Dirt Rider Magazine

PijayT13

Hello there, I've never raced off road but I have a Yamaha DT 125 and have always loved the off road bikes and the sports, I want to start Enduro racing but I have no idea of the costs it takes to start and to ride the sport.

I don't want to ride the Yamaha as it's my only form of transport and I need it to commute to college and work so I am prepared for a high cost for another bike.

I'm 19, 6 ft 1 and a skinny build and I don't want to spend too much on a bike as I know the chances are high that I'm going to wreck it, but I want an easy beginner friendly bike to learn the sport on. Also is there a beginner level I can enter in or would I have to start at an age level with other riders my age, but better experienced? Any advice? Thank you.

BleedMarshall

Well, to begin, what is your budget and mechanical ability? That will tell us a great deal. What do you have to spend on a bike and repairs, plus gear?

Four-stroke (4t) bikes usually run more to buy and repair. Hell, they do run more to buy and repair. A two-stroke (2t) is far cheaper to buy and repair, or even rebuild. At your size I would look for a good, late model 250cc 2t bike. That will run you around $2750-$3250 in good condition. Add in a suspension set up ($300-$550), the flywheel weight ($125-$150), a new pipe and silencer ($350+/-), and some bark busters ($125+/-), then you have your answer there. I would at least do those upgrades if it were me, and definately the suspension first if nothing else. Why have tons of rearwheel horsepower (RWHP) if you can not put the bike where you want it to go? The rest is up to you.

Gear, well, if you want pants ($100-$150), boots ($125-$500), gloves ($25-$50), goggles ($25-$50), jersey ($30-$75), and a helmet ($110-$300), then you may be out a good chunk of change.

As for what class you have to ride in, I am sure you would ride in at least a "C" class and no higher, and I am only a "C" class rider, so you will have fun and be in a good class for beginners as I have only ridden over a year myself. I would get in touch with my local tracks and find out what they say before you take my word on it.

I hope that helps you out.

TheFishGuy

A YZ250 can be converted rather cheaply into an Enduro bike. It's not ideal, but most definitely can happen, some upgraded suspension, weighted flywheel, 18" rear wheel, larger tank, maybe a Rekluse clutch if you wanna get really fancy, and some other minor accessories, you are on your way. KTM if you wanna spend the dough.

AngelaConstine

if your looking for a good used bike use www.bikefinds.com. I have found some amazing deals on there and so far they are all legit. In my area you can buy a really good 250 for less than1800. And as for gear look for closeouts on sites like www.deniskirk.com and don't forget ebay and craigslist. Hopefully that helps you.

daggit

Yamaha wr250, they are as bullet proof as you can get and a load of fun. The gearing is wide ratios (just what you need) and you get a light. I can ride hard trails twice as long on the wr as I could on a 2 sreoke. Did I mention Electric start ?

AngelaConstine

The electric starts are a lifesaver, espacially when you can barely hold the bike up on your own. Daggit had a very good point about the 4t. it is alot more forgiving for a beginning rider. Trust me I rode 2t a few weeks ago and there is more lower power yes, but if you're not used to bikes it will absolutely frustrate you when you're trying to learn to ride on rough terrain in lower gears.

EEE299

It really depends on what series your riding and location, but i think 4500-5000 total is a little over kill. A suspension set up, pipe, and silencer arent really necessary. Honestly guys hes still a beginner, i dont even suggest riding any race until you have some hours under your belt. This is all my opinion, but i didnt dish out $500 for suspension setups and things like that when i got my first real race bike.

chrisktm

one thing you will need is a good pair of goggles if its very long enduro then get some scott roll offs and put roll off film and tear offs on but if its pretty short just get a pair of tear offs the price range for roll offs is $40-120....tear offs $20-90

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