when i can afford to pick one up..im getttin a crf 450r..its got power yes, but just take it easy like any bike till you get used to it! ride in your comfort zone..you know the drill..just take it easy and build up..it will be a fun bike!

 

i'm pretty sure they were saying the 450 will be fine for you, but to much for your girl to learn on. not only the power, but the seat hight.


just buy a 250/450 and go for it. start your girl on a 4 wheeler. then if you hate dirt bikes, you can sell it and pick up another 4 wheel. so you both have one.

 

electric start = pusswah, kick it or buy an enduro! Electric start is NOT cheap to do, there is now place for an electric starter motor etc etc.

After buying a fair share of bikes myself here's what I'd look for:
- Any oil buildup on the engine cases (gasket is leaking if so) Its not a HUGE deal but if its spotless then that's a better sign

- Pull the dipstick or look in the sight window, that oil better be like caramel, if it is black beware.

- Check the radiator out and make sure the water looks clean and green

- Sit on it and hold the front brake and rock it back and forth. Suspension shouldnt be 'sticky' and look at the front forks for oil seal leakage.

- Look at the chain/sprockets, no pointy teeth, chain slapping the swing arm, etc etc.

- Crank it and listen to the top end. If the valves are way out of adjustment itll sound like elves beating the engine from the inside Not sure how noisy the CRF's are though, you will probably hear the valves ticking though but it shouldnt be heard over a revving engines exhaust.

- Apply what Wolfey said as well...

- Take a look at the air cleaner, is it packed full of narsty or is it freshly clean and oily?

- and i plus one on the racing factor, if it is raced yes it's ridden hard (like it was built to do), but MOST racers meticulously clean their machines and keep them in top shape. Weekend warriors have a bad habit of going out riding and then parking the bike for a while w/o then pulling maintenance. The racer takes his bike out twice a week in front of hundreds of people, you dont wanna be that guy riding a ratty pos at the races

 

buying an enduro doesn't sound like a bad idea to me. no kick start gayness and being street legal, opens you up to riding ALOT more trails from what i'm told. like endless miles and miles out in ocala and places like that.


i'm sure to a hardcore motorcross guys, enduro's are gay. but i want still want one lol. be a blast to ride around the city too. aleast till they throw you in jail.

 

Epic Sunday Ride on Vimeo

that's a ride we went on last month Not "enduros", we call them Supermotards, but its the same diff BTW, you dont get in trouble for speeding at least, wheelies and other ish are a prob though

And yes, off of SR50 there are all kinds of neat roads to hit, we were in Ridge Manor during that run.

 

I was thinking the same thing, but the only endro bike i can find is the ttr-225 and i am not sure that would fit me well or not. I am not in to jumps, just want something to ride in the dirt with like on trails and stuff. i guess that is why i am so unsure about this stuff.

 

i think for enduro type bikes, bigger is better. since they are geared to ride on the street. so like a dzr400 would be the smallest to get. i test rode once, and while it would make for a slow as balls street bike, it could be fun off road i think. with a little back street riding throw in.

ktm makes a 525 that i hear is nice. but its big money.

 

the streetknights guys ride a lot of trails stuff. so they posted up endro types for a bit.

For Sale - StreetKnights.com - Tampa Bay's #1 Motorcycle Website

i guess those were good deals. most are long gone, but you get the idea.

 

^ look at that link and check out the 450x that is plated! That is what i'd get. Its the enduro version of the CRF

 

you could buy a used crf450x. it has elec start but its also detuned heavier flywheel etc. but since your a little timid of the 4fizzle power it might be a good idea. I say you buy a 250 4 stroke and just ride it and enjoy. the yz250f spins 13500 rpm and makes low to mid 30hp and is a very forgiving bike. i love my crf250.