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posted February 19, 2004 08:19 AM
Which Dirtbike do I buy, or do I ??????? Ok guys this is a tough one for me. I am in the market for a dirtbike and I don't know which way to go. My sons birthday is in April and I plan to suprise him with his first bike. I'm gonna get him a CRF50F because I think it is the best beginner bike out there. A nearby dealer priced one to me for $999 which is a couple hundred off MSRP. So you know I gotta get one too, he can't ride alone.
I really like the CRF450R but geesh those things are expensive (to me) for a playbike. I got a decent price on one at $5799 which is $700 below MSRP, I can get the Yamaha for $400 less, but if I spend that much I'll opt for the Honda I think. But here is the kicker. I chose these bikes because I figured they'd be better bikes for slow trails and riding in the woods. Plus when I get some of my dirt skills back I can roost on 'em too. I know I could get a smaller bike, but I'm a big bastard and need some good power for wheelies, and to lug my big ass up hills. So I'm thinkin' that these two big 4 strokes are my only real options, maybe the KTM equivalent???? Dunno.............
My question is where would the big KX500 fit in. I know it has to be a beast because it has a hell of a reputation. Would it be too much bike to loaf around on from time to time. Woods riding???? Does it run hot if you're not flat out most of the time???? I'm pretty sure it's not gonna be suited for what I'm gonna be doing, but thought I'd ask. It is appealing though because I know the power is there, and I'm sure it's suspension would suit me, and the price is more inline with what I was figuring a good dirtbike should cost, mid $4k at a dealer 50 miles from here.
Don't get me wrong, I still say all of 'em are too damned high. I could buy a nice used streetbike for what the Honda would cost by the time I got it OTD. I'm a cheap bastard so I may try and keep up with my son on my mountainbike for a year or so.
One more thing............
I'm catching a lot of heat from my wife, some friends, and at times my ex-wife. All concerning my son getting a dirtbike at the soon to be age of 5. He is a big kid and at almost 80lbs. will easily be able to handle the physical part of it. The rest of it he must learn, and be under strict supervision I know. He has a lot to learn and I feel he's ready. I've had a couple buddies start their kids out at 3 yrs. old on PW50s with nary a problem. Do you guys think 5 is too young????
Any input on this will be appreciated. ____________
What we're dealin' with here is a complete lack of respect for the law.
posted February 19, 2004 08:33 AM
Buy a Yamaha. Used YZ426 and/or 450F's go for $3500 - $4500. And you can't break them. KTM's are much more $$$$$, and maintaining them is more expensive and time consuming (I think they have 3 oil filters...).
I started my kids out at 2 & 3 years old. Moved up from an ALT50, to PW50, to XR100. Then after they could pick themselves up off the ground and be comfortable, we moved them into the 2 strokes (RM80, KX100, etc.).
As big as he is, I'd put him on a XR/CRF50 to learn the basics. Then move him into a XR100 and/or big wheel CR80.
posted February 19, 2004 10:53 AM
I think the 500 would be way too much for the woods. They have a reputation for being heavy and slow. Way too much power for the woods.
Don't discount a KDX220 - tweaked out they are a lot of fun. But you gotta do a LOT of work to get the same power that a KTM 250 has.
I love my KTM 250. If you want stupid power go with the 300 - and it lugs down low even better than the 250 from what I hear. But the price is probably out for you.
Yamhammer 450f's have a reputation for being extrememly hard to start.
Personally I like 2 smokes over the fours. Lighter. But I don't think you'll need to worry much about power if you are going to be riding in the woods - you'll have plenty with a little 4 stroke 250 (except the KTM 250 4 stroke).
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posted February 19, 2004 11:46 AM
Thanks for the input guys. I just called about a 2000 model YZF426 located in Mississippi. They want $3250 for it, which is about what the retail is on it. Supposedly like new with very few hours, but it has new forks???
No thanx I'll pass on that one........
Anyone else care to chime in?
____________
What we're dealin' with here is a complete lack of respect for the law.
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posted February 19, 2004 12:47 PM
Dan at North County Kawasaki (760) 753-6933 has two '03 KLX400 that he wants to unload...not street legal, strictly off-road red sticker bike...basically a Suzuki DRZ400 but with the cooler Kawasaki Racing Green bodywork...yeah, I know, its in SoCal, but it might be worth your while to get a new dirtbike cheaper...tell 'em Nano sent ya' if you decide
...btw...the Suz/Kaw 400 is a nice machine to play with...I have the KLX400SR (DP-Street) and I love it...it has enough power for my fat ass...85mph on pavement, uphill, into the wind, sitting upright... no problem ____________ “We sleep safe in our beds because rough men
stand ready in the night to visit violence on those
who would do us harm.”
-George Orwell
posted February 19, 2004 01:00 PM
New forks is nothing to be too concerned about. Check the radiators to see if they are tweaked. If they're fine, and the subframe is reasonably straight, offer $2850 and ride it away. Ask him if they did a valve adjustment. The valve train is shim under bucket and is a semi-pain to do. But they rarely need adjusting. Maybe once a year. Make sure you only check the oil level in the frame after it's hot, and after it's sat for a few minutes. Very important to not overfill.
If you buy it, I have 4 or 5 new air filters, Ti exhaust, and set of D756 Dunlops available for a song.
JW - The 400's were the worst to start. 426's were much, much better. The 450's with the automatic decompression & hot start on the handlebar are a piece-o-cake to start hot or cold. On all of them, just don't touch the throttle. One twist when cold and get your dam hands off it! When hot, don't touch it.
posted February 19, 2004 01:01 PM
I think you should buy your son a 50 and save the rest so you can come to the next DG event, you stupid fuck! ____________
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways- Body thoroughly used up, totally worn out...Screaming "WOO HOO, What a Ride !!!"
posted February 19, 2004 05:49 PM
Rick...How does your son react when he sees you working on/riding your 12???...Does he ask for rides or mention that he wants one???...When I was 6 I remember my fathers bike and use to want rides all the time, wishing that I had one too...He didnt let me get one until I was 13, because I would have been riding in the street at a young age...Not many places to ride in the city during the mid 70s...
Now there is no place to ride in NYC...My kids want shifter carts...I said no way, no place to ride those but the track...They dont really care though...They're into karate instead...
____________ Jason Miller StreetBike Seminars
*****DragRacers do it better, because they dont cut Corners*****
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posted February 19, 2004 06:44 PM
YZ450F Lucky has found me a good line on a 450. It's an '03 with Renthal bars, GYT Pipe, a heavier Yamaha flywheel etc, etc...... According to Lucky it's in primo condition and I definitely trust his judgement. The guy wants $4500 which ain't bad. He's gonna email me some pics in the next day or so.
Oh yeah and Harry..... ____________
What we're dealin' with here is a complete lack of respect for the law.
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posted February 19, 2004 06:52 PM
Wassup Rick... Rick, Hows it going man???
My son loves bikes. I started riding him on the 12 last year and he loves it. He loves bicycles, motorcycles, and yes 4-wheelers. He really wanted a dirtbike @ christmas, along with $50K worth of other crap. He has a very vivid imagination. He has pretty much been a bikenut since he was a little toddler. He will be stoked when he gets his very own bike, and I'll be stoked for him. I just hope he uses a little more common sense than I did. I suffered from "Harry's Disease" when I was young. In other words, I was a stupid motherfucker. Thankfully I've been partially cured by a shrinking bank account, several tickets, and injuries that took far too long to heal.
Ya know Karate may not be too bad..... ____________
What we're dealin' with here is a complete lack of respect for the law.
posted February 19, 2004 07:37 PM
Though I would agree that dirt is for planting potatoes and asphalt is for racing, you are not a real man unless you can kick start a motorcycle!
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posted February 19, 2004 08:10 PM
Hey, as a former WR250F owner, I can relate to that...But fuck, what the hell was Yamaha thinking? The Hondas start like a dream, but the Yamaha is a *&U(&$($)@$*&@&$@#{$_* to start!!! Course, this year's WR250F is great...Just push the button. ____________
82 Gpz750, 84 Ninja 900, 2000 ZX12R (Muzzy Big Bore Kit), *another* 2000 ZX12R (Muzzy custom stroke crank 1341cc motor), 2004 ZZR1200, 2005 ZX10R, 2007 ZX14, 2008 Concours 14, 2014 Versys 650, 2014 Yamaha WR450F, 2015 Ninja H2
posted February 19, 2004 08:25 PM
I'm looking for a an XR50 for my almost 6 year old now. He's been riding his bicycle like a dirtbike for a year now, doing some small jumps and trying to wheelie. Probably shouldn't let him watch Supercross and freestyle on TV! He asks every day when the snow is gonna melt because I said we can't ride now anyway with the ground being frozen.
If anyone knows where a good used XR50 is let me know cause all the dealers up here in the northeast want $1199.00 (msrp) and at LEAST $100.00 setup fee plus tax. Even the dealers I have bought bikes from before.
posted February 19, 2004 10:45 PM
ninjaman, i'd stick with a fairly low power bike as it will make it easier for ur son to actually ride WITH you. also, it might be nice to stick with the same brand of bike as he's riding so he feels like he has the same bike as daddy bet it will make him that much more proud.
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posted February 20, 2004 04:40 AM
interesting.... freek,
As much as I hate to admit it , I've thought the same thing.
Example:
I've got an old air rifle that I've had for a gazillion years. Last spring I decided I'd get it out and "help" my son learn how to shoot it. Well he loved shooting at cans and stuff, but the gun was too big, and I was pretty much doing everything but pulling the trigger. So I reflected back on my youth and thought about my first BB Gun, the infamous lever action Daisy. I knew I had to get him one. I bought him a little Daisy Buck 105 lever action. The kid was in heaven. It was all his, it fit him, and he could shoot it without anyone helping him. But all he kept saying was "Dad it's just like yours,....my gun is JUST like yours". Nothing could be further from the truth though But perspectives are everything, and in his eyes that's the way it is.
Excellent point freek.
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posted February 20, 2004 09:44 AM
I'm thinkin' it's gonna be the 450 Yamaha... Looks like it'll be the Yamaha if I do make the plunge. Reason being that I can get a great deal on a new '04. I talked to the dealership a few minutes ago and told them I was in the market for 3 bikes. One for Jr.,the misses, and myself. Probably get Jr. the PW50 to keep it all Yamaha , looks like the misses will get a TTR125LE, and I'm opting for the YZ450F. He shot me a price of $5199 which is cheaper than anybody else, $949 for the PW50, and if he still has one, $1999 for the TTR. If he doesn't have any '03s I'll have to pay $2299 for an '04.
I'm still a bit iffy about spending that much loot. But my son will definitely get his bike. The wife and I are totally optional. Well I am anyhow , she really wants to learn how to ride and now is as good a time as any. Plus my son will eventually grow into that 125 if I buy it.
____________
What we're dealin' with here is a complete lack of respect for the law.
posted February 20, 2004 11:14 AM
Freek- is it true you are moving to iowa to start a new career as a "Scarecrow" ? ____________
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways- Body thoroughly used up, totally worn out...Screaming "WOO HOO, What a Ride !!!"
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posted February 20, 2004 11:21 AM
Just crows ?!?!?!?!? Harry that MF would scare crows,kids,cows,dogs,cats, and anything else that got within 100 yds. Hell I'm scared just gettin' a mental image!!! LOL!!!!
freek,
STFU ya fuckin' scrambled tonsil BIATCH!!!!!!!!!!!
BTW... goin' to pick up the Lil' 125 this afternoon.
____________
What we're dealin' with here is a complete lack of respect for the law.
posted February 20, 2004 11:33 AM
y'all are just jealous cause i can eat whatever the fuck i want (except natural protein shakes like y'all guzzle every day) & dont put on weight
posted February 20, 2004 03:42 PM
Buy the Yamaha if you like kicking the shit out of a bike to start it i personally raced a CRF 450 for two years my opinion thats the best bike on the market i could stand beside the bike on a center stand and start it with tennis shoes on no Yamaha will do that as far as the woods they kick serious ass just go down on the rear sprocket trust me try out one before you go with the Yamaha ask Lucky he also owned a CRF450.
posted February 20, 2004 06:49 PM
Rick...Nothing much going on here, just working, spending weekends with the kids and getting ready for the DragRacing season...
You guys will have a great time riding together and im sure your son will ride fine until you do a few wheelies in front of him...Then he will want to do what Dad does... ____________ Jason Miller StreetBike Seminars
*****DragRacers do it better, because they dont cut Corners*****
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posted February 20, 2004 07:41 PM
I hear ya Rick!!!
fearless,
I bought the 450 Yamaha and you're right. Kickstartin' that bad boy is tough. But mine has a back-up starter that has a red push button wired to it. Yep, bought an '04 WR450 just a few hours ago. Already rode a few wheelies on it out behind the house. Put a few ruts in the yard too. Picked that up and the TTR125LE for the little woman. I know the Honda is a great bike, but after talking to jonwright and some other guys I realized the WR was what fit my needs the best. I can't wait to hit the trails on that thing. Oh,...and the mandatory tweaks will be done tomorrow. Air box mod, baffle removal, clipping of grey wire etc. I'll have to order the YZ throttlestop on Monday. ____________
What we're dealin' with here is a complete lack of respect for the law.
posted February 21, 2004 07:37 AM
for trail and severe woods you sure made the right decision the WR is the only bike with the back-up kick starter if i'm not mistaken and the suspension is the same as the YZF 450 so it will also bust a 90 ft triple if you want to!I also hope with your new purchase you also have the right riding gear.
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posted February 19, 2004 08:19 AM
So I'm thinkin' that these two big 4 strokes are my only real options, maybe the KTM equivalent???? Dunno.............
posted February 19, 2004 08:33 AM
posted February 19, 2004 11:46 AM
posted February 19, 2004 06:52 PM
posted February 20, 2004 11:21 AM
