Dirt Bike FAQ

I went from a XT 225 to a gsx-f 1100 and I did fine, you just have to respect the power of the motorcycle and know your limitations. I'm 17 years old.

Pretty much all chinese bikes are honda clones (the quads i believer are actually clones of polaris and yamaha's)

find a four stroke honda bike that fits… (suspension travel, seat height, engine styling) and that's your best bet…

http://www.motioncycle.com/fiche_section_detail.asp?category=Motorcycles&make=Honda&year=2002&fveh=4253

use that site, it should help you…

I have an off brand unit that I bought from www.retrobikes.com and it has the larger engine with 4 speed and clutch. It cost me about $1500 (with delivery) in 2003 and it still runs great today! I've had absolutely no problems with it. If you look at any new bikes (in a 125cc size) brand new in a Honda, Yamaha or Suzuki, you're going to spend well over $2000. Also, depending on how big you are (weigh) and how you intend to ride (beat the crap out of it –vs–just to have fun and cruise around and NOT let your friends ride it) will also determine how long anything you buy will last. Craigslist is a good source for used and you may find a good deal or not. Don't be afraid to bargain. (Cash talks) Good luck.

Around $2,000

I rode my dirtbike in my yard as a kid. I lived in a residential neighborhood in Iowa. May depend on the state you live in. I don't know for sure if it's legal, because we never got in trouble. I would recommend calling your local police station and asking some one there. They should know the answer.
Hope this helps.

Yeah, a new 125 starts at around 5 grand so with 500 bucks you could maybe get an old used Honda or Kawi 125 that's been thrashed and beat. You'll be inheriting a decade of problems and abuse that the previous owner will be glad to unload, so plan on steadily spending cash in the future.

Your only other option is to hit auctions and estate sales and hope for a bike that somebody has had sitting around in their garage, full of 2 stroke gas that's been varnishing the innards for years. Then you'll get to know the inside of that engine pretty well as you clean all that crap out.

And what's with the 50mph? Are you racing this thing? I don't know if I've ever gotten up to 50mph on a dirt bike, but I'd guess that any mechanically sound 125cc can eventually get to 60 on a long, flat surface. Honda 125s claim a 60mph top speed.

Upgrading a disposable motorcycle is a waste of time. You don't need to buy a new 125cc bike, get one that is 2-3 years old and well maintained for less then half the original price. A 125cc bike will not be good for driving on the street unless you like in a rural area without highways. The age limit to drive depends on your state, I don't know Indiana's. You definitely will/should take a class to learn the laws of the street before riding in traffic. If the 125 you are looking to buy is a 2-stroke you need to work on your mechanical skills as the engines don't last that long.

Www.craigslist.com

My friend welcome to the world of motorcycle clutch adjustment. Most likely if you keep on fooling with the adjustment at the handle side and the clutch arm side (on the motor) eventually you'll find a place it will work. From my experience its with the clutch catching right at the top. It's very possible you'll have to replace the clutch soon if you're having trouble finding the sweet spot. Good luck.

Try flea-bay ! An old 850 for a 125 ? hmmmm ?
PS It would help if you said where you are from cos its a long way to ride from the UK to the States on a 125cc bike !