250 Dirt Bike Options

[crash]

I am after a dirt bike so I can go riding with my kids. My eldest is 14 and has out grown his Suzuki JR80 (this has been a great little bike for him)
This would be a bike the both of us could share.
The ability for it to have rec rego is a bonus but not a necessity.
I think he would out grow a 125 fairly soon and they are getting harder to find. Kawasaki make a 11
A 250 at this stage would be a bit too tall for him but something he could grow into and last longer. Unfortunatley the budget is a bit tight and my options are bikes in the late 90's and early 2000's price range.
I would love to get a 2 stroke again, but fear that it will be a bit too much for him, he is not too bad of a rider - but no pro thats for sure. A couple of his mates have Hond CFR230's which he can handle okay as well as anothe mates KTM 80.
What are the TTR 250 like to ride?
I have not ruled out the good old Honda XR200 / 250's.
My other option was maybe a KTM300 - but know very little about KTM's. They seem to be very popular but what are they like once getting a bit long in the tooth, and what are parts prices like when compared to the japanese makes.

[rangieman]

The TTR is a good honest bike [thumbsupbig][thumbsupbig]

[loanrangie]

XR250 is hard to go past.

[pop058]

Keep
Throwing
Money

[biggrin]

[Geedublya]

I am after a dirt bike so I can go riding with my kids. My eldest is 14 and has out grown his Suzuki JR80 (this has been a great little bike for him)
This would be a bike the both of us could share.
The ability for it to have rec rego is a bonus but not a necessity.
I think he would out grow a 125 fairly soon and they are getting harder to find. Kawasaki make a 11
A 250 at this stage would be a bit too tall for him but something he could grow into and last longer. Unfortunatley the budget is a bit tight and my options are bikes in the late 90's and early 2000's price range.
I would love to get a 2 stroke again, but fear that it will be a bit too much for him, he is not too bad of a rider - but no pro thats for sure. A couple of his mates have Hond CFR230's which he can handle okay as well as anothe mates KTM 80.
What are the TTR 250 like to ride?
I have not ruled out the good old Honda XR200 / 250's.
My other option was maybe a KTM300 - but know very little about KTM's. They seem to be very popular but what are they like once getting a bit long in the tooth, and what are parts prices like when compared to the japanese makes.

How big is your boy? If he is less than 5'6" and 65-70kg then I would be concerned it would be too heavy for him. The TTRs are a great bike but heavy. CRF230, CRF150 or even a big wheel TTR125 would probably be better choices or you might find a DR200, I wouldn't look at a KTM before 2000 and a 300 I suspect would be way too much bike.
Other 2 strokes to look at are DT175, DT200, DT230 or if you can find one a WR200.
With a tight budget you will be seeing some bikes that need work and (lots of) money. be cautious.

[crash]

A school mate of my sons has a CFM250 for sale - that I hope to have a look at.
Growing up a few mates had XR's and I have always liked them.
The TTR's are a good option but do not see many for sale.
The other problem I am finding all the bikes I am interested in are over 2hrs away.

[rangieman]

Keep
Throwing
Money

[biggrin]
Yep keep walking nothing to see or think about [bigwhistle]
They do not have a good reputation , Everyone i have known that has owned one is always throwing good money after bad[bighmmm]

[justinc]

Most enjoyable lightweight and powerful 2 stroke i ever had was a KDX200... and I'm vertically challenged 😅

Jc

[Geedublya]

Oh yeah I forgot the KDX. Great little bikes and worth considering.. KTMs are great but they are race bikes not trail bikes. They require maintenance at race bike level or they cost money. I have 2 at the moment and have had 8 over the years as well as numerous Huskies and a Husaberg 650.

[carlschmid2002]

KLX250. It has electric start as well. I went riding with a bloke who had one last weekend and I was very jealous every time we stopped he just pressed the button whilst I had to kick start my Husky WR300. Once it was started I dusted him.

[justinc]

If its a dirt weekend 2 stroke lightweight thrasher then electric start isn't applicable....😅

[pop058]

If its a dirt weekend 2 stroke lightweight thrasher then electric start isn't applicable....😅

TTR was mentioned and they have electric start IIRC

[justinc]

TTR was mentioned and they have electric start IIRC

Yup. Still not a real dirt bike then! ( now, in my day.......😅)

Hated the idea of electric starters back then. Even my DR650RS was a kicker. Loved it although a few injuries over the time i had it caused by mistiming the decompression cycle...😮🙁. The best one i found was on my Yamaha XT600, their automatic system was reliable and easy.

[carlschmid2002]

Yup. Still not a real dirt bike then! ( now, in my day.......😅)

Hated the idea of electric starters back then. Even my DR650RS was a kicker. Loved it although a few injuries over the time i had it caused by mistiming the decompression cycle...😮🙁. The best one i found was on my Yamaha XT600, their automatic system was reliable and easy.

I have had more than my share of Kick start bikes. My first was a 1982 XR500, it required a certain technique and could be the centre of much amusement when friends wanted a ride. The next was a 1983 IT175 which always flooded, I cursed that bike so many times. The next was a 1985 XR250, no complaints there. I also had a DR650 before the electric start, I can't say that it was at all difficult unless it was water logged on the CREB. Then came a XR650 with no electric start. It was extremely hard to start when hot and balancing in a tricky spot. You would think I would have learnt my lesson but when I bought the Husky WR300 it was $5000 cheaper than the competition with buttons. I now know how to un flood it and get it going again but sometimes I have questioned my sanity. Once it is going I fall in love all over again, it is so light and I love that engine. It has a lot of compression and I would never attempt a start in anything but sturdy boots.

[justinc]

I have had more than my share of Kick start bikes. My first was a 1982 XR500, it required a certain technique and could be the centre of much amusement when friends wanted a ride. The next was a 1983 IT175 which always flooded, I cursed that bike so many times. The next was a 1985 XR250, no complaints there. I also had a DR650 before the electric start, I can't say that it was at all difficult unless it was water logged on the CREB. Then came a XR650 with no electric start. It was extremely hard to start when hot and balancing in a tricky spot. You would think I would have learnt my lesson but when I bought the Husky WR300 it was $5000 cheaper than the competition with buttons. I now know how to un flood it and get it going again but sometimes I have questioned my sanity. Once it is going I fall in love all over again, it is so light and I love that engine. It has a lot of compression and I would never attempt a start in anything but sturdy boots.

That dr650rs backfired and the kickstarter popped back once😖 . I had to move it quickly out of a steep drive and hopped on with sandshoes.... There was an almighty crack and i spent 6 weeks on crutches... fractured heel bone and torn ligaments.
Lesson learnt i upgraded to some Alpinestars. They were great until I dropped the bike in the sand at steep point fully loaded and wouldn't you know it... the frame lower corner speared straight into the left side of my foot missing all the protective panels and broke the edge off my big toe Tarsus bone. Yay i thought after ripping off my boot as it was swelling alarmingly, at the westernmost point of the continent with a broken foot and a heavy bike with NO ELECTRIC START and i couldn't even stand...😅😅😮😮. Those were the days😎

[crash]

I have started to wonder if not a YZ or KX 125 might do the trick.
My son may outgrow it but I figure I could still keep having fun on it. It has been a fair few years that I rode dirt bikes properly.
There are a few KDX's around aswell that I would like to have a look at.

[Geedublya]

The YZ would be the pick, they have been the same basic bike for a long time. Plenty of knowledge and parts available for them and the can be bought fairly cheap.

If he is tall enough 125s are a good choice for teaching clutch and throttle control. Just be prepared to keep the top end in good shape and look after the suspension linkages.

[crash]

. Just be prepared to keep the top end in good shape
What do you mean?
What should I look out for when inspecting them.

My brother had a YZ100 and YZ250 many years ago. The 250 was set up for racing and was an animal to ride - but fun!

[Vern]

Yep keep walking nothing to see or think about [bigwhistle]
They do not have a good reputation , Everyone i have known that has owned one is always throwing good money after bad[bighmmm]
Sorry chris but that is bull! Majority of guys i ride with or know that ride all ride ktm. Bloody good bike.
Only decent race ready enduro bike, no one else makes anything close.
Never had an issue with any of my ktm's other than the odd flat tyre.
Now don't get me started on my mates husky, always a drama😊

[Vern]

If its a dirt weekend 2 stroke lightweight thrasher then electric start isn't applicable....😅
Ktm exc 2 banger is not only a 6 speed but has elec start

[Vern]

Depends all on what type of riding he does and what he wants to do?
Trail, track, single track?
And your budget

[crash]

Depends all on what type of riding he does and what he wants to do?
Trail, track, single track?
And your budget

My son will be mostly track riding around a track at home and at other mates places - not racing. As he progresses hopefuly get into trail riding with him, but that is a few years away and he can buy his own bloddy thing then!

[Vern]

How tall is he?
My wife had a crf230, she is 5'4", i had to lower it for her, more for stability reasons. These are a great bike, like the old bikes that all these guys living in the past are on about, but electric start only. However, they are very boring.
Personally i would look at a ktm 250exc (6 speed, electric start amd kick) amd lowering it. Best motor was the rfs (early 2000-07), good reliable engine. Ths 250sx is the race bike, kick start only and 5 speed.
Or a 125 2 stroke.
If he starts riding single track in the bush, he will love the electric start, particularly when stuck half way up a hill.

[Geedublya]

What do you mean?
What should I look out for when inspecting them.

My brother had a YZ100 and YZ250 many years ago. The 250 was set up for racing and was an animal to ride - but fun!

People tend to let the 125s go too long and the pistons slap around and break the skirts off. Makes a big mess.
If I bought a 125 I'd take the top end off and inspect before purchase if possible and price in a new piston.

[Geedublya]

Sorry chris but that is bull! Majority of guys i ride with or know that ride all ride ktm. Bloody good bike.
Only decent race ready enduro bike, no one else makes anything close.
Never had an issue with any of my ktm's other than the odd flat tyre.
Now don't get me started on my mates husky, always a drama[emoji4]

You were more direct than me but there are a couple of other brands now. Nearly all KTMs, Huskies and Betas when I ride.

Beta are doing really well and I spent a day on a 16 300 the other day, it was very nice. Also the new Huskies from 14 on are made by KTM and a very good. Gas Gas are back from the dead and make nice bikes with KYB suspension now and don't forget TM. I hear good things about the Yamaha x models but no ADR.

[crash]

How tall is he?
My wife had a crf230, .
One of my sons mates has one of these, not a bad bike. I have only had one small ride on it. My son prefers his other mates KTM 85 to ride over the CRF. He thinks the KTM is smoother and better throttle control when going slower, he figures the CRF is a bit touchy on the throttle.

[Vern]

125 it is then 😉

[Vern]

You were more direct than me but there are a couple of other brands now. Nearly all KTMs, Huskies and Betas when I ride.

Beta are doing really well and I spent a day on a 16 300 the other day, it was very nice. Also the new Huskies from 14 on are made by KTM and a very good. Gas Gas are back from the dead and make nice bikes with KYB suspension now and don't forget TM. I hear good things about the Yamaha x models but no ADR.
All the euro bikes are brilliant.
If i was to upgrade it would be a ktm500. I just want to trail ride now and more longer distance bush stuff.
But i just can't part with old trusty (ktm525), even after riding quite a few brand new bikes, i can't say they are a $10k better bike, then when they ride mine, they don't want to give it back😊

[carlschmid2002]

Have you looked at these.
SWM Motorcycles | RS 300 R (https://www.swmmotorcycles.com.au/rs-300-r/)

I have heard a lot of good things and great value for money.

[Vern]

Recycled husky, good value for money

[Redback]

Any of the bikes mentioned would be good, it will depend on what the two of you want, our daughter has a CRF 230L, great bike, will be selling soon as it doesn't get used like my TTR250, which we sold recently, great bike while I had it, the TTRs are around 120/30kg dry weight.

If the CRF 250L is as good as the 230L then I would consider that as well, they should be around that 120/30kg dry weight as well, seat height is 875mm, the 230 seat height is 810mm and weighs 113kg.

Look at this sight for specs on anything you may want.

Honda CRF 230L (http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/Honda/honda_crf230L%20%2010.htm)

[Vern]

My ktm525 is lighter than my wifes crf230.

[crash]

Have you looked at these.
SWM Motorcycles | RS 300 R (https://www.swmmotorcycles.com.au/rs-300-r/)

I have heard a lot of good things and great value for money.
Out of my price range. I do like the look of them.

A mate of mine owns a few different bikes, and his kids are around the same age / size as mine.
They include TTR230, a honda a WR Yamaha and a KTM 250 and a larger KTM. Will venture over there in a couple of weeks and spend a day riding around and get a feel of what we like.

[Redback]

Out of my price range. I do like the look of them.

A mate of mine owns a few different bikes, and his kids are around the same age / size as mine.
They include TTR230, a honda a WR Yamaha and a KTM 250 and a larger KTM. Will venture over there in a couple of weeks and spend a day riding around and get a feel of what we like.

I had a KTM 400EXC, best dirtbike I've ever owned, never should have sold it, I'd own a KTM 250 in a heartbeat.

I sold my TTR250 to a member here gusthedog he's enjoying it now, it was a great bike, so easy to ride.

[crash]

Have decided to start looking at 125's. An 85 Big wheel is a perfect fit, but will be out grown quickly.
I just think a 250 2stroke will be a bit too much for us at this time.
Have been looking at YZ's, KTM, and Husky's.

[Vern]

A 250 2 stroke is pretty wild, but a 250 4 stroke you will find is about the same size as a 125 2 stroke.

[crash]

A 250 2 stroke is pretty wild, but a 250 4 stroke you will find is about the same size as a 125 2 stroke.
Use to ride a 250 2stroke so know exactly what you mean. Had to practically sit ontop of the fuel tank to try and keep the front wheel on the ground. When you took off down a gravel road the backend would sway back and forth faster than a dogs tail - you would keep the throttle pegged once in top gear the rear would eventually pull into line. You wanted to make sure you were hanging on when the power band kicked in.

[loanrangie]

Use to ride a 250 2stroke so know exactly what you mean. Had to practically sit ontop of the fuel tank to try and keep the front wheel on the ground. When you took off down a gravel road the backend would sway back and forth faster than a dogs tail - you would keep the throttle pegged once in top gear the rear would eventually pull into line. You wanted to make sure you were hanging on when the power band kicked in.

Sounds a bit like the old RM465 or PE400, those bikes had balls.

[crash]

A Husqvarna 150XC followed me home today. Bonus is it has rec rego which was not evident with the online photos. If I get all my jobs done tomorrow I will have to take it for a spin.

[Vern]

One of my old apprentices had the ktm version, what a little rocket!

[crash]

One of my old apprentices had the ktm version, what a little rocket!
Took it out for a quick squirt this afternoon. Has a bit of up and go. Very light bike, is only 30kg heavier than my sons JR80.
You do need to keep the revs up to keep it in its sweet spot.
looking forward to getting a few more hours under it and get my confidence back on a dirt bike.