TTR110, KX65, or KTM65 for my son?

onthegas
Profile picture for user onthegas
Posts
16
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
USA
onthegas
Edited Date/Time 9/13/2012 8:54am
I'm not sure what bike to get him next. He's 10 years old this month and he's been riding an XR50 for 5 years. It's just too small for him now.

I could add tall bars and seat and get another year out of the XR, but I'd like him to make a step up in bike size.

I had planned to get him a TTR90 or TTR110 then move him to a YZ85 after a couple years, but I'm now thinking that maybe I should start him on the two-stroke earlier so the YZ85 isn't such a shock when he moves up. I wish Yamaha made a 65, but they don't.

Should I get him the TTR110 or go with a two-stroke 65? Which two-stroke 65?
|
EastFlorida
Profile picture for user EastFlorida
Posts
2334
Joined
7/31/2010
Location
Merritt Island, FL, USA
EastFlorida 9/12/2012 12:40pm
9/12/2012 12:40pm
I asked the same question a few days back. I was told 125 4 stroke or KX/RM 80 as they were not as peaky as the YZ.
dsmith
Profile picture for user dsmith
Posts
4568
Joined
3/29/2011
Location
way north, IN, USA
Fantasy
616th
dsmith 9/12/2012 12:41pm
9/12/2012 12:41pm
do one of the 65's...ktm has better suspension i read...
motophile365 9/12/2012 12:52pm
9/12/2012 12:52pm
My son went from XR50, KX65 then to to a TTR110/ 125 and then to a YZ250F. The TTR was a piece of junk and even after I put every aftermarket part on it was still slow. I still have the 04 KX65 and that bike rips!
TripleFive 9/12/2012 12:58pm
9/12/2012 12:58pm
Depends on what type of riding he plans of doing...

The Shop

See All »
Beefcake727 9/12/2012 1:29pm
9/12/2012 1:29pm
My daughter went from a CRF50 to a KX65 at 8 years old. I lowered the bike and put a washer in the exhaust to tame the hit until she got used to it., you could do the same thing with an 85 that way you are not having to replace the bike right away.
Mx4life320
Profile picture for user Mx4life320
Posts
859
Joined
12/5/2007
Location
Lisle, IL, USA
Mx4life320 9/12/2012 1:38pm
9/12/2012 1:38pm
motophile365 wrote:
My son went from XR50, KX65 then to to a TTR110/ 125 and then to a YZ250F. The TTR was a piece of junk and even...
My son went from XR50, KX65 then to to a TTR110/ 125 and then to a YZ250F. The TTR was a piece of junk and even after I put every aftermarket part on it was still slow. I still have the 04 KX65 and that bike rips!
HEY! Those ttr 125s are fun as pit bikes... HAHA, But not as a race bike.

I think kx/rm 80. I think he will out grow the 65 very quick.
P
Profile picture for user P
Posts
6054
Joined
11/21/2006
Location
Greensboro, NC, USA
P 9/12/2012 1:40pm
9/12/2012 1:40pm
How big is he and what is his skill level? That would make a difference. If he's a bigger kid you might want to skip the 65.


P
onthegas
Profile picture for user onthegas
Posts
16
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
USA
onthegas 9/12/2012 2:32pm
9/12/2012 2:32pm
We mostly trail ride at places like Ocotillo Wells, Ballinger Canyon, Apple Valley. We occasionally go to local MX track for practice.

He has tried a 50cc Polini last year, but it was too much power for him to handle. He's used to the XR50.

The 85 is just a little too tall for him. The 65 is perfect height. The TTR110 is actually a litte bit tall as well.

I always thought I would get him a KTM SX50, but it just seems like he would outgrow it too quick.

Maybe I stick him on the YZ85, but I don't think he's ready for it yet. I could restrict it to slow it down, I guess.

How are those KX65's? Reliable? I see a lot of used ones for under $1,000

Are some model years of the KX65 better than others?

Thanks so much for everyone's help!
SEE ARE125 9/12/2012 2:59pm
9/12/2012 2:59pm
If the 65 fits him well, put him on it. He's been riding for 5 years so I assume he knows how to stop it and to ride within his comfort level. You don't want anything too big, it may intimidate him size wise and power wise and he may just be too scared to have fun. And if he's not having fun, he may not want to ride anymore. I think a XR50 to a YZ85 is too big of a jump. You're going from a mild mannered 50cc 4-stroke that's really small in size, to a 85cc 2-stroke that's apparently a bit too big in size. I say get a good used(read: cheap) 65, that way he's comfortable with the size, and just has to adjust to the increased power, and in a couple of years upgrade to the 85 or a CRF150R. JMO
onthegas
Profile picture for user onthegas
Posts
16
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
USA
onthegas 9/12/2012 3:03pm
9/12/2012 3:03pm
Good points. The CRF150 comment has me wondering two-stroke or 4-stroke? I could go TTR110 to a CRF150, but I'm leaning more towards the KX65 to YZ85 to YZ125 route.

Any opinions about the KX65 vs. KTM65?
braaap
Profile picture for user braaap
Posts
501
Joined
1/5/2007
Location
USA
braaap 9/12/2012 4:00pm
9/12/2012 4:00pm
My son had the KX65 and then moved to the KTM65. If he's small, the KX may fit him better. The seat heights are about the same but the KTM is longer and roomier in the cockpit. KTM wins the suspension battle for pure MOTO use. If you're trail riding that may not make a difference.

Didn't keep the KX very long before he switched to the KTM. He raced MX on it for about 1.5 years and it was a really good bike. Much better than the butter framed KTM50's.

I don't think the KX65 has changed much at all in several years so year shouldn't make a difference.
MotoMalyDad
Profile picture for user MotoMalyDad
Posts
701
Joined
4/19/2012
Location
Santa Maria, CA, USA
MotoMalyDad 9/12/2012 4:21pm
9/12/2012 4:21pm
onthegas wrote:
We mostly trail ride at places like Ocotillo Wells, Ballinger Canyon, Apple Valley. We occasionally go to local MX track for practice. He has tried a...
We mostly trail ride at places like Ocotillo Wells, Ballinger Canyon, Apple Valley. We occasionally go to local MX track for practice.

He has tried a 50cc Polini last year, but it was too much power for him to handle. He's used to the XR50.

The 85 is just a little too tall for him. The 65 is perfect height. The TTR110 is actually a litte bit tall as well.

I always thought I would get him a KTM SX50, but it just seems like he would outgrow it too quick.

Maybe I stick him on the YZ85, but I don't think he's ready for it yet. I could restrict it to slow it down, I guess.

How are those KX65's? Reliable? I see a lot of used ones for under $1,000

Are some model years of the KX65 better than others?

Thanks so much for everyone's help!
The problem with the 2 strokes is the Cali red / green sticker season. Not that it is too bad as who really wants to ride Ballinger or Octillo in July ? If the 65 fits him , get one cheap a pre 2002 gets you out of the red / green season . My son went the Honda 50 , til his first MX race and the woops ate him up. Swithced to the KTM 50 then to the 65. Now he is too big at 12 for the big wheel 150 but can stand tippy toes on a stock 250... Take that in consideration too, a huge growth spurt and bike for sale... Good luck .
onthegas
Profile picture for user onthegas
Posts
16
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
USA
onthegas 9/12/2012 5:05pm
9/12/2012 5:05pm
Is the KX65 a manual clutch? How aobut the KTM65?
Digger437
Profile picture for user Digger437
Posts
1394
Joined
9/4/2006
Location
Wisconsin Rapids, WI, USA
Digger437 9/12/2012 5:42pm
9/12/2012 5:42pm
I put my son on the YZ65 after he got done riding and racing the TTR50. Easier than going to the 85cc right away.

SEE ARE125 9/12/2012 7:07pm
9/12/2012 7:07pm
onthegas wrote:
Is the KX65 a manual clutch? How aobut the KTM65?
They both have a clutch. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the older(90s) KTM65s were fully automatic? He should be fine with a clutch since he already has the shifting figured out with the XR50. I would just look around Craigslist and see what kinda deals you can score on the different bikes you're considering. Just wait for a smokin' deal where if he doesn't like it and you have to sell it you won't lose any money. I got my stepson's 2006 CRF50 for $350, needed a tube and a shifter. Once he outgrows it, I'll probably sell it for $500 or whatever the going rate is at the time. It's his first bike, so at $350 if he didn't like it I could have easily sold it, and if he rides it for 2-3 years before outgrowing it, I could get my money back out of it. Luckily, he LOVES it!
BobTheBuilder
Profile picture for user BobTheBuilder
Posts
61
Joined
7/26/2012
Location
Cherry Valley, VI, USA
BobTheBuilder 9/12/2012 8:33pm
9/12/2012 8:33pm
The 09 and newer powervalved KTMs are very beginner friendly, smooth and torquey. KX is pipey and awkward handling so it tends to make the transition to clutching/shifting more difficult. Both are pretty much bulletproof.
malachi177
Profile picture for user malachi177
Posts
2281
Joined
12/18/2010
Location
B.C., BC, CA
malachi177 9/12/2012 10:25pm
9/12/2012 10:25pm
Digger437 wrote:
I put my son on the YZ65 after he got done riding and racing the TTR50. Easier than going to the 85cc right away. [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2012/09/12/543387_3597485369483_1604914702_n_994543.jpg[/img]
I put my son on the YZ65 after he got done riding and racing the TTR50. Easier than going to the 85cc right away.

YZ 65??Blink

Pit Row

See All »
mrquick
Profile picture for user mrquick
Posts
1430
Joined
10/9/2006
Location
Union City, TN, USA
mrquick 9/12/2012 11:23pm
9/12/2012 11:23pm
If he is going to race, the Cobra cx65 is a beast. The Suzuki 65 is the best all-round bike. I would stay away from the older KTM's 2003- 2009 as the transmission were made of butter.I've replaced several.The new KTM's are user friendly just keep the power valve clean.
scott_nz 9/13/2012 12:01am
9/13/2012 12:01am
mrquick wrote:
If he is going to race, the Cobra cx65 is a beast. The Suzuki 65 is the best all-round bike. I would stay away from the...
If he is going to race, the Cobra cx65 is a beast. The Suzuki 65 is the best all-round bike. I would stay away from the older KTM's 2003- 2009 as the transmission were made of butter.I've replaced several.The new KTM's are user friendly just keep the power valve clean.
the suzuki 65 was a yellow plastic'd KX65, they have been the same since 2001 and are bullet proof,
HenryA
Profile picture for user HenryA
Posts
3784
Joined
12/29/2011
Location
Stockholm, SE
HenryA 9/13/2012 2:55am
9/13/2012 2:55am
U shouldnt ever compare a Ktm to a kx/rm65. The KTM is a better bike in every little detail. Get a Ktm and your kid will be flying out there on the track Wink
rmpilot
Profile picture for user rmpilot
Posts
776
Joined
4/8/2010
Location
Tomah, WI, USA
rmpilot 9/13/2012 4:48am
9/13/2012 4:48am
what about the cr 65's?
dsmith
Profile picture for user dsmith
Posts
4568
Joined
3/29/2011
Location
way north, IN, USA
Fantasy
616th
dsmith 9/13/2012 5:20am
9/13/2012 5:20am
theres no such thing as a cr65/yz65....only rm's and kx's..they did have a cr60 back in 83...and yz50's before that
dsmith
Profile picture for user dsmith
Posts
4568
Joined
3/29/2011
Location
way north, IN, USA
Fantasy
616th
dsmith 9/13/2012 6:50am
9/13/2012 6:50am
i was talking about them being made by honda....but ...ok
P
Profile picture for user P
Posts
6054
Joined
11/21/2006
Location
Greensboro, NC, USA
P 9/13/2012 6:59am
9/13/2012 6:59am
onthegas wrote:
We mostly trail ride at places like Ocotillo Wells, Ballinger Canyon, Apple Valley. We occasionally go to local MX track for practice. He has tried a...
We mostly trail ride at places like Ocotillo Wells, Ballinger Canyon, Apple Valley. We occasionally go to local MX track for practice.

He has tried a 50cc Polini last year, but it was too much power for him to handle. He's used to the XR50.

The 85 is just a little too tall for him. The 65 is perfect height. The TTR110 is actually a litte bit tall as well.

I always thought I would get him a KTM SX50, but it just seems like he would outgrow it too quick.

Maybe I stick him on the YZ85, but I don't think he's ready for it yet. I could restrict it to slow it down, I guess.

How are those KX65's? Reliable? I see a lot of used ones for under $1,000

Are some model years of the KX65 better than others?

Thanks so much for everyone's help!
If he's not really into racing and doesn't ride the XR50 balls out the I'd say go with the 110. If he's the perfect height for the 65 he's probably going to grow out of it pretty quickly also. You know him better than anyone here so I'm sure that you willl make the right decision.


P
Hangin & Bangin 9/13/2012 7:02am
9/13/2012 7:02am
dsmith wrote:
theres no such thing as a cr65/yz65....only rm's and kx's..they did have a cr60 back in 83...and yz50's before that
rmpilot wrote:
a real cr 65 made by husqvarna. so maybe you need to know a little more about motorcycles. [img]http://www.ghmotorcycles.com/library/images/2011%20Husqvarna%20CR65.jpg[/img] http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/motorcycles/2012models/2012-Husqvarna-CR65.htm
a real cr 65 made by husqvarna. so maybe you need to know a little more about motorcycles.


http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/motorcycles/2012models/2012-Husqvarna-CR…
dude...65 with a lowboy pipe?

I need to go find a trashy moto-hoe to knock-up.
rmpilot
Profile picture for user rmpilot
Posts
776
Joined
4/8/2010
Location
Tomah, WI, USA
rmpilot 9/13/2012 8:13am
9/13/2012 8:13am
dsmith wrote:
i was talking about them being made by honda....but ...ok
I was talking about the real cr and you said "theres no such thing as a cr65..."

I proved you wrong and now you are trying to play this off like what I presented was irrelevant.

Post a reply to: TTR110, KX65, or KTM65 for my son?