Best Dirt Bike For Beginners | What should you buy?
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- čas přidán 27. 04. 2018
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I get these emails all the time. Guys (and gals) are asking me what dirt bike to buy for their first dirt bike. It is a very hard question to answer when I don’t know much about their personality, body type, terrain they will ride on, or their backgrounds. Having said that, I do have some general suggestions for people and I will cover that in this video. Here is the cliff notes version.
First off, don’t buy a 450cc 4 stroke motocross dirt bike! If you get nothing other than that from this video, we are doing well. For most adult men looking to get into dirt biking, I would suggest either a 250 4 stroke, or a 125 2 stroke. The reason for these models is they don’t have too much power. Most people make the mistake of buying a bike that has too much power and it gets them into trouble. The bigger motors also make the bikes feel heavy, and tend to ride you more than you ride the bike!
Some good bikes to look for are:
More trail oriented:
Honda CRF250X (4 stroke)
Yamaha WR250 (4 stroke)
More race oriented:
Yamaha YZ125 (2 stroke)
KTM 150 or 200 XC-W (2 stroke)
KTM 250 XC-F (4 stroke)
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"I can't think of any reason to recommend a 500 to a beginning dirt bike rider". Yes there is, because you can buy it for cheap off his widow at the funeral.
lol
😂😂😂
If u hade a cbr you gona buy a 125? Makes sence...
Im new what is this saying?
@@simoroei - It depends. CBR is a road bike. It doesn't give you off-road experience. 125 or 250 is what will get you started in dirt. It will make you a better rider on your CBR too. It's about weight/manouvreability, not about ccs.
Last bike I rode was a ttr90,..just bought a 450exc 2 weeks ago...sometimes you gotta...you JUST GOTTA SEND IT!
@Mansacktastical Probably...I hope
If you send it , make you include a self addressed padded envelope because you won't be able to send it back.
Send it into a fucking wall
Update: over a year on the bike and glad I didn’t settle for smaller motor
@@jamescrosbyv4482 good for you dude 🤟
"kyle I'm 300-350 lbs what bike should I buy"
...the pedal kind
Get a 450cc quad
footbalr074 you tried
😂🤣 underrated comment
A Mountain bike
emerson coelho got a problem with quads?
instructions were unclear so i bought a crf450r with no no back breaks for my first bike
TALIYY is it fun?
same lol i got a kx540f and the back break was broken lol bike was cheap tho got it for 2800
Best comment
J Dubb it’s funny how people think i was joking 😭
250 bro, 250 hahahahaha
Yeah im sorry dude, but i got to disagree with you on this one.
We all know the CR500 is the perfect beginnersbike.
I'm such a moron for not putting the CR500 in there!!!
The Maico 700 2 stoke is the best 1st bike in my opinion
Equalizer LOL
yessser!!!
hahahhaha Darwinism at it's finest ...The CR as a first bike absolutely requires ...roll the video...hahahhaha
“These are affordable bikes “
*shows us a bike for 10k*
for a youtuber lmfao
Ravindecavalier facts 😭
If you're at all mechanically inclined just get a 140cc Chinese bike. Perfect beginner bikes. All the big name bikes are way too much $$$
BijahD from where tho? Any website recommendations that aren’t scammers? Cuz the closest shop to me they sell Honda Crf or Yamaha and they go for a lot
Yeah when I hear "beginner bike" I think of my 7 year old.....Chinese for sure....let him learn and tear it up then if he wants to seriously keep riding then we'lll upgrade.....4 grand or so for a kid bike is cause for a mental eval on my opinion
125s are amazing. They also help you learn to rebuild top ends really well too
Great channel. Obviously a really sincere guy who cares about what he’s doing. Clearly objective and trying hard to do his best - and succeeding.
Picked up my 1st bike today 2000 Yamaha yz250 2 stroke and I whiskey throttled lmao
Julian Saiz does it hurt because I really wanna get into it but I’m not tryna get hurt the first time I ride it
Seth Payne yes it hurts a lot , wear gear at all times
Joseph Joestar damn that makes me have second thoughts now !
Seth Payne lol don’t listen to him he’s talking shit go get a bike and have some fun
Aidan McCarthy oh okay , yeah I’m getting one soon I think for Christmas
I'm so glad you mentioned the xc-f 250. I just went out and bought my first bike, and that is what I ended up going with. Whoever says it doesn't have enough power for a beginner is WRONG. It almost has too much power for a beginner! But it leaves room to grow into, I've got about 6 hours on mine now and I am finally getting used to it.
glad im watching this while looking for a used bike, getting back into dirt after 25 years :)
I have a Honda 250X and it was/is my first dirt bike. So glad I didn't go the 450 Route! I geared one tooth smaller on the front and ride 2nd and third gear through tight trails. Pulls great, love it! It takes a lot to be able to use up all the potential of a 250 four... great advice here!
I’m 62 getting back into bikes after 45 years. Thanks for good info. Think I’m def going with Yam250
Edit- haha plans changed . Didn’t buy a bike at all. Oh well.
Def
62 man u should be at home sleeping
@@mikel-pf8gd never too old
@@mikel-pf8gd man... stfu
@@mikel-pf8gd di
For absolute begginers 1st bike should be a (dr200, ttr230,crf230, crf 150) due to cheapness, no maintenance, low seat height, keep for ~6-12months.
2nd bike (xr200, ttr250, yz125, wr250r, klx250) to get used to full sized motorcycles and keep for a year.
3rd bike a 250f or 200 2stroke.
Then after that whatever they want.
IMHO
you do realise that yz125 is just as fast as 250f
@@paahtopro3950 it would be the fastest of the 5 bikes mentioned for a second bike.
What if you can’t afford 3-4 bikes
@@johncenabird7602 tough luck😂
started out on a 2015 ktm 350 sxf. worked just fine for my trails, i still have it and use it
I started with a 450 as well and I really don’t see the big problem it was honestly a good learning experience, you just have to respect the bike
My first “full size” is a 94 kdx 200.... love it
Get a crf 230. It's electric start, cheap, bullet proof, and it's small enough not to be intimidating, plus it's good enough for experienced riders to have a lot of fun on.
I’m literally sitting on my 05 crf250x right now watching this video. I love my bike.
Thanks for briefly touching on bigger guys. A lot of people don't seem to understand that big and/or tall guys need a little more horsepower due to the additional weight.
Awesome advice! I started on a 450 4 stroke and now I have a 300 two stroke, the four stroke was definitely not the greatest option for me
I think your recommendations are spot-on for some one who already knows how to ride. Maybe they're a street rider just starting offroad or a returning rider from years ago. However, for a complete novice who has never thrown a leg over any motorcycle, I think they should really start on something like the air cooled "fun" bikes, like the Yamaha TTR230 or Honda CRF230, maybe even the CRF150F. These bikes are plenty capable of carrying a 240# adult rapidly through any trail or dirt road at 50+ mph. Bonus: these can be found used at less than half the price of new (maybe $1000 to $2000 for a decent use one) and since the new rider is probably going to have a tumble or two, He/She won't have to worry about scratching, bending, mutilating a brand new $8500 dirt bike. Once the hard lessons have been learned and basic skills are developed, a nice new 250XCF might just be in order. Just my opinion.
What about Chinese bikes?
I agree and Idid exactly as you said. Only difference is the 250 XCF you said to buy should be KTM 250 EXC-F. U get mirrors and license plate and opens up a whole new side of riding. You lose absolutely no off-road capabilities but gain the ability to ride two lane roads for days, connect your gravel roads and trails legally, and commute to work if u want. The dual sport version of 250 XCF is a very aggressive dual sport and ready. Best bike ever
I totally agree with you 2 wheel phil. 125 two strokes for a very beginner is too much. 250's four strokes depends on the model (Japanese street legal/slow) will be fine except for the weigh that make them slow which is the point when you learning. Honda crf 150 if short beginner or a kid or 150rb if you taller or an short adult. if you are and adult or taller any 230 cc will be fine for the very beginners. 250's are next step up.
I agree. My first bike (still only one I have to ride) is a 1990 XR250R. Air cooled and not as snappy with thr torque but great to learn and get comfortable on.
Your spot on! Start with an air cooled used bike, then move up as needed.
I started on a 450 Beamer enduro bike, still love it today
Great YT channel. Your knowledge is helping so many. Love your passion for riding, no BS. Just good solid suggestions for beginners and vets. Keep the videos coming!
KDX 200 was my first bike when i got back into the sport at around 49 years old. Absolutely a great bike to learn on and very controllable. After about two years I moved up to the KTM 300 XCW and its a big difference, but what I learned on the KDX transferred into better riding habits. Now at 61 I'm still loving the 300 and having a blast! Kyle is absolutely correct, it pays to start with a more manageable bike!
Good stuff Kyle! +1 for my first bike, a 1996 YZ125. Another good one is a KDX200. A little hard to find these days but they were the king of single track before the KTM era. Also, you’re not kidding about going to big. I’ve had few friend go down that 450 road starting out and needless to say they are no longer riding dirt bikes.
I made the same 400 mistake and now have a new 2019 KTM xcf250 and I freaking love it!
Me too, got rid of the rmz450 and got an xcf250. Bike has plenty of power and is a blast to ride!
Wow ..... this is the best detail I'm looking for. Thank you for making this video. I'm a beginner.
Honda Cr 230f or Yamaha ttr 230 are good starter bikes ..Both bikes have bullet proof motors with electric start. I know experienced riders that still ride them and they are one of their favorite bikes
Randy Bandy Great beginner options for riders wanting an electric start. Buy a used one and sell it at no loss a year later for a new bike.
You literally took the words out of my mouth
Great bikes for anyone. Super easy to ride and goes anywhere
I agree, I started out on a Ttr 230 and it allowed me to get into single track riding right off the bat without being intimidated
Electric start 4 stroke. I wouldn't recommend a 2 stroke to a beginner.
Tried teaching my wife on a 125. Needless to say it was to complicated for someone who couldn’t use a clutch , let alone feather it. Ended up getting her a crf 150r . That short bike works great for her, easy to touch, and plenty of power. It’s a Little ripper. Enough low end to keep her from needing the clutch to build rpm.
I can’t agree more with you! I only started with a klx 110l as a beginning bike and I had a lot of fun with it, I still do actually.
Awesome tips!!! Watched this and bought a 230 crf. Perfect beginner buke
My first bike (@ age 33) was a 2001 YZ250f. Bought it used in 2004. Knew I wanted a 4 stroke and Yamaha was the only major manufacturer that made a 4 stroke 250 in either 2001 or 2002. Loved the bike (after I removed the decompression lever by installing the 2003 cam) and rode it until 2015, exclusively trail riding. Even took it to Colorado 4 or 5 times. Loved the power and, because it was my first bike, I had no clue that I wasn't really supposed to be riding a track bike in Colorado. Didn't mind flame outs since it started so easily. (My 2015 KTM 350 XCF-W starts much easier, courtesy of that little button on the handlebar. ;-)
My daughter's first bike was a 2012 CRF150F, purchased used but in near mint condition. Perfect bike for her, even though it was a little heavy (as someone else commented). Problem was that there is nowhere to go from there for a girl of her size and strength. CRF230 was too tall and heavy for her. CRF150R was too hot for just trail riding and no electric start.
A friend bought his kids a TTR150 as their first bike (purchased used) and he had so many problems with that bike. There's a reason TTRs are so much cheaper than a WR, CRF, etc.
and the yz125 is verry light and easy to maintain. Whats fun when you begin, you can explore,(try and error), you are not stick to your bike, you can resell it and buy another kind to try until you find the perfect match
That to me is a problem becaue I wouldn't want to deal with the hassle of selling a bike I would want to future proof myself with a good bike that I can rip and raise the front end up through a power wheelie on a semi decent straight and then downshift and use the brakes on a upcoming turn and the ride out of that turn the same way brap! brap! style. That is my favorite feeling.
I was humbled by thinking I should start on a Honda CRF450R. What a beast of a bike and there was no way I was quite prepared to learn with all that power. I sold it but have been itching to get back into it. Might pick up a 125 Two stroke to really learn instead of thinking I could skip a step. Great video!
Thank you. I needed that suggestion. Very good information. Very smart ...
This video actually gives an idea for another very popular and very asked question that you can make a video on. Enduro vs Motocross bikes. You could explain in depth what the differences are and their pros and cons, which is the better choice for what scenarios, how good each type of bike performs on the other's field of specialty, which is the best all rounder, how their maintenance differs etc. Because i see allot of people looking to buy a bike, but they only have enough money for one, but they want to ride both trails and race on the track. Then they don't know which bike to go for. I'm actually in this position myself quite a bit.
Dean Grimsell motocross bikes are terrible stock for off-road riding, xc off-road bikes aren't too bad stock on the track.
Spot on from the 250f stand point, I’m an aggressive rider from a sport bike background and went with a 250f KTM.
I really thought it would be anemic,, it is NOT. I think I will move to a 250 two stroke after awhile as I understand they are a bit more nimble and rank but the 250f is a awesome bike thus far.
I just started riding June of 2020, and it's currently almost April 2021. I bought a race ready 2015 FC250 as a starter bike, and I LOVE it! I'm progressing at a pretty good clip, especially with the bipolar north east weather. I'd suggest jumping on one of these off the bat. You won't regret it.
Thanks another great video. I’m coming around on my 350sx starting to make turn so much better. Happy holidays I’ve had it for about 3 months or so what a great way to get old
If you're talking about a totally cold start with no riding experience at all, then no, then not even a 125 or 250F. The best starter bikes for adults are the CRF230F and the TTR230. An XR200 would be good too. If you're a street rider getting into dirt bikes, then a 125 or 250F might be appropriate. My advice for any beginning off-road rider is to get a slower, low maintenance bike like those I've suggested and ride the wheels off of it. Don't try overly gnarly terrain until you've got a hundred hours running the guts out of your lower, slower easy to fix bike. Then you're probably ready to step up to a 125 or 250F, and do it again; ride the wheels off of it for a hundred hours. Gradually take on more difficult terrain situations. By the time you've got a couple hundred hours of of off-road riding, you should be pretty well equipped to move up to whatever big boy / big girl bike makes you smile.
gncc1race completely agree, well stated!
I think that for a confident person who you know will quickly learn how to manage the power of a 125 or 250, they're fine.
However I do agree that the 230's are the best for a ride who is fresh. Also great for people who don't feel ready for a tall bike. I'm helping a friend look for a 230 now actually.
I agree, any 125 or 250f/x/xcf/fx/sxf is way too much for a beginner. Especially newer bikes.
gncc1race baptism by fire for me, and it worked out great.
Michael Abramo There's a reason it's hard to find used CRF/TTR 230's...
Could not agree more. I am local pro and by no means the target audience for these videos but I absolutely love seeing people who are well informed and give great advise with awesome logic for people who are interested in getting involved in the sport. People knock on my 125 all day until they see me hop on it and spin some laps. For (pretty much) anyone who says the 125 is too slow, grab your weapon of choice and I'll meet you at your favorite track and show you that the smaller displacement motor has nothing to do with the fact that you're turning slow laps. The 250 (or 200/300) 2T is a solid recommendation for those that are getting comfortable with the 125 2T/250 4T and are wanting to work a little less for the power. There are very few people who are capable of riding the 450 race bikes the way they were designed to be ridden and it honestly pisses me off that they are marketed so heavily. They overwhelmed beginners and don't allow them to build the proper skills that would make them truly enjoy riding. Trade in your 450s for a 2 stroke and let's all enjoy our weekends at the track/trails again! Thanks for the upload, man!
Exactly the info I’m looking for. I want to start out with the smallest bike that still has the power to at least “feel” fast (for a 200 pounder). 125 2s it is. Thank you!
Good vid! 250 four stroke for easy fun. 125 2 stroke for gratifying fun.
I'm starting on a recently bought 1998 Honda XR400. What a bike! :D
Manuel Xavier XR650
Ktm 200xc-w. 2 stroke motor with the top end power of a 125, but the added benefit of more low end torque.
Hey glad I watched this before buying a KTM sxf350 or a yz450. I'm a new sub to your channel now!
I got myself a kx 250 2 stroke loving it!
definitely wanna get my first bike and ride by this summer.
same
For those with zero experience on motorcycles/dirt bikes I'd highly recommend the Yamaha TTR-230 or Honda CRF230F. Both have low enough seat heights that beginners can reach the ground which is MUCH more confidence inspiring. If you're midly inclined for adrenaline or competition you'll quickly outgrow them, but if bought used you can get almost all your money back in 6 months.
For anyone with a modicum of experience on dirt; maybe mountain bikes or even a sportbike rider who is already proficient with clutch work the 250 four stroke class is excellent. Tons of torque at low engine speeds which new riders will appreciate in technical sections. Small (200CC or less) two strokes can be options if you have more open, flowy terrain, or if you want to struggle a bit more at the start to develop finer clutch control.
I'm buying my first bike soon and I am so glad I've witnessed this video±
Valter Siba-Siba he’s wrong get a ttr 230 or a crf 230
I got a tricked out (Pipe, can, reeds, jets) 300 EXC for my first bike and first time ever riding a motorbike. Absolutely love it, power wheelies in top gear and 2 years on, haven't killed myself or crashed except for a few walking pace drops. Mountain biking and owning powerful manual cars probably had something to do with it, but I say go for it if you want one! Best way to learn is to try.
Go out and buy a used ktm 200 exc super light nimble and pretty forgiving but still has an enough motor to ride forever!
Got my first dirtbike about 5 weeks ago and it’s a 2013 Yamaha 450F. Been out 6 times and I’m ripping it pretty good already, I’m glad I didn’t get something smaller
I’ve been riding for 7 years now 25 yo male 6’0 ft 150 pounds and I still enjoy my trr125l and DRz 125l more than anything. Light, easy to throw around, gives you confidence hitting jumps, super reliable. That and pit bikes like 110’s are my loves. I’ve got a CRF 250R for when I’m feeling crazy
A few weeks ago i bought my First bike , a 1995 KTM lc4 400 supercompetition with about 40 hp . I couldnt be happier , of course it is heavier then the modern bikes but for Training it is great because you learn how to handle the weight. I also just do enduro stuff and no track racing and therefore it is awesome!
The best top tier bike is a maico 700
Omer Aviani for sure😂😂
I have a kx 250 and a kdx 250 currently i use to have a kdx 200 i love my Kawasakis
I bought a KTM 200 exc as my first dirt bike. I love it!
My first dirt bike is a 1999 Honda xr100r. I would 100% recommend that bike 👌🏼
Kdx 200/ 220. Plenty of luggability, hit isn't too bad but they can really rip with some modifications...and cheap.
I dont want to spend the same on my bike as my truck
You must drive a cheap truck
Come on bruh Nice ktms are like 10 grand USD and for 10,000$ you can get a pretty decent truck buuad. Lmao
Bruh. 10 grand is a piece of shit domestic with rusty quarter panels
@@Chocolate_dragon I dont like you
@@drewcecato221 I like you
Im 55yo and getting back into dirt bike riding with no apprehension any more. I thought I was getting too old but now I can't wait. used to ride when I was younger. now I have have granddaughter and can't wait to teach her. 125cc for me.
I love my 1990 XT 250 don't need anything bigger and it continues to run great for what I do.
I think the situation gets far more complicated when it’s a first dirt bike, while you’re an experienced motorcycle rider.
My first was a 250, coming from riding large/powerful motorcycle for years.
But while I instantly noticed the lack of power in a 250, it still did the job and I eventually noticed the importance of learning the feel, characteristics, etc etc of a dirt bike.
No amount of street riding can prepare you for soft sand, humps, mud riding characteristics and much more.
It’s super easy to twist that throttle when you hit a big bump, or get in wonky situations.
And that 250 (or lower) is going to save your ass from going nose up immediately.
Not to mention that a couple inexpensive options (sprockets, etc) will give you an added thump in acceleration.
And let’s face it, you’re not going over 50 on 90% of trails, and over 30 on off road situations.
Ktm 200 xcw or 150 xcw. And you can grow with both for a long time.
Thanks for your advice, happy to learn from you.
Started on a ktm 525 exc absolutely loved it, great video
Sadly no mention of a very affordable and amazing trail bike. The Kawasaki KDX200 or KDX220. :/
So true... there nice bikes, run smooth, fewer problems over all.
I agree. I have one and so far my favorite trail bike of all time :)
They haven't been produced in almost 15 years, parts and aftermarket for them is starting to wind down a lot, and they are getting way harder to find. Not a practical suggestion. I started riding enduros on a kdx200, it was a 1991 lol even the newer ones handle like a city bus compared to a newer chassis design.
Kawasaki really should come back with these bikes. They were great offroad bikes.
Apparently only bikes are $8,000 plus are featured on the dirt bike channel
I had never touched a dirt bike until the age of 25 and bought a 2005 KTM 450 EXC. She was a wild unicorn to wrangle but once i got the hang of it, there is no other bike i would suggest having. Though, i kinda wish i had a 125 or a 150 to learn on.
Thinking of getting a 450 for my first bike also i had an 125 in my 20s for a summer, I rode professionally dual slalom and downhill mountain bikes ( i know completely different) plus i weigh 215 mostly muscle and feel like i would be be able to learn and respect the bike fairly quickly. Thanks for posting you experience thought for a second i might be making a mistake.
@@kilcrease58 i would 100% recommend a ttr 230 yamaha. They are amazing starter bikes, probably the most reliable bike on the market
125 is probably a harder bike to learn on than a 450. Mainly because they have to be so high strung all the time
My first bike sxf 450 i can’t be any happier with it. Pops wheelies everywhere, can climb any hills. I whip that bike around. At first I definitely had to get used to it. Once I did I’m glad I got the big bike.
Honestly, cc is mostly dependent on how retarded a person is. Someone who isn't so throttle heavy, willing to take their time and be patient with their bike skills could start on a 350 4 stroke (think exc 350f) and NOT kill them selves. Throwing a beginner on a 450 who has to prove to the world how clever they are is a one way trip to the ER. I started on a 350, took my time, spent half an hour a day out on the land going through the gears, starting, stopping and all the other goodness you need to know to ride a bike and (touch wood) haven't come off a bike yet apart from dropping it once on uneven terrain which happens to everyone at some point.
TL:DR Stay the fuck away from 450's unless you're stupid or have a death wish.
Bought my first ever dirt bike at 35 years old last week! Kawasaki KX 450F. No fear and no regrets!!!
Watched your video, went with a cr125 two stroke; bought it last weekend, first time rider, I'm 32 years old. Fouled the sparked plug because I'm riding so slow; not burning all the oil in the gas. When I do come "up on the pipe" it's really fun, but it gets way too fast too quickly for my skill level. I guess I just wanna say to all the new guys on two strokes: bring extra spark plugs, extra clutch levers, and maybe don't go 50:1 on oil/gas like it says on the bottle. And every now and then, put it in neutral and rev it hard. I know it's embarrassing to make noise like a hotshot while riding like a beginner, but I feel like that'll help kick the carbon out. Maybe. Any advice is welcome.
How's it going 2 years later?
KLX300 looks like a nice bike.
I had dirtbikes growing up. Rm80 and xr250r. I'm 29 now, I currently own a Raptor 700r and Yz450f. The Yz450f is more bike then I'll ever need. But I love it.
Bought my first bike WR250F thanks for the advice its been great
I like how in the intro clips there only one out of all of the clips, it’s just a guy and bike falling down a hill
Another great choice to start out with for trails and all around is the Beta Xtrainer. 300 2 stroke but very tame and adjustable power delivery, shorter seat height and less expensive than a ktm. Can also be easily modded later to have more power like the 300rr.
Only problem I have with it is the front end likes to washout and deflect. That could be me and not the bike. Other than that I love the 300 xTrainer. I am going to go with a bike with better forks for the next bike.
Art Kin yes, the forks are less than ideal. It’s my only complaint on the bike.
Google User
That's the main reason I chose the 300RR over the Xtrainer. My added bonus was finding a new race edition with even better suspension for less than a std RR. Under 8k, your gonna have a hard time finding a ktm or husky for that.
Right, I'm surprised he didn't mention beta, after all he said himself it's very user friendly power delivery. Then adjusted the power valve and it was a fire breathing dragon. Sounds like a bike you can grown on to me. Plus the smaller size builds confidence when you can plant your feet.
Sent my forks to Stillwell Performance to have redone and upgraded. Now that I am getting a little better it is time to play with the adjustments. Maybe I can tell what I like and don't like now. I am going to firm up the forks as much as I can tolerate and see if that eases the dive when braking hard.
The KTM 105 is a good bike for teenagers and women that are just getting into the sport. My second bike was the KTM 105 with a couple of mods to help it ride a little bit better in the woods. It was a great bike for me to improve clutch work on and get faster. My Mom also loved the bike because it has good power plus it’s a little smaller than the 125. My Mom is about 5’5 so the smaller bike let her touch both feet down and that helped a lot with confidence.
My first serious dirt bike was a YZ 125. First year of the box aluminum swing arm,'78-'79? Had it rebored, and ported a bit at a shop that built Baja 1000 rigs,awesome job. Had $1100 of aftermarket wizardry on it! I'm 6'4",weighed 175 back then,got introduced to desert blasting,hill climbing,jumps,etc.,that little YZ was a rocket,lots of travel,and high RPM ALL DAY LONG! Zeroed my first three enduro's in C class amateur on it. Could not be touched in tight turn fast areas! Buddies were on 250 YZ's,which they upgraded to 495's! Scary fast machines,not my cup of tea for big hills,and tight turn stuff,my 125 put it on them on short MX tracks! Everyone should experience a strong,well built two stroke dirt bike! It's addictive! Have lifelong scars from high speed horrific crashes down hill in boulder fields!
my first dirt bike was cr250 2 stroke :D i still have it XD
Wasnt it too strong? Because I am thinking about ktm 250 exc and i still dont know.
Could not agree more, started with a 450 also and it was a huge mistake, so heavy and hard to manage for a first time rider.
Was it your first time to lay your leg on a bike or it was the first offroad bike to ride? I have more than 5 yrs riding street bike and cruisers so i wanna shift to off-road, dirt bikes and adventure so i dont know what size will suit me better
I was a tall kid and started on a CRF230F learnt a lot from it
This video is helpful. I've been street riding 15 years from 1000cc sport bikes to 114ci Harleys now I want to get off the street all together and get into trail riding but I was thinking the dual sport route just in case I find some peaceful back roads to wander about.
KTM Freeride series is a good choice for beginner. Previous 2T 250 / 4T 350(350 not in US) and current 4T 250 are very light, easy handling and have appropriate power.
Chieh-Nan Wang we have a freeride in the family and the beta xtrainer and both are great bikes. I prefer the xtrainer because it’s a shrunk dirt bike where the freeride is a kinda hybrid trials/dirt bike which is fun for playing around but not as good as xtrainer for actual trail riding. After you master the beta step up to the KTM300 :)
I came back to the sport last year on a clean 2004 200EXC, it's a fun ride but I'm ready for a 300.
Mark Artman i started on a tx 300, it can be ridden as slow as you want. 300 2ts have a lot of torque, so you can ride slowly and not stall.
Element 115
That’s my experience as well, I’m a bigger guy so I have to be more aggressive on the 200.
On the 300 I have the torque I need to ride slower. The 200 forces me to be more aware of what gear I’m in because it has less room for error.
Mark Artman imo a 300 2t isn't a bad option as a first bike, it taught me throttle control.
Element 115
Indeed, I previously had a 2003 KTM250SX that was extremely tough to control. The throttle was a light switch and it was pretty violent to ride.
That’s what steered me to the 200 instead of a bigger bike. I’ve ridden a 2018 TX300 and it’s ideal. I can pause and size up an obstacle instead of attacking on the pipe.
Mark Artman sx bikes are motocross bikes, they're geared differently. And The Tx is a Confidence inspiring bike to ride
My first off road bike is a Suzuki DRZ400s. Lots of fun!!
Got a suzuki rm 250 2 stroke and that was my first ever dirt bike ride, god what a beast
I'd say the CRF 230 and TTR 230 are better for absolute beginners. Both are cheap and have an electric starter. Once you feel limited riding the 230, then you switch to a 250.
Yup totally agree, 230F for those who are totally new to bikes. Makes a great wife bike once you outgrow it. 250 xcfw is a magical trail bike for those getting into more trail specific riding. Ive seen so many great "racers" that take a 450 into the mtns on the trails and its a battle the whole time. I was shocked at how well these bikes would do in the nastiest trail conditions available around utah, pretty fail proof and tough as well which is great for beginners as well.
yes, i replied somewhere below, as a 50+ yr old absolute beginner my 230F is fine. but i meant to mention that the TTR is fine as well. Whatever you can find clean/used in your neighborhood. I really think i could sell in a year and get my money back. I didn't even uncork or whatever. plenty of power for a complete novice. And when i upgrade, i'll have a spare bike for my brothers when they come to visit. I'd love a nicer bike, who wouldn't, but a tame 4 stroke makes learning really easy. it would be nice if these bikes weren't so heavy, us novices end up picking the bike up more often. I like the idea of the beta x-trainer, or even the KTM free ride, if one has the $$.
I want a 250cc as my starter but I can't afford one, its been a life long dream to ride my own
My first big bike was a 96 Honda xr200 and I love it
I started on & still have a 2004 KTM450EXC - it's a beast & my nought twitches every time I look at it. For sure I'd have to agree with the idea of starting on a 250 4-t to build a bit of confidence & skill sets before upgrading. That said, I LOVE my 450. It's the perfect enduro bike for uncompromising conditions.
Too bad Kawasaki doesn't make the KDX200. That was a bike that could grow with the rider. I hear the Beta Xtrainer is a great bike too.
I have a xTrainer and got it as a starter bike. Good reliable bike after 1 year. It is still way more of bike than I am a rider.
I started on a ttr 230, now I’m on a Xtrainer 300. That little bike whooped my ass the first time I hit the woods. Had to turn the power valve in 3.5 turns. I’m used to it now and absolutely love it.
Another vote for the xtrainer. Very fun in the woods. I have a wr450f and it's a dragon. The xtrainer has a very soft lugable and linear powerband. 450 will try to kill you like the demon it is.
I have a kdx 200 and its my favourite
Dont get the xtrainer, it has a lot of low end but the more throttle you give the less power than expected you get😂
I like how I watch these videos when I just bought a 450.
how is the 450 working out?
chihuahua verde probably sold for a 250😂😂
bob fred nah it’s running strong. Funny joke though
chihuahua verde sorry for not responding. It is running strong.
I’m middle aged and want to try dirt bikes. I rode quads for a decade and would like to explore tight trails now. I’m ok with putting around mountains. I don’t want to break bones at my age. I’m looking at the Yamaha wr250f.
I agree with you, my 2004 ktm 250exc-f has been the best technical single track platform ever and I have had a Honda XR600 and much later a KTM 525EXC the weight and snappy handling of the 250ecx-f was way more forgiving. I have tackled more highly technical trails on a old 2004 250exc-f and left my boys behind on brand new 2016-2019 500exc's because I have a better throttle control. Oddly enough power is not always your friend unless you like passing the Prius at 80 on the freeway.
a 125 feels like a rocket at least for a 50cc boi
Great vid 👍at seven minutes I think you said it backwards you meant, it’s the Indian not the arrow.
My first bike was a '01 yz426f and I love it
I bought the 125exc, looking forward to riding it.
How is it bro how old r u