Dirt bike gurus, your help is needed!

[scoobydoo2u]

I'm not looking to buy one right now, this is just to ask a few questions for when I buy one.
Ok, so I'm looking for a good used dirt bike.

I know brand is kinda a personal preference, but what are you opinions on what dirt bike to look for?

I know very little about this hobby, but I'm ready to learn and I am trying to do as much research on my own as possible.
I'm pretty sure I'm sold on Two Stroke.
What CC rating do I want?

I am new to dirt bikes, but I want to have the power for when I get used to it and more comfortable with it.
I don't want to have to turn around and sell it just because it's not enough for me later on.

I plan on using this bike for very light rare trail riding, but mainly just for fast cruising and jumping.
After getting more comfortable I would like to jump it some, so a good jumping bike is also a must.

If I forgot anything that will help you help me, please let me know!
I know there are some dirt bike riders on here so I thought this would be a good place to start.
Thanks for your help!

EDIT: Also, I don't know how to state a budget, because I just don't know how cheap is too cheap when it comes to dirt bikes.

 

[flandersander]

I think brand doesn't really matter now a days. I ride a yz 250. Yamaha. I love it. I think you would like a competition model rather than a trail rider, mainly because of the power band. It is amazing. once you have a bike with a power band, you will never go back. Its just like nitro. You can hear the rmp begin to skyrocket and you just know the results are going to be spectacular. Wheelies are super easy, and not hard to master with a little practice. And they are good jumping bikes. My bike can whip my friends trx 450 on the track, and on the trails, and on a flat surface. Truth is, its only worse in mud. I think a 250 is good for you, but if you really want, you could get a 450 and have lots of potential. Good luck!

 

[BradZ_09]

The brand wont make too much difference.
but we need more informaton, how old are you, how tall?
I'm 15 and i can ride my dads yz250 no problems, so depending on how big you are, or confident, id say a 250 would be more your style.
When you find a bike, run it past us first I've had so much experience with these and I'm sure others have too. We can help you know if your getting ripped on way or the other.

 

[scoobydoo2u]

The brand wont make too much difference.
but we need more informaton, how old are you, how tall?
I'm 15 and i can ride my dads yz250 no problems, so depending on how big you are, or confident, id say a 250 would be more your style.
When you find a bike, run it past us first I've had so much experience with these and I'm sure others have too. We can help you know if your getting ripped on way or the other.

I am probably below average height at around 5'8" -5'9"
I am fairly confident at riding, but like I said I'm still new I have maybe a total of a hour on a bike.
Confidence builds with experience, so I think I'll be ok just taking it easy.
Should have included height in my original post, sorry about that!

 

[slowngreen]

you know man, i hate to say it but 4 stroke is where its at now days...250 2strokes were cool for sure until the 450's came out and got all the bugs worked out and now a 250 2 stroke doesn't stand a chance in any aspect at all, except maybe, and i said maybe at the dunes...i rode a 04 Kx 500 up until a few months ago and that is the only 2 stroke that will out perform a 450 but only in the engine, when it comes to suspension the 500 sucked...if you get a 250 2 stroke you will end up having to rebuild the top end at some point but on the 4 strokes you really just have to get the valves adjusted and thats really it....I personally would get a crf450 IF i went used, their suspension in stock form is second to none, its also got the smoothest and most wide range of power out of the used 450's....and its very comfortable. the yz, kx, and rmz' have been 4 speeds up until recently wich sucks cuz once you top out the 4 gear, you just shift the honda and pass everyone.
BUT the honda has been kinda a bitch with having to adjust the valves so often...i really like ktm, but i would only go with a new KTM personally and it would only be a 525 wich might be to big for you.
if you are thinking a 450 is too big then a 250 4 stoke in my opinion SUCKS, so this is where i would suggest the 250 2 stroke...let me ask you this, how big are you? if you weigh alot then any stock suspension of an older bike wont do, unless you can get a newer crf 450 then it will handle about anything you throw at it.

 

[scoobydoo2u]

you know man, i hate to say it but 4 stroke is where its at now days...250 2strokes were cool for sure until the 450's came out and got all the bugs worked out and now a 250 2 stroke doesn't stand a chance in any aspect at all, except maybe, and i said maybe at the dunes...i rode a 04 Kx 500 up until a few months ago and that is the only 2 stroke that will out perform a 450 but only in the engine, when it comes to suspension the 500 sucked...if you get a 250 2 stroke you will end up having to rebuild the top end at some point but on the 4 strokes you really just have to get the valves adjusted and thats really it....I personally would get a crf450 IF i went used, their suspension in stock form is second to none, its also got the smoothest and most wide range of power out of the used 450's....and its very comfortable. the yz, kx, and rmz' have been 4 speeds up until recently wich sucks cuz once you top out the 4 gear, you just shift the honda and pass everyone.
BUT the honda has been kinda a bitch with having to adjust the valves so often...i really like ktm, but i would only go with a new KTM personally and it would only be a 525 wich might be to big for you.
if you are thinking a is too big then a 250 4 stoke in my opinion SUCKS, so this is where i would suggest the 250 2 stroke...let me ask you this, how big are you? if you weigh alot then any stock suspension of an older bike wont do, unless you can get a newer crf 450 then it will handle about anything you throw at it.

Ahh, I understand.
I was under the impression that two strokes had much better power to the cc and a better power to weight ratio then four strokes.

I thought four strokes were trail oriented, but I did read that they have come a long way over the years.
I'm not arguing a point I'm just thinking out loud

I tip the scales at around 125lbs:\ I'm not as "Size challenged" as I sound..
Honestly I think 450 is way to much bike for me, and a rebuild wouldn't be a big deal if it isn't going to break the bank.
I enjoy doing stuff like that, It will probably end up apart at some point any ways.

 

[fatkid8523]

i really dont think you need a 250. you arent that big and since your new at it i think a 125 would be ok. they are cheaply purchased and they got enough power for a person starting out with more to spare.

 

[scoobydoo2u]

What does a yz250 go for? I've seen some almost new ones go fairly cheap.

How old should be the oldest I go? 2000? 01?

 

[BradZ_09]

I know this goes against what slowngreen says, but id go with a 250 four stroke.
Right size and they go pretty hard, plenty of power for someone starting out and you wont get sick of it like you would a 125.
You can find decent new-ish used for about 5000 AUS if your lucky

 

[Amoeba]

I know this goes against what slowngreen says, but id go with a 250 four stroke.
Right size and they go pretty hard, plenty of power for someone starting out and you wont get sick of it like you would a 125.
You can find decent new-ish used for about 5000 AUS if your lucky

250cc is a sweet spot but a lot depends on the riding experience of the person on it. If you've never ridden motorcycles before, go with a 100 or 125. The smaller size and weight will be more forgiving for learning without getting away from you. Plus, you can pick up smaller bikes cheaper.

If you're an experienced road rider, a 250 would probably be a better bet since you'll be able to manage the power and weight better.

 

[BMILLER]

I think brand doesn't really matter now a days. I ride a yz 250. Yamaha. I love it. I think you would like a competition model rather than a trail rider, mainly because of the power band. It is amazing. once you have a bike with a power band, you will never go back. Its just like nitro. You can hear the rmp begin to skyrocket and you just know the results are going to be spectacular. Wheelies are super easy, and not hard to master with a little practice. And they are good jumping bikes. My bike can whip my friends trx 450 on the track, and on the trails, and on a flat surface. Truth is, its only worse in mud. I think a 250 is good for you, but if you really want, you could get a 450 and have lots of potential. Good luck!

yeah but then u would be rebuilding the top end all the time.....too much upkeep get a 4 stroke

the new honda crf150 r pretty cool

 

[BradZ_09]

Yeah Crf150s go hard as, but get an R the F's are heavy as hell and slow

 

[slowngreen]

you can prolly catch a 01-02 yz250 for around 2 grand, they arent worth much now since the 4 stroke has taken over so they go for very little...imo dont get a 125 2 stroke, you will regret not having any low end power and it will pop so fast compared to a 250 cuz you will ALWAYS be in it...a 250 2 stroke will haul you skinny ass around just great, its better to get something with more power than u think you need cuz you will learn to use all the power really fast and be glad you got it.

 

[scoobydoo2u]

its better to get something with more power than u think you need cuz you will learn to use all the power really fast and be glad you got it.

Exactly what I'm thinking! It's not like the throttle is a On/Off switch, you can go easy on it to get used to it.
People are telling me a 250 is to much bike, but its better to have the power for when my skills advance.
That way I don't out ride my bike in a year, but instead I am even more used to the power a 250 can offer.

It just makes more sense to me that way.

I'm pretty sure I like what I see in the yz250
Now I'm doing gear research.
Brand doesn't really matter to me, I just would like good quality, fairly cheap.

Off to look at reviews!
Thanks every one!

 

[BMILLER]

get a honda 50 FTW

 

[scottm]

I have been riding and racing for more than 30 years. God I'm old. I have also been tuning cycle suspension for more than 10 years. No doubt motocross bikes are awesome, both 2 stroke and 4. 125 2st bikes are cheap, light, and great handling, and a good rider can make them sing. But they are hard for a first time rider because the power is so pipey. Yz 125 2 strokes from 2000 up have better low end than others, but are still a handful. 250 2st bikes from about 98-up have a ton of power and a wide powerband thanks to exhaust power valves. They are also very reliable. I rode an 01 RM250 2st for 3 years and never even took the head off. But now I am sold on 4 strokes. A 250 4st is easy to ride for anyone, and still has great power. A 150 lb buddy on a yz250f 4st was quicker than me (190lb) on my rm. But the main problem you will find is all moto bikes will have too stiff of suspension for your weight and experience, especially in eastern mud/woods riding. Its like a beginner skiier buying a pair of full race slalom skiis. It may seem cool, but you are just going to hinder your own progress as a rider.

So my advice is to check out the 'off-road' versions of the 250 4st bikes - the wr250f yamaha and the cr250x honda. They have softer suspension and are slightly heavier because they have headlites and bigger tanks. But dont worry they still rip. And for your wieght you will be able to jump with no problem. Lastly they are super versatile, from trails to the moto track, and riding at night is a blast. My next bike is going to be a cr450x.

 

[chattin]

you know man, i hate to say it but 4 stroke is where its at now days...250 2strokes were cool for sure until the 450's came out and got all the bugs worked out and now a 250 2 stroke doesn't stand a chance in any aspect at all, except maybe, and i said maybe at the dunes...i rode a 04 Kx 500 up until a few months ago and that is the only 2 stroke that will out perform a 450 but only in the engine, when it comes to suspension the 500 sucked...if you get a 250 2 stroke you will end up having to rebuild the top end at some point but on the 4 strokes you really just have to get the valves adjusted and thats really it....I personally would get a crf450 IF i went used, their suspension in stock form is second to none, its also got the smoothest and most wide range of power out of the used 450's....and its very comfortable. the yz, kx, and rmz' have been 4 speeds up until recently wich sucks cuz once you top out the 4 gear, you just shift the honda and pass everyone.
BUT the honda has been kinda a bitch with having to adjust the valves so often...i really like ktm, but i would only go with a new KTM personally and it would only be a 525 wich might be to big for you.
if you are thinking a 450 is too big then a 250 4 stoke in my opinion SUCKS, so this is where i would suggest the 250 2 stroke...let me ask you this, how big are you? if you weigh alot then any stock suspension of an older bike wont do, unless you can get a newer crf 450 then it will handle about anything you throw at it.

your info is incorrect in some aspects... I race here in town and have since I was a kid.. I recntley switched back to a 2 stroke from a ktm 450. and rmz 450. reason was maintance... sure it was way faster and lots of fun.. however u have to do top ends every 40 to 50 hours on four strokes....and they are 5 times the cost...I can rebuild my rm250 in two hours and for 80 bucks... one valve costs more than that... and the worst bike on the planet for reliability is the crf 450.. it is a piece of garbage... especially 02 03 04 05.. they finally tried to fix the valve train in 06 07 08..My 08 ktm 450 xcf had 90 hours on it when i sold it... it had 2 top ends $500 a piece, 2 sets of valves, 1 timing chain and hydralic tensioner,... then i had enough... unless ur james stewart or Ricky charmicael a 250 two stroke is plenty..and lots of fun.. i place in the same spot as i did in the over 30 pro class on my Rm I just have to ride it a little harder..

 

[slowngreen]

your info is incorrect in some aspects... I race here in town and have since I was a kid.. I recntley switched back to a 2 stroke from a ktm 450. and rmz 450. reason was maintance... sure it was way faster and lots of fun.. however u have to do top ends every 40 to 50 hours on four strokes....and they are 5 times the cost...I can rebuild my rm250 in two hours and for 80 bucks... one valve costs more than that... and the worst bike on the planet for reliability is the crf 450.. it is a piece of garbage... especially 02 03 04 05.. they finally tried to fix the valve train in 06 07 08..My 08 ktm 450 xcf had 90 hours on it when i sold it... it had 2 top ends $500 a piece, 2 sets of valves, 1 timing chain and hydralic tensioner,... then i had enough... unless ur james stewart or Ricky charmicael a 250 two stroke is plenty..and lots of fun.. i place in the same spot as i did in the over 30 pro class on my Rm I just have to ride it a little harder..

YOUR information is incorrect in some aspects....lol....if the kid plans on racing ALOT then maybe the top ends will need rebuilt alot, but every 40-50 hours? what the hell are you doing to them? all of my riding buddies ride 450's and they dont race but ride the dunes all summer long where it is HARD on an engine and NONE of them have every had to have the top ends rebuilt...the 4 stroke IS known for its reliability and power...The 02-03 crf's were the ones that had trouble and all it was had to do with the valves needing adjusted alot.
I am NOT a 4 stroke fan but they are superior in about every aspect of riding...high reving 4 strokes that is...not the old irrigation bikes lol...saying a new 4 stroke isnt superior to a 2 stoke is just like the battle between the nitro guys and the electric guys when in reality the Electric is just way better with no doubt BUT if you prefer nitro thats what matters...but you gotta have the sense to admit when something, even if you dont like it, is better...the 4 strokes are.

If the top end on the 4 strokes needed rebuilt that often they would not be the most popular dirt bikes ever made!!!! as much as i hate them they have turned dirtbike riding into a more for every body sport with the ease of controllable power and RELIABILITY! And the only 2 stroke that even stands a chance at touching a 450, other than a 500 or ktm 360 is the newest Yz 250 wich runs great but its still no 450 4 stroke.

 

[Metalhead Matt]

A 250 2 stroke is too much bike for a beginner. And, NO, they don't need top ends all the time. I had a '99 cr250. Rode it 10-20hrs a week for 4 years. Never lost compression or power. On a 2 stroke, the throttle is like an on/off switch, more less. As your on the skinny side, a 250 4 stroke will move you fine. Don't worry about getting stuck with a bike you've out grown, somebody will want it. A 250 2 stroke will put you on your ass if you don't know what your doing.

 

[slowngreen]

one thing to remember on a 2 stroke apposed to a 4, for a beginner at least, is the kinda unpredictable power band lol, I've seen so many guys ride a 2 stroke for the first time just get dumped cuz they werent expecting the power band to hit when it did, with a 4 stroke its a smooth through out power...i still personally like the 2 stroke power band better but for a beginner it can whoop your ass.