Dirt Bike FAQ

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.

I am 14 and i got a 55cc its tiny but its fast and fun and unless u plan to be doin heavy riding stunts tricks and crap like that then you'll be fine mines really fun but i live in a neighborhood ( it sucks i hardly ever get to ride!) its really fast so an 85 should be really cool have fun!

Check out Yamaha's line of dirt bikes online. Then check them out at your local dealer. If your local dealer is worth a crap, they will have them lined up on the floor and available for you to sit on them to determine proper size.

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…

Why even bother with a small engine? As you learn to ride and improve, you're just going to need a bigger bike. If you get a 150cc, you might as well get a 50cc and soup it up. If you're going to get a smaller engine, get a 125cc two-stroke engine (i.e. a CR125, YZ125, etc.).

If it were me, I'd get a late-model four-stroke. The power delivery is smoother and they're easier to ride. Check out the Honda CRF250 (or at least the CRF230). Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and KTM all make excellent bikes. Some people only buy certain brands (mine are Honda and KTM), but they are all such advanced machines that any of them will be more than enough bike for you. Get at least a 230cc, but only if you're willing to need to buy a bigger bike in a year.

For the record, I ride a 2003 CRF450. If I had bought a smaller bike, it simply would not have been powerful enough, and I'd have had to buy a bigger bike. But I've been riding for over 20 years, and so I knew I needed a big bike.

I found the following link – it's from the IL Compiled Statutes – IL Vehicle code.

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=062500050HCh%2E+12&ActID=1815&ChapAct=625%26nbsp%3BILCS%26nbsp%3B5%2F&ChapterID=49&ChapterName=VEHICLES&SectionID=28705&SeqStart=117800&SeqEnd=128300&ActName=Illinois+Vehicle+Code%2E

You may also want to look at this link regarding emissions testing. I did a quick look at it & it doesn't look like they test bikes, but you may want to contact your local IL DMV testing center to make sure.

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=062500050HCh%2E+13B&ActID=1815&ChapAct=625%26nbsp%3BILCS%26nbsp%3B5%2F&ChapterID=49&ChapterName=VEHICLES&SectionID=28790&SeqStart=132700&SeqEnd=134400&ActName=Illinois+Vehicle+Code%2E

Bultaco from Spain..I always rode a Yamaha

A yamaha or honda 230. They are good beginner bikes and they would fit you good.

If you are only intending upon doing trails have a look at the CRF230 as that is a trail bike and size wise should suit you. If you intend upon doing a bit of track riding and racing or just want a bike that can take a jump as it has the proper suspension then look at any of the known brand 250f's. But your best bet is to go along to some dealerships and sit on a few to try them for size. You don't have to purchase new from them, but just get an idea of what you are after and then look around for second hand. If you have been riding the yz125 you may find the crf230 a bit of a disappointment and want a 250f.
Good luck anyway

Look up the price on kelley blue book motorcycles, then put it up for sell, then if it doesn't sell within a few weeks lower the price some more, etc…