Dirt Bike Recommendations

Best bang for the buck is a SSR or Pitster pro pit bikes, I have had way to much fun on those bikes. They might make a 50cc bike too, yeah they are cheaply made but you wont be forking over a lot of cash for one and it will last the duration until he outgrows it.

I would get somthing cheap for him since he will grow out of it fast or get something larger like a 70 then limit the throttle but they are pretty big bikes.

For you, early 2000 CRF250. I usually have more fun on smaller under powered bikes anyways.

 

I would suggest a honda XR200/XR400 for now. Motorcross 4 stokes will have too tall of a 1 & 2nd gear to be putting around with your kid.

 

gearing is easily changed by moving up or down a size in the sprockets. I use a 2010 kx 250f for my race/trail bike/woods bike. any bike is versatile. you just need to know what base you might want.

the yz250fx is a good choice . it would be very versatile for woods and taking to the mx track as well. it has the same chassis the yz250f as well as minor changes to the power package. it also has a wide ratio +6 speed trans with electric start. . if you opt to go newer make sure you get the 16 + years as the 15s had water pump impeller issues. You guys are making it sound like a 4stroke is super expensive to maintain. As long as you keep the oil changed and air-filter clean. any newer 250f could be a good bike. especially if you are not racing and more or less just riding for fun on the weekends.

 

Well just comparing all of the bikes, a 4stroke rebuild costs a lot more (as in a few hundred) compared to a $120 2stroke top end. Plus it is harder for people to do on their own. So it is worth noting. And if the OP is looking for used, slightly older 250Fs, then you run the risk of the original owner(s) running the hell out of it or not keeping up on valve clearance etc. Now if he is buying new, then it is not as big of an issue. That is all I'm saying. I'd worry much more about a 3-5 year old 250F needing head work than I would a 1 year old YZF with the impeller issues (I have that model, as do a few of my friends and none of ours has experienced the problem, though I know it does exist).

 

totally agree on the cost wise 2stroke def cheaper and easier to rebuild yourself. been thinking of getting an yz250fx myself. my kx is getting a lil sloppy after 3 race seasons 3 top ends and a bottom end...haha

 

Ya, I never tried the 'X' model but I have heard great things. I love my current 250F though. This season I am looking at picking up another YZ125 (2017) for my gf to ride and for me to play around on. It will save some hours on the 250F too, which is nice.

I know the feeling of thinking your bike may getting a bit roached. It sucks kinda lol. I'm sure either way you'll be good.

 

Picked up my son's bike this weekend. Ended up getting him a 2016 (new) Honda CR50f. Had some great rebates.

The jury is still out for me. I checked out a new Honda 230f while I was at the dealership. I was really trying to convince myself I would be happy with it, but I don't think I will. It seemed a little small (I stood flat footed over it), and maybe a little under powered. They had a couple of used 250f's there. I think I'd be the most happy with that. My biggest concern is essentially buying a lemon. I don't want to be a 3-4 year old race bike that's been beat on. I don't want a bike that's going to nickel and dime me to death or that I'm going to spend more time working on than riding. Wish I could afford brand new, but that's not in the cards right now.

 

Too bad you don't live closer. I have a 2008 CR250F that I can literally ridden 2 times. The bike has about 5 total hours on it.

 

Congrats on the 50. Good buy, for sure.

As far as your bike, I def wouldn't go with the 230. Especially if you have owned 125 race bikes in the past. That 230 is really a pure beginner bike. There are good used 250Fs out there, but you just have to stay away from one that looks like it has hours on it. Even a former race bike is ok, if you can have verification that it was properly maintained and serviced. A lot of times buying from a former racer is a good idea, because they know the importance of upkeep and usually sell the bike freshened up. I sold my last 250F, which was heavily modified, but it had fresh suspension, a new top end, new valves etc. So the guy that bought it was getting a former race bike but it was fresh and he had no worries about it. Plus, I had paperwork to prove everything. So if you can find that or a lightly used stock one, then you are good to go. And like I said, there is nothing wrong with a used 2stroke 125 or 250. I am buying a new 125 this year to play on. They are super fun. So I'd still consider them, since they are cheap to buy / maintain and still fun to ride.

 

Really, my only concern with 2 stroke is fowling plugs trying to put around while my son gets the hang of if...

Thanks for the other gouge too!

 

Ya, I get ya. Honestly, if the thing is jetted correctly, it really shouldn't foul out. We bought a new YZ85 for my girlfriend to learn on, she never had ridden before. She putted around on it all summer and was barely in the powerband. I never fouled 1 plug. Still the original plug. Occasionally I'd hop on it and take it for a hot lap but it was good. I'm sure if you got a 2stroke, you could still play around with your kids and not have to worry. Pull in the clutch and give it a rev here and there and just open it up once in awhile. Should be fine.

 

KTM 300 XC-W, 3-stroke. Newer 2-strokes don't foul plugs like the old days. Don't get MX get an enduro/trail bike and don't worry about lugging.