Am I crazy? Late thirties beginner looking to ride on Mx track

EriCS1991
Posts
124
Joined
6/26/2020
Location
Hopewell Junction, NY, USA
6/27/2020 5:15am
Great info! Quick question, came across a 2016 crf250r with 5 hrs on it for 4500 and the owner is a female. Any reason not to buy the Honda?
3
Keith72
Posts
394
Joined
7/17/2010
Location
Omaha, NE, USA
6/27/2020 5:44am
EriCS1991 wrote:
Great info! Quick question, came across a 2016 crf250r with 5 hrs on it for 4500 and the owner is a female. Any reason not to...
Great info! Quick question, came across a 2016 crf250r with 5 hrs on it for 4500 and the owner is a female. Any reason not to buy the Honda?
If it's in good shape and you like the price,go for it.
1
6/27/2020 5:49am
My dad bought his first motocross bike at 72. 4 years later, he’s a local at Cahuilla Creek every Wednesday.
15
Mike68
Posts
22
Joined
5/25/2018
Location
Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
6/27/2020 5:58am
Go for it! I started riding in my late 40’s and love it.
1

The Shop

philG
Posts
11087
Joined
5/12/2012
Location
GB
6/27/2020 6:09am
At least getting off the Quad, you wont have to be gay any more... and as for a bike, their are lots of older low hour bikes out there if you keep looking.. it doesnt matter of it isnt the best bike from that year, if its rocking original tyres, and has been stood a while, dont be scared to buy . We found a 5 hour old CRF 250 that was 4 years old. Like new.
5
EriCS1991
Posts
124
Joined
6/26/2020
Location
Hopewell Junction, NY, USA
6/27/2020 6:22am
philG wrote:
At least getting off the Quad, you wont have to be gay any more... and as for a bike, their are lots of older low hour...
At least getting off the Quad, you wont have to be gay any more... and as for a bike, their are lots of older low hour bikes out there if you keep looking.. it doesnt matter of it isnt the best bike from that year, if its rocking original tyres, and has been stood a while, dont be scared to buy . We found a 5 hour old CRF 250 that was 4 years old. Like new.
Lol
EriCS1991
Posts
124
Joined
6/26/2020
Location
Hopewell Junction, NY, USA
6/27/2020 6:24am
philG wrote:
At least getting off the Quad, you wont have to be gay any more... and as for a bike, their are lots of older low hour...
At least getting off the Quad, you wont have to be gay any more... and as for a bike, their are lots of older low hour bikes out there if you keep looking.. it doesnt matter of it isnt the best bike from that year, if its rocking original tyres, and has been stood a while, dont be scared to buy . We found a 5 hour old CRF 250 that was 4 years old. Like new.
Pretty much what I’m looking at now, 4 years old with 5 hrs. Pretty much anything I’m finding has more hours and older, I’d rather spend a little more and get a newer bike with the least amount of hrs
2
EngIceDave
Posts
2431
Joined
8/16/2006
Location
Merritt Island, FL, USA
6/27/2020 6:28am
As I've mentioned elsewhere, I worked at a track for a number of years as pretty much chief cook and bottle washer.

I talked to and guided many people in just the situation you describe, ranging in age from maybe 8-9 yrs old, to their 40's+

Same things always apply.

If you can, get there early and walk the track, or at least walk along the side. This will get you familiar with how it goes, the direction, as well as where it gets rough, or sandy, or muddy. Then on those first laps, everything isn't a big surprise.

Tell the people running the day, you're a virgin. You're new. It's your first time. They'll figure it out pretty quickly once on the track, but you're giving them a heads up on what to expect and any good track op will make sure you go out at right time and give you some advice.

As been said, HOLD YOUR LINE. No weaving back and forth. DO NOT try to get out of anyone's way. There's a 50/50 shot at going the right way, and you'll always pick the wrong one. Just stay in your line, on your side of the track, anyone going by will find their way past you. If they yell at you (and someone will), don't sweat it.

Don't feel you have to jump anything. You don't, there is no rule saying you have to. But do pay attention to where everyone else has been going, the line they're using to make that jump, and go to the other part of the track to roll it. Take your time on jumping. Let confidence build over time, then jump it when you feel ready.

Don't cut the track. No one wants to have to pass you 3x a lap, unless they're actually lapping you. Cutting the track pisses people off.

Talk to your neighbors in the pits, introduce yourself, tell them you're a noob. Ask advice. You'll make friends quick, and most everyone is willing to be an expert and offer advice, even if they a noob as well.

Don't worry about how you look. It's not a fashion show, though some act as if it is. Don't worry about style or looking like a goon, you'll be a goon, because you're new, don't sweat it.

and lastly, never show up at the track with #1 on your bike, ever.

Ever

Oh, and remember to have fun, that's why you're doing it

19
1
KMC440
Posts
7764
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
USA
6/27/2020 6:36am
Screw the fast guys they are always pissed about something !!

Ride your pace and a little faster every other time or so.

And don't wipe that smile off of your face EVER !!!
6
philG
Posts
11087
Joined
5/12/2012
Location
GB
6/27/2020 6:37am
philG wrote:
At least getting off the Quad, you wont have to be gay any more... and as for a bike, their are lots of older low hour...
At least getting off the Quad, you wont have to be gay any more... and as for a bike, their are lots of older low hour bikes out there if you keep looking.. it doesnt matter of it isnt the best bike from that year, if its rocking original tyres, and has been stood a while, dont be scared to buy . We found a 5 hour old CRF 250 that was 4 years old. Like new.
EriCS1991 wrote:
Pretty much what I’m looking at now, 4 years old with 5 hrs. Pretty much anything I’m finding has more hours and older, I’d rather spend...
Pretty much what I’m looking at now, 4 years old with 5 hrs. Pretty much anything I’m finding has more hours and older, I’d rather spend a little more and get a newer bike with the least amount of hrs
Buy it... hell if it was 15 years old with those hours, its still good... i bought a 2016 FS450 with 30 hours on it in December, i could have had a 2018 for the same money but that had 130 hours on it.. a havent put more than 25 hours on a racebike in the last 8 seasons. Last one was 22.. if its clean get it bought
philG
Posts
11087
Joined
5/12/2012
Location
GB
6/27/2020 6:44am
EriCS1991 wrote:
Great info! Quick question, came across a 2016 crf250r with 5 hrs on it for 4500 and the owner is a female. Any reason not to...
Great info! Quick question, came across a 2016 crf250r with 5 hrs on it for 4500 and the owner is a female. Any reason not to buy the Honda?
Great bike, you cannot go wrong with a Honda. Is the chick fit ? LOL
philG
Posts
11087
Joined
5/12/2012
Location
GB
6/27/2020 6:52am
EngIceDave wrote:
As I've mentioned elsewhere, I worked at a track for a number of years as pretty much chief cook and bottle washer. I talked to and...
As I've mentioned elsewhere, I worked at a track for a number of years as pretty much chief cook and bottle washer.

I talked to and guided many people in just the situation you describe, ranging in age from maybe 8-9 yrs old, to their 40's+

Same things always apply.

If you can, get there early and walk the track, or at least walk along the side. This will get you familiar with how it goes, the direction, as well as where it gets rough, or sandy, or muddy. Then on those first laps, everything isn't a big surprise.

Tell the people running the day, you're a virgin. You're new. It's your first time. They'll figure it out pretty quickly once on the track, but you're giving them a heads up on what to expect and any good track op will make sure you go out at right time and give you some advice.

As been said, HOLD YOUR LINE. No weaving back and forth. DO NOT try to get out of anyone's way. There's a 50/50 shot at going the right way, and you'll always pick the wrong one. Just stay in your line, on your side of the track, anyone going by will find their way past you. If they yell at you (and someone will), don't sweat it.

Don't feel you have to jump anything. You don't, there is no rule saying you have to. But do pay attention to where everyone else has been going, the line they're using to make that jump, and go to the other part of the track to roll it. Take your time on jumping. Let confidence build over time, then jump it when you feel ready.

Don't cut the track. No one wants to have to pass you 3x a lap, unless they're actually lapping you. Cutting the track pisses people off.

Talk to your neighbors in the pits, introduce yourself, tell them you're a noob. Ask advice. You'll make friends quick, and most everyone is willing to be an expert and offer advice, even if they a noob as well.

Don't worry about how you look. It's not a fashion show, though some act as if it is. Don't worry about style or looking like a goon, you'll be a goon, because you're new, don't sweat it.

and lastly, never show up at the track with #1 on your bike, ever.

Ever

Oh, and remember to have fun, that's why you're doing it

Great advice... and i got given #1 for a race once... crashed the bike getting it out of the van... true story
3
brocster
Posts
4596
Joined
6/9/2009
Location
Aliso Viejo, CA, USA
6/27/2020 6:57am
Don’t enter the track without looking

Don’t enter the track behind a jump

Don’t exit the track crossing lines. I.e. if you know you will be pullling off to the right or left set your self up before hand and slowly migrate that way then exit.

Indy mxer
Posts
1870
Joined
6/15/2010
Location
The Villages, FL, USA
6/27/2020 7:00am
neverwas wrote:
Don't do it,you will have way too much fun,next thing you know it will be the only thing you will think about .You will plan vacations...
Don't do it,you will have way too much fun,next thing you know it will be the only thing you will think about .You will plan vacations around riding,End up with great friends,have a toy hauler in your driveway.Spend too much time on forums with lke minded people.One bike turns into several. Oh yeah don't do it.
It's Addictive.As a guy thats 59 years old and still loves to hit a track can attest to.
I don't expect you to heed my warning,so hold your line and have fun.
Lmao!
kage173
Posts
3064
Joined
11/27/2015
Location
USA
6/27/2020 7:33am
Yes, OP, you are crazy. Anybody who wants to get on a machine with no protection other than some overinflated clothes and ride fast and jump high, is crazy. That's why we are here. Because we are not like normal people.

Go for it. You'll be fine and you will feel more alive than you have ever felt before.

But do pay for some lessons.
2
DA498
Posts
1646
Joined
10/11/2008
Location
Milliken, CO, USA
6/27/2020 7:39am
I’m 62 and have been participating in this sport forever and I’m still endangering myself and everyone around me the second I swing my leg over the seat.

Go for it!!
3
gt80rider
Posts
7159
Joined
4/19/2008
Location
Boulder, CO, USA
6/27/2020 8:25am
Newbees later in life with some cash is what this industry/sport/hobby needs...

Op... Hit a track.... As long as you don't just send it, it will be even more fun than u imagine...
1
6/27/2020 8:31am
Im 55. Been racing on and off since i was 12. My body is pretty banged up, but my philosophy is that i cant take it with me when i go.

You will be cursing if you get to an age that you wished you had hit a track on a dirt bike, but you were physically incapable of doing it.

I have a 2019 YZ125. The weight and power means i can generally keep it all on two wheels. The state i am in is mainly sand, so huge whoops and thick sand berms take it out of you.
Just enjoy yourself.. go to the track on practice days and just churn out laps. Have fun.. because in your 30's your not going for a AMA plate.

Cheers,
2
Ozy
Posts
2267
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
USA
6/27/2020 9:28am
EriCS1991 wrote:
What’s up everybody, yea so the title pretty much sums up my question. I’ve been thinking about purchasing a bike to ride trails locally as well...
What’s up everybody, yea so the title pretty much sums up my question. I’ve been thinking about purchasing a bike to ride trails locally as well as looking to try riding at a few local and near distance tracks. I’ve been kinda picking peoples brains as to wether I’m chewing off more than I can handle considering my age and lack of experience on a dirt bike. I’ve owned a 450 sport quad for a few years and a sport bike. I figured maybe a forum like this would be a good place to seek criticism or encouragement. im not expecting to be jumping triples or anything but just wanted to hear what your opinions are. Thanks and be gentle to the old green guy.
Take your time and learn how to jump on table top jumps. I would suggest "VET" tracks. It takes a few years of riding 2 to 3 times a week to get the the skill level you can "safely" ride tracks with SX style jumps.

Riding MX/SX tracks is very dangerous. If you're not feeling safe about a jump, don't do it. Best advice is to follow somebody who is successfully landing the jump "Shadow" them and match their speed.

The only sure thing about riding tracks and getting hurt is that it's not "IF" it will happen, but when

Good luck
1
6/27/2020 9:54am
EriCS1991 wrote:
What’s up everybody, yea so the title pretty much sums up my question. I’ve been thinking about purchasing a bike to ride trails locally as well...
What’s up everybody, yea so the title pretty much sums up my question. I’ve been thinking about purchasing a bike to ride trails locally as well as looking to try riding at a few local and near distance tracks. I’ve been kinda picking peoples brains as to wether I’m chewing off more than I can handle considering my age and lack of experience on a dirt bike. I’ve owned a 450 sport quad for a few years and a sport bike. I figured maybe a forum like this would be a good place to seek criticism or encouragement. im not expecting to be jumping triples or anything but just wanted to hear what your opinions are. Thanks and be gentle to the old green guy.
Do it!
1
Janko630
Posts
118
Joined
7/16/2018
Location
USA
6/27/2020 10:26am
You'd be better off getting a mistress. It'll be cheaper and just as dangerous.
1
kkawboy14
Posts
11486
Joined
6/5/2015
Location
USA
6/27/2020 10:29am
It all depends on you.....if you are a road block and are scaring yourself when you ride. Don’t leave the pasture!
EriCS1991
Posts
124
Joined
6/26/2020
Location
Hopewell Junction, NY, USA
7/1/2020 3:28am
Any reason why I shouldn’t buy a 125 2t? I’m 6’ 210lbs...
kage173
Posts
3064
Joined
11/27/2015
Location
USA
7/1/2020 4:37am
EriCS1991 wrote:
Any reason why I shouldn’t buy a 125 2t? I’m 6’ 210lbs...
125 is a great bike to start with but given your size a 250 four stroke is probably the better way to go. Its unlikely that you'll ever need more than it's got and it is more forgiving of mistakes than a 125, which requires more skill with the clutch.

Whatever you do, dont go with a 450. It will not be fun and you will end up scaring, if not hurting, yourself.
AxlBundy
Posts
212
Joined
2/14/2020
Location
Saint Paul, MN, USA
7/1/2020 5:24am
125 will be just fine and a great entry into the sport. Grab one and get your feet wet. You are not married to the bike, it should be an easy sell later too if you decide something else is right

Used 4 strokes are a scary endeavor
philG
Posts
11087
Joined
5/12/2012
Location
GB
7/1/2020 6:48am
EriCS1991 wrote:
Any reason why I shouldn’t buy a 125 2t? I’m 6’ 210lbs...
Yes.. you are too big... 125 2 strokes need an expereinced pilot when you are that big.
1
1
MudPup545
Posts
1700
Joined
11/14/2014
Location
Imlay City, MI, USA
7/1/2020 7:57am
You’re not crazy. Go for it.
EriCS1991
Posts
124
Joined
6/26/2020
Location
Hopewell Junction, NY, USA
7/1/2020 8:11am
Any reason not to look into. 2018 crf250r? Or should I stick with a KX250f or YZ250f?
EriCS1991
Posts
124
Joined
6/26/2020
Location
Hopewell Junction, NY, USA
7/1/2020 8:19am
Just trying to sort out what would be a better choice but I’m assuming at my inexperienced level it wouldn’t matter too much.
EriCS1991
Posts
124
Joined
6/26/2020
Location
Hopewell Junction, NY, USA
7/1/2020 8:22am
Seems the yz in any newer year has more bottom end than the 2018 Crf, don’t know if that would suit a beginner rider better? I like the looks of the Honda’s for some reason but let me know what you guys think. Rather have a better handling bike than HP but like I said I don’t know if it really matters at a beginners level.

Post a reply to: Am I crazy? Late thirties beginner looking to ride on Mx track

The Latest