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

ktmwoods
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ktmwoods 7/1/2020 8:32am
7/1/2020 8:32am
Get the 250 four stroke. Easier to ride and control. If you have the cash get a Rekluse clutch for it as well. Quit the back and forth now - just get it done and go ride already.
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Tenacious P
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Tenacious P 7/1/2020 4:49pm
7/1/2020 4:49pm
EriCS1991 wrote:
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.
Don't worry about the bike too much, they are all purpose built for motocross, just no 125. Make sure to save $6-700 to spring/re-valve the suspension. Proper suspension is the best safety equipment there is IMO. Most of my incidents could have been avoided or at least lessened had I spent that money up front.
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wrc777
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wrc777 7/1/2020 6:17pm
7/1/2020 6:17pm
EriCS1991 wrote:
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...
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.
Get the bike with more bottom end. The 2018 and up Honda has to be wrung out like a 125 smoker. The 2018 is supposed to be the worst of the newer ones. They added bottom and midrange in 2019 and again in 2020. You have to be in the right gear and be willing to rev it to the moon. That older Honda you found might be good. It was a 2016 right? Suspension is important but more so as you go faster.
EriCS1991
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EriCS1991 7/1/2020 7:45pm
7/1/2020 7:45pm Edited Date/Time 7/1/2020 8:46pm
EriCS1991 wrote:
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...
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.
wrc777 wrote:
Get the bike with more bottom end. The 2018 and up Honda has to be wrung out like a 125 smoker. The 2018 is supposed to...
Get the bike with more bottom end. The 2018 and up Honda has to be wrung out like a 125 smoker. The 2018 is supposed to be the worst of the newer ones. They added bottom and midrange in 2019 and again in 2020. You have to be in the right gear and be willing to rev it to the moon. That older Honda you found might be good. It was a 2016 right? Suspension is important but more so as you go faster.
Lost the sale to the 2016, couldn’t get there in time. Just posted a topic on a whether or not to buy a 2019 locally from a guy who races at an amatuer level. He works at the local dealership by me and said it been professionally maintained. Has 14 hours on it, he said most of the time was practice if that means anything, just skeptical on a bike ridden so hard. It has a new sprocket and chain and oil has been changed every two rides.

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wrc777
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wrc777 7/1/2020 8:31pm
7/1/2020 8:31pm
I think they made a lot of little improvements from 2018 to 2019. More power down low to mid on the 2019 and no loss of power on top. The trail ridden one is probably in better shape though. Check front sprocket on the one with new chain and rear sprocket. An expert is going to really flog a 250. How much are they asking?
EriCS1991
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EriCS1991 7/1/2020 8:38pm
7/1/2020 8:38pm Edited Date/Time 7/1/2020 8:47pm
wrc777 wrote:
I think they made a lot of little improvements from 2018 to 2019. More power down low to mid on the 2019 and no loss of...
I think they made a lot of little improvements from 2018 to 2019. More power down low to mid on the 2019 and no loss of power on top. The trail ridden one is probably in better shape though. Check front sprocket on the one with new chain and rear sprocket. An expert is going to really flog a 250. How much are they asking?
The 2018 is 5300 with 20 hours, he won’t budge in the price. The 2019 is 6300 but I asked him to match then price of the 2018 considering it’s been raced. I’m waiting for his reply...
EriCS1991
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EriCS1991 7/1/2020 8:49pm
7/1/2020 8:49pm
I corrected my statement about him riding at an expert level, that is my assumption. He definitely raced at an amateur level though and competed in the Rocky Mt Amateur Nationals.
Ray Knight
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Ray Knight 7/1/2020 10:12pm
7/1/2020 10:12pm
Do it! I'm 41 and ride 50-100 miles on my MX track every week. Just be safe and take it slow. Work on one thing at a time. Get good protective gear, knee braces, chest protector, neck brace, etc. Watch the MX factory videos and try to find a local trainer. Roll the jumps. Work on corners, riding position and braking. Don't expect to be comfortable on jumps for awhile and don't be ashamed about it. Just ride at your own level and push it just a tiny bit more each time.
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Ray Knight
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Ray Knight 7/1/2020 10:14pm
7/1/2020 10:14pm
250f would be great. Stay off the top end and the power on them are all really mild and friendly. Just ride a gear high at first and you will get used to it.
wrc777
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wrc777 7/2/2020 5:18am
7/2/2020 5:18am
wrc777 wrote:
I think they made a lot of little improvements from 2018 to 2019. More power down low to mid on the 2019 and no loss of...
I think they made a lot of little improvements from 2018 to 2019. More power down low to mid on the 2019 and no loss of power on top. The trail ridden one is probably in better shape though. Check front sprocket on the one with new chain and rear sprocket. An expert is going to really flog a 250. How much are they asking?
EriCS1991 wrote:
The 2018 is 5300 with 20 hours, he won’t budge in the price. The 2019 is 6300 but I asked him to match then price of...
The 2018 is 5300 with 20 hours, he won’t budge in the price. The 2019 is 6300 but I asked him to match then price of the 2018 considering it’s been raced. I’m waiting for his reply...
And I thought I was lucky to get $5500 for a 250rx with 28 hours on it. Right now on the north side of Indy there is a new 2020 kx250 for $6600 plus tax.
EriCS1991
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EriCS1991 7/2/2020 6:32am
7/2/2020 6:32am
wrc777 wrote:
I think they made a lot of little improvements from 2018 to 2019. More power down low to mid on the 2019 and no loss of...
I think they made a lot of little improvements from 2018 to 2019. More power down low to mid on the 2019 and no loss of power on top. The trail ridden one is probably in better shape though. Check front sprocket on the one with new chain and rear sprocket. An expert is going to really flog a 250. How much are they asking?
EriCS1991 wrote:
The 2018 is 5300 with 20 hours, he won’t budge in the price. The 2019 is 6300 but I asked him to match then price of...
The 2018 is 5300 with 20 hours, he won’t budge in the price. The 2019 is 6300 but I asked him to match then price of the 2018 considering it’s been raced. I’m waiting for his reply...
wrc777 wrote:
And I thought I was lucky to get $5500 for a 250rx with 28 hours on it. Right now on the north side of Indy there...
And I thought I was lucky to get $5500 for a 250rx with 28 hours on it. Right now on the north side of Indy there is a new 2020 kx250 for $6600 plus tax.
So these are good prices? I also have a 2018 yf250f with 6-8 hours in it for 5500
EriCS1991
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EriCS1991 7/2/2020 6:33am
7/2/2020 6:33am
Any advice on what to buy?
UGOTBIT
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UGOTBIT 7/2/2020 7:07am
7/2/2020 7:07am
EriCS1991 wrote:
Any advice on what to buy?
What's your budget?

Is electric start important to you?

Do you order parts online or do you go to the dealer for service/parts? If so what dealers in your area?

17+ Yamaha would be at the top of my list

Could buy a 19+ Suzuki for close to the same money

KTM/Husky seem to be priced $1000 higher than Japan brands in our area, but I haven't shopped since before COVID.
minikx
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minikx 7/2/2020 7:14am
7/2/2020 7:14am
Get a 125 2stroke

Get the suspension set up for your weight etc

Cheap to rebuild
Plus I think it'll give you confidence and teach you things for going forward onto bigger bikes
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EriCS1991
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EriCS1991 7/2/2020 7:19am
7/2/2020 7:19am
EriCS1991 wrote:
Any advice on what to buy?
UGOTBIT wrote:
What's your budget? Is electric start important to you? Do you order parts online or do you go to the dealer for service/parts? If so what...
What's your budget?

Is electric start important to you?

Do you order parts online or do you go to the dealer for service/parts? If so what dealers in your area?

17+ Yamaha would be at the top of my list

Could buy a 19+ Suzuki for close to the same money

KTM/Husky seem to be priced $1000 higher than Japan brands in our area, but I haven't shopped since before COVID.
My interests would be the CRF, KX, and YZ. I listed some options in the previous posts that I was looking at and my concerns with the 18 CRF clutch basket and oil starvation issues some have had.
UGOTBIT
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UGOTBIT 7/2/2020 7:26am
7/2/2020 7:26am
EriCS1991 wrote:
My interests would be the CRF, KX, and YZ. I listed some options in the previous posts that I was looking at and my concerns with...
My interests would be the CRF, KX, and YZ. I listed some options in the previous posts that I was looking at and my concerns with the 18 CRF clutch basket and oil starvation issues some have had.
Personally, I think the YZ250F would be the best bike.
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wrc777
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wrc777 7/2/2020 8:22am
7/2/2020 8:22am
EriCS1991 wrote:
My interests would be the CRF, KX, and YZ. I listed some options in the previous posts that I was looking at and my concerns with...
My interests would be the CRF, KX, and YZ. I listed some options in the previous posts that I was looking at and my concerns with the 18 CRF clutch basket and oil starvation issues some have had.
UGOTBIT wrote:
Personally, I think the YZ250F would be the best bike.
Yeah that is what I would get too. If you can find a ‘19 they have electric start and the cell phone fuel mapping app. Prices are high right now. I think $6300 for the used ‘19 crf is high. Mine sold for $5500 but I didn’t try to hold out for more money. Mine had a yoshi exhaust too. One Michigan dealer was selling them new for $6k but I think they are out now.

I still see new ‘19 kx250 and ‘18 Rmz250 for sale for close to $5k but not having a spring fork probably hurts the value.
philG
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philG 7/2/2020 3:19pm
7/2/2020 3:19pm
EriCS1991 wrote:
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...
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.
wrc777 wrote:
Get the bike with more bottom end. The 2018 and up Honda has to be wrung out like a 125 smoker. The 2018 is supposed to...
Get the bike with more bottom end. The 2018 and up Honda has to be wrung out like a 125 smoker. The 2018 is supposed to be the worst of the newer ones. They added bottom and midrange in 2019 and again in 2020. You have to be in the right gear and be willing to rev it to the moon. That older Honda you found might be good. It was a 2016 right? Suspension is important but more so as you go faster.
EriCS1991 wrote:
Lost the sale to the 2016, couldn’t get there in time. Just posted a topic on a whether or not to buy a 2019 locally from...
Lost the sale to the 2016, couldn’t get there in time. Just posted a topic on a whether or not to buy a 2019 locally from a guy who races at an amatuer level. He works at the local dealership by me and said it been professionally maintained. Has 14 hours on it, he said most of the time was practice if that means anything, just skeptical on a bike ridden so hard. It has a new sprocket and chain and oil has been changed every two rides.
BUY

Pit Row

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EriCS1991
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EriCS1991 7/2/2020 4:01pm
7/2/2020 4:01pm
wrc777 wrote:
Get the bike with more bottom end. The 2018 and up Honda has to be wrung out like a 125 smoker. The 2018 is supposed to...
Get the bike with more bottom end. The 2018 and up Honda has to be wrung out like a 125 smoker. The 2018 is supposed to be the worst of the newer ones. They added bottom and midrange in 2019 and again in 2020. You have to be in the right gear and be willing to rev it to the moon. That older Honda you found might be good. It was a 2016 right? Suspension is important but more so as you go faster.
EriCS1991 wrote:
Lost the sale to the 2016, couldn’t get there in time. Just posted a topic on a whether or not to buy a 2019 locally from...
Lost the sale to the 2016, couldn’t get there in time. Just posted a topic on a whether or not to buy a 2019 locally from a guy who races at an amatuer level. He works at the local dealership by me and said it been professionally maintained. Has 14 hours on it, he said most of the time was practice if that means anything, just skeptical on a bike ridden so hard. It has a new sprocket and chain and oil has been changed every two rides.
philG wrote:
BUY
Buy which one?
ACBraap
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ACBraap 7/2/2020 4:29pm
7/2/2020 4:29pm
Definitely do it! there are few things in life more fun than riding MX. Just manage your expectations, and don't expect to be clearing doubles and railing berms the first day. It will be a bit frustrating but stick with it and things will begin to click.

To reiterate what others have said, pick handling and suspension over power. Get good gear. Ride within your ability and have fun.
captmoto
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captmoto 7/2/2020 10:53pm
7/2/2020 10:53pm
I have a friend that had a Mini Trail back in the day and didn't ride in the dirt until he turned 60 so you will have a 30 year head start on him.
philG
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philG 7/3/2020 6:57am
7/3/2020 6:57am
EriCS1991 wrote:
Lost the sale to the 2016, couldn’t get there in time. Just posted a topic on a whether or not to buy a 2019 locally from...
Lost the sale to the 2016, couldn’t get there in time. Just posted a topic on a whether or not to buy a 2019 locally from a guy who races at an amatuer level. He works at the local dealership by me and said it been professionally maintained. Has 14 hours on it, he said most of the time was practice if that means anything, just skeptical on a bike ridden so hard. It has a new sprocket and chain and oil has been changed every two rides.
philG wrote:
BUY
EriCS1991 wrote:
Buy which one?
the one from the guy at the shop
red_leader
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red_leader 7/3/2020 10:36am
7/3/2020 10:36am
As a newer vet rider I have two words of advice:
ELECTRIC START!

you will enjoy the experience much much more.

I picked the KTM 350, and it is a great beginners bike. A little more torque, which helps, but not 450 fast.
I think the YZF250F would be my second choice.
MZ193
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MZ193 7/3/2020 10:37am
7/3/2020 10:37am
Get a 250 4 stroke and at least 8/10 lessons.
Maybe one lesson, one ride by yourself, one lesson, one ride by yourself and so on.
😉
EriCS1991
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EriCS1991 7/3/2020 7:00pm
7/3/2020 7:00pm
philG wrote:
BUY
EriCS1991 wrote:
Buy which one?
philG wrote:
the one from the guy at the shop
Lost that sale as well! Going on vacation for a week, I have a 18 yz250f with 7 hours I’m going to buy when I get back if it’s still available. The dealers are completely out of 250’s in the northeast so most I think are buying used. Selling like hot cakes...
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yz133rider
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yz133rider 7/3/2020 7:16pm
7/3/2020 7:16pm
EriCS1991 wrote:
Buy which one?
philG wrote:
the one from the guy at the shop
EriCS1991 wrote:
Lost that sale as well! Going on vacation for a week, I have a 18 yz250f with 7 hours I’m going to buy when I get...
Lost that sale as well! Going on vacation for a week, I have a 18 yz250f with 7 hours I’m going to buy when I get back if it’s still available. The dealers are completely out of 250’s in the northeast so most I think are buying used. Selling like hot cakes...
Full throttle power sports in nh has a brand new rmz250 for 5999. Worth going new for that price.
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Brent
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Brent 7/3/2020 8:41pm
7/3/2020 8:41pm
...tip # 45: Be prepared for arm pump and hand cramps like you have never experienced.

Also, buy some Advil and take it to the track with you, after your first day believe me you will need it, because even if you are in pro athlete shape, riding MX will work you like you have never been worked.

also remember, motocross is without a doubt the toughest sport on earth, no exceptions, so just by buying a MX bike and riding a track you are tougher and braver than 95 percent of the general population...
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BeachMX
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BeachMX 7/4/2020 8:34am
7/4/2020 8:34am
Brent wrote:
...tip # 45: Be prepared for arm pump and hand cramps like you have never experienced. Also, buy some Advil and take it to the track...
...tip # 45: Be prepared for arm pump and hand cramps like you have never experienced.

Also, buy some Advil and take it to the track with you, after your first day believe me you will need it, because even if you are in pro athlete shape, riding MX will work you like you have never been worked.

also remember, motocross is without a doubt the toughest sport on earth, no exceptions, so just by buying a MX bike and riding a track you are tougher and braver than 95 percent of the general population...
So true! I recently came back to riding after a 16 year absence, and those first few rides were really rough on my hands. Death grip on the bars resulted in some serious hand pain...I was icing my hands after riding it was so bad. Arm pump was rough too! Fingers going numb, the usual.

Its been a couple of months, and I'm good now... as everyone says, I just needed time on the bike.
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profeshenal125 7/5/2020 1:49pm
7/5/2020 1:49pm
minikx wrote:
Get a 125 2stroke Get the suspension set up for your weight etc Cheap to rebuild Plus I think it'll give you confidence and teach you...
Get a 125 2stroke

Get the suspension set up for your weight etc

Cheap to rebuild
Plus I think it'll give you confidence and teach you things for going forward onto bigger bikes
Yeah I agree. A 125 also is super fun to ride, that,s why you ride. Guy,s talking about hold your line, that means don,t go cutting left and right all over the track.
EriCS1991
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EriCS1991 7/5/2020 2:20pm
7/5/2020 2:20pm
Yea I probably would but my fat ass is 210 lbs without gear. From what I hear a 125 is a little too small for my inexperienced tub of lard. I get it, if I was good at riding at could keep it on the pipe then I would probably like the power band. Seems like the 125’s power band feels like a donkey on crack...

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