XR 200 vs CRF 230

Jeff,

At 5'8" I'd say the XR200 is probably too small for you. I rode one for three years and am only 5'3". For trails, you can't beat them but if you're wanting something to take on the track (jumps and whoops) it's probably not a good choice. I'm not trying to talk down the bike. I loved it! It's dependable and easy to ride. I don't know much about the CRF 230.

If you decide on the XR200, I've got one for sale. ;)

i believe the saddle hieght and wieght are the same (if not, they are very close).

at 5'8 you can easily manage a full sized bike, lemme reccomend the XR250 or TTR250 (not to be confused with the awful TTR225).

of course, if you fit an XR250 (which you would) there is literally no reason not to move up to the XR400. 400 might sound big and intimidating, but its not. the main difference between the XR250 and 400 (from a begginers perspective) is the smaller bike is a bit easier to start (in general).

while we're talking about 400s, have you looked at the DRZ400? its about the same size and wieght as an XR400, but has more power (in stock form). however, its power is still very tame and linear and very well suited to begginers. also, you can get the DRZ400 with an electric starter. this is a very nice option, but it is my personal belief that NO ONE ought to have an e-start first bike. kicking a bike over for a couple years will help you develop a true appreciation on the e-start button.

anyway - i'd focus on the XR250/400 or TTR250. they are simple and bullet proof and all three will leave you much more room to improve than an XR200 or CRF230. the 200 and 230 are GREAT learning bikes, but thats about it (unless you see yourself riding at anything other than a very mellow, very casual rate).

hope this helps.


jeremiah

XR250 if your going to be doing some jumps and such, also great for trails and beginner bike

A great starter bike for your height and weight is the XR250 (the XR200 will feel small). My only riding experience before purchasing my bike was 3 rides on an old old DR200. I was then wanting a new bike - the XR250. Needless to say I searched within a 60 mile radius of our home and couldn't find a new one - so I bought the XR400. I mentally "knew" the bike was too much for me as a beginner. I have done ok on the bike for the trail riding that I do. This is definately the bike for me NOW, but if I was to do it again I have bought an XR250 that was a few years old and gained skill and confidence before moving up to the XR400. Just my .02.

I owned an XR200 2 years ago. The suspension won't handle jumps at an mx track. It's strictly a trail riding bike. I recently bought the CRF 150 for my son. I rode it several times and it is far superior to an XR200. Much better handling and good suspension for jumps. The CRF 230 is taller, so it will fit your body better. I am also about 5'8' and 150lbs. So the fit comparison should be about the same for you and me. I ride a DRZ250. The DRZ400 is alot heavier. A friend has the DRZ400, he weighs a good 220 lbs. When we ride together, I'm quicker because of the weight difference. I highly recommend the DRZ 250 or the CRF 230 for you. Both are good bikes. I did install Kouba Links on my bike to make it fit me better and the improvement in the bike handling was incredible. I LOVE the 'e' button.
The CRF 250 will have the 'e' button if you want to ride Red and can wait. So many choices, life is good.