Which bike for wife advice

TogaSet
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Chandler, AZ US
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4/25/2020 9:50am
Beware of that KX 100. Not beginner friendly especially for a woman. Maybe after a year or so of her riding something a little mellower.
Hammer 663s
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Forest Grove, OR US
4/25/2020 12:17pm
We put over 100 hours on both a KX85 and KX100 big wheel. Both had steahly heavy FWWs, FMF pipe, and better reeds. Those few changes make them way more manageable. The 85 is definitely more peaky. the 100 is a better trail and moto combo as it has more bottom end. You can take a tooth off the rear too and that helps more. I guess since we are used to snappy 2 strokes we didn't find the KX100 very scary. It became our play bike and I used it to teach new riders how to use a clutch.

Hammer
Hallzilla
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Langtown, CA US
4/25/2020 12:30pm
TTR 125, CRF150F, XR200r, KLX140. DRZ 125. Go used, one that's in good shape. Pick a color really. Then when she's ready to move up, keep it! They are super fun bikes around camp or on the mini track. I have an xr200 and a ttr125. If you want to sell it, these used bikes are becoming more valuable recnetly, because of the insane new prices in this range.
I got my TTR for 500. Now I don't see them for under a G usually.
1
Idaho747
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Idaho Falls, ID US
4/25/2020 1:59pm Edited Date/Time 4/25/2020 1:59pm
We originally got my wife a crf 250. She ended up hating it. We switched to a Klx 140G and she absolutely loved it. Quite a bit shorter with a super forgiving clutch
1

The Shop

4/25/2020 2:24pm
I would look to the future, but a cheap small bike first, let her get confidence and experience, then move her up to a bigger bike. This may cost a little more in the long run.
You don't want to scare her off riding, you only get one chance to hook and reel her in.
4/25/2020 3:31pm
Ended up picking up a used 2019 KLX 140L for $2,200. I thought it was a good deal. Older bikes were going for around the same price. The seller Had just listed it moments before I spotted it. It’s real clean. I was on my way to Chaparal to buy a new one for over $3K so I’m stoked!
10
MxKyle (MD)
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Orlando, FL US
4/25/2020 3:39pm
I would look to the future, but a cheap small bike first, let her get confidence and experience, then move her up to a bigger bike...
I would look to the future, but a cheap small bike first, let her get confidence and experience, then move her up to a bigger bike. This may cost a little more in the long run.
You don't want to scare her off riding, you only get one chance to hook and reel her in.
Great point about not scaring her off at the beginning. Don't take her to a motocross track as her first experience. That's the fastest way to get her intimidated and ruin her chances of growing into something she can enjoy.

I started my wife off in a flat field learning to start and stop. I put out two cones and had her practice racing up to each before stopping hard. After a couple of sessions we threw in a bump halfway down one straight so she could get a little air. When she was finally comfortable hitting that little bump at higher speeds she graduated to a junior track.

I think the main reason our sport is not growing is that new riders have to start on expert only tracks. It's too easy to get discouraged right off the bat and never go back after some fast kid jumps over your head.

--KT--
1983YZ125
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4/25/2020 3:43pm
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2020/04/25/423004/s1200_FE452999_10B7_4EAC_A7E6_CDF870057316.jpg[/img]Ended up picking up a used 2019 KLX 140L for $2,200. I thought it was a good deal. Older bikes were going for around the same...
Ended up picking up a used 2019 KLX 140L for $2,200. I thought it was a good deal. Older bikes were going for around the same price. The seller Had just listed it moments before I spotted it. It’s real clean. I was on my way to Chaparal to buy a new one for over $3K so I’m stoked!
Good deal, she should like it for her first bike. Easy bike to learn on and very forgiving to mistakes.
Shouldn't have a problem getting your money back in a year or two.

What was the PO doing with that back tire and a knobby front?
TogaSet
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4/25/2020 3:48pm
Smart move. Plenty of time for KX two stroke race bikes later on.
1
chump6784
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AU
4/25/2020 4:13pm Edited Date/Time 4/25/2020 4:14pm
Yz 125 and get the suspension lowered and maybe stuff a rag in the air box to dull the power until she gets used to it

My wife had ridden once when we met and she said she wanted a bike. I was going to go the 4 stroke play bike route but she wanted to do jumps. I ended up getting her an rm125 and had the suspension lowered 50mm both ends. That allowed her to touch tip toes both sides and she is only light.

Imo a trail bike for the desert and fox raceway would suck. They are heavy with shit brakes and shit suspension. A proper bike with good brakes and suspension will be much more enjoyable to ride even if you have to tame the engine initially
scott_nz
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NZ
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4/25/2020 4:48pm
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2020/04/25/423004/s1200_FE452999_10B7_4EAC_A7E6_CDF870057316.jpg[/img]Ended up picking up a used 2019 KLX 140L for $2,200. I thought it was a good deal. Older bikes were going for around the same...
Ended up picking up a used 2019 KLX 140L for $2,200. I thought it was a good deal. Older bikes were going for around the same price. The seller Had just listed it moments before I spotted it. It’s real clean. I was on my way to Chaparal to buy a new one for over $3K so I’m stoked!
1983YZ125 wrote:
Good deal, she should like it for her first bike. Easy bike to learn on and very forgiving to mistakes. Shouldn't have a problem getting your...
Good deal, she should like it for her first bike. Easy bike to learn on and very forgiving to mistakes.
Shouldn't have a problem getting your money back in a year or two.

What was the PO doing with that back tire and a knobby front?
would guess flat track,
navalseabee
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Virginia Beach, VA US
4/25/2020 5:33pm
My wifes progression
CRF230
Beta Xtrainer
250XC
250SXF
Matt Fisher
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Visalia, CA US
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4/25/2020 5:42pm
Should the wife end up wanting a lighter bike but you're concerned with the amount of power something like a KX100 would have, a super easy way to mellow bikes out is to retard the timing. Only takes a few minutes, and is easily reversible. Don't go too far, as 2 strokes can kick back while being started and then actually run in reverse. Makes for a confusing yet exciting event when the clutch is let out!
Thelen20
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1997
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11/28/2009
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Marshall, TX US
4/26/2020 1:59am
My wife is 5'6", 130lbs and a total beginner. I got here a Yamaha ttr230 and it fits her perfectly. Nice and stable but not too big and fast.



3
Deja New
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AU
4/26/2020 2:14am
Just pick up this bad girl for the wife.... 2018 tc85 big wheel packed with goodies like gold vhm head hgs full System, vforce reeds bud racing rear shock and MPs worked forks new tires new top end new chain and sprockets list goes on Smile got her home dropped the needle 2 slots change the plug type as the wife is never running this thing hot enough for the plus that it had and rebuilt the rear brake caliper and master cylinder.


So as most women like pretty things I ordered a full set of black plastics and skda graphics, new grips, bar pad and seat cover from skda with the lace look Smile I started with one of their designs and girlieafied it and the wife loves it Smile


The last 4 years she been on a RM85 big wheel that we still have I’ve found the size and power of the big wheel 85’s seems to be perfect for a lot of adult ladies that’s aren’t quite ready for a full sized bike due to the weight if they drop them.

2
4/26/2020 2:52am
My wifes progression
CRF230
Beta Xtrainer
250XC
250SXF
My wife's progression,
Thats a waste of money.
We can't afford that.
Get your own way to the hospital.
I told you so!
5
navalseabee
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Location
Virginia Beach, VA US
4/26/2020 5:37am
My wifes progression
CRF230
Beta Xtrainer
250XC
250SXF
My wife's progression,
Thats a waste of money.
We can't afford that.
Get your own way to the hospital.
I told you so!
Lmao! That sir was funny
1983YZ125
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Gulf Shores, AL US
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4/26/2020 8:14am
Thelen20 wrote:
My wife is 5'6", 130lbs and a total beginner. I got here a Yamaha ttr230 and it fits her perfectly. Nice and stable but not too...
My wife is 5'6", 130lbs and a total beginner. I got here a Yamaha ttr230 and it fits her perfectly. Nice and stable but not too big and fast.



Where do yal ride? Ever do Barnwell Mountain?
My wife has been hoping to find another rider to ride with on occasion that's more her speed (beginner/slower) and a girl.

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