Dirt n00b needs advise on bikes

[Bobby Ginger]

Hello wise ones from the thumper threads. I am considering changing my riding interest. I recently purchased a GSA and in completely new used bike love. It will do anything my Ducati will do with exception of 120mph + which i never do anyway. The GSA will go in the gravel and dirt, but I was thinking about getting a bike that does not give me a hernia when I pick it up. With that being said, I may sell the Duc and get something lighter for the dirty work. I am thinking a dirt bike suited for nobbies that I can plate?

Some background on me: I am 29, 6'0, 190 lbs, and almost zero dirt experience. I have been on the road for three years. I want something that can get on the highway to get me between dirt holes but not a road warrior if you catch my drift. The bike needs to meet my ergonomics since I am relatively tall. If it makes a diference I am located in the Sandbox aka Flatistan.

My budjet is ~6k but would be nice to find somthing in the 3-4k range. I don't need the newest or the coolest, just a well but together machine that I can ride more than work on.

Please help me out with what bikes I should be researching. Thanks!

And as always flames, insults, and naysayers and highly encouraged.

[Rick's KLR]

There are a lot of bikes that should fit that mold. Since you're new to dirt, maybe a small 250 would be in order for your intro.

Something like a KLX250, Honda CRF250L or an older Suzuki DR350 or a new DRZ400.

I think you'd be able to find any of these in your price range.

[Bobby Ginger]

Sounds like a good place to start. So the bigger the CC the more output, does that usually affect the weight of the bike? So my questing is what is the advantage for a new rider like me on the 250 vs a bigger bike. Also do you have any input on outgrowing the smaller bike, like in six months am I am going to be looking to upgrade? I ride a good bit when I am not working(I travel for work).

[Rick's KLR]

Originally Posted by DucandGSrider

Sounds like a good place to start. So the bigger the CC the more output, does that usually affect the weight of the bike? So my questing is what is the advantage for a new rider like me on the 250 vs a bigger bike. Also do you have any input on outgrowing the smaller bike, like in six months am I am going to be looking to upgrade? I ride a good bit when I am not working(I travel for work).

I think it depends. The more money you spend (KTM, Husky) the lighter and more power you'll get. If you're wanting to spend less than $7k, then you'll be limited by how heavy you want the bike to be verses size.

The advantage as I see it, is that on a smaller bike, you'll find it easier to learn when on narly single track and easier to pick up when you do drop it.

I think many people do outgrow the bikes and need to upgrade but usually either go with a larger bike such as the DRZ400 or go up in level such as the KTM or Husky.

Regardless, I think most of these bikes can be sold next season after you've "graduated" and you'll be able to upgrade to something that offers you more challenges.

I ride a tinny tiny XT250 and for me it's perfect as I don't need the power and speed. I just putt around the forest roads. I'm sure others will have much more experienced opinions to help.

[Jackazz]

What kind of terrain will you be riding? If it's a lot of soft sandy stuff your going to want something in the 450 range. If it's gnarly tight twisty stuff then a 250 would be a OK bike to learn on.
Can you plate a dirt bike in Florida or are you stuck with factory plated bikes?

JA

[Bobby Ginger]

Originally Posted by Jackazz

What kind of terrain will you be riding? If it's a lot of soft sandy stuff your going to want something in the 450 range. If it's gnarly tight twisty stuff then a 250 would be a OK bike to learn on.
Can you plate a dirt bike in Florida or are you stuck with factory plated bikes?

JA

Lots of sand spots here in FL. Can you break that down for me? If it's a lot of soft sandy stuff your going to want something in the 450 range. Be gentle, I am new

As for your second question, I really do not know. I will do some reasearch in the regional thread.

[Rapid Dog]

...might be worth looking into a used WR250R to get your chops.
Fairly tall and well mannered, decent off the shelf suspension, nearly zero maintenance. Iffy on the new Honda 250.
In general, the WR250 is much more bike for the money IMO. KLX250 is a toy in comparo too.
DRZ400 a solid machine.
Should be able to spend under $4K and get either in good shape as a learner.

[Bobby Ginger]

Originally Posted by Rapid Dog

...might be worth looking into a used WR250R to get your chops.
Fairly tall and well mannered, decent off the shelf suspension, nearly zero maintenance. Iffy on the new Honda 250.
In general, the WR250 is much more bike for the money IMO. KLX250 is a toy in comparo too.
DRZ400 a solid machine.
Should be able to spend under $4K and get either in good shape as a learner.

I was hoping to hear about brand choice. I really do not have any loyalty, just want the most machine for the least money and low maintenance. That puts yamaha at the top of my list for now.

Thanks to everyone for the input so far!

[TwilightZone]

>"..might be worth looking into a used WR250R to get your chops."

Ditto the WR250R, nice handling, low maintenance, and pretty crashworthy! If you build confidence and want to move up, the WR250R will make an easy sale.

Second choice would be perhaps a DR400, or maybe some sort of used KTM/Husky with plates. 'Real' dirt bikes will probably require a bit of mechanical know how. (Since you have a Ducati... so you do mechanics... yes?)

[Bobby Ginger]

Originally Posted by TwilightZone

>"..might be worth looking into a used WR250R to get your chops."

Ditto the WR250R, nice handling, low maintenance, and pretty crashworthy! If you build confidence and want to move up, the WR250R will make an easy sale.

Second choice would be perhaps a DR400, or maybe some sort of used KTM/Husky with plates. 'Real' dirt bikes will probably require a bit of mechanical know how. (Since you have a Ducati... so you do mechanics... yes?)

Haha, actually the Duc has been very reliable. I do work on my bikes though. After 40 miles out to the beach and up the coast this afternoon there is no way I can sell it. It is too much fun. I guess I'll be adding a third bike.

There are no WR250 for sale in town on craigslist right now, there is a DRZ400 for $4400 with only 500 miles.

[acesandeights]

Originally Posted by DucandGSrider

Lots of sand spots here in FL. Can you break that down for me? If it's a lot of soft sandy stuff your going to want something in the 450 range. Be gentle, I am new

As for your second question, I really do not know. I will do some reasearch in the regional thread.

I think the point being made is that sand favors horsepower so you'd probably want something with more power, the 450 over the 250.

In my opinion you're going to want a 400cc+ bike. I know there is a huge following of 250cc bikes, but I really think it'll be underpowered for a guy 6.0 and 190 lbs. People do it, but I know for me 250cc would be too small unless it was a dirt only bike, not ridden in too much sand or at altitude (not that you're at altitude).

[Bobby Ginger]

Ok, bigger guy in the soft stuff needs more power. Good info so far guys, thanks so much.

[stinkfinger]

Also to consider;
gettin a 250 dirtbike to bust your (dirt) chops on, and THEN gettin
a lil bigger dualsport later. Theres no better way to learn anything
motorcycle, than a smaller dirtbike and the crashes are generally
bruises, not breaks. Concentrate on slow speed control,
agility, and clutch precision- NOT speed. When you get comfortable,
work up to riding down the trail in a higher gear than optimum- it will
help push you to pick up the pace and promote better traction.
Set up some obstacles. Put up cones in a 30 ft square pattern and ride
figure 8s inside the box whithout putting yer feet down. When its easy,
make the box 25ft and so on....when you can do figure8s inside a 20ft box
with feet on pegs, yer doin good. Use the clutch, a lil throttle, and a lil
brake at same time when you get really comfortable.
Nothin teaches control, like slow speed balance.

Look up! most new dirt riders stare at the ground just in front of the tire.
Learn to make a snap decision based on a quik look 50ft+ down the trail and stick to it. Dont look where you dont want to go! Focus on the
way around the mud puddle, NOT the mud puddle. The bike will go
where your'e looking. Most new dirt riders focus on the obstacle
and end up there. Good luck, yer gonna love it

Tony

[daniel5600]

Probably out of the price range, not sure. But I'm also new to dirt and just sold my Multistrada for a KTM 690 Enduro R. Does road exceptionally well yet still performs like a dirt bike should and weighs nothing compared to things like a Tiger and GSA. Im also 6'5", its a big bike, which is good.

[bobnoxious67]

I agree that it sounds like a WRR would probably fit the bill for you.

I don't agree that they are "nearly zero maintenance"...take your bike in the dirt, and you need to tinker/clean/adjust stuff. They all need oil changes/brakes/chains & sprockets/tires...everybody thinks the WRR is the maintenance "wonder bike" because the factory spec'ed 26k mile valve lash inspection intervals

For $4k, you can find nearly anything you want from any manufacturer...personally, I would lean towards a middle of the road bike to start, and see what kind of riding I ended up doing. That would mean either a Yamaha WR250R or Suzuki DRZ (narrow ratio gear box unfortunately) on the Japanese side of the world, a KTM LC4 or Husqvarna TE610 on the European side of things. These are 300lb-ish bikes, and not very needy in the maintenance department (3000 mile oil/6000 mile valve lash check...except for the "wonder bike"), and all but the DRZ have gear boxes that allow road riding and dirt riding (the DRZ will do road too, but the narrow ratio box means it's buzzing on the road if it's geared for the dirt...if your riding is in the sand, you don't need to gear way down for slow riding and you'll be fine). Obviously the European bikes give you more power/suspension/brakes compared to the Japanese bikes...650 power at 250-400 weight.

Also coming in as "middle of the road" but adding another 50-ish lbs of pork are the Suzuki DR650 and Honda XR650L.

Knowing what I know now, I would be on a Husky TE610 again...goes anyplace and does anything right out of the box, while putting a 50 hp/Brembo brakes/great suspension/300 lb/best gear box ratio ever smile on your face