Intro dirt bike?

[0150r]

I've been looking at getting a used dirt bike, but would like some advice on what to get as I've never had one before...I've been told to get a 250cc 2-stroke, 250cc 4-stroke, 400/450cc 4-stroke, as well as a 650cc dual sport.

I like the idea of a dualsport so I don't need a truck or trailer to get the bike somewhere, but there are downsides too: registration/insurance and I'm assuming it might be a "jack of all trades and master of none"

Anyone have any help they can give? I currently live in San Diego where there are some deserts, but I will be moving to Wisconsin next fall so winter (snow) riding could be an option.

 

[MichaelInVenice]

Unless you are sure you'll always have the space for a trailer and a vehicle that can tow one, then definitely go dualsport. I would not go very big. The bigger bikes tend to be more road focused rather than dirt. Get something that is road-capable, but still has the lighter weight and ergos that are good in the dirt.

You'll find both water and air cooled varieties. The water-cooled ones are usually based on Motocross designs: They tend to go fast on dirt tracks but are heavier and of course more prone to damage. The air-cooled models tend to be fairly bulletproof for real trail use, lighter weight and less comfortable on roads especially at speed.

Of the water-cooled bikes, the Kawi KLX250S is really nice and even the more recent (2009+) model seems to show up used a fair amount. The Yamaha WR250R is the "Cadillac" of bikes in this class, but will be pricey even used, assuming you can find one. It is FI rather than carb, but for a smaller dirt/dual sport I actually prefer carbs that I can work on and jet myself.

The air-cooled bikes include the Honda CRF230L and the Yamaha XT250. I think the Honda is a better bike for dirt, the Yamaha perhaps a slightly better all-rounder. You will also quite likely find lots of Suzuki DR200SEs out there. No longer made and a bit less powerful, it's going to be less capable on road, but a very nice bike.

And in a category all it's own, the Yamaha TW200. I don't know how to describe this except to say that it is either the ugliest or the prettiest bike you'll ever see, will go anywhere, but never elegantly, and if you've got the right mindset it can be the most fun bike you ever ride.

 

[Rhinotjv]

I totally have the itch for a dirt bike at the moment also. I had a Honda xr200 but it blew up a few months after I got it. I've been riding my mountain bike a bit recently and can't help but fantasize about having throttle under my right hand. I also kinda want to try to wheelie without worrying about dropping my baby.

 

[xJoshuaDrakex]

Really been debating on getting a dual sport myself. I really want the yamaha wr250r but its pretty pricey brand new compared the my other option the honda crf250l. It's so hard to find a used wr250r around my area. Plus the seat height on the yamaha is way higher and I'm a short guy. May just have to go test ride both.

 

[BigRobb]

Always wanted a Supermoto myself still debating over DRZ400SM or FZ09 for whenever i decide i want a different bike

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