This message is for any/all people that are either new to dirt bike riding or know someone that is new to riding #1 which is the most important, look at the manual. It'll help you understand the bike so much better. #2 before riding check your Engine Oil, your coolant, your Gas. And be sure to lube the chain. Make sure both you and your bike are ready to go riding! #3 Upon cold start, ever had problems starting your bike in the cold? Simply, what i recommend/use. Give the bike 20 slow kicks, Then kick hard until it starts, also check your fuel setting, Reserve, On, Off. And check your choke. Well put your chock on before starting. #4 In the cold, after starting the bike, Wait about 3-5 minutes to let the engine warm up. I blew my engine before, $600 rebuild kit was required to fix it. So be sure to let the bike warm up before taking off. #5 If your buddy climbed a muddy hill that looks really hard. Don't follow him/Her. Only do what your comfortable doing, you'll get better over time. Like i said, you want a dirt bike right? Well you want a dirt bike that's big but not to big. A dirt bike isn't a toy, it's a mechanical vehicle and can perform very very good if you take proper care of it. So if your 16+ AGE. Then you'll want between a 125 to a 300CC. You don't want anything bigger then a 250 really, but the Beta 300 is what i use for enduro so i say nothing bigger then a 300 because your more likely to get hurt more with a bigger bike. A Yamaha YZ 125 and YZ 250 are great starter bikes, or their's the Suzuki RM-Z 250, Also Honda makes CRF 125 and 250. I honestly don't know what you want, but i only want you to be a safe and comfortable as possible. God bless, and i wish you the best of luck! If your having problems please leave a reply or email me at finklowell@gmail.com
Probably too late for a response but. I’m 17, looking to get into trail riding and potentially ride it at the track sometimes. I’m 6’8 and 105 kgs and my dad (who’s ridden his whole life) reckons a 250 will be too underpowered for someone my size and I’ll grow out of it and get bored very quickly. What’s your thoughts on that?
Well just got back into dirt biking when i turn 41. Bought a honda 250 dual sport. Road for a little and wasn't for. Then went fe350s rode that for year. Then i bought a 2019 te300i and that's the bike for me!! Great vids bro! Be safe!
Thanks Jason. Yeah I am a big fan of the 2Ts for sure. I didn't start dirt biking until my mid 20ies. Since then I have owned a bunch of bikes and have settled on the KTM 250 XC being what suits me the best. How long have you had your 19 TE?
Hi Sam, your title and the WR250F caught my eye. I've been riding singletrak and dualsport for 40+ years, have had ITs, RMs, KDXs, XRs, DRZs, etc all good tools for the right job. My last singletrak/dualsport was a WR450F and frankly the weight/power was just to much for this 64 year youngster. Recently got a 2019 WR250F and it's amazing for singletrak and dirt biased dualsport ... great call!
I think so many of us over look the 250F's as "not enough power" but in reality, we would get injured less and probably have better skills if we rode a bike that was less powerful. Thanks for your input.
Let me tell you, I’m 26 and thought the wr450 would be the sweetest, fastest bike in my group but man it’s heavy and not easy to ride for a full day without being completely fatigued. I highly recommend the wr250 if you want a nice, responsive, reliable machine.
@@papi8311 I’m 40 and just got rid of my drz. That thing would play me out in the single tank and going with the kids on their 125. I’m regretting selling but not going to get another drz. My buddy and I switch bikes a lot and the wr450 is a lot of bike too. I’m thinking the wr250f is the ticket
@@BackcountryLife well, I had an underpowered bike and was very limited on the steep and long climbs. Now have an ec300 and that extra power and torque never did me any harm...is just there for when is needed. In the future I am looking pn the wr450f...but I agree with you, those are best bikes for beginners 👍
@@2WheelDernessI’ve never ridden a clutch bike. I’m 6’3 200/lbs so my options are limited to basically Yamaha… that’s not a bad thing because I need the bigger/taller bike and a stiffer stock suspension being right at 200/lbs marker. I’m learning the different models and I’m glad I didn’t try to jump on a SX model or high end trail bike. Something that is going to require the least maintenance in the beginning and be somewhat comfortable to ride with my height. I see Aaron Plessinger is 6’2 and rides a 450 but he still looks kinda big on that KTM. I wouldn’t touch a 450 probably ever in my life as it’s just too much power. I’d like to be comfortable cornering which means riding the tank and a taller framed bike is basically a must. I’d like to get a dual sport Wr250R as that would be perfect in every situation but unfortunately Yamaha stopped making them. I like Honda’s reliability but their too cramped and their suspension is too soft unfortunately. Been doing my research on TH-cam and there’s a lot of good info but without knowing how to ride one yet I’m kinda TH-cam shopping. I learned how to drive a manual in 15min as a kid. Like bought a brand new 2002-Eclipse GT (5-speed) and never drove a manual until I picked it up at the dealership. My dad took it off the lot but then pulled over and I drove it home, dropped him off and went out with my friends driving by myself… so I picked it up almost instantly once I figured out how to get it out of 1st. Obviously a dirt bike has much less margin of error and more of a learning curve with body positioning and much more sensitive clutch control.
I started riding when I was in my late 30s. I first had a tw200 and now have a xtrainer and still consider myself a beginner. I have been very satisfied with the xtrainer so far and think it would be great for most beginners. Thank you for making great dirt bike videos!
I have a 2016 WR250F and I agree - it’s a great bike to get started and will cover trail riding through to hard enduro. Plenty of ability even for experienced riders too but not intimidating for beginners. I recently rode a Husky FE 350 (4 stroke) and that was a peach. Very accessible performance, forgiving & light. Expensive however.
Backcountry Life It’s very tempting but I don’t ride enough off road as it is and I’ve no genuine reason to change my WR - it’s already capable of much more then I ever use it for. Keep riding and keep the videos coming!
My best 2 beginner bikes are Yamaha ttr 230 and Honda CRF 250 F my son is 15 years old and rides both of them very well they are also perfect for beginner adults they are fun to ride and easy to maintain
Just bought my wife the 2022 beta 300 x-trainer and it is pretty sweet Light, balanced, great feel, quality parts and electric like power delivery and way less hyper than other 300 two strokes
@@BackcountryLife I forgot lower and shorter than the other full size bikes Plus it just needs signal lights mounted to be street legal, everything is there ready to go Controls, wiring, horn, everything
Oh boy. First bike was a Harley Davidson 65 Shortster. Currently have several. 96 YZ 125. 93 KDX 200. 06 KTM SXF 250. They all have their place but the 200 is the most user friendly. Wish they would not have discontinued it. Low seat height. Good low end power for that era yet tons of power on top if you want it. Your choices are spot on today. I don't think I'd buy another with out e start. Someone else mentioned seat height and that would be the next factor. If you can't touch the ground you will be hard pressed to ever get comfortable. Every manufacturer makes something you can get along with to start off but a little research and a little riding time most will end up with one of the two you recomended as a second bike if not first.
Started out at age 5 on a sears 3.5 mini, at 7 got an Honda Elsinore 50, KX80 at 10 and KX125 at 13 and 250R three wheeler. Have continued to ride Street and at 54 would like to get back in the dirt. Been researching for a couple years and had pretty much decided on the WR250. Your video was helpful in making me pull the trigger. Thanks
I started when I was 15 on a 84 Kawasaki kd80 , then when I was 24 I bought a brand new 06 Yamaha TTR250(I love this bike still own it now), this year I turned 37 and I bought a new 19 ktm 150 XC-W ( I really love this bike super light and compared to the TTR250 it is super playful and does not kill me when I accidentally whiskey throttle).
Started at 42yrs old on Husqvarna FE250 - very easy bike to learn to ride on! Put 75hrs on that bike and have now moved to Husqvarna TE250i which wouldn't have been possible without all that time on the 4 stroke. The 4 strokes engine braking combined with amazing traction is a huge advantage when you are learning to ride compared to a 2 stroke which is definitely more fun and challenging but not ideal if you want to learn to ride and improve as quickly as possible.
I'm not a motocross guy. These things are new to me. Recently went on a trip with a ktm 450 sx F 2007 to the mountains. Electric start. Tons of power. But only a 4 speed and the clutch is either off or on. Very little room to play with it. Seemed first gear was angry unless doing around 20 km/hr. So I'm on what turned out to be a 7 hour ride on this bike going over everything. Gravel. River beds. Wash outs with lose rocks and 15 lb stones, some boulders, slate etc. Mud. Wet clay. And a variety of all those mixed. Ride was about 38 km. Slow riding and I felt like I was fighting to keep the bike running (stalled it plenty of times). Decided to do a bike swap for the trip back to camp. Kdx 220 1998 and omg night and day. Six gears and nimble! Stalled once after a river crossing that went straight into a steep incline, otherwise was able to ride it like I stole it with no worries of choosing a path and a speed to hit my line with. Now I'm looking for a kdx220 but they seem more rare than unicorns. What compares to a kdx 220? I'm 230 lbs 6ft 1. Rode an 80cc as a child in farmers fields. Rode cruisers on the streets as an adult. Plenty confident in riding anything from A to C through tons of BS. But want an easy to ride powerful 2 stroke that's plentiful. Not only to buy but to get parts for as I'm sure repairs will be required at some point. Any thoughts?
The closest bike on the market today is the Beta 200 rr. In my opinion it’s another one of those rare unicorns. Tons of bottom end and feels light and nimble bit not a fire breathing dragon like the 300 2T
@@BackcountryLife Yeah the Beta are good bikes and do great at Enduro, i ride 2017 Beta 300CC RR. If you take care of it, it'll go through about anything. Great bike and comes with E start. I started on a 2014 Suzuki RM-Z 250 4-stroke. that was 5 years ago though, but if i had to choose my beginner bike at the time i would've gone with the YZ 250. Also i very comfortable dirt bike. And thank you for helping all these people, i've been replying to a lot of new riders trying to give them tips and support. And you are to, so for that i thank you!
As far as to this day, all I ride are pit bikes. I was 13 when I got my first bike, which was a 70cc (either Orion or Apollo). The following year (after I severely damaged the 70), I got a used Roketa 125cc bike to try and learn how to operate a clutch, but I was having a super hard time with that (I actually still have the 125 pit bike). And just this year, I got a very high quality 140cc bike from a company called Piranha and words can't describe how much fun I'm having on the 140, along with how much easier it is to operate than the other bike.
Its old but go kawasaki KDX 200 OR 220 that is the bike I own right now and its the most fun bike I have ever owned VERY confidence inspiring and cheap to fix. new cylinder, piston, rings, and lectron carb is cheaper then to have a mechanic do a top end on a 4 stroke and that is all new parts on the 2 stroke cant say that about the 4 stroke. In the end it will be more reliable then your 4 stroke start first KICK every time. Men use kick start.
I rode a lot when I was 16 till I was 23, i had a kdx 200 till I quit riding and got into jeeps. I started ridding again in my late 30s and got a ktm 350 exc-F, that was a huge mistake. I started riding a lot of single track and that bike sucked for that, hard to ride, flamed out all the time. Sold it went to a beta 300 2t, that was a huge game changer for me. I started loving riding again, and will prob never go back to 4 strokes again.
Both bikes you mentioned are good bikes but if it's a short guy or a lady they might be too tall for a beginner..I think for a beginner a bike where both feet are on the ground is a better way to get started..you can always move up after you outgrow the starter bike. Thanks for your videos. I really like your channel
Thanks for your Input Randy. You are exactly right and should have mentioned that it might be too tall for a shorter guy or a lady. Maybe the KLX140G or the new CRF250/125 should be included.
Good video. 👍🏾 Still holds true today. I really like the Beta 200 RR and the KTM 150 XC-W TPI/ Husky TE 150i. The WR 250F is great too. All four continue to be updated and have modern technology. You can ride them with anyone pretty much anywhere without terrifying or harming yourself. Great options.
@@BackcountryLife Yeah it is a little porky but I would think that a beginner would also be a beginner in regards to wrenching on a bike as well. I like the choices in the video but the teardown and rebuild intervals might be a bit daunting. Then again my play bike is a 1996 RM125. There are times I wish bikes like the XR400 and KDX200 still existed. Also I got to recently demo a GPX TSE250R and for 5k that is an impressive offering.
Thanks, I have a 08 WR 250F I just picked up, haven't rode in years and it seems great so far. Plan to ride the TAT and maybe some BDR. I looking to include some single tracks along the way.
I've used a 19 WR250F over a year for woods oriented dualsport and singletrak. Tried 4 different maps and ended up with the "AUSSIE", welded a 1" id exhaust to the muffler insert and run a TWIN AIR FILTER on it. The lowend, midrange and top end of this 250 is amazing IMO. It runs great and I rarely miss the WR450F it replaced!
I am a big fan of the Beta bikes and run an Xtrainer with a modified suspension myself. I would NOT recommend the Xtrainer or 200rr for a new rider. These are FAST bikes! A new rider could easily get themselves into trouble. I'd recommend a KX85 or 100, or the TTR 4 strokes for someone new.
They are fast for sure, but are easier to ride then A KX85 or 100 because the can lug whereas the 85/100 are all top end power. But that’s just my opinion
You described the exact mistake I made... I'd been riding streetbikes and thought no way would a 250 be enough power for me (I'm 170lbs). hahaha... Worst mistake ever. I bought a big WR450 and that thing kicked my ass. Thing was a torque monster.. You so much as breathe on the throttle, the front end will pop wheelies. Threw me off on 3-4 different occasions and I finally had enough and sold it. Looking for a 250 now.
I started when I was 16 or 17 on a 1984 Suzuki PE175. Had mellow power low and mid range with a motocross type hit at the high end. I am still looking to get a bike for my son. He has ridden a TTR125 but he quickly grew to big for that bike. Too bad Kawasaki doesnt make the KDX200 anymore because that would be a perfect bike for him.
Awesome! Thanks for sharing. There is a weird gap in bikes for our kids around 11-14 years old. You either have to go straight into a trail bike or motocross. Nobody makes a kid-friendly enduro bike like a KDX200
crf250f is very similar to crf230. Great bike! I have a crf250x which I love, and I moved from 230 to it. Maybe try test riding the 250f and a 250x, because you might find you like the 250x model more
@@thelethalpredator672 my wife got one for her first bike and she loved it. If you are over 170lbs and ride steep terrain, the engine power might be little low. Maybe new gearing would solve.
The Honda CRF 250F, Electric Start, low to the ground, easy to ride. $4600 brand new. Or Yamaha's new YZ 125x, detuned version of the YZ 125 . $6600 new.
Backcountry Life ..kind of leaning towards the Yamaha YZ 125x, I love 2 strokes, read good reviews on it. Also looking at that new KLX 300 R, all though it's a bit heavy. Price is right, $5400.
Those bikes can be first and last probably. Yz250fx would be next step up. I've been riding street bikes for a long time and starting to ride dirt bikes. I recently bought 2012 crf450r for a good price and realized it's a monster. Sold it and made money. Bought 2006 yz250f good condition and now I'm worried that it will also be too much. My son is 8 And has klx 110 so he can't go fast. I'll probably never need yz250f. I'm probably going to pick up another wr250r and try both. I think I'll keep yz250f when another family member wants to go and when we want something with more power to play around with.
Thanks for your input. Yeah having a bike that you are not afraid of while getting into dirt biking is a smart idea. The last thing you want is to get hurt and when riding the 450ies they wear you out much faster. This then can result in mistakes that could cause injuries. The WR250 will be MUCH more mild and tame then your YZ250F.
Great video! I like your picks for those bikes because while they can be forgiving for a beginner, it will take a while before you grow out of them. I would caution about the Beta 200 for a real beginner as it is a very capable race bike even though it can be ridden slow as well. the X-trainer is def the better choice for a beginner when it comes to Beta.
Thanks for your input! The beta xtrainer is probably the better bike if your getting started out. I just love the 200 rr and couldn’t help putting it in there haha.
My gf and I just got a 140RF (replaced the 140g), and I can confirm that it has been a great bike to learn the fundamentals of the clutch and so forth. I'm 6 foot and she is 5'6. I'm flat footed but feel fine on it, she is almost flat footed, but not so much on her toes that it would make it uncomfortable. I may get a ttr230 to ride along side her 140, but the first time I accidentally dumped the clutch I was thankful I didn't have enough power to send the bike out from under me.
My first ride was the dreaded KX450, and yes it was terrible to get used to. I went with the YZ250FX next and while the power was way better, the jumpy off idle throttle was hard to manage without being an expert on clutch control. I ended with the Beta 200rr and it has taken me to where I am now, and I will probably keep this bike for the long haul. If you crank that power valve out, it gets very high strung and gives me more than enough power to hang with the 250 guys when I'm on the pipe.
Good stuff thank you! I am definitely a beginner. Never actually road motorbike before... Ever. Looking for something smooth and easy to ride with not tons of power that will jack me up first ride. Ill look into the options you suggested
Good suggestions in the video. I felt like the Honda and the Yamaha need to have a new top end too often. It would be a gamble to buy one used. I probably will buy something fairly new next time. My first bike is an xr250, and unfortunately the engine was in bad condition. I am still trying to get it up and running. It is a good project bike though.
Thank you for your input. Unfortunately no matter what we buy engines are a ticking time bomb. We just try to pull the trigger on one that won’t blow up while we own it haha.
i ride an xt250 and a tw200- both have e start and are much less intimidating than any of the bikes you reviewed- with a much lower price point and you can ride them from the driveway to the trails and back
You bring up some good points. I need to do another video talking about the other bikes I left out. I have spent some quality time on a TW200 and it has a place for sure. I need to talk about the strengths and weaknesses of these bikes.
@@StoneyWV correct, the last year for the CRF250X was 2017. The CRF250RX "replaced" it. I don't think the word replaced is the best word though because the RX has a much more "race ready" application.
I have a xr400r and I’m 6 foot 200lbs. It’s a bit high and a bit heavy not to much tho. It’s cuz the weight sits high. Kick start only. I really want a crf250x but idk it would be more reliable and. I’m on a budget.
The XR400 is a great bike, its gunna be hard to beat its reliability. The CRF250X has a taller seat height as its the same frame as the motocross bikes. In my opinion the XR400 is more reliable than a CRF250X. Even though I have owned a CRF250X I would actually choose the Yamaha WR250 over the CRF. Are you planning on trail riding or what type of riding do you do?
Well we agree that it should not be a open 4 stroke. I personally think all bikes should have a kick start and all riders should learn how to Kickstart a bike as it could save there life in the back country. The Yamaha wr is far more reliable than a Honda crf 250 x so I would agree on the Yamaha mostly but a ktm 200 is a lot lighter and that can make a huge difference. As for beginner skills building a trials bike is an amazing tool. Auto clutches I do not recommend for beginners because it means skipping crucial part of learning how to operate the clutch.
Hey great Vidoe! Quick question, so I just started riding 2 years ago with my kids, I'm 40 now so much later in life lol. So I had a kx 250f for 2 years and rode a lot of track, buy I really enjoy the trails more and would like to get into racing hare scrambles and such in Florida. So I was thinking about either a ktm 350 excf or a yamaha wr250f. Not sure I want to buy new so I was wondering how far back would be safe to go used on these bikes. Thanks for any info!
Both bikes will work really well for what you want to do. You probably will prefer the suspension on the Yamaha WR250F vs the KTM unless you plan on buying a 2017 or newer KTM.
No, a Honda CRF230F is better for a beginner. It is E-start, "air cooled" and full sized, smaller is the CRF150F same/same. Why air cooled, because it has no radiators to smash.
Hi Gary, thats a great point. I feel like I need to address the air cooled 230 trail bikes. I just feel like people grow out of the 230 bikes too fast. Within a year I wanted something more powerful when I first bought my CRF250X.
Hey I'm a small guy 5'7" 130lbs soaking wet and 53 years young Im about to buy my first bike and was thinking of buying the klx140r could you please tell me what you think. Also I have done some riding in my youth and early 20s. Much appreciated Thanks Keith.
Backcountry Life I started on a crf 50 wen i was 10 then stopped riding till i was 17 then jumped on a yz450f sold that piked a crf250 sold that didnt get bak on a bike till age of 26 then piked up 2013 wr450 rode that for a bit sold it piked up a 2010 yz250 rode that for a yr then sold it then piked up my most recent 2018 ktm 450xcf i love this bike because it js as light as my 2010 yz250 was overall had a blast on all of them trying to get my son on his first bike for christmas see if likes it crf110 🤘🏼
I'm 29 y/o and 220 lbs. I've got several years of street riding under my belt. One of my bikes is a KTM 690 Enduro R that I have only ridden around with supermoto wheels/tires. Looking to get into riding trails. Would it be stupid for me to try to learn on my KTM 690 with the original dirt wheels/tires? If so, what do you think about the KLX 230R or CRF 250F?
While a 690 is sweet I would not recommend riding it on single track. Not that it cannot be done but its just a big ole girl. The KLX or CRF are MUCH better.
Hey mate, thanks for your thoughts. I'm 50 and have done lots of riding, Mostly road, some Adventurebiking but not much trail/dirtbiking (I also Mountain-biked for a while). I recently rode a FORZA 140 small wheel and a KTM250Sxf. I liked the 140, but it was too gutless uphill in deep sand. I loved the handling of the KTM, but the off-on throttle response (from closed throttle) made it really hard work and kind of scary to ride. I owned a WR426 a few years ago and it was a piece of cake to ride. - lots of easily accessible power anywhere, great throttle response. Are all modern injected bikes like the KTM I rode?? Also, if I was on a very tight budget, what would you suggest? I like the look of the FORZA 230 big wheel (Only $4000nz brand new in New Zealand), but wondering what other bargains might worth keeping an eye open for.
Man that’s tough yeah a ktm250sxf with it’s power curve, suspension, and gearing are only good for the motocross track. We have a beta 200 rr that’s amazing and the ktm XCW are great at going slow.
Don’t forget to tell us what your first dirt bike was!! Also check out our new video on the best beginner bikes for 2022 - th-cam.com/video/vOhYLa0FDNU/w-d-xo.html
First bike was yz450fx, now hold up. Got the yami so I could mild down the power easily on my phone for riding the first few times. Also 70% of my riding is in the dunes chasing my family in turbo rzrs. I needed a 450 for that. But now I'm debating on a small bore 2 stroke for singletrack and beginner enduro type stuff. Looking at 200rr te150i (hate ktm for no reason but 150xcw tpi) or an xtrainer only cause of the price
25$ 1986 suzuki RM80 2SMOKE ex "race bike" rebuilt with modern *1996*😅 front an rear suspension bored to 85ish cc lol learned how to build engines because of it back in 96 an never looked back🤘
How is the 250X on the road? Is it shakey and pain in the ass (when riding longer than 1,5 hour) or comparable with a Yamaha XT600 kinda bike? I ride the XT600 now and looking for a Crf250X. And after how many hours do you need to adjust valves ect?
Its ok on the road, it doesn't have a ton of power which means you will be revving it a bunch. I feel like the tire selection is really whats going to help with making it stable or not.
@@BackcountryLife sweet thanks!! there is just a local one nearby and i can’t seem to find the wr for a good price anywhere. you think it would still work though?
So is a yz450f, not a good trail bike? Im an experienced dirtbike and motorcycle rider so I know the power is good and I’ve had a blast on the 450 compared to a klx250 that I had. Like I think it’s amazing. Thoughts?
No it’s built for motocross not trail riding. Can you ride a YZ450F on trails yes....but in hard technical slow riding single track the YZ450F would not be nearly as good as a trail built enduro bike. That doesn’t mean that the YZ450F isn’t a good bike and a really fun dirt bike. Listen I’m really all for riding what you got.
Would you say for someone who started on a lager dirtbike (KTM 525), and has been riding it for almost 2 years, should take a step back to be more more proficient on a smaller bore machine? Long story short, I used to ride a streetbike and sold it for a dual-sport and my intention was to have something with a higher displacement for street work.
Just get the 230 ,the 140 G is 3 years only and there's already some part issues , rear sprocket ,chain slider ,spokes are all dealer only I just waited 3 months for spokes . Buy a bike that you can get parts for .
Started riding in 2018 on a 2001 CR250R at age 39 - probably too much bike to learn on. I ride single track so cal...I'm 41 now and pretty used to the 250 2-stroke, but don't know much different. I still consider myself a beginner - maybe an advanced beginner? :) I've ridden 15 times, and I'm into my 3rd season now. Looking at upgrading bikes...I've been looking at the 250 or 300 KTM XC or XC-W...think that's too much bike still at this point? Any point in going back to a smaller bike or 4-stroke? I definitely need the e-start either way!
If you have ridden a couple of different bikes then go with what feels good to you and what you have fun on. Richard really likes his Honda 250 RX much better than my KTM 250 XCW. Logan doesn't love my bike as much as his bike. Will would never give up is 450 4 strokes. So between the 4 different riders on our channel we all like very different bikes. With that said people tend to overestimate the size of bike needed. They usually think they need a bigger bike than what they really do need.
nice selection, what is your opinion for woman short rider, (my wife is 5-2+)she rides BMW 750GS and want to ride some easy enduro, what would you say on KTM 150 XC-W tpi.....maybe with lowering kit, thank you, cheers V!
I would choose the Beta Xtrainer before the 150XCW as the 300 has more low end grunt which makes it easier to ride. The seat height on the xtrainer is also lower.
@@BackcountryLife thank you, that is interesting, would be nice if you can make sometime in near future video/overlook what and why those bikes are for short/woman riders.... and do it with some local hottie, it would bring the interest👌💃👌, thank you, cheers V!
That’s great for me as an adult as I fell into the trap abs bought a WR450 and did my knee in... many years later, what can my 14yr old son ride trail with me now?
You can get a Hodna 230 or Yamaha 230 to start with. Buy a used one and once he grows out of it you can sell it for around the same price you bought it for.
@@BackcountryLife My brother just got one this week, I'm hoping for Santa! 1st day he flipped it and skinned up his back, he didn't tone down the throttle control.. I posted in you VitalMX post, the thread is moving now if you want to visit.
I want to start trail riding, do you think a yz 125/tm mx125 would be a good bike? If so, what would you recommend between the two for a beginner? Thanks.
I'm new at trail riding and I want to get into the sport what do you think about a Kawasaki kdx200 no electric start though good price not into going raw dog just move writing
Crf230 is a great bike but it’s limited by suspicion. Don’t over look the gpx moto bikes coming from China. The China bikes are not the gas station sold pit bikes they where 15 years ago.
Bobby Ratliff thanks for your input. I need to try out the gpx moto bikes one of these days. I feel like the crf230 is good but people will grow out of it too fast but that doesn’t mean it’s not a great option as it’s bullet proof and more affordable.
I’m 6ft tall 240 lbs....I have my heart set on a KTM 300 xcw.... haven’t ridden in about 8 years... I’m thinking the bike is good for my weight... Is there some kind of chart on rider weight to size of engine ? Thanks
Backcountry Life...Yes, no jumps, no wheelies, no crazy fast riding....I’m 46 and my body has taken a beating over the years from my line of work....I plan on doing single track, small hill climbs and really just leisurely strolls through the park....3rd gear all day 😎
Now, I'm a bigger rider. Use to ride back in middle and jighschool when I was lighter on a smaller bike, now I'm 6ft2in tall and 265lb. Do you think the 250x will have the power to be the trail bike
Marshall morris I don’t know much about the new CRF250x, but if it got a bunch of updates like the CRF450x did then yes I would get the new one. For a very long time Honda really hasn’t really changed much on the CRF250x it’s long overdue for some updates. Not that the old ones are bad but I feel like the CRF250x Could get been better with some new tech.
Bought my boy a 85cc yz and for me has more than enough go want one too but its too small i would realy like is a big frame bike with a 85cc that would be impossible to buy so must be build or n detuned 125
So the YZ125 is a sweet bike and super lightweight. That depends on where you planning on riding it. A -125 2 stroke is harder to ride then a 250F but if you can learn to ride a 125 2stroke fast those skills will really translate well. Do I recommend it for a beginners bike no...as it’s harder to learn on then a 250F or 230F
Sam I’m 5’7 looking to get a bike to trail with I want a 250 but my dad said it’d be best to get a small bike like a klx140 for trails so I don’t have to tippy toe what do you recommend
So confidence is the key here. You want to make sure you ride a bike that allows to zero in on your skills. Having a bike that is too big and too powerful is harder to prefect your skills cause you are always fighting with the bike and power. Buying a used KLX, CRF, or TTR to learn on is a good idea. Also those bikes hold there value and you typically can sell them around what you paid for if you buy them used. Once you feel like you have all the skills like standing up, clutch control and cornering you can sell your bike and upgrade to a larger more powerful bike.
Starting to get into dirt biking and am stuck on buying a Honda crd250fx or a Yamaha game yz125. Both brand new. Would a Yamaha 250 2 stroke be to much power
The CRF250x is really only a trail bike an won’t be fun in the track. A YZ125 is fun in the track but harder to ride single track. A YZ250 is a motocross bike but it does have Enough grunt to ride single track. I would go for the YZ250FX as a do it all bike.
I’m trying to start riding dirtbikes myself. I’m brand new to riding dirt bikes. Complete novice. I’m 6’2 and 215 pounds. What bikes should I be looking at sir?
I am 15 and 5'9 and I ride in some rocky trails and am looking at the WR250F or the CRF250X. Which is better? By the way I am not a beginner and I ride pretty fast and hard in these tough trails. Any other good enduro bikes would be good to know about as well.
Hey man , I’m age fifteen and I’m 5,11 I’m trying to spend under 3500 on a beginners dirt bike any recommendations and also where is best to purchase second hand bikes ? Thank you
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This message is for any/all people that are either new to dirt bike riding or know someone that is new to riding
#1 which is the most important, look at the manual. It'll help you understand the bike so much better.
#2 before riding check your Engine Oil, your coolant, your Gas. And be sure to lube the chain. Make sure both you and your bike are ready to go riding!
#3 Upon cold start, ever had problems starting your bike in the cold? Simply, what i recommend/use. Give the bike 20 slow kicks, Then kick hard until it starts, also check your fuel setting, Reserve, On, Off. And check your choke. Well put your chock on before starting.
#4 In the cold, after starting the bike, Wait about 3-5 minutes to let the engine warm up. I blew my engine before, $600 rebuild kit was required to fix it. So be sure to let the bike warm up before taking off.
#5 If your buddy climbed a muddy hill that looks really hard. Don't follow him/Her. Only do what your comfortable doing, you'll get better over time.
Like i said, you want a dirt bike right?
Well you want a dirt bike that's big but not to big. A dirt bike isn't a toy, it's a mechanical vehicle and can perform very very good if you take proper care of it.
So if your 16+ AGE. Then you'll want between a 125 to a 300CC. You don't want anything bigger then a 250 really, but the Beta 300 is what i use for enduro so i say nothing bigger then a 300 because your more likely to get hurt more with a bigger bike. A Yamaha YZ 125 and YZ 250 are great starter bikes, or their's the Suzuki RM-Z 250, Also Honda makes CRF 125 and 250.
I honestly don't know what you want, but i only want you to be a safe and comfortable as possible.
God bless, and i wish you the best of luck!
If your having problems please leave a reply or email me at finklowell@gmail.com
Great advice. Thanks for your input.
Probably too late for a response but. I’m 17, looking to get into trail riding and potentially ride it at the track sometimes. I’m 6’8 and 105 kgs and my dad (who’s ridden his whole life) reckons a 250 will be too underpowered for someone my size and I’ll grow out of it and get bored very quickly. What’s your thoughts on that?
@@lachiehall6097 tbh with your weight and height. I think the 300 would be fine
I will subscribe just because your explanation was more direct and simple. There wasn’t a lot of ego in your video great job.
Thank you!
@@BackcountryLife which years have Electric start on a dirt bike pls help
@@Javier-fm6ye the 2005 crf250x has electric start
@@dirtbikesam does a honda crf 250x have one
Been loving the crf250f. I'm a beginner rider and it has been so much fun, reliable and easy to ride.
Great to hear!
I am a beginner and 64 yrs old and have a new CRF250F & a new Beta Xtrainer. Love both bikes. Both super fun and reliable.
Couldn't agree more!
Well just got back into dirt biking when i turn 41. Bought a honda 250 dual sport. Road for a little and wasn't for. Then went fe350s rode that for year. Then i bought a 2019 te300i and that's the bike for me!! Great vids bro! Be safe!
Thanks Jason. Yeah I am a big fan of the 2Ts for sure. I didn't start dirt biking until my mid 20ies. Since then I have owned a bunch of bikes and have settled on the KTM 250 XC being what suits me the best. How long have you had your 19 TE?
Hi Sam, your title and the WR250F caught my eye. I've been riding singletrak and dualsport for 40+ years, have had ITs, RMs, KDXs, XRs, DRZs, etc all good tools for the right job. My last singletrak/dualsport was a WR450F and frankly the weight/power was just to much for this 64 year youngster. Recently got a 2019 WR250F and it's amazing for singletrak and dirt biased dualsport ... great call!
I think so many of us over look the 250F's as "not enough power" but in reality, we would get injured less and probably have better skills if we rode a bike that was less powerful. Thanks for your input.
Let me tell you, I’m 26 and thought the wr450 would be the sweetest, fastest bike in my group but man it’s heavy and not easy to ride for a full day without being completely fatigued. I highly recommend the wr250 if you want a nice, responsive, reliable machine.
@@papi8311 I’m 40 and just got rid of my drz. That thing would play me out in the single tank and going with the kids on their 125. I’m regretting selling but not going to get another drz. My buddy and I switch bikes a lot and the wr450 is a lot of bike too. I’m thinking the wr250f is the ticket
@@BackcountryLife well, I had an underpowered bike and was very limited on the steep and long climbs. Now have an ec300 and that extra power and torque never did me any harm...is just there for when is needed. In the future I am looking pn the wr450f...but I agree with you, those are best bikes for beginners 👍
@@2WheelDernessI’ve never ridden a clutch bike. I’m 6’3 200/lbs so my options are limited to basically Yamaha… that’s not a bad thing because I need the bigger/taller bike and a stiffer stock suspension being right at 200/lbs marker. I’m learning the different models and I’m glad I didn’t try to jump on a SX model or high end trail bike. Something that is going to require the least maintenance in the beginning and be somewhat comfortable to ride with my height. I see Aaron Plessinger is 6’2 and rides a 450 but he still looks kinda big on that KTM. I wouldn’t touch a 450 probably ever in my life as it’s just too much power. I’d like to be comfortable cornering which means riding the tank and a taller framed bike is basically a must. I’d like to get a dual sport Wr250R as that would be perfect in every situation but unfortunately Yamaha stopped making them. I like Honda’s reliability but their too cramped and their suspension is too soft unfortunately. Been doing my research on TH-cam and there’s a lot of good info but without knowing how to ride one yet I’m kinda TH-cam shopping. I learned how to drive a manual in 15min as a kid. Like bought a brand new 2002-Eclipse GT (5-speed) and never drove a manual until I picked it up at the dealership. My dad took it off the lot but then pulled over and I drove it home, dropped him off and went out with my friends driving by myself… so I picked it up almost instantly once I figured out how to get it out of 1st. Obviously a dirt bike has much less margin of error and more of a learning curve with body positioning and much more sensitive clutch control.
I started riding when I was in my late 30s. I first had a tw200 and now have a xtrainer and still consider myself a beginner. I have been very satisfied with the xtrainer so far and think it would be great for most beginners. Thank you for making great dirt bike videos!
Thanks for your feedback. How long have you had the Xtrainer? One of these days I want to get my hands on a Xtrainer.
I have a 2016 WR250F and I agree - it’s a great bike to get started and will cover trail riding through to hard enduro. Plenty of ability even for experienced riders too but not intimidating for beginners. I recently rode a Husky FE 350 (4 stroke) and that was a peach. Very accessible performance, forgiving & light. Expensive however.
Thanks for your input. I love the WR bikes. You summed it up perfect. The FE350 are a fun high revving bike. You looking to get one of the those next?
Backcountry Life It’s very tempting but I don’t ride enough off road as it is and I’ve no genuine reason to change my WR - it’s already capable of much more then I ever use it for. Keep riding and keep the videos coming!
Thanks. Good call the WR will dish out smiles for miles.
My best 2 beginner bikes are Yamaha ttr 230 and Honda CRF 250 F my son is 15 years old and rides both of them very well they are also perfect for beginner adults they are fun to ride and easy to maintain
Thanks for the input. Easy to maintain is also really important.
Started on a 2003 YZ250 which probably was not the best idea. Then went to a 2012 CRF250X and progressed my riding skills substantially.
Finding a bike you can progress on and not be scared of it is important.
Backcountry Life Agree 100%
Just bought my wife the 2022 beta 300 x-trainer and it is pretty sweet
Light, balanced, great feel, quality parts and electric like power delivery and way less hyper than other 300 two strokes
Awesome! That's the best description of the Beta Xtrainer 300 I have heard so far.
@@BackcountryLife
I forgot lower and shorter than the other full size bikes
Plus it just needs signal lights mounted to be street legal, everything is there ready to go
Controls, wiring, horn, everything
I grew up on xrs but when I was able to buy my first bike I went with a ktm250sx and went down to a yz125. Still have it and love it
Very nice. Thanks for sharing. A quality 2 stroke like the YZ can last forever!!
Oh boy. First bike was a Harley Davidson 65 Shortster. Currently have several. 96 YZ 125. 93 KDX 200. 06 KTM SXF 250. They all have their place but the 200 is the most user friendly. Wish they would not have discontinued it. Low seat height. Good low end power for that era yet tons of power on top if you want it. Your choices are spot on today. I don't think I'd buy another with out e start. Someone else mentioned seat height and that would be the next factor. If you can't touch the ground you will be hard pressed to ever get comfortable. Every manufacturer makes something you can get along with to start off but a little research and a little riding time most will end up with one of the two you recomended as a second bike if not first.
Thanks for your input
Started out at age 5 on a sears 3.5 mini, at 7 got an Honda Elsinore 50, KX80 at 10 and KX125 at 13 and 250R three wheeler. Have continued to ride Street and at 54 would like to get back in the dirt. Been researching for a couple years and had pretty much decided on the WR250. Your video was helpful in making me pull the trigger. Thanks
I started when I was 15 on a 84 Kawasaki kd80 , then when I was 24 I bought a brand new 06 Yamaha TTR250(I love this bike still own it now), this year I turned 37 and I bought a new 19 ktm 150 XC-W ( I really love this bike super light and compared to the TTR250 it is super playful and does not kill me when I accidentally whiskey throttle).
Haha thanks for your comment.
What is the top speed on a 150xcw
Started at 42yrs old on Husqvarna FE250 - very easy bike to learn to ride on! Put 75hrs on that bike and have now moved to Husqvarna TE250i which wouldn't have been possible without all that time on the 4 stroke. The 4 strokes engine braking combined with amazing traction is a huge advantage when you are learning to ride compared to a 2 stroke which is definitely more fun and challenging but not ideal if you want to learn to ride and improve as quickly as possible.
Mike G thanks for your feedback! Its always good to hear other riders point of view.
I'm not a motocross guy. These things are new to me. Recently went on a trip with a ktm 450 sx F 2007 to the mountains. Electric start. Tons of power. But only a 4 speed and the clutch is either off or on. Very little room to play with it. Seemed first gear was angry unless doing around 20 km/hr.
So I'm on what turned out to be a 7 hour ride on this bike going over everything. Gravel. River beds. Wash outs with lose rocks and 15 lb stones, some boulders, slate etc. Mud. Wet clay. And a variety of all those mixed. Ride was about 38 km. Slow riding and I felt like I was fighting to keep the bike running (stalled it plenty of times).
Decided to do a bike swap for the trip back to camp. Kdx 220 1998 and omg night and day. Six gears and nimble! Stalled once after a river crossing that went straight into a steep incline, otherwise was able to ride it like I stole it with no worries of choosing a path and a speed to hit my line with.
Now I'm looking for a kdx220 but they seem more rare than unicorns.
What compares to a kdx 220?
I'm 230 lbs 6ft 1. Rode an 80cc as a child in farmers fields. Rode cruisers on the streets as an adult. Plenty confident in riding anything from A to C through tons of BS. But want an easy to ride powerful 2 stroke that's plentiful. Not only to buy but to get parts for as I'm sure repairs will be required at some point.
Any thoughts?
The closest bike on the market today is the Beta 200 rr. In my opinion it’s another one of those rare unicorns. Tons of bottom end and feels light and nimble bit not a fire breathing dragon like the 300 2T
@@BackcountryLife Yeah the Beta are good bikes and do great at Enduro, i ride 2017 Beta 300CC RR. If you take care of it, it'll go through about anything. Great bike and comes with E start. I started on a 2014 Suzuki RM-Z 250 4-stroke. that was 5 years ago though, but if i had to choose my beginner bike at the time i would've gone with the YZ 250. Also i very comfortable dirt bike.
And thank you for helping all these people, i've been replying to a lot of new riders trying to give them tips and support. And you are to, so for that i thank you!
@@lowellfink9292 Yeah we have a Beta 200 RR in the garage and love it. Thanks for your input.
@@BackcountryLife Beta 200 RR. Are you planning on selling it?
@@lowellfink9292 maybe at some point but not right now
As far as to this day, all I ride are pit bikes.
I was 13 when I got my first bike, which was a 70cc (either Orion or Apollo). The following year (after I severely damaged the 70), I got a used Roketa 125cc bike to try and learn how to operate a clutch, but I was having a super hard time with that (I actually still have the 125 pit bike). And just this year, I got a very high quality 140cc bike from a company called Piranha and words can't describe how much fun I'm having on the 140, along with how much easier it is to operate than the other bike.
I’ve never owned a pit bike. I do have a CRF110 that I ride around on but I bought it for my kids haha
@@BackcountryLife I guess that can count. As long as you take the time to ride it on occasion 😉
@@pitgroove.37_66 Haha yeah I ride it probably more than I should
CRF230F was my starter bike as a kid, regretted selling it as it was so slow to a point I could absolutely send it
Solid bike
Its old but go kawasaki KDX 200 OR 220 that is the bike I own right now and its the most fun bike I have ever owned VERY confidence inspiring and cheap to fix.
new cylinder, piston, rings, and lectron carb is cheaper then to have a mechanic do a top end on a 4 stroke and that is all new parts on the 2 stroke cant say that about the 4 stroke. In the end it will be more reliable then your 4 stroke start first KICK every time. Men use kick start.
I wish Kawasaki still made the KDX200.
I started on an 86 DR 200, rode every trail in the Entiat in Washington state, holy shit that bike got me up some of the gnarliest stuff
That’s for sharing! Never ridden a DR200
I got a 2004 ttr 225 last summer and I think it would be a great first trail bike despite the weight
For sure
I rode a lot when I was 16 till I was 23, i had a kdx 200 till I quit riding and got into jeeps. I started ridding again in my late 30s and got a ktm 350 exc-F, that was a huge mistake. I started riding a lot of single track and that bike sucked for that, hard to ride, flamed out all the time. Sold it went to a beta 300 2t, that was a huge game changer for me. I started loving riding again, and will prob never go back to 4 strokes again.
Thanks for sharing. What year beta 300 do you have?
@@BackcountryLife 2019 300rr
Both bikes you mentioned are good bikes but if it's a short guy or a lady they might be too tall for a beginner..I think for a beginner a bike where both feet are on the ground is a better way to get started..you can always move up after you outgrow the starter bike.
Thanks for your videos.
I really like your channel
Thanks for your Input Randy. You are exactly right and should have mentioned that it might be too tall for a shorter guy or a lady. Maybe the KLX140G or the new CRF250/125 should be included.
Good video. 👍🏾 Still holds true today. I really like the Beta 200 RR and the KTM 150 XC-W TPI/ Husky TE 150i. The WR 250F is great too. All four continue to be updated and have modern technology. You can ride them with anyone pretty much anywhere without terrifying or harming yourself. Great options.
Thanks, yeah all fun bikes that help build up confidence and riding ability
DRZ400 tbh tame, good maintenance, tons of aftermarket, and it performs adequately.
Thanks for your input. The DRZ400 is a solid bike but probably a bit heavy for a beginner.
@@BackcountryLife Yeah it is a little porky but I would think that a beginner would also be a beginner in regards to wrenching on a bike as well. I like the choices in the video but the teardown and rebuild intervals might be a bit daunting. Then again my play bike is a 1996 RM125. There are times I wish bikes like the XR400 and KDX200 still existed. Also I got to recently demo a GPX TSE250R and for 5k that is an impressive offering.
@@stoplogicmotorsports Thank you for your input. The DRZ is as reliable as it gets. I would love to get my hands on a GPX one of these days.
2020 BETA 200 RR not quite beginner, but can be detuned easily, as well as climbs eagerly.
Yeah it’s right there on the edge but it’s such a good bike I couldn’t leave it out
Thanks, I have a 08 WR 250F I just picked up, haven't rode in years and it seems great so far. Plan to ride the TAT and maybe some BDR. I looking to include some single tracks along the way.
I havnt ridden a bike in 40 yrs, Just got the Wr 250 F
Awesome! Welcome back. The WR250F is a great bike
Thankyou. Going for first ride tomorrow. Too hot today
Man every time I look at dirt bikes it's like 3-4 k used and there old but new bikes seem to be the same price
Yeah that an happen for sure.
But why
Mostly due to people customizing the bike.
I've used a 19 WR250F over a year for woods oriented dualsport and singletrak. Tried 4 different maps and ended up with the "AUSSIE", welded a 1" id exhaust to the muffler insert and run a TWIN AIR FILTER on it. The lowend, midrange and top end of this 250 is amazing IMO. It runs great and I rarely miss the WR450F it replaced!
Nice. Sounds like a sweet bike
I am a big fan of the Beta bikes and run an Xtrainer with a modified suspension myself. I would NOT recommend the Xtrainer or 200rr for a new rider. These are FAST bikes! A new rider could easily get themselves into trouble. I'd recommend a KX85 or 100, or the TTR 4 strokes for someone new.
They are fast for sure, but are easier to ride then A KX85 or 100 because the can lug whereas the 85/100 are all top end power. But that’s just my opinion
You described the exact mistake I made... I'd been riding streetbikes and thought no way would a 250 be enough power for me (I'm 170lbs). hahaha... Worst mistake ever. I bought a big WR450 and that thing kicked my ass. Thing was a torque monster.. You so much as breathe on the throttle, the front end will pop wheelies. Threw me off on 3-4 different occasions and I finally had enough and sold it. Looking for a 250 now.
haha yeah I don't want to admit it but a 450 is way too much of a beast for me!!!
I started when I was 16 or 17 on a 1984 Suzuki PE175. Had mellow power low and mid range with a motocross type hit at the high end. I am still looking to get a bike for my son. He has ridden a TTR125 but he quickly grew to big for that bike. Too bad Kawasaki doesnt make the KDX200 anymore because that would be a perfect bike for him.
Awesome! Thanks for sharing. There is a weird gap in bikes for our kids around 11-14 years old. You either have to go straight into a trail bike or motocross. Nobody makes a kid-friendly enduro bike like a KDX200
I’m lookin at the crf250f it got electric start and has what I need for power and size
I'm lookin at the klx 140g as a first bike, and idk if its any good im just trying to find something low budget and will last at least a year or 2
crf250f is very similar to crf230. Great bike! I have a crf250x which I love, and I moved from 230 to it. Maybe try test riding the 250f and a 250x, because you might find you like the 250x model more
I just got a crf 150r as my first bike but thinking later down the road also getting like a 250f or just trail bike with Estart
@@thelethalpredator672 my wife got one for her first bike and she loved it. If you are over 170lbs and ride steep terrain, the engine power might be little low. Maybe new gearing would solve.
Hey did you get the crf250f? I thinking about one or maybe a used wr250
The Honda CRF 250F, Electric Start, low to the ground, easy to ride. $4600 brand new. Or Yamaha's new YZ 125x, detuned version of the YZ 125 . $6600 new.
Which one you going to get?
Backcountry Life ..kind of leaning towards the Yamaha YZ 125x, I love 2 strokes, read good reviews on it. Also looking at that new KLX 300 R, all though it's a bit heavy. Price is right, $5400.
Those bikes can be first and last probably. Yz250fx would be next step up. I've been riding street bikes for a long time and starting to ride dirt bikes. I recently bought 2012 crf450r for a good price and realized it's a monster. Sold it and made money. Bought 2006 yz250f good condition and now I'm worried that it will also be too much. My son is 8 And has klx 110 so he can't go fast. I'll probably never need yz250f. I'm probably going to pick up another wr250r and try both. I think I'll keep yz250f when another family member wants to go and when we want something with more power to play around with.
Thanks for your input. Yeah having a bike that you are not afraid of while getting into dirt biking is a smart idea. The last thing you want is to get hurt and when riding the 450ies they wear you out much faster. This then can result in mistakes that could cause injuries. The WR250 will be MUCH more mild and tame then your YZ250F.
Yea, if the 250f feels too much you don't want to go with the 250FX it's got about the same hit to it. The motor is a beast.
Great video! I like your picks for those bikes because while they can be forgiving for a beginner, it will take a while before you grow out of them. I would caution about the Beta 200 for a real beginner as it is a very capable race bike even though it can be ridden slow as well. the X-trainer is def the better choice for a beginner when it comes to Beta.
Thanks for your input! The beta xtrainer is probably the better bike if your getting started out. I just love the 200 rr and couldn’t help putting it in there haha.
@@BackcountryLife I love my 200 more every time I ride it!
Yea, the 200 you can dull it down a little with the power valve and map switch to suite a newer rider.
Hinda crf230 is great aswell. Lower than crf250 and no radiators you have to worry about smashing up.
Thanks, Paul. It looks like I didn't give enough love to the CRF230. Quality trail bike for sure.
I would say KLX 140G or Beta XT
My wife had both. The 140G is a great bike, much less intimidating than the XT or the 200.
Yeah I need to do another video about the klx 140g
My gf and I just got a 140RF (replaced the 140g), and I can confirm that it has been a great bike to learn the fundamentals of the clutch and so forth. I'm 6 foot and she is 5'6. I'm flat footed but feel fine on it, she is almost flat footed, but not so much on her toes that it would make it uncomfortable. I may get a ttr230 to ride along side her 140, but the first time I accidentally dumped the clutch I was thankful I didn't have enough power to send the bike out from under me.
My first ride was the dreaded KX450, and yes it was terrible to get used to. I went with the YZ250FX next and while the power was way better, the jumpy off idle throttle was hard to manage without being an expert on clutch control. I ended with the Beta 200rr and it has taken me to where I am now, and I will probably keep this bike for the long haul. If you crank that power valve out, it gets very high strung and gives me more than enough power to hang with the 250 guys when I'm on the pipe.
Thanks for sharing. I really have been enjoying the beta 200rr. I would like to try a 2020 YZ250FX.
Good stuff thank you! I am definitely a beginner. Never actually road motorbike before... Ever. Looking for something smooth and easy to ride with not tons of power that will jack me up first ride. Ill look into the options you suggested
You are welcome
Great video! Enjoyed it thoroughly! Keep up the good content!
Thanks, will do!
I have raced dirt bikes for 19 years. All from 125 to 450 and for me I'ts easier to go fast with a little less power.
I totally agree, most people think that they need a 450 or even a 250 when a smaller bike would be better.
These guys get it. You don’t need a 450 to go fast..
Good suggestions in the video. I felt like the Honda and the Yamaha need to have a new top end too often. It would be a gamble to buy one used. I probably will buy something fairly new next time. My first bike is an xr250, and unfortunately the engine was in bad condition. I am still trying to get it up and running. It is a good project bike though.
Thank you for your input. Unfortunately no matter what we buy engines are a ticking time bomb. We just try to pull the trigger on one that won’t blow up while we own it haha.
i ride an xt250 and a tw200- both have e start and are much less intimidating than any of the bikes you reviewed- with a much lower price point and you can ride them from the driveway to the trails and back
You bring up some good points. I need to do another video talking about the other bikes I left out. I have spent some quality time on a TW200 and it has a place for sure. I need to talk about the strengths and weaknesses of these bikes.
Suspension sucks but it can be corrected at your local Lowe’s
what year did the honda CRF250X the one in the video come out (great vid btw)
2005. Thanks for the watch
2004 is the first year for the 250X. I own one. Very small changes to the 05 so its basicly the same bike.
But they are not made any longer correct?
@@StoneyWV correct, the last year for the CRF250X was 2017. The CRF250RX "replaced" it. I don't think the word replaced is the best word though because the RX has a much more "race ready" application.
Build the wall 👍
Amen
I have a xr400r and I’m 6 foot 200lbs. It’s a bit high and a bit heavy not to much tho. It’s cuz the weight sits high. Kick start only. I really want a crf250x but idk it would be more reliable and. I’m on a budget.
That being said I love my Xr and won’t replace it unless it for a bike similar to it but with lower center of gravity and e start. Thank it
The XR400 is a great bike, its gunna be hard to beat its reliability. The CRF250X has a taller seat height as its the same frame as the motocross bikes. In my opinion the XR400 is more reliable than a CRF250X. Even though I have owned a CRF250X I would actually choose the Yamaha WR250 over the CRF. Are you planning on trail riding or what type of riding do you do?
IF you can, YES- TRY A BETA XTRAINER!!! LOWER SEAT HIGHT THAN ANY OF THEM!!!
That would be awesome. FYI we switched all our dirt bike content to our new TH-cam channel - www.youtube.com/@dirtbikesam
Hello . What is your choice about 250 cc Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki motorcycles for adventure?!
250 yamaha
Well we agree that it should not be a open 4 stroke. I personally think all bikes should have a kick start and all riders should learn how to Kickstart a bike as it could save there life in the back country. The Yamaha wr is far more reliable than a Honda crf 250 x so I would agree on the Yamaha mostly but a ktm 200 is a lot lighter and that can make a huge difference.
As for beginner skills building a trials bike is an amazing tool. Auto clutches I do not recommend for beginners because it means skipping crucial part of learning how to operate the clutch.
Adam Batchelder valuable information Adam! Learning proper skills really makes a huge difference. Thanks for sharing.
Like it or not kickstart is going away/gone. They've been off trail bikes for a few years and very few big bikes have them.
@@beauhawk1146 you can still buy a kick start kit for a ktm/husky 250, 300 and the 350,500 exc, I've installed a lot of them.
How much does the kickstart kit cost?
@@BackcountryLife about 250. Plus 1 hour to install.
Great information!
Thanks for watching!
Hey great Vidoe! Quick question, so I just started riding 2 years ago with my kids, I'm 40 now so much later in life lol. So I had a kx 250f for 2 years and rode a lot of track, buy I really enjoy the trails more and would like to get into racing hare scrambles and such in Florida. So I was thinking about either a ktm 350 excf or a yamaha wr250f. Not sure I want to buy new so I was wondering how far back would be safe to go used on these bikes. Thanks for any info!
Both bikes will work really well for what you want to do. You probably will prefer the suspension on the Yamaha WR250F vs the KTM unless you plan on buying a 2017 or newer KTM.
No, a Honda CRF230F is better for a beginner. It is E-start, "air cooled" and full sized, smaller is the CRF150F same/same. Why air cooled, because it has no radiators to smash.
Hi Gary, thats a great point. I feel like I need to address the air cooled 230 trail bikes. I just feel like people grow out of the 230 bikes too fast. Within a year I wanted something more powerful when I first bought my CRF250X.
I’m 14 6’1 and have a crf 100 would a crf 230 be a good upgrade
@@bethwillis9523 yes
Hey I'm a small guy 5'7" 130lbs soaking wet and 53 years young
Im about to buy my first bike and was thinking of buying the klx140r could you please tell me what you think. Also I have done some riding in my youth and early 20s. Much appreciated
Thanks Keith.
I would recommend the KLX 140 G or KLX 140R F. Basically the Kawi that has the full size 21 front rim and the 18 in rear rim.
I piked up a 2018 ktm 450xcf best bike iv owned ya it a 450 but power comes on real smooth and bike weighs same as 250-300 2strokes 😁
That’s great! The perfect bike is different for everyone. What are some of the other bikes have you ridden?
Backcountry Life
I started on a crf 50 wen i was 10 then stopped riding till i was 17 then jumped on a yz450f sold that piked a crf250 sold that didnt get bak on a bike till age of 26 then piked up 2013 wr450 rode that for a bit sold it piked up a 2010 yz250 rode that for a yr then sold it then piked up my most recent 2018 ktm 450xcf i love this bike because it js as light as my 2010 yz250 was overall had a blast on all of them trying to get my son on his first bike for christmas see if likes it crf110 🤘🏼
I got a ttr 90 as my first bike I’ve had it for like 2 years I’m now 13 and 5,2 what bike would you recommend
KLX140 or CRF125 big wheel
Yz250f
@Nathan Mills to small😂
I'm 29 y/o and 220 lbs. I've got several years of street riding under my belt. One of my bikes is a KTM 690 Enduro R that I have only ridden around with supermoto wheels/tires. Looking to get into riding trails. Would it be stupid for me to try to learn on my KTM 690 with the original dirt wheels/tires? If so, what do you think about the KLX 230R or CRF 250F?
While a 690 is sweet I would not recommend riding it on single track. Not that it cannot be done but its just a big ole girl. The KLX or CRF are MUCH better.
What about the klx140f or the klx300?? Aren't them more easy to handle than the 250 Yamaha or Honda?
Check out my new video on our other channel, th-cam.com/video/vOhYLa0FDNU/w-d-xo.html
Hey mate, thanks for your thoughts. I'm 50 and have done lots of riding, Mostly road, some Adventurebiking but not much trail/dirtbiking (I also Mountain-biked for a while). I recently rode a FORZA 140 small wheel and a KTM250Sxf. I liked the 140, but it was too gutless uphill in deep sand. I loved the handling of the KTM, but the off-on throttle response (from closed throttle) made it really hard work and kind of scary to ride. I owned a WR426 a few years ago and it was a piece of cake to ride. - lots of easily accessible power anywhere, great throttle response. Are all modern injected bikes like the KTM I rode?? Also, if I was on a very tight budget, what would you suggest? I like the look of the FORZA 230 big wheel (Only $4000nz brand new in New Zealand), but wondering what other bargains might worth keeping an eye open for.
Man that’s tough yeah a ktm250sxf with it’s power curve, suspension, and gearing are only good for the motocross track. We have a beta 200 rr that’s amazing and the ktm XCW are great at going slow.
Don’t forget to tell us what your first dirt bike was!! Also check out our new video on the best beginner bikes for 2022 - th-cam.com/video/vOhYLa0FDNU/w-d-xo.html
First bike was yz450fx, now hold up. Got the yami so I could mild down the power easily on my phone for riding the first few times. Also 70% of my riding is in the dunes chasing my family in turbo rzrs. I needed a 450 for that. But now I'm debating on a small bore 2 stroke for singletrack and beginner enduro type stuff. Looking at 200rr te150i (hate ktm for no reason but 150xcw tpi) or an xtrainer only cause of the price
May not own one but i had the opportunity to ride a 1970 harley davidson
Kade Tt-r125 That’s cool! How was it?
25$ 1986 suzuki RM80 2SMOKE ex "race bike" rebuilt with modern *1996*😅 front an rear suspension bored to 85ish cc lol learned how to build engines because of it back in 96 an never looked back🤘
How is the 250X on the road? Is it shakey and pain in the ass (when riding longer than 1,5 hour) or comparable with a Yamaha XT600 kinda bike?
I ride the XT600 now and looking for a Crf250X.
And after how many hours do you need to adjust valves ect?
Its ok on the road, it doesn't have a ton of power which means you will be revving it a bunch. I feel like the tire selection is really whats going to help with making it stable or not.
@@BackcountryLife thanks
hey what are your thoughts on a 2016 yz250f? I would use it for trail riding and it would be my first bike
Great bike but it’s a motocross bike so it won’t be as good on trails because of the gearing but I say ride what you can get your hands on!
@@BackcountryLife sweet thanks!! there is just a local one nearby and i can’t seem to find the wr for a good price anywhere. you think it would still work though?
Kayo 250 4 stroke is a good learner bike
I have very little experience with a Kayo
So is a yz450f, not a good trail bike? Im an experienced dirtbike and motorcycle rider so I know the power is good and I’ve had a blast on the 450 compared to a klx250 that I had. Like I think it’s amazing. Thoughts?
No it’s built for motocross not trail riding. Can you ride a YZ450F on trails yes....but in hard technical slow riding single track the YZ450F would not be nearly as good as a trail built enduro bike. That doesn’t mean that the YZ450F isn’t a good bike and a really fun dirt bike. Listen I’m really all for riding what you got.
Backcountry Life yes I see, and I guess I understand that. I guess the trails I ride just aren’t challenging enough for me to notice. Thanks!
Keep ripping!!
Would you say for someone who started on a lager dirtbike (KTM 525), and has been riding it for almost 2 years, should take a step back to be more more proficient on a smaller bore machine? Long story short, I used to ride a streetbike and sold it for a dual-sport and my intention was to have something with a higher displacement for street work.
Depends on what type of riding you plan on doing
I'm lookin at the klx 140g as a first bike, its the perfect size. im just trying to find something low budget and will last at least a year or 2
Thats a great starter bike.
Just get the 230 ,the 140 G is 3 years only and there's already some part issues , rear sprocket ,chain slider ,spokes are all dealer only I just waited 3 months for spokes . Buy a bike that you can get parts for .
how to you change gears
Started riding in 2018 on a 2001 CR250R at age 39 - probably too much bike to learn on. I ride single track so cal...I'm 41 now and pretty used to the 250 2-stroke, but don't know much different. I still consider myself a beginner - maybe an advanced beginner? :) I've ridden 15 times, and I'm into my 3rd season now. Looking at upgrading bikes...I've been looking at the 250 or 300 KTM XC or XC-W...think that's too much bike still at this point? Any point in going back to a smaller bike or 4-stroke? I definitely need the e-start either way!
If you have ridden a couple of different bikes then go with what feels good to you and what you have fun on. Richard really likes his Honda 250 RX much better than my KTM 250 XCW. Logan doesn't love my bike as much as his bike. Will would never give up is 450 4 strokes. So between the 4 different riders on our channel we all like very different bikes.
With that said people tend to overestimate the size of bike needed. They usually think they need a bigger bike than what they really do need.
I’m just getting into all of this and I’m thinking of buying a dirt bike, I’m 15 and 5”11. Any recommendations
Honda crf250f or Yamaha ttr 230
nice selection, what is your opinion for woman short rider, (my wife is 5-2+)she rides BMW 750GS and want to ride some easy enduro, what would you say on KTM 150 XC-W tpi.....maybe with lowering kit, thank you, cheers V!
I would choose the Beta Xtrainer before the 150XCW as the 300 has more low end grunt which makes it easier to ride. The seat height on the xtrainer is also lower.
@@BackcountryLife thank you, that is interesting, would be nice if you can make sometime in near future video/overlook what and why those bikes are for short/woman riders.... and do it with some local hottie, it would bring the interest👌💃👌, thank you, cheers V!
Thanks for your input!
@@BackcountryLife or you can go with ktm Freeride, same as Xtrainer. Exc 150 has power only on full throttle...
Sam if I am 5’6 and would ride on trails could I use a bike like a yz 125
They answer is yes. However a YZ125 is a motocross bike and the suspension and gearing are not setup to ride trails.
@@BackcountryLife I don’t know much about suspension, what does that mean and how bad would it be?
@@BackcountryLife would it be bad to do and what else would you recommend
So the suspension on a motocross bike is too stiff for trail riding. A TTR 230 is a trail bike with lower gearing and softer suspension
@@BackcountryLife what does that mean and how would it benefit me
About a new Kawasaki klx 300 electric star ? And it’s under 6k
the KLS 300 is a solid bike thanks for reminding me.
That’s great for me as an adult as I fell into the trap abs bought a WR450 and did my knee in... many years later, what can my 14yr old son ride trail with me now?
You can get a Hodna 230 or Yamaha 230 to start with. Buy a used one and once he grows out of it you can sell it for around the same price you bought it for.
Thanks, will have a look
Thx
You are welcome
I’m about 5’8 and about 180 do you think I can ride a 250 4 stroke? I’m kinda new but I’ve rode before
For sure you can ride a 250 4 Stroke.
Backcountry Life thank you 🙏
You are welcome. Let me know if I can help with anything else
Backcountry Life 👍
Ya for sure
Wouldn't the crf250f be better for trails/single track? I thought the 250x was an mx/competition bike?
so the CRF250F is a solid trail bike but so is the CRF250X the MX competition bikes are the CRF250R and the CRF250RX.
The Sur Ron E-bike is the ticket. No shifting, no starting, super light weight, and cheap.
Do you own one?
@@BackcountryLife My brother just got one this week, I'm hoping for Santa! 1st day he flipped it and skinned up his back, he didn't tone down the throttle control..
I posted in you VitalMX post, the thread is moving now if you want to visit.
Thank you for posting it on VitalMX. Haha yeah I have heard they are torque monsters. I want one for Christmas too!!
I got a 6 speed 2014 ttr125 im only 13 and starting
Awesome!
I want to start trail riding, do you think a yz 125/tm mx125 would be a good bike? If so, what would you recommend between the two for a beginner? Thanks.
So for a beginner a 125 2 stroke can be a bit intimidating. If you want to stick with a 2 stroke I would go with a beta 200 RR.
I'm new at trail riding and I want to get into the sport what do you think about a Kawasaki kdx200 no electric start though good price not into going raw dog just move writing
KDX is a fantastic bike
are you Sam from the dirt bike channel?
Yes I have been known to be on the dirt bike channel with Kyle :)
WHY DIDNT YOU SAY ANYTHING ABOUT THE YAMAHA TW 200..THATS A INCRERABLE TRIAL BIKE..WHAT DO YOU THINK??
The TW200 is WAY to heavy as it weighs around 300lbs so its not a good beginner bike.
Crf230 is a great bike but it’s limited by suspicion. Don’t over look the gpx moto bikes coming from China. The China bikes are not the gas station sold pit bikes they where 15 years ago.
Bobby Ratliff thanks for your input. I need to try out the gpx moto bikes one of these days. I feel like the crf230 is good but people will grow out of it too fast but that doesn’t mean it’s not a great option as it’s bullet proof and more affordable.
I’m 6ft tall 240 lbs....I have my heart set on a KTM 300 xcw.... haven’t ridden in about 8 years... I’m thinking the bike is good for my weight... Is there some kind of chart on rider weight to size of engine ? Thanks
So really it’s about where you plan on riding. Do you plan on riding single track most of the time?
Backcountry Life...Yes, no jumps, no wheelies, no crazy fast riding....I’m 46 and my body has taken a beating over the years from my line of work....I plan on doing single track, small hill climbs and really just leisurely strolls through the park....3rd gear all day 😎
Ktm 300 XCW will be perfect!
Now, I'm a bigger rider. Use to ride back in middle and jighschool when I was lighter on a smaller bike, now I'm 6ft2in tall and 265lb. Do you think the 250x will have the power to be the trail bike
Marshall morris yes the CRF250x will have enough power. You will need to put stiffer springs in the forks and rear shock.
@@BackcountryLife another question, I see honda has the new 250rx. Would that be a viable option? Honestly money isn't an issue
Marshall morris I don’t know much about the new CRF250x, but if it got a bunch of updates like the CRF450x did then yes I would get the new one. For a very long time Honda really hasn’t really changed much on the CRF250x it’s long overdue for some updates. Not that the old ones are bad but I feel like the CRF250x Could get been better with some new tech.
@@MorrisOutdoors98 yz 250fx is better
Bought my boy a 85cc yz and for me has more than enough go want one too but its too small i would realy like is a big frame bike with a 85cc that would be impossible to buy so must be build or n detuned 125
Beta xtrainer is what I would recommend
@@BackcountryLife cant get those in my country
Where are you from?
@@BackcountryLife namibie
What’s your opinion on a yz125 as a first bike
So the YZ125 is a sweet bike and super lightweight. That depends on where you planning on riding it. A -125 2 stroke is harder to ride then a 250F but if you can learn to ride a 125 2stroke fast those skills will really translate well. Do I recommend it for a beginners bike no...as it’s harder to learn on then a 250F or 230F
I’m 5”11 and I don’t know much about dirt bikes but I’m trying to find one for a cheap price
A CRF230 or a TTR230 are cheaper bikes for beginners
Ok cool, thanks!
Sam I’m 5’7 looking to get a bike to trail with I want a 250 but my dad said it’d be best to get a small bike like a klx140 for trails so I don’t have to tippy toe what do you recommend
So confidence is the key here. You want to make sure you ride a bike that allows to zero in on your skills. Having a bike that is too big and too powerful is harder to prefect your skills cause you are always fighting with the bike and power. Buying a used KLX, CRF, or TTR to learn on is a good idea. Also those bikes hold there value and you typically can sell them around what you paid for if you buy them used. Once you feel like you have all the skills like standing up, clutch control and cornering you can sell your bike and upgrade to a larger more powerful bike.
I got a crf250x it’s a good bike
Yeah what year?
Backcountry Life 2008
What about KTM 150cc 2 stroke
I am a big fan of the KTM 150CC 2 stroke but they are not the easiest dirt bikes to learn on.
Starting to get into dirt biking and am stuck on buying a Honda crd250fx or a Yamaha game yz125. Both brand new. Would a Yamaha 250 2 stroke be to much power
All are great bikes, I guess it just depends on what you what to do with it. What type of riding are you planning on doing?
@@BackcountryLife mostly trail riding that are meant for atv as well and probably will start to try and get into a bit of track
The CRF250x is really only a trail bike an won’t be fun in the track. A YZ125 is fun in the track but harder to ride single track. A YZ250 is a motocross bike but it does have Enough grunt to ride single track. I would go for the YZ250FX as a do it all bike.
@@BackcountryLife meant to say Honda crf250rx
@@Hover2377 That makes sense. You can ride the CRF250RX anywhere its a solid do it all bike and easier to ride than a 2 stroke.
What do you think about the KLX 230R and 300R?
Both solid bikes. I feel the 300R has a little better suspension!
I’m trying to start riding dirtbikes myself. I’m brand new to riding dirt bikes. Complete novice. I’m 6’2 and 215 pounds. What bikes should I be looking at sir?
What type of riding are you wanting to do? Motocross or trail riding?
Backcountry Life just trail riding! I was honestly looking at the crf250X
That’s a great choice. Either the CRF250x or WR250
Backcountry Life awesome!! Thank you for the help. Subscribed already. Love the vids man! God bless
Thank you!
I am 15 and 5'9 and I ride in some rocky trails and am looking at the WR250F or the CRF250X. Which is better? By the way I am not a beginner and I ride pretty fast and hard in these tough trails. Any other good enduro bikes would be good to know about as well.
I also do some small jumps in the trails too.
The WR has better front forks. If I had to choose I would go yamaha only because of the front forks.
What did you end up getting? I would have picked the 200rr for you.
Hey man , I’m age fifteen and I’m 5,11 I’m trying to spend under 3500 on a beginners dirt bike any recommendations and also where is best to purchase second hand bikes ? Thank you
WR250 or CRF250x but if you want ultimate reliability you can go with a TTR230 or CRF230F
Backcountry Life thank you much appreciated 🙏
Backcountry Life hey man what’s your opinion on a yz125 as a first bike for racing
Lance Archibald I’ve also been doing resurch myself and I also agree on the 2 stroke yz125 I think it’s a good choice I’m going for it
Lance Archibald alright man appreciate it brother
I am brand new to this. But I am looking for something different in my life. I need help lol. Thank you
Which dirt bike are you looking at getting?
We bought my son the Kaw klx230
How are you guys liking it?
@@BackcountryLife, we like it. It's a great bike to learn on. We really wanted the Honda, but Honda wasn't shipping to dealers in July.
@@timothymelvin3824 yeah it's been a struggle for the dirt bike manufacturers to get new stock in. Glad you guys are liking it.