Me and my buddy picked it back up after 20 years at 52 and 53. Bought CRF 250F's thinking we'd be so rusty. Man it comes back quick, outgrew these things in. couple weeks. KTM XCF 250's or Husqy FE 250's this spring! Good for you, great great fun!
@@hermitrob5481 consider getting a 150 or 250 2t. They don't have the insane power band like older 2t bikes. I have a 21 te150i and I like the low end power a lot more than the 16 250xcf I used to ride.
@@arnoldgrabski6436 I have. I dig em totally. The problem is getting Husqies where I live (western Maine) I also came up on 2 strokes (all my sleds are still 2’s) so kinda dig checking out what the newer 4’s have to offer. I could very well circle back to that wonderful smell though 🤙
The best thing to me about riding is it absolutely clears your mind when you ride you cannot think about anything else but riding when your on a bike dirt or street you can't think about anything but what is around or in front of you or you will get hurt it's fantastic.
Yes, very much so. It's weird how having that intense focus that riding requires has a therapeutic effect, it improves your attitude, improves your sleep, and makes you smile. The other thing i love, I call it solving puzzles. As you ride a hard single track, you are making decisions and picking the line, and as you get better, you make hard stuff ride-able. Your brain loves solving puzzles.
My buddy got me hooked on the sport in July 2019. I’m 49 and I started on a KDX 200. Now I’m looking at new bikes. I suck but man I’m having lots of fun in the woods. Wish I started 20 yrs ago.
A kdx 200, with suspension freshened up, valved, and sprung for your weight, is a very capable woods weapon. Nice low seat height, and smooth power, makes it great for your first few seasons
Just started at 45 and my 13 year old son and I absolutely having the best time. I find myself waking up early, going to sleep thinking about where we are going to ride the next day. It’s so much fun. We snowboard all winter, but the dirt bikes are a whole different beast.
I'm glad you started with the "right tool". An MX bike is the worst thing that can happen to a off road rider. But it's the one so many people get first, because it's always the cheapest.
Riding a trail bike on the trail is easier yes. I started riding 5 years ago and got a YZ250 because it was cheaper. I’ve never been to an MX track, my YZ is 100% trail riden to this day, it has forced me to learn to be in the right gear, with the right amount of throttle and clutch at all times. Never have I regret buying an MX bike. I ride friends XC bikes and am very happy getting back on my YZ, it puts a smile on my face every ride and I feel it has helped me learn faster. I will get myself onto a TPI XC bike when it is feasible (young family) but I’m still very appreciative of what I do have. DONT BE SCARED to start riding single track if all you have is an MX bike!
Ive been going with a 250sx for the last 2 years and i love every minute. I feel weird riding exc, but i do envy the 6th gear. I mostly ride enduro and offroad
You couldnt be more wrong. A “MX” bike will go up any trail or hill or whatever else an enduro will. been riding for 25 years. You can shred anything terrain on an MX bike. If a person could only afford one bike. The MX bike is the answer. It is the most versatile.
This dirt bike obsession thing is very real. I just can't stop and it is like a beaming white light in a dark confusing world. I hope this light never fades. I just dove headfirst into riding again at 31yo after 16yrs away. Life and growing pains got in the way but thank God I found it again. Bought a DRZ400 2mo ago, and then a KTM 300 XC-W a month later. I haven't felt this much peace in my life in quite a long time.
I’m 16 years old. And I spend all my money on bikes quads and trucks. I’m having the fun now while I don’t have other responsibilities or a family or taxes. I’m going to sell most when I get 20 plus. Then get back into it seriously in my 30s.
Started at 37 with a KDX 200....Upgraded to a WR250f and now i am on a KTM 300 at 41 years of age....Biggest regret : That I did not start at a younger age... Absolutely love the sport.
@@Shareeftraish I must be honest...in the beginning the wr250 suspension was better. But overall the 300 is a far more superior bike. Once I got used to the WP suspension I was hooked ...won't go back...Lord willing.
Started in 1970 on a DT1, modified to race, bought a 250 Husky, switched to Yamaha MX250, then a 1976 Yamaha YZ250. Stopped riding and racing in 1977 at 27, when my son was born. Started riding again at 60, I ride a WR250F and BMW f800GS Adventure. I regret nothing, having as much fun at 67 as I did at 18.
Started when I was 5 on a pw50 have been on a bike all my life from ds80 xr100 xr200 kdx200 cr250 crf250 2x rm125 rmz 450 ktm 450exc and now 36 with a husky fc450. Love to ride and will always have a bike :)
100 percent where I am right now. Had a crf250r that I raced in high school. Killed my fun for everything that wasn’t the track. Just got a ktm 300 and it is such a different world. I’m excited to ride for the first time in 4 years.
ive had financial problems the past 3 years... they have only gotten slightly better lately snd ive had the nerve to go finance a brand new kx450 the other day...glad ive did it
I agree on the tire subject...I remember the first new set of tires I ever put on my bike...it made so much of a difference and i never knew how much better the bike would handle...afterwards i put a new tire on every spring and at the beginning of fall...its the best feeling to have a perfectly gripping set on for what kinda terrain you ride
Today I bought my kids a lifestyle. As of today, my 16yr has a KX250xc and my 12yr old has a YZ65 (he’s a little 12 so hopefully he’ll get a few years out of it).
I really appreciate your input. I am 24 and want to get into dirt bikes this input really means a lot to me! I owned a Honda grom for a little bit it was fun but I'd rather off road.
I was a quad rider/ racer up to 6 years ago then jumped on my kids bike and loved it , I’m 50 now and my first bike was a Kx 450 , did get into single track and it was a huge challenge with this bike !! I upgraded to a yz 450 fx and absolutely awesome at everything:) thanks for a great video’s
I started at age 5. Have had a bike of some sort with the exception of maybe 2 years since and I turn 50 this year. 2 of my kids ride almost daily now at age 12 and 14. These videos are a go to for all 3 of us. Thank you!!!
Great talk man. I’m not new to motor sports but I just got my first dirt bike. Let me tell you, I was humbled yesterday at 2mph in a mud pit and have bruised ribs! I grew up racing quads on the sand and that is just easy! Slow, skill, challenge, that’s what I’m looking for now.
Got back into riding at 50. Average rider, don't race, and enjoy 2 strokes more than 4. Live in an amazing place ...ENDLESS trails (Eastern Oregon). My favorite thing about riding...is the amazing stock suspensions bikes have. KYB forks on my YZ250X and now the WP AER forks on my 20 TX300i. The way these forks make rocky rutted trail feel smooth...make me a better rider. Great sport. So much fun.
Best dirt bike content on the internet. Thanks for all this information! Definitely thankful for a lot, especially the ability to go out and buy a couple nice bikes me and my wife at 46 & 50 years of age!
Sometimes I wonder if that "fear" is ingrained in you at a young age. Maybe not everyone, but my mother used to always say "You'll get hurt" and blah blah whenever I wanted to do something on the extreme side. It wasn't until I turned 35 I started finally living. I'm still scared to do things I might get hurt, but I still do them! I'm always last place in my races, but I don't mind at all! I'm out there having a blast! Maybe one day I'll own a trophy. If not, I'll just buy one off Ebay.
Started on a kx80 when I was 14. Got a kx125 when I was 15, rode the crap out of that bike, no front brake or anything. Gave up riding dirtbikes at 17 and sold the 125. At 23 bought a yz250f for woods riding and that was a mistake, hated the bike. Kept it for about a year and sold it. At 26 I bought a klx450r off a friend to try and get back into it, met some guys who were more into riding than I was and that sparked me to want to get better, I sold the klx last year and moved up to a 2018 ktm 300. Man what a difference. The bike instills so much confidence where the 450 didn't. Kyle you were one of the main reasons I looked at the 2 strokes, plus one of my friends had a 2016 300xcw that I got to try out. I don't get to ride as much as I want but I do enjoy it. Just getting into single track a little more and more, the more I ride it the more I enjoy it. Slower speeds and more technical. Not a pro by any means but it's enjoyable.
Thanks for the Pod Cast you legend . keep it up . I just got my first Bike nothing special for the moment ! I learnt some very good information from this podcast though :)
You’re so right about going slow is harder. I rode street bikes an hour one way to work for 30 years and you get pretty good going any speed. Riding street bikes helps you ride dirt bikes and vice versa. If you want to tell if your riding with a weekend warrior or a skilled rider just watch when you come to a stop Lol. If the person is putting their feet down twenty yards before you actually stop and wiggle wobbling to the stop sign , you’re a rookie. I would test myself to see how long I could stop without putting my feet down. It helps your balance ,street or dirt , and it will help you when you get in certain situations. The best part of the day was when I left for work and returned home. Nothing like it, no drugs or alcohol needed for that high.
Hmmm...guess I better tell my Kenda Trakmaster II that is sucks. It is DOT approved, poor little guy, if only he knew, he would be ashamed of himself. Seriously though, I can buy two T2's at 49.95 a pop compared to the cost of one "legit" hybrid gummy. I ride everything in the AZ. I've been on the same single track you have ridden in your videos while you were in AZ and it has never let me down. Maybe one of these days I will splurge for a hybrid gummy but $50 buys a lot of gas. My point being, just because it isn't orange or it isn't a hybrid gummy doesn't mean you can't get out there and crush it. Blue bikes with inexpensive, great value tires work just as well also, and I have money left over to buy lunch after the ride.
Trials! I’m sure lots of you watching this have thought about picking up a trials bike or maybe getting into it. I did about 3 years ago and it had forever changed my riding abilities. Most dirt bikers approach an obstacle and there technique is to apply speed to clear it. Trials will teach you to slow down, pick a line with the proper technique and clear it without ever putting a foot on the ground. How many people have you seen stuck on top of a downed tree because they wheeled into it, slammed their skid plate and then burned the rear tire trying to free themselves?
Want one badly but they are so rare in my area that even the used machines are starting in the $5k range I'm sorry but I just cant see spending that much money on a bike that is essentially just a motor on 2 wheels theres no seat theres no lights or wiring harness no starter no battery no fancy expensive chrome or paint why are they so damn expensive?
58 years old and Been riding mostly since I was 6.. but I quit dirt in 2009 after back surgery and a heart attack.. moved to the mountains and kept wishing with all the great trails around.. finally bought a 500EXCF in July.. happy to have my rusty ass back in the woods.. ride til it hurts the. Ride the Goldwing til it heals
i think the fear can save you a bit in some situations. i only have experience on a 4t 125 and want to get a dirt bike, so i went and look ad a 300 2t, but when i test rode it... holy shit. i would not be able to ride that thing and have fun. it feels like you cant use more than 1/3 throttle without being launched into the distance. now im looking at a 125 2t or 250 4t.
Just started at 42 with my 11yo son. I ended up with an older YZ426 mx bike, which I regret. I feel like I'm always concentrating on throttle contol because it has way too much power for me. I'll definitely be dropping down to a 250 soon.
Gotta agree with Matias on this one. I'd take it a step further and say that the 300 is the better "older rider" bike (I'm also 42), because it is so much easier to ride..... yeah it has more power than the 250, but it comes at you SOOOO much slower. Also the 300 takes far less effort than the 250 because of the torque. On the flip side, I enjoy 250's more because it's a little more work and feels like a wilder ride. ALSO! Heck yeah for getting your kid into the sport, he'll remember this forever man!
My last dirt bike was a PE 250 in 1975. I loved that bike. It was perfect for everything., from riding in the snow in the winter , to desert riding in the summer. Never had a problem with it. Sold it to get married. Now I think I would like a modern two stroke and slow down for more technical stuff to develop more balance.. The problem is the seat height is so tall for my 32" inseam except on a trials bike. I loved the snap of my Enduro and I can only afford one bike. Such a quandary. Since I only will have one bike I need it street legal too, as I like to ride every day. BETA has a seat kit for their trials bikes that has a seat height of 32 inches?
Seat time and frequent ridning are important to develop your skills. I'm a late starter in this sport and THE biggest improvements in my riding came when I started riding twice a week. That was a game changer for me..., And yes, I would have been helped a lot by your excellent advices some years ago. I had to figure out everything by myself and that took a couple of bikes and years but thats life... Put in the seat time and suddenly you will realise that you can do stuff that was impossible before, you see new lines , you can jump with control, you can ride longer and better, and then you are not the slowest noob om the trail anymore!
Wise words i agree with you i started riding back in 1974 on a Suzuki tm 100 i still ride at age 58 not as fast as i use to be i ride a husqvarna te 300 now love it we ride single track and race harescrambles dirr biking is the only thing that ive found that takes my mind off my problems makes me feel like a 12 year old again ive went through a kidney transplant and now cancer but when im on my bike i dont think about it thank for your videos i really enjoy them i was running tublis but have switched to bib moose love them like the peace of mind of not having flats
I believe access to places to ride where people live varies greatly. Without traveling great distances not all of us have single track for enjoying , my point being it's an awesome sport but it comes with a price.
#1 (3:01) Dirt bikes aren't scary #2 (5:46) You need the right tool for the job #3 (9:44) There's this thing called single track #4 (13:14) You will have fun at any speed #5 (17:49) The tires are super important #5b (20:12) You should learn tire changes #5c (22:17) Know what tires to use #5d (26:11) You need to swap tires in time
Thanks for mentioning Fastway parts. They filled the gap for some parts that will help my kids new bikes be better suited to off-road adventure. The KTMs and Husqvarna are out of the box race ready but for some the bikes are still missing key components. My kids are all getting Husqvarna bikes. TC50 mini 4yr old TC50 6yr old TC65 8yr old TC65 10yr old TC85 11yr old TC85 big wheel 33yr old FE350 38yr old I was looking for kick stands and a few other accessories for all my kids bikes and Fastway has some of them...
i started riding dirt bike at 48 , and 30 years earlier on sport and cruiser bikes but i wish i skipped the street bikes and started riding dirt bikes instead, its more fun and enjoyable and by far better skills. totally different experience and school.
Didn't really learn anything, but I do have to point out I wish someone would have bring me sooner to the single track goodness. All you talk about is spot on ! I guess it doesnt matter for alot of people but, if you have snow in your area and store your bike for the winter, DONT ! Just buy a snowbike kit, I now live for that, its really THAT awesome.
Expanding on #4, we used to say in the Marine Corps (of course we used it in a different application...) slow is smooth, smooth is fast. Learn how to ride smooth, it makes a difference.
I agree with everything you said except for your comments about 2 stroke being better and easier than 4 stroke for single track...sure the pro riders use 2 strokes, but I think it's a preference thing for normal trail riders. There are plenty of fast riders on 250 and 350 4 strokes than win enduro events, so its a stretch to say 2 strokes do it easier. I'm 52 and I prefer the more controllable power of a 4 stroke, I personally find it easier to ride than a 2 stroke on challenging single track. Each to their own!
I like what you said, but one thing I dont agree with is changing your own tire, I did that once, pitched the tube, had to buy another tub. If I give it to a shop to replace a tire or tube, the shop that does it for me 25 bucks, they change the tire or tube, if they pitch the tube, they replace it, no extra charge, and they get rid of your old tire, dont have to pay to get rid of it.
Absolutely true.same here.started riding at around 30 also and would have been great to know these 5 things then. But also still I can apply lots of these tips today .awesome podcast.tks a lot Kyle
My 2 cents 1 Don't ride a Motorcross bike on the trails. - They break - They overheat - They're shit for obstacles and tight stuff 2 Prepare/maintain your bike before the ride, not on the ride or that morning. - Seen too many people breaking down - Rocking up to events with flat tires and asking for gear to fix their bike - Stick to the user manuals on when to maintain your bike. 3 Have your own equipment. - You should bring stuff to and on your ride like spare tubes, hand pump, brake and clutch levers, etc. 4 Buy a bike with low k's and hours and hasn't been raced/thrashed. - The last thing you want to be doing is doing a full rebuild on your "new" bike. - Some bikes you can just look at the plastics and can tell what life they've had. - Make sure the owner has receipts if they've claimed they have done rebuilds. - It's sometimes the little things that break can be a major pain in the ass and stop the ride. 5 Bring enough fuel. - Countless times we've had to cut rides short because people can't be bothered bringing a bottle of fuel. Taping it to your front fender is not the way to go. They ask you for your fuel and you have to give it to them because you can't leave them behind. These are the type of people you don't want on your ride because they are also probably the people who don't do any of the things I've mentioned above.
My biggest regret is that I left off-road at 18 and just now getting back. At 63, with some bad parts, I don’t know how good I’ll be but I don’t really care! Love the channel and the one thing I can say for sure at this time is that single track and I aren’t ready for each other. Now, when I win the KTM 300, I’ll be ready!! Lol!
If you don't win it go pick yourself up an 08-newer 300 xc or xc-w. They are all incredible bikes and super stout when maintained. My dad is your age and I keep trying to get him to ride with me again. I even have an extra bike for him to ride but he's just given up I suspect. I know he would love it but I think he's afraid of being less of a rider than he used to be. It's sad. More power to you!! Join a riding group and put yourself out there, you'll meet awesome people
I know this is an older video, but HOW could you not talk about tire pressure as part of number 5 !!?? Bibs exempt of course but there are a lot of newbie riders that have no clue how much difference there is between 14 psi and 10.5 psi. Just sayin... keep it up Kyle, love your stuff. Thanks for not giving away the location of some of those trails in Idaho, if people want to find them they need to work a little for it or be introduced by a friend!
I'm almost 50. Haven't been on a bike for 31 years. Even at that I didn't do much riding back then. I bought a KTM in May, 2020. Absolutely love it. ( 250 xc tpi. ) Also took over my son's 2020 XCW. (Traded for my XC, because he loved the XC.) I'm glad I didn't buy the 450. It would have beat me to death.
Nice job. been riding for over 45 years straight and its nice to see someone whom admits that the 4 stroke MX bike just isn't the right bike for the woods or off road. I am sure you'll here some chatter but i agree 100%. On the GOING SLOW ! it took me a few years to get my 22 year old son to slow down, but now he sees how much harder it is and how much more FUN it really is.
Bit late but loved the part about the expense of tyres and here I am with both those hobbies (mtb and dirtbiking) makes for a very light bank account 😂😂
Awesome video Kyle, lots of greats tips that can be applied to a lot more than dirt biking even. Btw if your ever in New England you have to let me know!!!
suspension adjustments. is it possible to turn all the adjustments counter-clockwise a couple of turns and make an MX bike little comfortable for short trail rides?!!
I agree with most of the things you said except for the suspension only because I've seen you spend a lot of money on your enduro bike suspension lol I mean even and Mx bike you could always just soften the suspension
Need info help. Im looking to buy dirt bike again after few years of not driving it. I had in past wr 450 f that was too big and not so enjoyable. Im looking something light where i could learn some tricks and to drive it good. Im most interested in 150 2t tpi or 250 2t tpi. Im bit scared that 250 is too strong? But also im even more scared that i would surpass 150 in few months and i want to buy something on long term and also i would use it also on road sometimes for going into city and such. Would 250 2t tpi be perfect for all in all?
Lol it has been said too often , but if I could take my 50year old mind and put it in my 25 year old self....might have done trials instead of road racing, then again that was pretty cool too, just not transferable to technical trail riding. Shout out to Dave Ramsey.
What about running Slime in a Tube? Anyone doing that? Any drawbacks for a Dirt bike? I have used it for years on mountain bikes and Slime makes heavy duty version for Dirt Bike Tires.
@@michaelmacdonald329 450f is a horrible first bike. Also a horrible bike on the trail for a beginner. Too touchy with the clutch, touchy with the gas, and too heavy for 100 degree day on the trail. Also really rigid and uncomfortable. Trail bike fixes this since it designed for trails and not racing track. I dont ride track therefore I have no need for a 450 motocross bike. Plus two stroke > 4 stroke. Forever.
Fastway parts fill the gap. The KTMs and Husqvarna are out of the box race ready but for some the bikes are still missing key components. My kids are all getting Husqvarna bikes. TC50 mini 4yr old TC50 6yr old TC65 8yr old TC65 10yr old TC85 11yr old TC85 big wheel 33yr old FE350 38yr old I'm so happy Kyle shared Fastway on this pod cast. I was looking for kick stands and a few other accessories for all my kids bikes and Fadtway has most of them...
I would say a 250f if you're sticking with 4 stroke or a 125 if you're going 2 stroke. The crf150r is about equivalent to an 85 2 stroke, so the 125 would be the logical upgrade if switching to 2 stroke. Could also probably go with like a KTM 150 2 stroke and be fine there too. Really all depends on what style riding he's doing.
It might depend on his height, though you can always lower a taller bike. I would always suggest a KDX 200 or 220 as they are amazing and capable woods 2strokes that won't rip your head off with a powerband. They are very reasonable in terms of buying used and are extremely reliable when maintained. I consider the KDX platform as the perfect transition bike into the world of 2stroke enduro style riding. I got a KDX220 when I was 16yo as my first full sized bike after only riding smaller 4strokes(xr100, ttr125, xr200) It was perfect. There are plenty of reviews on TH-cam and google searches that really stand up for the KDX's. They are incredible bikes
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i started at 53 and i am completely addicted. july 2019 i started. mountain biked for decades. never too late !
Mountain biking is a great base and cross training sport.
What bike did you start with?
Me and my buddy picked it back up after 20 years at 52 and 53. Bought CRF 250F's thinking we'd be so rusty. Man it comes back quick, outgrew these things in. couple weeks. KTM XCF 250's or Husqy FE 250's this spring! Good for you, great great fun!
@@hermitrob5481 consider getting a 150 or 250 2t. They don't have the insane power band like older 2t bikes. I have a 21 te150i and I like the low end power a lot more than the 16 250xcf I used to ride.
@@arnoldgrabski6436 I have. I dig em totally. The problem is getting Husqies where I live (western Maine) I also came up on 2 strokes (all my sleds are still 2’s) so kinda dig checking out what the newer 4’s have to offer. I could very well circle back to that wonderful smell though 🤙
The best thing to me about riding is it absolutely clears your mind when you ride you cannot think about anything else but riding when your on a bike dirt or street you can't think about anything but what is around or in front of you or you will get hurt it's fantastic.
Yes, very much so. It's weird how having that intense focus that riding requires has a therapeutic effect, it improves your attitude, improves your sleep, and makes you smile. The other thing i love, I call it solving puzzles. As you ride a hard single track, you are making decisions and picking the line, and as you get better, you make hard stuff ride-able. Your brain loves solving puzzles.
single track saved my life. gave me purpose and drive in my early 40s. absolutely important
My buddy got me hooked on the sport in July 2019. I’m 49 and I started on a KDX 200. Now I’m looking at new bikes. I suck but man I’m having lots of fun in the woods. Wish I started 20 yrs ago.
A kdx 200, with suspension freshened up, valved, and sprung for your weight, is a very capable woods weapon. Nice low seat height, and smooth power, makes it great for your first few seasons
Just started at 45 and my 13 year old son and I absolutely having the best time. I find myself waking up early, going to sleep thinking about where we are going to ride the next day. It’s so much fun. We snowboard all winter, but the dirt bikes are a whole different beast.
Me too brother I’m 45 me and my 13 and 15 rip it all the time
Started with a MX bike, *still* using an MX bike, will continue using an MX bike.
I like the MX bikes.
I think it was Graham Jarvis that said “if you want to be fast, learn to ride slow!”...Good point!
I'm glad you started with the "right tool". An MX bike is the worst thing that can happen to a off road rider. But it's the one so many people get first, because it's always the cheapest.
Riding a trail bike on the trail is easier yes. I started riding 5 years ago and got a YZ250 because it was cheaper. I’ve never been to an MX track, my YZ is 100% trail riden to this day, it has forced me to learn to be in the right gear, with the right amount of throttle and clutch at all times. Never have I regret buying an MX bike. I ride friends XC bikes and am very happy getting back on my YZ, it puts a smile on my face every ride and I feel it has helped me learn faster. I will get myself onto a TPI XC bike when it is feasible (young family) but I’m still very appreciative of what I do have. DONT BE SCARED to start riding single track if all you have is an MX bike!
Ive been going with a 250sx for the last 2 years and i love every minute. I feel weird riding exc, but i do envy the 6th gear. I mostly ride enduro and offroad
You couldnt be more wrong. A “MX” bike will go up any trail or hill or whatever else an enduro will. been riding for 25 years. You can shred anything terrain on an MX bike. If a person could only afford one bike. The MX bike is the answer. It is the most versatile.
This dirt bike obsession thing is very real. I just can't stop and it is like a beaming white light in a dark confusing world. I hope this light never fades. I just dove headfirst into riding again at 31yo after 16yrs away. Life and growing pains got in the way but thank God I found it again. Bought a DRZ400 2mo ago, and then a KTM 300 XC-W a month later. I haven't felt this much peace in my life in quite a long time.
I’m 16 years old. And I spend all my money on bikes quads and trucks. I’m having the fun now while I don’t have other responsibilities or a family or taxes. I’m going to sell most when I get 20 plus. Then get back into it seriously in my 30s.
Started at 37 with a KDX 200....Upgraded to a WR250f and now i am on a KTM 300 at 41 years of age....Biggest regret : That I did not start at a younger age... Absolutely love the sport.
Nobody That Matters how do you like the KTM 300 vs the WR250?!
@@Shareeftraish I must be honest...in the beginning the wr250 suspension was better. But overall the 300 is a far more superior bike. Once I got used to the WP suspension I was hooked ...won't go back...Lord willing.
I have twin 9 year old boys and they ride ktm65s, the fastway kickstands are hands down the best mod to my kids bike I've made yet!
Started in 1970 on a DT1, modified to race, bought a 250 Husky, switched to Yamaha MX250, then a 1976 Yamaha YZ250. Stopped riding and racing in 1977 at 27, when my son was born. Started riding again at 60, I ride a WR250F and BMW f800GS Adventure. I regret nothing, having as much fun at 67 as I did at 18.
man i love your podcast! i got my first dirtbike 1 year ago! im 35
Started when I was 5 on a pw50 have been on a bike all my life from ds80 xr100 xr200 kdx200 cr250 crf250 2x rm125 rmz 450 ktm 450exc and now 36 with a husky fc450. Love to ride and will always have a bike :)
100 percent where I am right now. Had a crf250r that I raced in high school. Killed my fun for everything that wasn’t the track. Just got a ktm 300 and it is such a different world. I’m excited to ride for the first time in 4 years.
ive had financial problems the past 3 years... they have only gotten slightly better lately snd ive had the nerve to go finance a brand new kx450 the other day...glad ive did it
I agree on the tire subject...I remember the first new set of tires I ever put on my bike...it made so much of a difference and i never knew how much better the bike would handle...afterwards i put a new tire on every spring and at the beginning of fall...its the best feeling to have a perfectly gripping set on for what kinda terrain you ride
On the Dave Ramsey kick but agree with you on the, gotta have fun in life. Awesome Blog. Good listening. Ride safe
Me too we took a brake but our bikes were paid for with cash so I’m ok with it
Today I bought my kids a lifestyle. As of today, my 16yr has a KX250xc and my 12yr old has a YZ65 (he’s a little 12 so hopefully he’ll get a few years out of it).
I really appreciate your input. I am 24 and want to get into dirt bikes this input really means a lot to me!
I owned a Honda grom for a little bit it was fun but I'd rather off road.
I was a quad rider/ racer up to 6 years ago then jumped on my kids bike and loved it , I’m 50 now and my first bike was a Kx 450 , did get into single track and it was a huge challenge with this bike !! I upgraded to a yz 450 fx and absolutely awesome at everything:) thanks for a great video’s
Still on quads (xc/gncc) here but curious to try a bike again. The learning curve will be a pain though.
Brian quads are awesome to !! I love the bike to explore and single track
I started at age 5. Have had a bike of some sort with the exception of maybe 2 years since and I turn 50 this year. 2 of my kids ride almost daily now at age 12 and 14. These videos are a go to for all 3 of us. Thank you!!!
Great talk man. I’m not new to motor sports but I just got my first dirt bike. Let me tell you, I was humbled yesterday at 2mph in a mud pit and have bruised ribs! I grew up racing quads on the sand and that is just easy! Slow, skill, challenge, that’s what I’m looking for now.
Got back into riding at 50. Average rider, don't race, and enjoy 2 strokes more than 4. Live in an amazing place ...ENDLESS trails (Eastern Oregon). My favorite thing about riding...is the amazing stock suspensions bikes have. KYB forks on my YZ250X and now the WP AER forks on my 20 TX300i. The way these forks make rocky rutted trail feel smooth...make me a better rider. Great sport. So much fun.
Best dirt bike content on the internet. Thanks for all this information! Definitely thankful for a lot, especially the ability to go out and buy a couple nice bikes me and my wife at 46 & 50 years of age!
I just started riding and the 2nd time taking my bike out I tore my ACL. Cant wait to get back on the bike and get better
Sometimes I wonder if that "fear" is ingrained in you at a young age. Maybe not everyone, but my mother used to always say "You'll get hurt" and blah blah whenever I wanted to do something on the extreme side. It wasn't until I turned 35 I started finally living. I'm still scared to do things I might get hurt, but I still do them! I'm always last place in my races, but I don't mind at all! I'm out there having a blast! Maybe one day I'll own a trophy. If not, I'll just buy one off Ebay.
Started on a kx80 when I was 14. Got a kx125 when I was 15, rode the crap out of that bike, no front brake or anything. Gave up riding dirtbikes at 17 and sold the 125. At 23 bought a yz250f for woods riding and that was a mistake, hated the bike. Kept it for about a year and sold it. At 26 I bought a klx450r off a friend to try and get back into it, met some guys who were more into riding than I was and that sparked me to want to get better, I sold the klx last year and moved up to a 2018 ktm 300. Man what a difference. The bike instills so much confidence where the 450 didn't. Kyle you were one of the main reasons I looked at the 2 strokes, plus one of my friends had a 2016 300xcw that I got to try out. I don't get to ride as much as I want but I do enjoy it. Just getting into single track a little more and more, the more I ride it the more I enjoy it. Slower speeds and more technical. Not a pro by any means but it's enjoyable.
I am 65 and have been riding for 25 years and i dont see myself stopping trail riding
Thanks for the Pod Cast you legend . keep it up . I just got my first Bike nothing special for the moment ! I learnt some very good information from this podcast though :)
You’re so right about going slow is harder. I rode street bikes an hour one way to work for 30 years and you get pretty good going any speed. Riding street bikes helps you ride dirt bikes and vice versa. If you want to tell if your riding with a weekend warrior or a skilled rider just watch when you come to a stop Lol. If the person is putting their feet down twenty yards before you actually stop and wiggle wobbling to the stop sign , you’re a rookie. I would test myself to see how long I could stop without putting my feet down. It helps your balance ,street or dirt , and it will help you when you get in certain situations. The best part of the day was when I left for work and returned home. Nothing like it, no drugs or alcohol needed for that high.
Hmmm...guess I better tell my Kenda Trakmaster II that is sucks. It is DOT approved, poor little guy, if only he knew, he would be ashamed of himself. Seriously though, I can buy two T2's at 49.95 a pop compared to the cost of one "legit" hybrid gummy. I ride everything in the AZ. I've been on the same single track you have ridden in your videos while you were in AZ and it has never let me down. Maybe one of these days I will splurge for a hybrid gummy but $50 buys a lot of gas. My point being, just because it isn't orange or it isn't a hybrid gummy doesn't mean you can't get out there and crush it. Blue bikes with inexpensive, great value tires work just as well also, and I have money left over to buy lunch after the ride.
I've been on two wheels since 3yo you dont have to be rich you just need a good ride and you'll find a way to get out there again
55 and just getting into dirt bikes now. Wishing I had done it years ago. Thanks for the great content and tips!!!
Trials! I’m sure lots of you watching this have thought about picking up a trials bike or maybe getting into it. I did about 3 years ago and it had forever changed my riding abilities.
Most dirt bikers approach an obstacle and there technique is to apply speed to clear it. Trials will teach you to slow down, pick a line with the proper technique and clear it without ever putting a foot on the ground. How many people have you seen stuck on top of a downed tree because they wheeled into it, slammed their skid plate and then burned the rear tire trying to free themselves?
Still wanting one in the garage.....
Want one badly but they are so rare in my area that even the used machines are starting in the $5k range I'm sorry but I just cant see spending that much money on a bike that is essentially just a motor on 2 wheels theres no seat theres no lights or wiring harness no starter no battery no fancy expensive chrome or paint why are they so damn expensive?
58 years old and Been riding mostly since I was 6.. but I quit dirt in 2009 after back surgery and a heart attack.. moved to the mountains and kept wishing with all the great trails around.. finally bought a 500EXCF in July.. happy to have my rusty ass back in the woods.. ride til it hurts the. Ride the Goldwing til it heals
i think the fear can save you a bit in some situations. i only have experience on a 4t 125 and want to get a dirt bike, so i went and look ad a 300 2t, but when i test rode it... holy shit. i would not be able to ride that thing and have fun. it feels like you cant use more than 1/3 throttle without being launched into the distance. now im looking at a 125 2t or 250 4t.
Just hold on bruz 🤣
Just started at 42 with my 11yo son. I ended up with an older YZ426 mx bike, which I regret. I feel like I'm always concentrating on throttle contol because it has way too much power for me. I'll definitely be dropping down to a 250 soon.
I had the same YZ426! Worse decision ever!
300 is very easy to ride too. I don't think 250 is very much different from 300 though. A little bit more power and a little bit more torque
@@matiaskarjalainen7968 Yes, I tried one and loved it. It was so much easier to ride slow than the yz426.
Gotta agree with Matias on this one. I'd take it a step further and say that the 300 is the better "older rider" bike (I'm also 42), because it is so much easier to ride..... yeah it has more power than the 250, but it comes at you SOOOO much slower. Also the 300 takes far less effort than the 250 because of the torque. On the flip side, I enjoy 250's more because it's a little more work and feels like a wilder ride. ALSO! Heck yeah for getting your kid into the sport, he'll remember this forever man!
@@PlushEnduro You have a pretty cool channel. Dash and I subbed.
My last dirt bike was a PE 250 in 1975. I loved that bike. It was perfect for everything., from riding in the snow in the winter , to desert riding in the summer. Never had a problem with it. Sold it to get married. Now I think I would like a modern two stroke and slow down for more technical stuff to develop more balance.. The problem is the seat height is so tall for my 32" inseam except on a trials bike. I loved the snap of my Enduro and I can only afford one bike. Such a quandary. Since I only will have one bike I need it street legal too, as I like to ride every day. BETA has a seat kit for their trials bikes that has a seat height of 32 inches?
I started at 38, I lived around excellent bike country, but didn't give it a try till recently. My off road BMX skills transferred quite well.
Seat time and frequent ridning are important to develop your skills. I'm a late starter in this sport and THE biggest improvements in my riding came when I started riding twice a week. That was a game changer for me..., And yes, I would have been helped a lot by your excellent advices some years ago. I had to figure out everything by myself and that took a couple of bikes and years but thats life... Put in the seat time and suddenly you will realise that you can do stuff that was impossible before, you see new lines
, you can jump with control, you can ride longer and better, and then you are not the slowest noob om the trail anymore!
Wise words i agree with you i started riding back in 1974 on a Suzuki tm 100 i still ride at age 58 not as fast as i use to be i ride a husqvarna te 300 now love it we ride single track and race harescrambles dirr biking is the only thing that ive found that takes my mind off my problems makes me feel like a 12 year old again ive went through a kidney transplant and now cancer but when im on my bike i dont think about it thank for your videos i really enjoy them i was running tublis but have switched to bib moose love them like the peace of mind of not having flats
I believe access to places to ride where people live varies greatly. Without traveling great distances not all of us have single track for enjoying , my point being it's an awesome sport but it comes with a price.
#1 (3:01) Dirt bikes aren't scary
#2 (5:46) You need the right tool for the job
#3 (9:44) There's this thing called single track
#4 (13:14) You will have fun at any speed
#5 (17:49) The tires are super important
#5b (20:12) You should learn tire changes
#5c (22:17) Know what tires to use
#5d (26:11) You need to swap tires in time
Great info. Tired of seeing websites recommending tires that are purely affiliate links. Hard to know who to trust.
Growing issues with dirt riding are the loss of places to ride.
Last time I rode was 40 yrs ago when I was 17, I recently got the 2023 WR250 F
Thanks for mentioning Fastway parts. They filled the gap for some parts that will help my kids new bikes be better suited to off-road adventure. The KTMs and Husqvarna are out of the box race ready but for some the bikes are still missing key components. My kids are all getting Husqvarna bikes.
TC50 mini 4yr old
TC50 6yr old
TC65 8yr old
TC65 10yr old
TC85 11yr old
TC85 big wheel 33yr old
FE350 38yr old
I was looking for kick stands and a few other accessories for all my kids bikes and Fastway has some of them...
i started riding dirt bike at 48 , and 30 years earlier on sport and cruiser bikes but i wish i skipped the street bikes and started riding dirt bikes instead, its more fun and enjoyable and by far better skills. totally different experience and school.
I’m 13 just got my first bike yesterday 2008 yz250f
Awesome vid! You are preaching gospel and don't even know it! Love it!
I watched the whole video on your 17 things to do, and I loved it
Didn't really learn anything, but I do have to point out I wish someone would have bring me sooner to the single track goodness. All you talk about is spot on ! I guess it doesnt matter for alot of people but, if you have snow in your area and store your bike for the winter, DONT ! Just buy a snowbike kit, I now live for that, its really THAT awesome.
rule one should be , find a riding buddy who knows how to fix the darn things ;)
Expanding on #4, we used to say in the Marine Corps (of course we used it in a different application...) slow is smooth, smooth is fast. Learn how to ride smooth, it makes a difference.
I agree with everything you said except for your comments about 2 stroke being better and easier than 4 stroke for single track...sure the pro riders use 2 strokes, but I think it's a preference thing for normal trail riders. There are plenty of fast riders on 250 and 350 4 strokes than win enduro events, so its a stretch to say 2 strokes do it easier. I'm 52 and I prefer the more controllable power of a 4 stroke, I personally find it easier to ride than a 2 stroke on challenging single track. Each to their own!
Amazing video! Thank you!
Leo Pelzer, supermotard is nice even when you are 55 years old i love it.
Started at 16 on 250 two strokes and have had a ton of bikes , now at 70 I just bought a new TE250 two stroke .
Also my first year riding single track 😍 thrilling and the picture are the best
I like what you said, but one thing I dont agree with is changing your own tire, I did that once, pitched the tube, had to buy another tub. If I give it to a shop to replace a tire or tube, the shop that does it for me 25 bucks, they change the tire or tube, if they pitch the tube, they replace it, no extra charge, and they get rid of your old tire, dont have to pay to get rid of it.
Absolutely true.same here.started riding at around 30 also and would have been great to know these 5 things then. But also still I can apply lots of these tips today .awesome podcast.tks a lot Kyle
Quick comment about fast way, if you own a 05+yz125 or 250 and buy their kick stand. The stands are very tall, and customer support is horrible
I was curious about this, as I started at 3yrs old in 1978, and don't have the same perspective, since I was tought by my dad young.
Am almost 60 - been riding for 4 years - so much faster and safer now. Started at 56! LOVE IT - Hard Enduro!!!
My 2 cents
1 Don't ride a Motorcross bike on the trails.
- They break
- They overheat
- They're shit for obstacles and tight stuff
2 Prepare/maintain your bike before the ride, not on the ride or that morning.
- Seen too many people breaking down
- Rocking up to events with flat tires and asking for gear to fix their bike
- Stick to the user manuals on when to maintain your bike.
3 Have your own equipment.
- You should bring stuff to and on your ride like spare tubes, hand pump, brake and clutch levers, etc.
4 Buy a bike with low k's and hours and hasn't been raced/thrashed.
- The last thing you want to be doing is doing a full rebuild on your "new" bike.
- Some bikes you can just look at the plastics and can tell what life they've had.
- Make sure the owner has receipts if they've claimed they have done rebuilds.
- It's sometimes the little things that break can be a major pain in the ass and stop the ride.
5 Bring enough fuel.
- Countless times we've had to cut rides short because people can't be bothered bringing a bottle of fuel. Taping it to your front fender is not the way to go. They ask you for your fuel and you have to give it to them because you can't leave them behind. These are the type of people you don't want on your ride because they are also probably the people who don't do any of the things I've mentioned above.
My biggest regret is that I left off-road at 18 and just now getting back. At 63, with some bad parts, I don’t know how good I’ll be but I don’t really care! Love the channel and the one thing I can say for sure at this time is that single track and I aren’t ready for each other.
Now, when I win the KTM 300, I’ll be ready!! Lol!
If you don't win it go pick yourself up an 08-newer 300 xc or xc-w. They are all incredible bikes and super stout when maintained. My dad is your age and I keep trying to get him to ride with me again. I even have an extra bike for him to ride but he's just given up I suspect. I know he would love it but I think he's afraid of being less of a rider than he used to be. It's sad. More power to you!! Join a riding group and put yourself out there, you'll meet awesome people
I know this is an older video, but HOW could you not talk about tire pressure as part of number 5 !!?? Bibs exempt of course but there are a lot of newbie riders that have no clue how much difference there is between 14 psi and 10.5 psi. Just sayin... keep it up Kyle, love your stuff. Thanks for not giving away the location of some of those trails in Idaho, if people want to find them they need to work a little for it or be introduced by a friend!
I'm almost 50. Haven't been on a bike for 31 years. Even at that I didn't do much riding back then. I bought a KTM in May, 2020. Absolutely love it. ( 250 xc tpi. ) Also took over my son's 2020 XCW. (Traded for my XC, because he loved the XC.) I'm glad I didn't buy the 450. It would have beat me to death.
really because i find i have to use more clutch on a 2 stroke to keep it running then a 4 stroke
Lifelong MX guy... then my buddy got me into off-road / Enduro... and it re energized my love for riding. Now I don’t want to go back to MX 🤷♂️
I wish I would’ve seen this sooner I bought a yz450f and I ride trails/enduro
Did not learn a thing from this video! That's because i am an old dirtbike rider.
BUT.. YOU ARE 100% CORRECT. keep up the good work.
Dude, you rock. Things I actually learned the hard way also. I hope everyone watches this video!
Nice job. been riding for over 45 years straight and its nice to see someone whom admits that the 4 stroke MX bike just isn't the right bike for the woods or off road. I am sure you'll here some chatter but i agree 100%. On the GOING SLOW ! it took me a few years to get my 22 year old son to slow down, but now he sees how much harder it is and how much more FUN it really is.
Very informative. Thank you!!
I started at 28.
Bit late but loved the part about the expense of tyres and here I am with both those hobbies (mtb and dirtbiking) makes for a very light bank account 😂😂
Awesome video Kyle, lots of greats tips that can be applied to a lot more than dirt biking even. Btw if your ever in New England you have to let me know!!!
suspension adjustments. is it possible to turn all the adjustments counter-clockwise a couple of turns and make an MX bike little comfortable for short trail rides?!!
Kyle, what is the fastest speed you would ride over a 12" log? I hit one going about 20 and almost launched over the bars. :-)
Been riding for a year now , 45 of age taught myself on a drz 125 now I’m on to kx100 haven’t ridden it yet but scared as hell
Any advice
I agree with most of the things you said except for the suspension only because I've seen you spend a lot of money on your enduro bike suspension lol I mean even and Mx bike you could always just soften the suspension
Need info help.
Im looking to buy dirt bike again after few years of not driving it.
I had in past wr 450 f that was too big and not so enjoyable.
Im looking something light where i could learn some tricks and to drive it good.
Im most interested in 150 2t tpi or 250 2t tpi.
Im bit scared that 250 is too strong?
But also im even more scared that i would surpass 150 in few months and i want to buy something on long term and also i would use it also on road sometimes for going into city and such.
Would 250 2t tpi be perfect for all in all?
Lol it has been said too often , but if I could take my 50year old mind and put it in my 25 year old self....might have done trials instead of road racing, then again that was pretty cool too, just not transferable to technical trail riding. Shout out to Dave Ramsey.
Great video... i will pay more attention to tires 😁
from where I live for each tire changed costs like less than a dollar
What about running Slime in a Tube? Anyone doing that? Any drawbacks for a Dirt bike? I have used it for years on mountain bikes and Slime makes heavy duty version for Dirt Bike Tires.
Just what I needed to hear! (& i'm 24!)
Im 25 started riding at 20 w a kx450f
I have since upgraded too a kdx 200 (;
Sounds more like a downgrade to me
@@michaelmacdonald329 450f is a horrible first bike. Also a horrible bike on the trail for a beginner. Too touchy with the clutch, touchy with the gas, and too heavy for 100 degree day on the trail. Also really rigid and uncomfortable. Trail bike fixes this since it designed for trails and not racing track. I dont ride track therefore I have no need for a 450 motocross bike. Plus two stroke > 4 stroke. Forever.
@@hunterhill1013 you didnt state the reason for switching lol. So that would be a downgrade lol. But I agree 2stroke for life
Hunter Hill thats a down grade lmao
@@egirI I'll keep that in mind when I'm riding my two stroke this weekend. Lol
Wise words Kyle. The goal should to be to die with zero regrets.
Then live by BELIEVING in THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, SAVIOUR, REDEEMER, GOD IN THE FLESH.
Great video. I’m trying to understand something. You say you aren’t into aftermarket parts but you are promoting Fastway. Which one is it?
Fastway parts fill the gap. The KTMs and Husqvarna are out of the box race ready but for some the bikes are still missing key components. My kids are all getting Husqvarna bikes.
TC50 mini 4yr old
TC50 6yr old
TC65 8yr old
TC65 10yr old
TC85 11yr old
TC85 big wheel 33yr old
FE350 38yr old
I'm so happy Kyle shared Fastway on this pod cast. I was looking for kick stands and a few other accessories for all my kids bikes and Fadtway has most of them...
Thanks.
Great podcast
How about if I am 50
Iv got a question for you my son as a crf150r what would be the next step for him 125 or 250 thx
I would say a 250f if you're sticking with 4 stroke or a 125 if you're going 2 stroke. The crf150r is about equivalent to an 85 2 stroke, so the 125 would be the logical upgrade if switching to 2 stroke. Could also probably go with like a KTM 150 2 stroke and be fine there too. Really all depends on what style riding he's doing.
It might depend on his height, though you can always lower a taller bike. I would always suggest a KDX 200 or 220 as they are amazing and capable woods 2strokes that won't rip your head off with a powerband. They are very reasonable in terms of buying used and are extremely reliable when maintained. I consider the KDX platform as the perfect transition bike into the world of 2stroke enduro style riding. I got a KDX220 when I was 16yo as my first full sized bike after only riding smaller 4strokes(xr100, ttr125, xr200) It was perfect. There are plenty of reviews on TH-cam and google searches that really stand up for the KDX's. They are incredible bikes
Started att 47. Just bay an enduro you have afford whith tex 200/250cc, maby 350, not bigger cc.
50 years old and I ride a 450cc. Keeps me young.
Peter pan .... and fast 🤘
Lol, I always buy 2 tubes😂😂🤦
New extreme sports idea, tennis with baseballs lol. Thanks
Not put yourself in financial difficulty with dirt bikes... hilarious.
Tech your kids to love dirtbikes and they will never have money for drugs...
Tech your kids to love dirtbikes and they will never have money for drugs...