance than a xt225...but trust me...it will be worth it...and you will learn to love the explosive power delivery of a 2stroke, and believe me its nothing like that mild mannered xt225 you're riding now....don't fall for the hype, 4stroke race bikes require maintance and are much louder than 2strokes...get a 2stroke, cause it sounds to me like you're ready to really step it up....good luck....

 

[snb73]

you're welcome for answering your specific questions chewgravel

 

[chewgravel]

Steve: sent you a reg email. Got booted off computer by hubby. Your info was very helpful.
Thanks a bunch:)

 

[chewgravel]

Well, I have checked out the bikes suggested by all. Now, I am wondering if it is a fallacy that I should be able to touch the ground? I don't think I have particulary short legs. 30 1/2 inseam, but the tallest bike (seat height) I was able to touch (ball of feet, not flat) was the Honda CRF 230F. The seat height on that is 34.1" Any of the motocross 2 strokes are taller. Now what? I feel like I would be stuck with an 85 in honda, yamaha or suzuki. The 125's would be too tall?

 

[firecracker22]

You can do something about the height: I'd start by shaving seat foam. You can lose about an inch that way. There are other, more expensive solutions too.

Also, you will get used to it. I am 5'7" and ride a KTM200, all stock. I'm tip toes on it, and I've had many an awkward moment, but it's far from impossible. I have a 33" inseam though. Still, I bet you'd be fine. You don't necessarily NEED to touch the ground, especially on an MX track. It's nice to be able to touch on the trails though.

I'd keep a KTM 200 on your list. My EXC has gobs more power than a 125, but it's smooth and will lug down if you want it to. The KDX is even smoother than that but also heavier, and wider, which makes it feel taller. My KTM doesn't weigh much more than a Jap 125 unless the enourmous gas tank is full. Also, it is more than acceptable on the MX track. If you did nothing else but MX you might want stiffer suspension and different gearing but as is, you'd notice a WORLD of difference.

I had an XR200 for a year. I was about like you: ready for something different, not sure what. I almost got the KDX then changed my mind at the last minute (mostly because somebody told me the KTM would be too much bike for me, so I had to get one).

There is NO such thing as too much bike, I think. Anyone can learn to ride anything.

But you will have an adjustment period: stick it through, and you'll be kicking ass.

 

[flying W]

As a rule of thumb, if you can kickstart the bike while holding it up on your own then you are tall enough for that bike.
The only time your feet touch the ground on a MX track is usually when you crash so how your feet touch the ground is unimportant. This may not be true, however, for riding trails.

If you find a 34 inch seat height the most comfortable then you may want to look at a KX100 or a KTM 105. Both bikes have about the same seat height as the TTR. These are full race bikes and are fast. I've seen riders on 100's pass 125 riders.

While a 125 is great on the MX track it is one of the worst bikes for trail riding. A 250 4-stroke is a much better trail bike due to the better low RPM torque as well as great MX bike.

Maintenance is not a big issue unless you ride full throttle alot. You should be able to get 100-200 hours of moderate riding before major motor maintenance.

bon chance et amusez-vous bien