Two Stroke Motocross
Two Stroke Motocross Forum => Non-Moto => Topic started by: eprovenzano on September 14, 2011, 11:43:53 AM
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I hate to admit this, but I just recommended for a new rider to with go with a 4 stroke... (DON'T SHOOT ME) He's looking for an easy play bike, that he can dual sport, something that he won't hurt himself on. I've recommended a used Yamaha TTR 250. I'm trying to keep the cost down, as I know he's going to get hooked like we are... and when he's ready to step up, he will have to get a smoker. :D Since he doesn't have a way of getting to the trails other then the roads, I thought a dual sport TTR would be his best 1st bike choice. What are the opinions out there of the TTR. Please keep in mind 1st time rider, that wants to dual sport the bike, and like me, he's cheap... err frugal.
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That's a fine choice for a newb. Back in the day, that's what 4Ts were for, beginners and playbikes. My first bike was a XR75 Honda. Followed by a 79 RM125 with it's awesome 500 RPM-wide powerband (10,000 to 10,500). I learned enough on the XR75 to handle it.
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Nothing wrong with a TTR for starting out.
There is also the XL250, Getting a bit long in the tooth.
or DRZ250 which is a bit heavy, or KLX250 if you want to go the water cooled route.
All bullet proof.
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Nothing wrong with a TTR for starting out.
There is also the XL250, Getting a bit long in the tooth.
or DRZ250 which is a bit heavy, or KLX250 if you want to go the water cooled route.
All bullet proof.
At 1st he was Honda all the way, but I agree the XR 250 is lacking is a few areas. And upgrades are long over due. The DRZ and KLX are nice bikes, but I just couldn't find one I liked in his price range. I like the TTR as its air cooled, (less issues for a 1st timer) has a battery with an e-start and a key. Since it will be dual sported those will help with the required on-road additions (blinkers, proper lights etc.)
I found a 03 TTR 250 that has had full protection armor since it was purchased. The owner is a 60 year old gentleman who bought it new. Itā??s been ridden little over the past 4 years, just enough to keep everything in proper order. When it was ridden I think it was only ridden on gravel roads. I don't think itā??s ever seen real dirt. It looks as though thereā??s not a scratch on it. We pick it up Saturday morning.
http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/mcy/2561025004.html (http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/mcy/2561025004.html)
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The xr250 is a great bike as are most trail spec 250 4t's, but I would go as far as saying to skip everything and pick up KDX200/220. You can't go wrong there, and its cheaper. Easy to ride, and it can get out of its own way if you want it to. I'm surprised Coop hasn't suggested it yet.
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My only concern with the KDX was how it would handle being dual sported. I do forsee see some on-road use as well.
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I really wish I could dual sport mine, as it handles fairly well on the road.
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...I'm surprised Coop hasn't suggested it yet.
I didn't get on the forum until this morning :).
I had my KDX dual sported for awhile. Handling is great, but it is buzzy at speeds over 40mph on pavement.
Make sure you can get a street title for the TTR. That is a huge hurdle in most states and why I had my KDX registered in Vermont :D
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We picked up the TTR Saturday... It is the perfect bike for a 1st time rider... (boring) ;D The best statement was I've wanted a bike sice I was 7 years old when I watched my cousin (me) climb a hill I couldn't even climb up... now I've got one. The smile on his face priceless... 8)
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Update: I finally got my cousin out for his 1st ride... I 1st took him to an open area where he could learn and practise some basic skills, example what to do when you don't make it up the hill climb, how to cross wet logs, proper balance, keeping your feet on the pegs, etc. while he was practicing, I was playing on some of the hill climbs, 2nd and 3rd gear wheelies up the hills. To me its nothing big, but to him it looked like a 12 story building... he stated my bike can't go up there... so of course I had to take his bike up all the hills he swore his bike could not make... We then hit the trails.. He did very well especially considering we've had a lot of rain, and the puddles were often and deep... I tried to pick the "easier" trails. Making sure he followed my tire tracks. He picked it up very quickly. We came to an area where the quads and utv's like to wallow in the mud. I rode along a few trees and was able to miss the deep water. He asked can I go through that... ;D sure give it a shot... the puddle was only 3 feet wide, but 2+ feet deep... when the front tire disappeared under the water, he panicked and hit the gas, shooting the bike 15 ft down the trail, while he was sprawled out just beyond the water hole.... I fell over from laughing too hard... the look on his face was "priceless".
As far as the bike, the TTR was the right choice. It's docile enough to where he can handle the terrain, but still has enough power to have some fun.
The one thing he found is that riding bikes is very demanding on the body. I'm sure he had a death grip on the bars, (even after I kept telling him to relax) he was also squeezing the tank with his legs. He was physically spent in a short amount of time... At the end of the ride, he said, I'm hooked... I haven't had this much fun in a long time... I had given him an old pair of MX boots and pants to wear, he has since purchased 2 sets of pants, and jerseys... Yep, I'd say he's hooked.
Next on the list is to get him on a smoker... although my 300 scared the chit out of him...
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Good to hear.
I have 2 mates that started out on XR200's because they never rode a bike before.
Both are now on smokers.
And a 3rd is now learning on the same XR.