Dirt Riders help.

[J.D.]

I have been thinking about taking the plunge for a dirtbike. I ride a cruiser right now. What's a good size for me too buy? I weigh about 225.

Also new or used, what's there to look for on a used bike?

[mxpilot]

with your size your going to want a 250 2 stroke or 450 4 stroke. in my opinion the 450 is a lot better bike. it has alot of power but any smaller you'll be disapointed. it's better to buy something you can kinda grow into as you get used to it. honda's are top of the line. yamaha's are a close second.

[mxpilot]

what you need to look for in a used bike is, try to find one that has been owned by a older vet rider. you should look at the chain,sprockets and brake pads. it should have aluminum bars or you'll be buying some soon. grab the bike by the rear fender up towards the seat and pull up on it as if you were going to lift it off the ground just before it lift's off the ground kinda of go up and downd to see if the rear saspension has slop in it. kinda feel the guy out to see if he knows alot about bikes if he does chances are he took good care of it.

[J.D.]

Originally posted by mxpilot
what you need to look for in a used bike is, try to find one that has been owned by a older vet rider. you should look at the chain,sprockets and brake pads. it should have aluminum bars or you'll be buying some soon. grab the bike by the rear fender up towards the seat and pull up on it as if you were going to lift it off the ground just before it lift's off the ground kinda of go up and downd to see if the rear saspension has slop in it. kinda feel the guy out to see if he knows alot about bikes if he does chances are he took good care of it.

Thanks for the reply, is there a way to know when the motor has a lot of hours/miles on it. How long do they usually last?

[Racer814]

are you going to be taking it on a motocross track or trail riding it?.....as far as a used bike.....honda's generally last the longest but it's all in how it was cared for.....get on it and run it through the gears.....it shouldnt sputter or miss and the gears should shift smoothly...check the rear suspension like mxpilot said and check the front fork seals for leaks......

[J.D.]

Originally posted by Racer814
are you going to be taking it on a motocross track or trail riding it?.....as far as a used bike.....honda's generally last the longest but it's all in how it was cared for.....get on it and run it through the gears.....it shouldnt sputter or miss and the gears should shift smoothly...check the rear suspension like mxpilot said and check the front fork seals for leaks......

Right now I am just getting interested in it, so I would trail to start then MX with some experience.

[mbritton2]

go with a 450 for your size and since u are new to it go with a 4 stroke less problems

[Racer814]

cool.......I got a Honda CRF 450 right now...its one of the new 4 strokes that are starting to take over mx ....and for good reason..tons of power and still very light.....2 strokes are still a great choice too.....easier to work on and there are tons of used ones out there......if I can help in any way pm me.......

[J.D.]

Thanks guys. I will see what's available used.