Want to get started

rodkimble
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6
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7/6/2015
Location
Aliso Viejo, CA US
7/6/2015 6:55pm Edited Date/Time 7/19/2015 1:19pm
So I'm totally new to this stuff but I'd like to race eventually. I've looked at a bunch of other threads but I'm still not totally sure what bikes I should be looking at. I'm 6'3" 185ish never ridden any kind of motorcycle before but I've mountain biked for years and I can drive a manual car so hopefully between those two things I won't be totally clueless about the basic stuff. I want to get a two stroke since my budget is limited. My neighbor that rides said a 125 would be too small for me and that I should get a 250 but I've read that those can be too much for beginners. So what type of bike should I get?
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tomm55x
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722
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9/14/2014
Location
Erie, PA US
7/6/2015 7:12pm
My best advice I can provide is to find a few brands that are having demo days. You need to ride before you buy and see what you are comfortable with.
rodkimble
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6
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7/6/2015
Location
Aliso Viejo, CA US
7/6/2015 7:34pm
Sounds good, I'll look into that. Thanks!
tomm55x
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722
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Location
Erie, PA US
7/7/2015 5:16am Edited Date/Time 7/7/2015 5:16am
Yep no problem, I know ktm is on their demo tour this whole summer, Yamaha usually has demos also. Honda, suzuki, and kawasaki I'm not so sure about.
OR Racer46
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1332
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11/24/2014
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Eagle Point, OR US
Fantasy
1002nd
7/7/2015 6:49pm
What type of racing do you want to get into ?

The Shop

rodkimble
Posts
6
Joined
7/6/2015
Location
Aliso Viejo, CA US
7/7/2015 7:43pm
Just some stuff at the local mx tracks. I'm sure it will be a long time before I'll even feel good enough on the bike to do the beginner ones but I'd like to do some for fun eventually.
OR Racer46
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1332
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Eagle Point, OR US
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1002nd
7/11/2015 7:14pm
I would look for a 06 or newer yz 250
F. Cheap and dependable bike that will do everything you need it to . I would also hit as many different tracks as you can. Don't worry about not being good . Have fun
7/17/2015 7:43am
250 two stroke would be a bit overwhelming for a beginner in my opinion. Hell, I've been riding for a while and I still scare myself on occasion! All motocross big bikes (125cc and up) are generally the same physical size so your height is irrelevant, although different manufacturers may feel better to you from an ergonomic standpoint.

Having power is the least of your worries as a beginner. I'd shoot for a 125 two stroke or 250 four stroke. Plenty of power to get you around but shouldn't get you in trouble either.

Demo days are a good idea but try to get at least a little bit of seat time on some sort of dirt bike before hand so you know what to expect.
OR Racer46
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1332
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11/24/2014
Location
Eagle Point, OR US
Fantasy
1002nd
7/17/2015 7:34pm
I think a 250f is easier to ride than a 125 . Just a smoother power
rodkimble
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6
Joined
7/6/2015
Location
Aliso Viejo, CA US
7/17/2015 11:54pm
I just found out that a community college near me has some of those basic riding classes set up with the dmv so I'm gonna do that just to get on a bike with an engine. Then I'll go to a demo day and try out a 125 and 250f. Thanks for the help guys!
KMC440
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7764
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4/1/2008
Location
US
7/18/2015 6:35am
A DMV riders course won't help for dirt riding at all, unless you don't know where the clutch, brakes and gearshift are, which I believe you do. If you're going to get a street license go ahead and take it if not it'll be a bit of a waste of time (and money).

Ask at your best local dealership who has mx riding schools locally (you may have to travel to get to a good one)
rodkimble
Posts
6
Joined
7/6/2015
Location
Aliso Viejo, CA US
7/18/2015 9:01am
Good to know, glad I checked back here I was about to sign up. I'm in southern California so I'm sure I'll be able to find something
RMT
Posts
1234
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8/16/2006
Location
Lake Forest, CA US
7/19/2015 1:19pm
Look for a used 250f. Yamahas have proven to be very reliable so look for a 2006 or newer yz250f. Not firm on that year, but any older and any bike might need a complete rebuild.

There are so many good people and families at the track so if you befriended someone, I'm sure they could help and even let you spin some laps on a kid track to get a feel for what your getting into.

Our sport needs guys like you and we should all go out of our way to introduce new people to riding, racing and off-road motorcycling in general.

Good luck, take it very slow at first, and have fun.

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