What bike should I buy??

fshbait
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Logan, UT US
Edited Date/Time 3/7/2024 6:25pm

I want to buy a dirt bike this summer but am not sure what to choose..  I have only owned one "dirt bike" before - a dualsport KLX 250s (low torque, can't even power wheelie it).  I have done a lot of longer, slower, rides on Forest Service type roads around 100 miles, so I have had time to learn how to ride, but haven't really been able to push myself.  Hence wanting the new bike...

 

I fell in love with the cross country type rides on my dualsport so I imagine myself doing more of those rides (think forest service road/desert riding (I don't love single track)) but would love to mix in some track days.

 

I don't have a huge budget or else I'd buy an Austrian 300/350F, but I don't think I can pull the trigger on one just yet due to $$$.  I'm thinking I should go for a Japanese bike lightly used? and I've mostly narrowed it down to a 250, 250F or 450F (probably an "X" model on all of those) but don't know which one to go for - (I've also never ridden a 2 stroke). 

 

5’11”, 160lbs, 25y/o
Do I have the right idea here? Any other ideas?  What's next for me???? 

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loftyair
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riverside, CA US
3/7/2024 6:34pm

So many factors. Do you want to be real serious and kick-ass, or just tootle along and bring a lunch?

1
Darrin Willis
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Red Deer County, AB CA
3/7/2024 6:41pm

X model for sure. 

1
fshbait
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Logan, UT US
3/7/2024 6:43pm
loftyair wrote:

So many factors. Do you want to be real serious and kick-ass, or just tootle along and bring a lunch?

Probably a healthy bit of tootlin and a healthy bit of kick-assery… when I’m with friends in the mountains I’m more likely packing a lunch, but man I’d love to have one bike that would also rip some hot laps on the weekends. 
 

Maybe 2 bikes is the real answer… but I’m too broke at the moment 🥴

loftyair
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riverside, CA US
3/7/2024 6:51pm

That's a tough-one. I suggest riding a bunch of different bikes, and go from there.

1

The Shop

need2ride
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the scene, CA US
3/7/2024 6:54pm

CR500

6
Taylor415
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Midlothian, TX US
3/7/2024 7:50pm

Obviously, you need a KX500.

 I’ll be mostly honest here. Most here are MX guys. I myself don’t know the first thing about off-road other than dicking around, so I couldn’t give you any bike advice. Thumper Talk is another forum, and there’s a bunch of off road guys there.  There’s an off road section here, but I haven’t looked over there in awhile.  Not putting anything negative towards this place, but you might find a better answer over there. 
  

2
MxAddic
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NY US
3/7/2024 7:56pm

Do your body a favor and avoid the 2T 250.

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2
avidchimp
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Location
EGL, MN US
3/7/2024 8:00pm
Taylor415 wrote:
Obviously, you need a KX500.  I’ll be mostly honest here. Most here are MX guys. I myself don’t know the first thing about off-road other than...

Obviously, you need a KX500.

 I’ll be mostly honest here. Most here are MX guys. I myself don’t know the first thing about off-road other than dicking around, so I couldn’t give you any bike advice. Thumper Talk is another forum, and there’s a bunch of off road guys there.  There’s an off road section here, but I haven’t looked over there in awhile.  Not putting anything negative towards this place, but you might find a better answer over there. 
  

I second Thumper Talk for this question, 90% off road guys over there. Great place to visit for tech info on just about every bike made.

1
fshbait
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Location
Logan, UT US
3/7/2024 8:07pm
Taylor415 wrote:
Obviously, you need a KX500.  I’ll be mostly honest here. Most here are MX guys. I myself don’t know the first thing about off-road other than...

Obviously, you need a KX500.

 I’ll be mostly honest here. Most here are MX guys. I myself don’t know the first thing about off-road other than dicking around, so I couldn’t give you any bike advice. Thumper Talk is another forum, and there’s a bunch of off road guys there.  There’s an off road section here, but I haven’t looked over there in awhile.  Not putting anything negative towards this place, but you might find a better answer over there. 
  

avidchimp wrote:

I second Thumper Talk for this question, 90% off road guys over there. Great place to visit for tech info on just about every bike made.

Okay good call.  I’ve used TT once before, I’ll hop on there too!

thanks fellas

Gravel
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Ridgecrest, CA US
3/7/2024 8:15pm

Find a clean, stock Honda CRF450x. Older is fine, condition is important, not the model year. Once you ride it for a year or so you’ll know what to buy next.

2
Nighttrain
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Charleston, SC US
3/7/2024 8:18pm

A 150cc Husky or KTM. Or a well-maintained used 200.  You’ll have more fun on a 2-stroke.

1
3/7/2024 8:46pm

Buy a yzf 250X second hand off an old guy who didn't thrash it. It doesn't matter what year - so long as its under 100 hours old.

1
fshbait
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Logan, UT US
3/7/2024 9:44pm
motokiwi wrote:
Buy a yzf 250X second hand off an old guy who didn't thrash it. It doesn't matter what year - so long as its under 100...

Buy a yzf 250X second hand off an old guy who didn't thrash it. It doesn't matter what year - so long as its under 100 hours old.

this is what I’ve been leaning to most 

1

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