Trail Bike and trail riding advice requested

[SeaRun1]

Hey all,

Well since winter steelheading fell off the list of my winter options I am on the lookout for new things to do.  I have always wanted a off road motorcycle and it seems now is a good time to pick up the hobby.  I don’t live too far from Tahuya.

So I am looking at a Honda CRF250F.  Was hoping some experienced trail riders could give me some bike feedback as well as any other getting started tips on gear, riding tips, etc...

I rode a little when I was a kid on friends bikes but that is about it.  Reasonably athletic and not a daredevil just want to poke along the trails and pick up a new sport. 

Any advice or help you could provide would be greatly appreciated.  Probably going to need to join a group to pick up riding buddies as well.

Thanks!

SR1

[Tinmaniac]

It really depends on where and how you want to ride.For what you describe I would look at a dual sport or what was known as an Enduro back in the day.Headlight,street legal,lower seat height but still plenty capable off road.The old Honda air cooled XR's were bulletproof.CRF250L looks like a nice bike.Older Suzuki DR's were good bike too.On the other hand if you want to have some power in a dedicated dirt bike skip the 250 and get a 450 4 stroke or 250 two stroke.I am a Honda fan boy and still ride a 2001 CR250 at 52 years old.

[cdriver]

You might look at one of the tame dual sports, gives you less hard core trail riding but has the advantage of being street legal. Many dirt bikes today are pretty tall. Things in dirt bike world have changed quite a bit from the old days of riding. That being said, there a lot of cool bikes. Get a slightly used one to start with.

[Angry Perch]

From what you describe, you would definitely be better off with a dual sport. A used Suzuki Dr-Z 400 is hard to beat for an all around bike that's tale yet capable.

[Scvette]

From what you describe, you would definitely be better off with a dual sport. A used Suzuki Dr-Z 400 is hard to beat for an all around bike that's tale yet capable.

Although I ride a Ktm 690 enduro, I’d second what this guy says about the Drz 400. They are very capable dual sports, it can almost go places my 690 takes me. Lol.

[3dvapor]

My buddies are riding the ktm 300 fuel injected.  They says its an amazing bike and can program different ranges to match your riding.

[SeaRun1]

Thanks everyone I appreciate all of your input.  Got a bike, now looking for some places to ride once I get everything all legal.  Looking forward to some new adventures.

SR1

[Angry Perch]

Thanks everyone I appreciate all of your input.  Got a bike, now looking for some places to ride once I get everything all legal.  Looking forward to some new adventures.

SR1

What'd you get?

[SeaRun1]

Honda CRF250L.  It will be a good bike for me to learn on.  We’ll see where it goes from there.

SR1

[j_h_nimrod]

Be aware, as of July an endorsement and insurance are required to even touch a road. The 250 will be a good starter, if you ride much you are gonna want to step it up though!  I started with a 250 and stepped up to a 450 and love it. Weight is very similar, but on road is so much better and off road gains were substantial.

[SeaRun1]

Well I hope to ride a lot so if I have to upgrade then I will.  I am good to go with all of the legal stuff.  Thanks!

SR1

[KFhunter]

Don't be afraid to change out the stock tires, getting the right tire combination will make a WORLD of difference.   Also get suspension adjusted for your size, weight and riding style.


have fun!