Dirt Bike FAQ

Whatever you do, don't listen to the idiots that say it's about the color and the price. All bikes ARE different. Those should be the last two deciding factors when you buy a dirt bike. Do some major research, each manufacturer makes different styles of bike for different types of riding. I.E. Yamaha makes the YZ line for track riding, The TTR line for trail riding, And the WR line for desert/adventure riding. These bike lines can cross over and be ridden in the other environments but they are engineered to excel in those specific areas. Each manufacturer, as a generalization, has different riding characteristics in their bikes. Some feel like they turn easier than others. Some feel like they start faster than others. Etc.
Each manufacturer also makes many different size engines, from a small 50cc(cubic centimeter) to upwards of a 650cc.
Do your research. Figure in your weight, where you are going to be riding the most, and experience. Not necessarily in that order. Don't be afraid to go to several dealerships and ask questions. Find the bike that fits you and your needs. In the end you will have a much better experience and come back to ride again and again.

I would say no… I mean you can do it if you switch engines to one that has a starter. But there is not going to be anyplace to mount a starter or any type of a gear for it to mesh with to turn the engine over on a kick start bike. This is ONE OF MANY issues that would prove to be insurmountable for this type of a modification.

When the rear wheel locked up, the piston may have seized to the cylinder.
When the engine cooled down, it may have un-froze itself.
With a scored piston and cylinder, there wouldn't be enough compression to start the engine.
2 stroke engines can give false compression readings.
It may feel like it has compression, but just that tiny amount of compression that blows past the rings, could be enough to prevent it from running.
Remove the exhaust pipe and look in the exhaust port with a flash light and mirror.
If you see any scoring on the piston and cylinder wall, or discoloration below the rings, the top end will need to be repaired.
If all is good -
Check for spark
Clean the carb

Height and weight are important factors here!!! and likewise, what type of dirt riding you are planning (play riding or trying to be competitive racer)…

but for a 5'4" on up tall beginner rider, a CRF or TTR230 is a very good starting point. these are torquey medium size 4 stroke engines, with a mixture of features yet a relatively medium price tag … these are not what I consider race bikes, due to only mid grade brakes, suspension, power and upgrades to soup them up, but make great trail bikes and are very beginner friendly.

I bought a CRF 230 for my daughter (21 y/o, 5'6" 130 lbs) that fits her great, has controlable power yet enough to get her out of trouble, sufficent suspension & brakes for anything she wants to try (for now). I use her bike to run fence lines and check cattle … I am 6'3" 270lbs, still fun for me or her …

the Suzuki DRZ line is also a good choice, as is the Honda XR, Kawasaki KLX, Yamaha WR and KTM EXC, but there is quite a price jump on these, but likewise, there is a substantial jump in higher end things like brakes, suspension, engine power, and aftermarket soup up parts available…

if you are wanting to get more into racing (MX, SX, ArenaCross or the more open offroad like harescrambles, cross country, desert, etc.), then I would suggest moving more into the lines of the high end 4 stroke race bikes like CRF250, KXF, RMZ, YZF, XC bikes, but again, the price will jump quite drastically on up as will the performance of the machines…

I personally, opt for the KTM brand (not cheap either buying or maintaining) for my race bikes due to their strong power, high performance features and lightweight design for the larger size engine to hall my mass…

hope that helps, but a little more info as stated would help us answer your question better.

good luck and have fun!!! make sure to buy proper protective gear before even starting the bike…