OT: dirt bikes

[Flatbutt1]

I've toyed with this idea before and now that winter has sidelined the S I want a dirtbike more than ever.

I need something light (150 lbs or so), kinds short (30 to 31 inches seat), suitable for very rocky terrain.

I am familiar with KTM and GasGas but they are rather high end for my purposes.

Any collective experience here withe typical japanese bikes around 175 to 200cc?

[BMW Atlanta]

ummm,....given that criteria I would suggest looking at a Honda CRF230 which is an air cooled 230cc bike weighing in at the low 200's. The only 165lb dirt bike I know of is a Sikk 125MX which I just so happen to have sitting on my floor. However its a back yard play bike, not much of a trail bike and none of the real good stuff like magic button (electric start) etc. You might also look at a GAS GAS Pantera or go with a trials bike to get that light.

[wswartzwel]

+1 on the CRF230...

Very torquey, low maintenance compared to all the new race replica offerings... Perfect bike for you Tom.

[Hoots]

I love my 1972 Hodaka Wombat!!!!!!!!!!

Nice 2-stroke 125 streat legal and 100 MPG. Paul, at strictlyhodaka dot com, can help out with any part you need.

[JonyRR]

one of my buds was a hodaka fanatic;
combat wombat and a thunderdog, plus, of course, the requisite toaster-tanked ace 100's. learned to port 2-strokes on those things

FB; go find a good used yamaha TT225 for a first thrasher and never look back.
learning to ride a dirt bike will make you a MUCH better street rider, BTW.

[markjenn]

You realize that your 150-lb requirement essentially means you're looking at tiny kids bikes, right? Nothing remotely like an adult off-road bike is this light. Even the most featherweight, high-zoot 125cc two stroke MX bike is around 200-lbs or so. Trials bikes may get somewhat lighter, but the CRF230's and XT225's are going to be much more - heck, even Honda's own spec sheets shows 238-lbs dry for the CRF. Real-world weight on the trail is probably 275+.

- Mark

[Hoots]

If I were going to buy a new bike I would stay away from the TTR 225. The TTR 250 is a much better bike for not much more money. You will quickly out grow the 225 (I know we are talking about FB). The 250 will keep you smiling for years to come. But for a cheep dirt bike you can't go wrong with HODAKA after all they started the trail bike craze.

[roger albert]

Like the gang has said, 150lb is pushing awfully light. Even a new xr/crf-100 weighs a bit more than that. Only way to get that weight is a Trials bike.

I'd personally echo the CRF230 advice for a trail bike. Tractable motor and reasonable height. Not sure on weight. 250ish?

One other option not mentioned was the new CRF150R (totally different than the CRF150 -- _totally_ )

There is a big wheel version that makes it liveable for a light adult. I've seen 180# guys land some moderate, but respectable jumps. Not a full size bike quite, but not far off, and at 169lb, by far the lightest bike that even vaguely approaches a decent size.

I bet you'd love it, and then eventually want the 230.

[Highlander179]

Originally posted by Flatbutt1
I've toyed with this idea before and now that winter has sidelined the S I want a dirtbike more than ever.

I need something light (150 lbs or so), kinds short (30 to 31 inches seat), suitable for very rocky terrain.

I am familiar with KTM and GasGas but they are rather high end for my purposes.

Any collective experience here withe typical japanese bikes around 175 to 200cc?

Lets start from the beginning, does it need to be street legal, or is it going to be 100% off-road? Are the areas you're going to ride parks which require registration?

[levert]

The Honda 230 has a bullitproof motor 6 spd tranny and can handle tough trails.
So you know my latest toy is my 2006 Husky WR125 which weighs 209lbs and is very light but on the tall side.

150lbs is a kids bike or a mini racer like a KX100.

[1100s nut]

Originally posted by Hoots
I love my 1972 Hodaka Wombat!!!!!!!!!!

Nice 2-stroke 125 streat legal and 100 MPG. Paul, at strictlyhodaka dot com, can help out with any part you need.

Hoots,
You bring back alot of memories. I started out on hodaka, dirt squirt when I was a ypung pup. I`m looking for one now for display and maybe a little riding.

Flatbutt,
Keep in mind, you will save very little weight with a 125 over a 250. I got back into the dirt thing again a year ago and I am loving it big time. I can`t see ever getting out of it again.

Regards,
Lane

[Flatbutt1]

Originally posted by Highlander179
Lets start from the beginning, does it need to be street legal, or is it going to be 100% off-road? Are the areas you're going to ride parks which require registration?

prolly needs to be street legal so I can get to the trails on the other side oftown.

And I see that the weight is higher than I expected but it looks manageable.

There is a CRF230 available in Syracuse for $3.1K. Having my bud Rodney check it out.

[Highlander179]

make sure its already plated before you buy it, otherwise you're going to play hell trying to get plates for it. they dont come titled, they come with an Manufacturers Statement of Origin (MSO) that states "For Off Road Use Only" which is a huge FLAG to the DMV.

sounds to me, what you are really looking for is a small dual-sport that is street legal in NJ. that limits your options drastically.

edit: NJ and other states have cracked down really hard on converted bikes within the past few years. They make you do a serious dance if you try to go the conversion route. They even check your tires for the DOT stamp. I've read horror stories, but I've also heard of people who passed easily. My advice is to research it before you buy.

[wswartzwel]

If you get a CRF230 you will need a Dual sport kit to make it street Legal.... Check with local dirt rider club to find out how hard your states laws are.... Arkansas is quite easy.

Here is a link to the kit.
http://crfsonly.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/396

[roger albert]

Yes, either get one already titled for NJ street use or find someone who knows exactly how to make it happen.

The new KLR250 is a vastly improved machine over the previous model, and is turn-key. Somewhat better motor, somewhat better shock, and a radically upgraded fork. Much better offroad than the 1st gen ones.
Not super powerful, but very linear and predictable. I used to get better than 75mpg when taking it easy and running a street biased tire.

[JonyRR]

again:
USED!!!!!!!
TT225. mid '90's, $1500.00 all day long
street legal, electric start
FIRST THRASHER!!!
so WHEN!! it gets bent, dinged and wadded the tears aren't so expensive to shed.
THEN!! graduate to a 230 honda, etc, etc.
THEN!! WHEN!!! you're comfortable, step up.
again, USED!! thrasher. used. used.
or you'll just be burning cash for pieces.
'CAUSE learning to dirt ride properly WILL!! involve crashing. In fact, it's part of the fun. Riding in the dirt, the only limit to how crazy you get is your own personal cojones factor.
and there is NO!! real dirt bike for real adults out there that weigh 150LBS.
if you're worried about picking it up, budget a bowflex along with the bike; it'll do you more good in general life as well.
I may be fat but I still crank on the 'flex every other day and can pick up my KTM on one wheel to slide the stand underneath.
Dirt riding is the most complete workout anyone could ever devise if it's done correctly.
and when you're done, bring it out here and we'll have a blast in the cascades...

[ExarKunONe]

The Yamaha and Honda 230s are awesome!

[captainasty]

I'm about to to do the same thing but I was looking at maybe a late model WR250. How does it rank? My local dealer friends tell me that I can get it tagged, with a conversion kit. So what's better the Yamerhammer or Hodaka?

[Rapid Dog]

...gloat...bore..repeat...but I gotta show this again...

Ace 100
Mulholland Drive Circa 1970...yeah, Steve and his kids where there too...



that spewed...yeah, I just discovered the Hodaka sight over at ADVrider...Strictly Hodaka ....I wonder if the old Ace 100 would carry the extra 60# I'm carryin'...


note: I bought my frist Ace90 from the legendary Frank Wheeler...

[roger albert]

wr's are super nice, esp w/ a power-now kit, but not a great starter.

If you can get it legalfied, then the hon 230 is the sharp call.
TTR OK, but pretty agricultural