Dirt Rider Magazine

*also posted under Honda 4 strokes

I'm looking to buy my first dirt bike and I think I've narrowed it down to a CRF 150 (not sure though). I've done quite a bit of research so I pretty much know the answer to my own question but I want some opinions from other riders, who actually ride.

As far as a little background goes, I'm about 6' tall and I know a 150 is going to be a little on the small side but I'm just looking for something to ride, not to compete or even take to the closest serious track (Durhamtown), just something to have fun riding on my friend's track. I could go with a 250 which would probably fit me better but I'm only a senior in high school so my dad is going to be the one who ultimately says yes or no on the bike and I know he won't allow anything to big or anything that seems to have too much power/complexity.

So with all that said, I've looked around at a lot of bikes (haven't actually sat on many though) and its obvious that a 150r looks significantly better than a 150f, but at the same time, the 150r is an expert version with more components... I would guess that a 150f would make more sense because it's not exactly intimidating in size, complexity, or power, and would probably be the easiest to convince my dad into allowing my purchase of one. But sense easy isn't always smartest, I'm just wondering what the best option would be? Is a 150f a good beginner bike, but also one I would probably end up replacing as I got more comfortable riding? Is a 150r/150rb a better bike but not good for beginners? Would it be better to just go ahead and start off on a 230/250 that fits me better?

It's a lot of questions but I really just don't know... And it's going to be a serious expense for me so I just wanted to hear some opinions as far as what's best money-wise and long-term-wise. I don't want to end up going through too many bikes as I get more comfortable riding but I also don't want to end up with something beyond me that I can't handle and could become a hassle with expenses. And I definitely don't want anything that I'm guaranteed to break a limb starting out on. (I'd still like to play baseball in the spring)

Oh, and I've riden my friends klx110 enough to know the basics, so dirt bikes aren't completely unfamiliar to me. I'm not going to have to learn to ride for the first time, I'll just have to learn how to ride a bigger bike for the first time... And also how to use the clutch.