Dirt Bike FAQ

E bay we just bought 2 from them50.00 a piece

It isnt too difficult to do if you are a confident jumper and have a suitable jump. I nail the throttle as im approaching the jump face and I stand up and lean a bit to my left. As I go up the jump face I push down hard on the pegs with my legs to preload my rear shock while continuing to lean to my left. As I get airborn the rear of the bike unloads and pushes the rear wheel upward. At this point you just kinda whip the rear over by twisting your hips and applying downward pressure on the left bar and peg. Its kind of hard to explain..it just kind of happens as you practice. Good luck and wear all your gear.

He will love the PW50 but in a month he will be ready for a bigger bike. I would get the PW80 and watch his eyes light up. He should be okay on that size bike for many years and by then his experience level will be such that a 250 size bike would be good. I learned on a Yamaha 55 at age nine and soon outgrew it and went to a 175. thirty years later I'm on a 1200 and happy as can be. Tell him to be careful and let him enjoy his youth.
p.s. I wish I had a Mother like you!!!

Here is 2 links for u to look at. item 1: http://home.ama-cycle.org/amaccess/laws/result.asp?state=md

item 2: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/poltmpl.asp?url=/content/pol/ask/sod/offroadvehs.asp

this is what i belive u were looking for.

4 stroke bikes these days have jsut as much power if not more than a 2 stroke, I suggest to get a 4 just because it'll be less matenance and great for a beginner. All the bike manufactures make good beginner bikes I like to lean more towards honda, and yamaha in the 4 stroke technology they are good. Anthing from 100-250cc 4 stroke will be a great beginner to intermediate bike or a 80-125 2 stroke. A 250 4 stroke can have to much power for a beginner especially if it's brand new, I have a new yamaha 250 and it's sick fast so I'd lean more towards a honda 150 4 stroke or something simular. I'm 6'3 and 185 so we're not much different in size and a 150 pulls me around pretty good.

If you are only interested in trail riding then have a look at these. klx125, ttr125 and crf150f. All good for trail and would suit someone your height and weight.

I have no experience whatsoever…jumping stuff but no more than 15 feet…Good luck

I really like KTM, but Yamaha is a good company.

Definitely agree. Try to find a good used 250cc dual sport (dual purpose). Check craigslist and bike trader. Kawasaki KLX250 or Suzuki DR-Z200 would be good choices. Fairly inexpensive used.

I agree that the best way to learn is through the motorcycle safety foundation but it isn't a requirement – especially if you have a friend with experience riding to give you some tips.

The best bike to learn on is the kind of motorcycle you want to be riding long term. If you ultimately want a sport bike, then that is what you should go with. Riding a dirtbike is different so experience you get with that won't translate exactly. People learning to ride in the dirt is better because if you fall it won't hurt as much but riding on dirt, grass or gravel feels VERY different and it is VERY easy to slip. Traction on pavement is much better.

I still recommend the motorcycle safety foundation course but if you want to start reading up and learning some basics now there is some good info over at http://www.motorcyclegiftshop.com/motorcycle_riding.html

Yep, alot would depend on his height and his riding experience…

if little to no experience, it would be best to start him off on a mild 4 stroke trail bike, like a Honda CRF80/100/150F (not R) or a Yamaha TTR90/110 or a Kawasaki KLX90/110 if those aren't too small for him. or if he is taller, CRF230 or TTR230 which are mid sized height wise but tend to be on the heavier side. these are all air cooled, older designed and bullet proof engines with moderate (at best) brakes & suspension but great bikes to learn how to ride on.

if he has some experience and is more agressive, something like a CR, KX, RM, YZ 80/85/100 or CRF 150R small wheel or expert (depending on his height) which will have all the performance upgrades including suspension & brakes.

if he is 5'6" or taller, he might be able to fit a full size bike…

again, little to no experience, XR, KLX, WR, CRFX 250

or if some experience and/or agressive, CRF, YZF, RMZ, KXF 250…

I would advise to start off used to save yourself some money as he might quickly outgrow or loose interest… then once he finds what really fits him, then you can always upgrade to newer…