Dirt Bike FAQ

No! there should be a small metal plate on the neck of the frame that will have the info you need

The valves are only an issue on the crf250r. A lot of the subtle difference are just that. SUBTLE. But MotorcycleUSA has some great reviews on youtube. Also magazines and websites like TransworldMX and Dirt Rider have great reviews. Pick a color. (Stay Japanese)

KTM is known around here as Kan't Take Much

I like, in order:

KTM has the best suspension, lightest weight, most options and the most power. It is the most expensive and parts can be hard to get. The suspension is great but fussy to adjust.

The Yamaha is great for both racing and trail riding. YZF is better for racing and the WR for trails.

The Suzuki and Kawasaki are about the same and are good for both and they have very tough motors.

The Honda has great suspension and is easy to ride fast but the motors wont last the longest.

BTW, Cycle News sucks and I wouldn't put much trust in what they say. They mostly do street bikes anyway.

As far as leaning, turning, braking, throttle control, clutch control, and shifting gears, it will definitely help.

Have you thought about a dual purpose bike? You could learn off road, then take it on road when you're ready.

I would recommend the CRF250X. It is a bit larger than the 230, much more powerful, and it is a bike that a beginner can ride comfortably and grow into. A WR250F is also a good choice, as is a KTM 250-F-XCW or KTM 400XCW. The Kawasaki KLX300R is also a good choice. You might be happy with the TTR230 or CRF230 for a short time, but I think your skills will grow out of them too fast. Another good choice is the Honda XR400. They don't make them any more, but they are extremely reliable and a used one will not drop much in value over the next few years.

Before you start changing parts, figure out what's wrong.
Remove the carb, leave the cable attached and the top on.
Stick your finger in and lift the slide.
If it returns, the slide and carb are OK.
If not clean them.
Put the carb back on the bike.
Remove the throttle cable from the throttle (hand grip).
Pull the inner cable.
Does it return?
If yes, then good.
If no, might need a new cable, it's kinked, or routed wrong.
While the cable is still off, spin the throttle (whip it).
It should spin freely.
If not, could be dirty handle bars or throttle pipe (hand grip), damaged throttle pipe - replace it, bent handle bars.
The throttle housing might be dirty or damaged.
Clean it, put it together with the throttle (leave the cable off), and spin it.
Do not lube the handle bars or throttle (will attract dirt).
Leave both completely dry.

For reliability get a four stroke. The brand doesn't make much difference. All of the major motorcycle companies make excellent bikes. I would consider what dealers are near you and which of them has a good reputation in their service department.

Great choice. You could also look at the TT-R125/230 and CRF150/230, but if you like the Kawasaki just go with it.

For future reference, always give year, make, engine size and model # when asking questions. We need all of that info to give an informed answer.
Sometimes the year can make a difference.

http://www.bikebandit.com/parts/
Go to - Kawasaki - 2007 - KX85 - Engine cover(s)
The crankshaft turns gear # 13234A
The water pump impeller (59256) is bolted to that shaft.
The water pump impeller spins, as the crankshaft spins and pushes the coolant through the cooling system.
Simple.