Topic: Shopping for a dirt bike, looking for advice

[brett_bike]

I am looking for a dirt bike for riding on the Rampart Range and the other mountains of Colorado.  I have heard many good things about the Honda XR250's and have narrowed it down to that one for my first dirt bike (I'll probobly get a bigger one in a year or two). 

Any of my SOHC4 bretheren here ride one of these fine machines?  It has to be a fine machine, it's a Honda, right?

Maybe there is something else ya'll would recomend  Any advice would be great.

Thanks

[Frankencake]

I have a 1984 xl350.  It is awesome.  Honda makes a great thumper.

[scunny]

being fond of old school, my dirt bike of choice is the 79/80 XLS250, complete with 23 inch front wheel. gotta love Honda.

[Motoguy23]

If you want something super reliable then an XR is the way to go.    I've done everything possible to try to break one and the only thing that did it was a big hole in the air filter and a lot of riding in gravel pits, and then the next one I broke I had to almost kill myself in the process.

I can't tell you much about any other bike since all I've ridden my life is hondas.

[ff154]

I have a 94 XR650L that I absolutely love.  It's a bit much for anything too technical off road, but it's a wonderful bike.  I also have a 96 Kawasaki KDX200 that is a blast to ride.  It's very forgiving in the lower end of the throttle range, and geared a little higher than a typical two stroke race bike. 

If you have your heart set on an XR250, I can say that I have ridden them also, and you will not be disappointed!  Bomb-proof bikes for sure!

[Old Scrambler]

For trail riding and Colorado Jeep trails the XR250 will get you everywhere. If you add the L series you get universal street gear. I ride an XR650L and love it for power and road-worthy speed. In technical stuff its a handful because of the weight. Check your inseam measurement before you buy unless you are already experienced in the dirt.

[brett_bike]

thanks for all the great info guys.  I'm taking a buddy of mine, who has been riding dirt his whole life, to check out the bike this afternoon and get his input.  I think it's gonna be a done deal.  I gotta move a couple CB project bikes to buy the XR though, but then again, that was the plan when I bought them.

[Frankencake]

If you get one with turn signals, you don't need a trailer.

[jesus freek]

If you get one with turn signals, you don't need a trailer.

+1
What ever you do dont buy a crf230L. They are garbage!  Am I allowed to say that?  If I were to get back into dirt it would be on a Katooom[ KTM ] no questions asked. The only reason I say that is I had a 230 and on another forum a member had a problem with his 230L.PM me and I will  send you a link to that thread. Also inseam is very important dont get anything to tall as you wanna know exactly where your foot lands in uneven terrain. trail riding is a blast, you will be instantly hooked

[brett_bike]

I went to take closer look at the XR250 today and found the underside of the frame had a hole in it from sliding on rocks.  Now I know damage is to be expected with a 14 year old dirt bike, but it is ground through and ther is a hole.  Maybe a rock guard would be good enough, but isn't ther oil lines in there?  I would never buy a street bike with a hole in the frame, so I'm thinking I should probobly walk away from this too.  Maybe keep shopping around.

[1974CB750rider]

I no longer ride dirt but the best bang for the buck, that is if your wanting just a dirt bike is the XR400R. Its got plenty of power and the weight is not to bad. One question though. If this is your first dirt bike how old are you? I'm 38 now and started riding dirt bikes at age 6. I quit rideing them when I turned 16 and started driving. I bought a new 97 XR400 when I was 27. I found out real quick you don't heal nearly as fast as you did as a kid. Just a thought.

[brett_bike]

I'm 38 and new to dirt bikes.  Thats why I wanted to start with a smaller bike, and I'll only be trail riding with it.  No tracks or doubles for me, I've done my competitive phase and it takes too long to heal when you get broke off. 

[old76cr]

There is no way you can wear a hole in a frame from "sliding" on rocks. Walk away. Patience is your best friend.

[brett_bike]

good point. 

[scottly]

Just how bad is the damage to the frame? What year is it, and what is the asking price? An XR 250 would be a great first dirt bike, IMHO

[brett_bike]

Not too bad, it just looks like too many times slid on the rocks trying to get over stuff.  But there is a hole rubbed through the tubing.  I was just thinking about having a friend weld a small plate on it then installing a skid plate.

It is a '96 XR250r and they are asking $1300.  However, it currently has street tires that I would have to replace.  I'm not committed yet and there is other options near me on Craigslist that are ready to ride for about the same price.

[eastoak]

$1300 for a 1996 xr250 is too much. With a hole in the frame It's way too much.