Dirt Bike FAQ

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

My personal choice would be a cr 85 expert.

Dirt bikes are prette much outlawed on any road anywhere, some places and towns will give you the slip becuase its just a simple way of getting around the country side

to be legal it must be a model with blinkers/lights/speedo, for example

honda Crf 250 = 250cc standard dirtbike 4 strke , Honda Xr 250 = 250cc 4 strke dirtbike road worthy with light/blinkers etc

in the developing countries cars are swaped for quads but nothing like that in america, i know it sux i used to use mine to go to my friends places and around the roads till i got caught

cheers

If you are wanting to learn how to ride a motorcycle, I suggest buying an older model motorcycle. I worked at a Motorcycle shop for a while and the one mistake alot of people said was they tried to learn how to ride on a dirtbike first. Dirtbikes handle so much diffrently. Motorcycle handlebars don't turn near as far as dirtbikes and you really need to learn to lean into the curves more.

Sometimes autozone will have their dirtbikes on sale for a cheap price.

I have 2 of each, and picking is really hard. There is nothing like ripping through the woods on a dirtbike on a summer day, and there nothing like drifting around corners with a quad in the winter, or fall. I only have both because i couldnt choose. Dirtbiking takes alot more skill, and i think it is fun to hit stuff on the side of trails and get some air. Its a hard pick.

If you are a dare devil, get a bike. If not, then get a atv. i find myself being alot more dangerous on my bike then my quad

Suzuki DRZ400S
that is the greatest dirt bike you can get, plus you can choose either the dirt or street legal model, mostly they are the same bike.
This bike can be ridden off road as good as any professional motocross bike, you can jump this bike 30 feet, the suspension can handle it, this bike is very reliable, quick and fast, lightweight, easy to ride and handle, high ground clearance , I'm the same height and it fits me perfect

About $1300-$1500, dirtbikes don't hold value very long not when I could buy a 2003 used 2 stroke for $1800. It's best to look and see whats on the market and what people are selling other bikes at. the kawasaki kdx's a lot of people like so you may get $1500. I recomend asking $1700obo and see what people offer you that way you can go down a little on price. Good luck

Your parents are probably concerned about your safety.
You should research the facts about the dangers of motorcycles, find out all you can about motorcycle safety and what you can do to reduce the danger. On a dirtbike you won't have to worry about car traffic etc, so it should be safer than a street bike and easier to convince them. Put together a practical argument and present it to your parents (calmly and with respect… you are trying to prove you're responsible, after all =P)

In the meantime, if you don't have a job, get one and start saving up (If you're old enough). You need to prove you can be responsible with this.

If they still say no, well, you're out of luck. You'll have to wait till you're old enough and buy one yourself.

Hey dude, ive been a dirtbiker my whole life. and if u r 6 foot then you might even want to consider the new honda 450r, or 250r, if u wanna go ktm either the new 250 or, i think last years 450exc model. if you are looking to have a blast, 01-02 125's are super fun and super quick, good for jumping, or simply just riding. But if your choices are between yamaha ttr230, or honda crf-230, im not sure because the honda 230 is not very powerful, from experience i rode a 2001 honda cr80r big wheel and it is alot better than the 230 honda. im not sure about the yamaha 230 though sry. i hope this helped some.