Dirt Rider Magazine

TumTumDirtMom

Hi! Completely brand new here! I just started riding this year. Started on a TTR125L, then have been riding a CRF150RB but shortly after getting that rode a 2004 RMZ250 and loved it, but with my short little legs it is hard for me to start, plus with all the 2004 issues that those bikes have, it isn't a super reliable bike for me to want to call mine. I need recommendations! The TTR was too gutless, I want to be able to pick up the front wheel to hop over things with little effort. The CRF is a bit of a handful handling-wise, especially compared to the RMZ. So, I am bike shopping. Are newer 250 4 strokes easier to start or shall I go for the magic button like on a KTM or a WR? I can pick up the RMZ so am not super concerned with the weight but am concerned with the seat height, I will not be getting any taller, I think I need to be able to get any bike I get down to a 35"-36" seat height. I have heard Kawasakis are a great ride but have never tried one but I know they are shorter but no magic button! Or should I go with a KTM 2 Stroke? I trail ride, haven't hit the track yet, not sure if I will join my boys there or not..ever. But my riding style at this point is still kinda slow but consistently faster cruising speed on the RMZ than either of the other bikes, the TTR you can lug all day, the CRF is not a fan.

Help? Opinions? Personal shoppers? Hehehe!

NZrider

At 5'3" I would have recommended the CRF150RB you're already riding. what about the CRF handling dont you like? is it just too short?

I cant see you ever getting really comfortable on a full size 250f. kick starting them is hard enough at 6 foot let alone at your height disadvantage. If you must get a 250f then I definitely recommend getting something electric start.

TumTumDirtMom

Thanks for responding. The CRF is so squirrely,. kinda all over the place, likes to try and swap ends. Whereas the RMZ seemed to just plow through now matter where you pointed it.. I think it has to do with the longer wheel base. I am sure I could get used to the CRF but I would rather not have to I guess. I was also wonder if I should go maybe the 2-stroke KTM trail bike route as I understand 2 strokes are alot easier to start. I think if I should go with the electric start though I am limited to I think about 3 brands? Which is good, limit me, please!

markyrocks

Maybe the crf needs suspension adjusted for you, might make it seem more planted. I believe the newer 4t bikes have auto decompression Cam which makes it a lil easier (the rmz prolly had this). If I had the$ and had to have electric start (which is always nice) I'd prolly go with the..... there all good. As far as seat height.... there are ways to bring it down but all routes lead to more$ spent. With the exception of shaving seat yourself. But at your height your mainly gona need every mod and still prolly wont b able to flat foot a full size mx bike.

TumTumDirtMom

Thanks Marky, I don't think I am worried about being flat footed as long as I can get the balls of my feet down on both sides for the most part. The RMZ stock was almost okay...until I stopped in a low spot, really not pretty, hehehe. But....you didn't answer, you would probably go with...... which one? Come on! Help a girl out! Besides my son is about ready to steal my CRF so I almost have to move on or buy another CRF which I don't think I really want to do....

CRocky125

Pick a color any colour. They all have there ups and downs.
Kawi- strong motor
Honda-great suspension, good motor
Suzuki- little mellower but overall great bike
Yammy- reliable overall
Ktm- more costly on almost every thing but good bikes and have the magic button

So your choice

TumTumDirtMom

There is an Enduro race this weekend and I have the opportunity to try out a WR 250 that has been lowered 2 1/2" with a yamalink. Not a huge fan of blue usually but has the magic button so I am keeping an open mind.

So pretty much what I am getting is if you have to have a 250 then just pick one and you will learn to love it and quit trying to over think it?

csully

Well, no. I disagree here on the color thing. If you were comparing apples to apples, then yes, pick your color…but you are talking about two different categories of 250's. The bikes that you are mentioning are very different. There are two main types of 250 four strokes: Motocross bikes, and off road bikes. The WR and the CRF-X are "off road" or trail bikes….they have electric start, wide ratio transmissions, kick stands, and are generally easier on the powerband. The "motocross" bikes, like the RMZ, your CRF-R, or the KX-F have no electric start, close ratio transmissions, and are a lot more aggressive on the powerbands. These bikes, in general, will feel squirrely, especially to a newer rider. They are ultra sensitive to throttle movement, and are designed to have explosive speed. On the other hand, the off-road bikes generally are not as touchy with the throttle and have that "tractor" feel. If you enjoyed that feeling, than I would consider something like the WR or the CRF-X.

My guess is that if you don't like the CRF150RB, you won't like another motocross bike. They will all be just as touchy, if not more so.

Yamaha's motocross bikes, along with KTM, are generally the tallest.

Kawasaki is generally the heaviest.

For off-road bikes, KTM is still the tallest, and most models you cannot add a lowering link to.

The WR feels lighter than the Honda CRF-X and has most of its power in the mid range…the CRF-X has more power on the low end (more throttle response than say, the WR).

TumTumDirtMom

This has all been great advice. Courtney, what are you riding? I do like alot of things about the bigger motocross bikes, like the RM-Z 250 I have, I am just looking to get something easier to start really....which really pushes me in the direction of the trail bikes so I am very interested to see if I can pick up the front end with ease to go up step ups or over logs... or if it feels like a bigger, heavier version of the TTR 125L There was such a huge difference between the 150RB and the RM-Z 250 and I am so scared to pull the trigger on the next one!

markyrocks

Get the Ttr out of ur head that thing is like comparing a moped to a crotch rocket. The wr may have wider transmission ratios but I know that parts from the wr are compatible with the yz250f so there similar. Your never gona find a perfect answer. Sometimes sink or swim just dive in. If your unhappy after the fact sell an try again. I have yz250f, I almost wish I had wr just BC it has a headlight (and would enjoy electric start). Never ridden one but 250 is a 250. The tranny only does so much to distribute power to the ground. Adjusting sprocket sizes can change power delivery if that's a problem, couple up in the rear an shortens the ratios.

Kiwi450x

Definitely go and try the lowered WR, that could be just the ticket for you. If it suits you but you don't care for blue you could lower a CRF/x to get better set up for you. At least you'll get a better idea of what suits your needs.

Lots of good info in Courts post although I think she was a little hard on the WR/CRFXs. They still have plenty in common with the MXers, just a bit more manageable, I reckon. They could be the ideal compromise for you.

Markyrocks: I would be inclined to think the extra flywheel weight on the WR/CRFx has more effect on power delivery than the gearing.

csully

Aw Kiwi, I didn't mean to be harsh on the WR or CRF-X! haha… I've spent a TON of time on both…in fact, I own, and ride, a 2006 CRF250X. I love that bike. It goes everywhere and does everything. The electric start makes it an easy choice for sticky situations….my favorite bikes are this type.

I'm a lot taller than you (at 5'8") but still find the ground is a little too far away sometimes. The E-start is great for hills or uneven ground. The CRF-X (or WR) is a perfect off-road bike….they are designed for it and you will definitely not have trouble getting the front end up and over logs, rocks, ledges, etc.

I honestly would suggest a bike like these to you…they are a little easier to learn on as well…just because they are more forgiving on the throttle and you can lug the heck out of them through anything.

daggit

Good job court. Would the KTM 200exc be too tall. I would love to have this bike if I rode trails

daggit

http://www.ktm.com/enduro/200-exc-eu/highlights.html

TumTumDirtMom

I spoke with a couple KTM dealers and they said with one of their different seats (essentially shaved) and as long as it is still a linked suspension model, they can drop it up to 3". I didn't realize the 200 exc has an electric start for 2013, I thought the smallest two stroke with the electric start was the 300! Something to keep in mind! Thank you daggit! I have opened my mind and read all of your advice and I tell you, I really really appreciate it! We reset the suspension on the RMZ 250 yesterday with the proper sag and it was taller again but not too tall to be uncomfortable but...too tall for me to start... so my lucky hubby got to start it for me as it is a hard start anyway, for the whole afternoon! Then got the chance to ride an 07 WR 250 today. I think I loved it...for numerous reasons: the magic button, it handled very nicely, had lots of power no matter what speed I was going...and... it has been lowered 2 1/2"! Besides there are more of these on the market used so I can get a pretty nice one used for a pretty affordable price for now and if I really want to I can save up my money for one of those KTMs I am so infatuated with later on... if I feel the need. What also impressed me was the fact that I was trying to get a chance to ride this bike all day but every time I tried, one of the guys had taken it and took off to go check out the Enduro course, etc... they all loved it... go figure!

So just gotta find the perfect used WR I think and then make it my own! Hehehe

You guys are all the best! Thanks again!

csully

The WR is a great bike and a great choice :) I loved the one that I rode…had a blast on it and took it everywhere.

I work at a Yamaha, Kawasaki, and KTM dealership, and I run the parts department there….please ask me any questions you might have :)

TumTumDirtMom

Thanks Courtney! I appreciate it. Now it is time to find the perfect bike at the perfect price. I can't stand the people who list their bikes for "best offer" and not other price! But this one actually already has a shaved seat by the looks of it so I am hoping it is still available and am going to make an offer on it tomorrow.... Just not sure how much?

http://spokane.craigslist.org/mcy/3276826512.html

From what I understand they went from a steel frame to an aluminum frame in 2006 so I am guessing I want to go 2006 or newer..

csully

Well KBB on that year bike in EXCELLENT condition is $3180…at least in this area. That should give you a starting point. Most private sellers will try and get more that KBB though. Dealerships are usually bound to staying within a certain percentage of KBB retail.

TumTumDirtMom

Well I think I am going to make an offer on this one tonite... he is looking for around 3,000 and I was looking for a lil under that as it needs a battery I guess... we will see!

Kiwi450x

Good stuff, let us know how you get on.

BleedMarshall

Since the weight of the bikes you have tried have been an issue, and only the height, I would say you have done right by looking at that WR you posted a link to and for looking into the KTM line as well. The KTM 200s and 150s are nice, and they would probably suit you well also, especially the XC/XC-W lines that are out there and the like.

The WR is a great bike really and can be "uncorked" later on for a bit more power. Easy to do really for a fairly cheap price, so keep that in mind if you end up wanting more power later on as opposed to getting yet another "new" bike.

Keep us posted on what you end up getting, and post up pictures. We love us some pictures. Hahaha!

TumTumDirtMom

Haha.. I can't figure out how to post pics! So I would if someone told me the secret!

BleedMarshall

You can copy and paste the "Direct Link" option from photobucket, or you can use the "tv" looking icon on the top/right portion of the message box next to the "Link" icon as well.

I also wanted to point out that KTM are not as expensive as they are made out to be, and they actually cost less off the showrrom floor than any other manufacturer model for model. Where they cost more is that when buying used they (KTM) hold their value better, and thus will cost more used than other models.

If I were you, and had my druthers and bought new, I would go with the KTM 200XC-W. Great bike in terms of power with a good hit, but not so much as a 250XC/XC-W would have. It is a two-stroke so maintenance cost is lower and it is easier to work on, and it is highly reliable. It has just over a foot of ground clearance and weights in at just over 200 lbs. with a seat height of about 38 inches unloaded. Plus, with the wide ratio transmission it does not need to be shifted as often as a close ratio transmission like on your RMZ-250. The few drawbacks are the payment or initial price (depending on your budget), and it cannot be lowered as much due to having no linkage. Check it out if the WR falls through. The link Daggit gave you is for the European model, which is not available in the US. Here is the US link.

http://www.ktm.com/us/enduro/200-xc-w-usa/technical-details.html

I hope that helps some.

TumTumDirtMom

I love the KTM's...it took all my husband's will power (because I don't have any) to not just run out and buy one! But that was before I rode the WR and I really like it also. Then last night I find an 08 250 XCF for $2,995. Has the magic button and the stock seat height for that bike is like 36.8! But...then I looked at the pics a little closer and the bike has a new motor and have come to realize that someone has played with it too hard.. shes a lil rough..lol.So now waiting to hear if the guy accepts my offer and I will post pics! Thanks so much for all the input so far!

BleedMarshall

Anytime. We are glad to help.

TumTumDirtMom

Thanks to all! Got my bike yesterday. Have a pic but cannot get it on here.... think it has something to do with my browser. I am so excited! All the mods have already been done and has a pipe on it so defintely has all the pep this girl needs! Ordered the Yamalink last night as well so will be good to go by the weekend, if only the weather would cooperate! Still rode it without lowering it but definitely too tall for me. Will somehow get a picture on here!

Kiwi450x

Good on you!! Do what it takes to get a pic on here. A picture is worth a thousand words... LOL

Maple Leaf MX

"Pick a color any colour. They all have there ups and downs.
Kawi- strong motor
Honda-great suspension, good motor
Suzuki- little mellower but overall great bike
Yammy- reliable overall
Ktm- more costly on almost every thing but good bikes and have the magic button

So your choice"

Um no? I disagree

Maple Leaf MX

And id just like to repeat the op's turning comments about the suzuki handling. They are the champ when it comes to handling. My buds clapped 07 250f handles better then my 12 kx250f.

pojp58

Congrats DirtMom on the bike.

To post a pic click on the Insert Image icon, then before you past the link from photo bucket into the pop up box, delete the http:// form the box first then paste the copied link. That should work.

Maple Leaf MX

Seriously go away

pojp58

???

hairscrambledny

I think Maple drank too much eggnog pop. ;)

Maple Leaf MX

There was a scam ad but got deleted

TumTumDirtMom

That was pretty annoying. I am going to try to post a pic from my work computer today. Shaved the seat and got the link installed. This is one quick WR....but it's just what I wanted.

Maple Leaf MX

Sweet cant wait! :)

hairscrambledny

Very happy for ya! :)

markyrocks

You got any pics with you on it?

TumTumDirtMom

So all you guys say all I have to do is copy and paste it into that box after I take out the URL... nothing pastes. Do the pictures have to come from some other source than just docs on your computer? This is beginning to make me feel more than a little stupid!

BleedMarshall

You can get a free account at Photobucket.com and upload your pictures there. You then copy the "Direct Link" of the picture and paste that into the comment box where you type in your usual message. That is a little easier than using the upload link for some people. And do not feel stupid. Sometimes the easiest technology is a bigger pain than anything else.

Maple Leaf MX

Please ignore markyrocks and his comments. Hes just a little creepy and prefers trolling around here alot

hairscrambledny

Take it one step at a time DirtMom - have you uploaded your pics to Photobucket or Snapfish or someplace like that?

TumTumDirtMom

Nope, that didn't do it....

TumTumDirtMom

And this didn't do it either....LOL

markyrocks

Ya I'm creepy BC I want to see a pic of a woman on a motorcycle ..... if you DONT want to see that I would think that would make you a legit homo.

Maple Leaf MX

Go to thumpertalk and check out the thread called "whos got the best looking babe on a bike" then

markyrocks

So is that where she should post her pic? Are u some kinda creepy Guy because you know where the pics of girls on bikes are? BC I honestly had no idea. I think ur some kinda closet pervert maple. (Insert other obscene acts of depravity here) . Just dear God leave you poodle and all that is holy (including your sisters underwear) alone.

Maple Leaf MX

Can somebody translate marks last post for me?

yz250f4ever

I really wanna see this WR, I loved riding one out in cal city a few years ago. dirt mom if your having trouble posting the pick, copy and paste the http link to a post and i can get the pic up.

TumTumDirtMom

I can't do that from my droid but will do it when I get home because I did open up a photobucket account so there is a link now. Anyway, its my bike so I'm pretty biased but it looks hot.

markyrocks

Get the photobucket app. The new format on there site crashes my phone

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