Posts
488
Joined
7/7/2010
Location
Sandy, UT, USA
Edited Date/Time
1/26/2012 3:13pm
Hello,
I am 14 years old, 5'3 and weigh 100 lbs. I recently wanted to get into dirt biking. I talked with my parents and they said if I completed an online safety course I could get one. We would be able to afford a dirt bike that costs 900-1400 dollars. I would have to buy the gear though. I looked on the local classifieds and decided that I should try and get a kx100. I don't want to get something to big and powerful that I couldn't handle, but I alson don't want to go buy a bike that I will grow out of in one year. I am thinking about renting one. I just don't know where I could go for my first time riding one. I have a friend who rides dirt bikes and he said I could go riding with him but I don't know how to work a manual clutch. Do you think the KX100 would be too much for me being that I have never ridden one before? Do you think I should rent one before I buy? I don't have any of the gear yet but I assume all of the gear will be some where around 300$ combined. Also do you think I would need knee and elbow pads? I would like to keep the price to a minimum and I like to be able to move my elbows and knees freely without restraint. My dad doesn't dirt bike either but he has a truck that we could probably take the bike in. I have two friends that ride dirt bikes that said they could take me riding. I am pretty mechanical so I could work on it and everything but I just don't know if it would be too much work getting one and everything.
What do you reccomend I do?
I am 14 years old, 5'3 and weigh 100 lbs. I recently wanted to get into dirt biking. I talked with my parents and they said if I completed an online safety course I could get one. We would be able to afford a dirt bike that costs 900-1400 dollars. I would have to buy the gear though. I looked on the local classifieds and decided that I should try and get a kx100. I don't want to get something to big and powerful that I couldn't handle, but I alson don't want to go buy a bike that I will grow out of in one year. I am thinking about renting one. I just don't know where I could go for my first time riding one. I have a friend who rides dirt bikes and he said I could go riding with him but I don't know how to work a manual clutch. Do you think the KX100 would be too much for me being that I have never ridden one before? Do you think I should rent one before I buy? I don't have any of the gear yet but I assume all of the gear will be some where around 300$ combined. Also do you think I would need knee and elbow pads? I would like to keep the price to a minimum and I like to be able to move my elbows and knees freely without restraint. My dad doesn't dirt bike either but he has a truck that we could probably take the bike in. I have two friends that ride dirt bikes that said they could take me riding. I am pretty mechanical so I could work on it and everything but I just don't know if it would be too much work getting one and everything.
What do you reccomend I do?
Find a big, flat field and learn the clutch and gears.
It's not that hard, really.
The 100 should be fine to learn on, and if you take good care of it, you can probably sell it for what you paid for it.
A nice used one will be in your price range.
The Shop
Luxon 4-Post Bar Mounts
$189.95 - $239.95
DeCal Works Huge Plastic Inventory of UFO and Polisport kits.
As far as gear, a good helmet and good boots are essential. A decent set of goggles and gloves would be next priority. After that, if you have the $'s, neck protection of some sort would be a good idea. Finally some decent MX pants and a jersey... all of these things can be found online at places like Motosport.com, BTOsports.com, motocrossgiant.com. Often times they will offer combo packages which will save you some money, but make sure what you are buying is at least decent quality.
You probably aren't far off with $300 to $500. There are some good boots out there for under $200 (I always felt the Thor Quadrants were a good value), look for close out deals on helmets, this will save you a ton of money and you can get a good lid to protect your noggin within your price range. There are combos out there with jersey/pants/gloves for less than $100. You just have to shop around and look for the best deal. If you want a leatt neck brace or the like, you will need to talk your folks into buying that as it'll eat your entire gear budget... that's an easy sell though... safety safety safety. Elbow and knee pads are optional... if you want to wear them, go for it, but not a necessity. Knee braces are a good idea though... but again, like the neck braces, would likely eat into your budget.
If you have a good friend that rides and knows what they are doing, go with them and get them to teach you to work the clutch and some basics. The other option is to find a local MX trainer in your area and work with them for a few hours. Once again, this will be more $'s... depending on the trainer, it could be anywhere from $75 to several hundred $'s for lessons. This would be another one of those sales jobs you'll need to use on your parents... proper riding techniques promote safety safety safety...
Once you get your bike and start riding with your buddies, ride within your own comfort/skill level. Push your limits when YOU are ready to push them, not when your buddies are pressuring you to push. If you aren't mentally ready to tackle an obstacle, it's not likely to end well... just keep that in mind. The best way to develop that confidence is to get as much seat time as possible and practice proper riding techniques.
Good luck and most importantly... HAVE FUN!
I can't believe how rude some people can be to others who want to enjoy the joy of riding motocross.
A KX100 would be fine. Just take it slow and progress in baby steps. Don't ever let someone convince you to do something you are not comfortable with. Usually deep down inside, you know what you're capable of. The more experience you get from riding, the easier it is to judge what you can and can not do. Don't get wrapped up in racing either. It takes the fun out of things if you take it too seriously. Ride the track the way a surfer rides the waves, smoothing, flowing, and it wouldn't hurt to watch footage of Christophe Pourcel either.
Proper maintenance will save you time and money on your machine.
I won't laugh too hard, though.
That dude could out-run me while goonin'!
if you fell tense breathe in, breathe out REALLY big then it'll cause you to breath IN really big to kind of relax you
don't go BIG/clearing jumps on the first time around, go slow AT YOUR OWN PACE just putt around the track get a feel. then try and go bigger then normal. don't worry about anybody else...if you have to ask the owners of the track if you can take your bike to the peewee track to get used to the feel of things...
go wide on turns, what i told my dad for a pointer of going around the track is: do the track in 2-3rd gear, 3rd jumping or on a straight away, then down to 2nd on corners. when you feel COMFORTABLE w/ that kick it up to 3rd-4th gear. same concept 4th on a straight away or jumps, then 3rd on cornering.
when turning kind of "dip" your bike or do a table top motion...lean INTO the jump.
and about racing, if you feel like the bike has to much torque. there these things (i don't know what they're called) but it keeps the bike from popping "wheelies"
if anybody has anything to add, FEEL FREE
i'm 14 and i'm 5foot and i'm about 100lbs so were about the same hieght...i think an 85 would be good for ME but idk thats me i might ask my dad if i can get a kx100 idk or a rm100 or something
http://www.dirtrider.com/reviews/motocross/141_0408_2004_ktm_105_sx/ind…
Boots($150), Pants($75), Gloves($30), Goggles($30), Helmet($200), knee pads($50)--for decent quality equipment, probably a minimum of $500.
Optional: Jersey (to match pants), neck brace, chest protector, kidney belt, knee braces, elbow pads (another $100 or more...add good knee and neck braces and it's another $500).
Just ballpark pricing. Make sure your helmet fits really good. Not too tight---but, tight is better than loose.
Pit Row
Could someone tell me what to buy after I get the bike and all of my gear (plus the owners manual)? I saw this guys bike for 1200 dollars on the local classifieds. I could probably bring him down to 1100. I am just wondering right after I go and buy the bike I will probably have to get gas but I don't know what kind of oil to get for the motor and other essential things for keeping the motorcycle clean and running smooth. I will be willing to put in time to take care of it.
I know it doesn't help my dad isn't into riding dirt bikes and I want a dirt bike so it will be harder and I will have to probably do most of my riding with my friends.
Thanks for the help.
Buy a few 125's & 250f's,several sets of gear , several custom painted helmets ,lots of oem & cool after market parts,many of tires for different conditions.
Hire a full time mechanic to upkeep the bikes.
Have your parents buy 30 to 50 acres of land and have a few private tracks built,possibly even an indoor track if you can fit it into your budget.
(Also make sure to invite people from Vital to ride at your tracks,riding with faster guys will help you get faster.)
Once you have the private built track then it is time to have a big shop built to store your dirt bikes ,tools,etc & future trophies in...
Then have your parents buy a huge motor coach or motor home with a huge box trailer(this will be needed for travel from dirt-biking spot to dirt-biking spot,it will also make you look cooler)
Once you have all that.....make sure to get good medical insurance.
That should be enough to get your started in the sport.
Good luck and don't forget to turn your gas on.
When I go around looking for used dirt bikes, what are some things I should look out for and good signs that the bike is in good running condition... The last thing I want to have happen is go spend 1200 dollars on a bike that the engine is super worn out on or needs 500 dollars worth of fixes.
Thanks, I appreciate all of the help.
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