Motor Cycle Question

[elksnout]

Fulfilling bucket list. I'll keep this short and would really appreciate solid, sincere advise.

I've always wanted to have a motor cycle but life, raising a family, etc. always came first. I'm now single and have the funds to pursue this. Here's what I'm thinking: To go through the state run endorsement class. When completed, purchase a "starter" bike. Being an outdoorsman, I'm leaning towards a dual sport so I can legally ride both trails and pavement. If I'm enjoying that I wouldn't rule out a full time street bike down the road.

Anyone else have a similar experience?  Looking for suggestions for size of a starter bike and safety features and ease of operation for a newbie. Am I on the right track to go through the classes mentioned?

Thanks
Elksnout

[Fl0und3rz]

I've looked into it. Paying off stuff now, so it'll wait.

Check out the TW200.

State run class uses them I hear.  Great for what you describe: starter bike, dual sport, etc.

Unless it sold, there was a smoking deal on one here in the classifieds.

I couldn't find it in the classifieds, but here's another thread on them.

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,96264.0.html

[JKEEN33]

I've had every type of MX over the last 40 years. Currently have a 225 dual sport and a Harley. My .02 is if you do dual sport and plan on using it to commute, buy one of the bigger bikes. The 200's are ok for scooting around gravel roads in the mountains or a quick scoot to town, but you won't want to spend a lot of time doing a commute or trip on them.

Tough having it be your primary here in WA with the weather and traffic we have. When I was younger, I did that for two years. Been cross country North to South and East to West a few times. Can be a lot of fun if recreational, but I hate dealing with commuting and traffic on the bikes any more.

You can go down and take the written test and get a learner permit. You then have 6 months I believe to ride around and get comfortable. Not to difficult to pass the test.

[goldenhtr]

 

I have 2 TW200's 1 for me and 1 for the wife and other friends to ride. Have taken several 3-5 day camping trips as well as hunting. Just stay off the interstate. It can run 55-60 all day.
Checkout our forum if you have more questions.
www.tw200forum.com


Not mine but I have taken afew out with mine.

[JakeLand]

KTM 450 EXC. best enduro bike out there ! I started out with the Suzuki DR 350 and I was bored of it and it's lack of power then went to a KTM and haven't turned back

[elksnout]

Thanks guys. I've read a lot about the TW200's. I'm well over 6' and 218 lbs. Those 200's seem a bit small for my size? Dunno? I should add that this would not be a commuter type thing. Totally recreation.

Elksnout

[Bofire]

Suzuki DR400 and 650.
Carl

[Happy Gilmore]

Take the class. I road a long time and took the class to get my endorsement after letting my first one go. It was really informative, fun and pointed out weaknesses I had and things to work on. I'm very happy I took the class. It was a good learning environment and everyone was real friendly. Saw a guy dump a little bike and he was an experienced rider. He was ok.

[chester]

Out of curiosity how old are you? What is the type of riding you'd like to do? Budget and what kind of shape are you in? There is a bike for damned near everything but it all depends on your needs.
So far with the suggested bikes on hear you've got a pretty broad mix.
You can get almost anything plated now so it shouldn't be an issue. But how much pavement are you planning to ride?  The class will get you your endorsement but for off-road and gravel it's not going to get you far. More info would be appreciated.


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[jeffro]

I was sitting on a gas tank of my dads Triumph by the time I turned 2.
First dirt bike by 6, bought a street bike at 16 (wrecked it shortly there after).
Got my endorsement when I turned 18. Took a safety class at 35.
Most likely saved my life more than once.
Have owned many bikes since then, the only one I've kept is the KLR 650.
Decent on the highway, great on logging roads but too heavy for serious trail riding
.
Take the class! Especially if you have no experience.
You will probably be able to ride a couple different bikes, if you ask.

And BTW, I will never ride on the freeways around here(Seattleish) again,
To many people not paying attention, I've had 2 really close calls and won't risk my life to save a couple minutes commuting.
The Silverado 3500 seems a bit safer for some reason?
 

[fish vacuum]

I'd stay at 400cc or bigger, especially at your size. They're a compromise. The better a bike is off road, the more uncomfortable it will be on the highway. Better highway equals worse off road.
The class is never a bad idea. But honestly, I didn't learn anything from it after 15 years of riding dirt bikes, reading up on street riding, and having my street learners permit for a few months.

[Shank]

So after riding dirt bikes for close to 30yrs and just a handful of trips on the road. I'll through in my .02.
If your relatively new to two wheels for sure take the class, it won't hurt.
I've ridden dual sports around on the greater Eastside when I was younger. Never again. Like has been stated...To many knuckle heads not paying attention. But for just tooling around on forest service roads, and back roads lots of fun.
As far as bikes go. In today's world there are so many options.
The advice I always give is start out small and learn to get smooth and comfortable on that before going bigger. Just because of your size, doesn't mean a 400/450 is right for you. One of my riding buddies has a WR250 that has been duel sported he's about your size, and he is completely happy with the power of it.
Ive seen guys on 125s walk away from others on big bore bikes.
I currently have a KTM EXC 450, and still haven't used the bike to its full potential.  I would shop around for a 4stroke 250 duel sport type bike, a WR may be a good choice. I've been reading alot on BETAS, those may be a good choice if looking new. Honda's CRF'S, XR's (can never go wrong with those) the list goes on.
Staring small may not sound like the coolest thing to do, it may even cost a little more in the long run, but after several ER visits in my life. I'm giving my advice based on my experiences. Doc appointments and bills suck!

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[goldenhtr]

Thanks guys. I've read a lot about the TW200's. I'm well over 6' and 218 lbs. Those 200's seem a bit small for my size? Dunno? I should add that this would not be a commuter type thing. Totally recreation.

Elksnout

You would be surprised. Until you ride one there is NO comparison with bigger bikes. I'll be 59 this summer(5'11 205) and my GO FAST days are long behind me. It's all about what you want to do with your bike. I have ridden the DR400, the KLR 650 in the woods. Both are way to tall, that's another thing to watch for, it's not fun finding yourself high centered- or low centered:) when your feet can't touch and you come to a stop. Problem I see with the bigger bikes are most want to go as fast as they can from point A to point B and see nothing in between. Remember to enjoy the ride. Go to the TW site I posted and ask if anyone lives near you so you can take a ride, great folks there. Your welcome to come up to Arl. area and I will be glad to let you take one for a spin. T-dubs are great first bikes as well as long term bikes depending what your riding is all about.



http://s27.photobucket.com/user/Goldenhtr/library/Trail%20Rides%20TW-200?sort=3&page=1&postlogin=true

[Bowgina]

I went the dual sport way for the same reasons..... my advice... where riding gear!!!!!!!! their is two kinds of riders 1. ones that have been down 2. ones going to go down!..... you will go down and good padded jacket and pants are life savers! worth every penny

[Machias]

Take the class.  I rode a street bike all through High School.  Then stopped riding for about 32 years, just a short stint in between.    Then when I took riding back up I was in the Washington DC area.  What a place to relearn how to ride.  Combat riding at it's finest!  Taking the class saved my life at least 10 times in the past 4.5 years.  Good luck and be safe!!

[Special T]

My brother took the class here in the Skagit Valley and was put on by a couple of motorcycle cops.  He had rode a dual sport since we were kids. He didn't think he would get anything out of it but did.

[birdshooter1189]

Lots of good advice so far.  Everyone has their favorite bike and their favorite purpose for it.

I'm 6'5" and 150 lbs.  I own 2 DRZ400S's, a DRZ400E, and a DR200. I like them all.  All street legal.  Have ridden a TW200 and various other similar bikes.  Have done limited riding on a XR650R and a DR650.

My opinions: 

DR200 is similar to TW200(my opinion).  Both are great for slow relaxed riding.  They are quiet and get around 70MPG.  Great for logging roads and off road.  For road riding around home where it is 25-55mph speed limit.  The DR200 can do it, it starts to vibrate a lot around 45 and up.  For 35mph and under it is great but it does accelerate kinda slow so take that into consideration with how you drive.  It has a very low seat height.  This adds lots of confidence if riding rough terrain but can feel small when just cruising roads; paved or gravel.

DRZ400S is much taller, has more power, accelerates better, and gets around 40-50 mpg.  I still don't care for riding it above 45 mph for very long.  With the right sprockets it can cruise at 60 all day long.  It is a little louder than the 200CC bikes with stock exhaust, but not much.  DRZ will take more clutch work for tight trails.  In my opinion it is perfect for logging roads and back roads between 15-45mph.  That is my favorite type of riding.  All 3 of my DRZ's were bought used off craigslist, and all 3 had 2" lowering links installed by the previous owners.  I am tall enough that I plan to take the lowering link out of my main bike soon and return to stock but haven't don't it yet.

For a starter bike, I will agree with others that a 200cc bike is easier to learn on than a 400cc bike.  However the DRZ400 is nothing to be afraid of and if you have a little bit of riding experience you'd have no issues starting with a 400.  You said you are concerned about a TW200 being too short, so the DRZ might be a great option for you.  Try sitting on them both before you buy.

In photo is my brother sitting on a DRZ400S with a 2" lowering link, and suspension sagging a bit from sitting on it.  Beside is my DRZ400S with the same 2" lowering link uncompressed.  My brother is 6'5" and about 215lbs in the photo.

[Bofire]

Nowdays I think the only way to get the endorsement is to take the class, I do not think DOL is testing bikes riders anymore.
Carl

[87Ford]

Nowdays I think the only way to get the endorsement is to take the class, I do not think DOL is testing bikes riders anymore.
Carl

I believe you can either take and pass the class or pass the written and skills tests at an approved training school.  I took the class a couple years ago after letting my endorsement lapse.  Hadn't ridden a motorcycle since my teens when I had what we called an "enduro" back in the day.

The class wasn't difficult, but it was harder and more intense than I expected.  Out of 12 students, only 9 passed and one actually dumped his training bike in the Boeing parking lot that we were riding in. 

[NOCK NOCK]

IMO, stay away from the bigger duals (650's) until you are very comfortable riding. They are big, tall, and heavy.
I would suggest anything Yamaha. I have owned several XT 350's (1 currently) they are bullet proof and keep their value well. My current one is a 1999, purchased in 2012 with 2800 miles on it, $1900, still running strong at 5900 miles, and have only replaced tires.

[Special T]

I personally think the 400-450is the sweet spot for a dual sport. It's a light 250 frame with all the power you can stuff in it for logging roads and trail riding.  It's probably what I'm going to get at some point.

[goldenhtr]

I'm 6'5" and 150 lbs.

DUDE EAT A STEAK or 2or 3 or 4

I like the DRZ-400 as well. Would have been nice to try it with the lowering link.

Could never get rid of my T-DUB thou.

[chester]

The Suzuki is a fine bike if he wants a 400. Kind of slow but probably good for putting. If it's going to be too heavy look at the wr250. Later on when he gets more experience with maintaining and riding look into the mxc/ exc ktms they might be a little much on the maintenance and power side for just starting off. Whiskey throttle on the moto based 450's vs the drz is a lot faster trip to the ground.
If you're solely going to poke around logging roads at slow speed crf 230 or tw would be fine. They just have next to nothing for power on the street. 2c


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[j_h_nimrod]

Lots of good information given here, it really comes down to what you really want to do with the bike when you get it. Lots of comparable bikes, comes down to brand preference, budget, and performance desires. The TW-200, DR-400, EXC-450, WR-250, XR-250, and many others are all solid bikes.

I currently have two bikes; a KTM EXC-450, great trail bike with more power than is safe a lot of times😉 as well as a KLR-250 which is a great trail bike that could use a little more power at times. Both will do highway speeds but neither are an "ideal" dual sport. One of the biggest problems with the KTM is the maintenance schedule, you can run it through an oil change in a long day of riding and the recommended oil runs about $10-15 per change. The KLR 250 is a good all around bike with a good engine and gearing and a solid history, plenty of mods to gain a little performance.

The KLR is for sale or trade if anyone is interested.

[elksnout]

Thanks again for all the information. Not taking the class is not an option for me personally. The 200-250's seem like a logical choice for a new rider. But I wouldn't rule out a bit bigger bike. I enjoy riding my quad but really would like a bike and a new experience.

Elksnout

[davk]

4 years ago I did the same thing.  Took the class, and bought a WR250R.  For 2 years I have been running up and down I5 with it.  If you didnt drink your morning coffee ... dont ride.  Ive almost been hit a number of times and if I was a little dozy I probably wouldnt have reacted in time.  Get gear and wear it.

[Tinmaniac]

XR600. DR650

[cooltimber]

don't wear dark colors,,i wear a very bright lime green helmet.
they are all out to hit you,just keep that in mind.
when the light turns green, LOOK
 watch out for cars turning left into your lane...that's the most cause of deaths.
never ever ride,after drinking.

[jaymark6655]

I second the "your size does not mean you need a bigger bike."  My first bike was a 250 and I am having a hard time convincing myself I need more than that after three years.  I might go bigger, but only because I want to get fuel injected anyway.  I am street only, but my friend I ride with is dual.  For him tires really make a difference, his are a little more toward the dirt side and they don't have the traction needed to make him feel comfortable on pavement.  If he switches to a 50/50 or something more street than his dirt traction would become worse.  Also wear gear, suicidal squirrel jammed my front tire causing me to flip, he was in my lane, so I switched to the other side of the rode, he ran to the right side and into the grass.  Before I could even switch back to my lane he makes mad dash from safety to my tire, didn't even have time to brake.  Slide across the road on my forehead and left shoulder, just a burn on my knee from my pants shifting, no road damage.

[Kittman]

Thanks again for all the information. Not taking the class is not an option for me personally. The 200-250's seem like a logical choice for a new rider. But I wouldn't rule out a bit bigger bike. I enjoy riding my quad but really would like a bike and a new experience.

Elksnout

I contemplated all the two wheeled mechanical mules out there and what I ended up with is the KLR 650 due to my size, weight, and all the gear I intended to haul.  Other factors included freeway/highway capability and fuel capacity range.  Not perfect but there are things that can be done to almost any duel sport to meet your needs with a little imagination.  Hope you get the one you desire.

 

[Don_D]

Take the class and buy good quality gear.

My riding days are done but I always preferred smaller lighter dual sport bikes to big street cruisers. Motorcycles are like anything, you wont know what you like till you get one and spend time in the seat.

If you plan to ride street and travel in any areas that are built up with traffic I would go a step further than the class for your endorsement and take a defensive riding course as well. It will be money well spent and could save your life. Its not a matter of IF someone will not see you and make that left hand turn in front of you, it is a matter of when. You always need to have a backup escape plan when riding. A class will get you thinking about and planning for it on a regular basis.

[elksnout]

Just successfully completed the class. Next step? Dunno, but I stepped out of my  comfort zone to learn something new. 

elksnout

[Machias]

Just successfully completed the class. Next step? Dunno, but I stepped out of my  comfort zone to learn something new. 

elksnout

Congrats!!!

[KFhunter]

congrats!


I know you got a ton of advice, but your age, experience and confidence level does not match up to a KTM bike.  I love them, I raced them and I bleed orange but I suggest you not get one unless you can turn your own wrenches and have the confidence to make em rip.  Putz'n around on a KTM ought to be as illegal as it is sacrilegious.

I know a lot of people love those Yamaha WR 250's, bit taller and snappier than your trainer bike, suspension is much nicer and it has decent maintenance intervals. 
(it's also fuel injected which is very nice for riding sea to mountain top)


The Honda... whoa I just came across this! I didn't know they made a baby rally bike!  How cool is this?  (also FI)
http://powersports.honda.com/2017/crf250l/street.aspx

I dunno about you but I'm pushing mid 40's and don't need to rip everywhere I go.  Now, I want a comfortable bike, low noise, fuel injection and low seat height so I can flat foot it over logs.  Ya, I can snap a bike over a 14 inch log at 40 mph or more but I don't want too, I'll be out by myself and an injury could have me laying there for days before I was found. 

I know I want a TW200, nothing is better for scouting for Elk in cattle country.  I can go down cattle trails in the brush where an ATV would be too wide against the trees, it won't sink in the soft muddy single track animal trails.