I Almost Quit Riding Dirt Bikes! - Story time - Episode 226
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ต.ค. 2024
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Riding the wrong bike during the early part of my riding almost made me quit this sport I love. I implore people to not make the same mistake I did.
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Steven Brady, Robert Venerus, Tom Paskett, Cody Hopkins, Travis Winston, Steve Yurko, Richard Stemlow, Keith Snow, Jack Baldwin, Mike Sallaire, Jim Bass, Stefanie Strickler, Nathan Weber, Andrew Breyton, Mitchell Forrest, Sean Massier, Bill Bitts, Mark Fleischman, Brian Anderson, Dion Jaramillo, Ken Paulino, Branden Sanderson, Jason Holt, James Knifong, David Chandler, Larry Manuel, Paul Warner
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When I'm at school I'm just always sitting there like wow I wish I could be riding right now
Same
I don't blame you.
School teaches you, primarily, how to obey, not question authority, exc.
College isn't for everyone. You'd be pretty bumbed if you went to school for 4 years and got 200k in debt at 20 old, only to graduate to get a job making 25k a year.
I'm a welder. I went to college for machine tool. I've never worked as a machinist. I learned welding on the job. I work 7x12 hour days. 84 a week. I make about 2.2k a week, after taxes. 2 hours of paid break a day. 6 month's of work, 6 months off. It's great. I didn't even a degree and I'm making 75k a year with 6 months off. Welding. That's where it's at.
Me everyday
Who doesn't?
At school I was like “i hope that job will pay me a new bike” It didn’t, any school I went to. so I quitted trying to learn bullshit
I've seen too many people do the same thing... they want to get into dirt biking so they go out and buy the most badass bike they can afford. They don't even ask any of their friends what they should get. This has ended up in frustration, injury, or (almost like you) abandoning a hobby that they never gave a fair chance. I always suggest new riders get a bike that is slightly underpowered and the RIGHT SIZE for their height, and start out in easy terrain. When their skills improve and they have outgrown the bike's abilities, that is the time to upgrade to a more powerful/more capable machine. Thanks for telling a relevant personal story and the good pictures. Keep up the good videos.
I started on an old xr250 when I was 14. I fell in love with riding and even more with wrenching on them. Now I'm starting my own shop here in the next few months!
How's the shop coming along?
the 2 stroke saved him
You know it!
Dirt Bike Channel do you know a good size rear sprocket for easy to medium enduro for a 2017 kx100
Wales Steven stock
Big Country , do you think a 125cc dirt bike would be to big for me , 150 lbs 5'6" ?
Mr Fiction it's perfect for you I'm that height and I ride one.
3:49 “giving me something to look forward to” totally hits home with me man just bought a ktm 350 and I’m already so excited like a little kid to get seat time on it! Brings me back to riding growing up so much joy.
HAHAHAAHAHHAA the laughs when he said he was a QUAD bike rider
lolll i used to be a quad rider too. FUnny now im starting to see other quad riders as quadtards. I still ride my quad but in the snow only since my bike cant do snow well
I think quads are good for people who are unfamiliar with shifting body movements, within a year of riding I'd say switch over though
It's like the equivalent of being a surfer when they hear someone used to ride a boogie board. (there's so much prejudice in our sports!)
Wtf is a quad bike rider lmfao I didn’t know that was a thing lol
@@reddawng43x91 You ride one dirt bike and ghost ride another with you while you ride
I love this . this is so similar to my own story... about a 450 x and ended up addicted to single track with a KTM 300. Kyle has so much good to say and is a great advocate for this sport... he rides great and does great video work and doesn't flaunt it or shove it down people's throat he has good practical advice for setup and all around technique.
Thanks Andy.
For all the four stroke riders here’s my story: I’ve ridden 4 stroke pit bikes and a few 4 stroke dirt bikes all my life and they are okay but were never really that fun. For Christmas my dad bought me my first bike. It’s a Honda cr80 (2 stroke) At first I wasnt happy because I’ve ridden a crf 80 and it was not at all fun. I acted happy because I knew dad had spent a lot of money for me. I got the bike running and immediately the sound of the engine changed my mind slightly. Once warmed up I took off on it and the dang thing almost threw me off. That’s when I knew this was going to be an awesome dirt bike. To this day I still think that it’s one of the most fun bikes to ride and I also now think that 2 strokes are a lot more fun to ride.
Love this story man, I used to ride yz80, and kx80s when I was a kid stopped riding for over 20 years up and just decided to buy a dirt bike again now at 42 trying to get back in shape picked up a fully restored 2002 kx125cc , with a 144cc tom morgan race engine, hydo clutch v 4 reeds, lectron carb , and fmf fatty!! Still have not fully decided what type of riding I will end up doing as for now I'm just hoping not to kill myself as I am totally out of shape. But really like the channel
Bought a cottage in North Eastern Ontario 5 years ago. Lots of knarly rocky trails and hundreds of thousands of acres of Crown Land. After 40 years away from dirt bikes I bought a used Yamaha WR 400 and Man I love it. After test riding new Husky two strokes and KTMs etc etc, they just feel too twitchy to me. I’ll take my 20 year old WR any day. I liked it so much I bought another. 2003 WR 450 with less than 2500 kms on it. I do several challenging events every summer up here and I couldn’t be happier with my WRs. They pull like tractors, and yeah I know, they weigh about the same too! I’m 61 and I’m still just a kid at heart rippin it up.
Why are 2 strokes so simple I just love them just remove 4 bolts you have half the engine taken apart
Another great video Kyle. I've had a dirt bike since I was 4. Moved out west to Colorado with my 2005 CRF450 and attempted to ride some single track with new friends out here. I promptly got frustrated and eventually sold the bike, and was dirtbike-less foe the first time in my life. 12 years later, my passion for riding has been reignited with a 2017 KTM300 and like you mention, I'm always looking forward to the next great ride. A break from life, stress, & the daily usual. We truly do live in one of the most, if not the, most amazing place to ride.
I have ridden a few 450s before i bought my first bike and always thought they were too much bike, my first bike has been a husky 300 and since being on that for abit and going back to the 450 4 strokes they dont feel anywhere near as bad as what they first did, they just feel extremely tame compared to that 300 2 stroke power, in saying that the 300 is super forgiving and light and i love it.
I can really relate to your story. My first bike was a YZ400.....at that point I had the skills and reaction time of a dead hamster and it made it possible to hit every tree in Michigan at one time or another (you can still probably see the marks). I was considering just opting out and then got a chance to ride a Penton 175 Jackpiner. Boy, did that open my eyes! It was my buddies bike and it was FUN instead of misery. When I moved west to Wyo I suffered the YZ awhile longer and then got a chance to pick up a Husky 250 WR.....that bike could climb a tree and it got me back into riding a lot. Over the years I've matched my rides to where I want to ride....and, I couldn't be happier. I'm an old guy with 3 back operations, one knee, one shoulder, and probably need one more of each.....BUT, I'm still riding.
Keep going man, good motivation for the rest of us too.
@@robsinHL Thanks, Chief, that's what I intend to do as long as I can swing a leg over the bike....I'm 72. Told my wife that when I croak find an old Husky 390 OR and strap me on it....nail the throttle wide open and head it out into the desert of my lovely high desert Wyoming!
Hello everyone! I bought Honda cr 250r 2001 as a first bike a month ago. I have rode dirt bikes of my friends - 3 times and now when I am riding the Honda I think that it's not the right first bike as well. I think it's too agressive. But I am enjoying it!
Just wanted to share.
Sorry for the bad English.
Awesome story man!
this doesn't make any sense to me... 450 was too much so you buy one of the biggest 2 strokes they make..
Ken Cox i think his point is he got a 300 2t which is built for single track ie. suspension, gearing etc. a 450f mx bike is set up for a MX track and they are geared horribly for his type of riding.
It's all about weight. That two stroke weighs nothing compared to that Yamaha tank. Power to weight ratio probably much better on the lighter two stroke.
AmpEdition oh stfu , riding a 450 as your first dirtbike is a terrible decision .
I'd agree, 450 is a horrible idea for your first bike. IMO if the bike could handle it I would recommend a 125 2T for any beginner thats "grown" enough to handle the bike. My first real bike was a 97 cr125 and i got bored with it within a year or so. So I bought a crf250 and man the torque!! I love that thing. Been on it for almost 5 years now and I don't think I'll ever get rid of it. But 6 years after getting rid of the cr I find myself searching for another one because I miss it and I believe that it could make me a better/faster rider...Just my experience though
Also the 300 2t has e-start & weighs even less, and carries the weight way lower than that stupid YZ.
Just bought a 2010 ktm 150sx can't wait to ride✊
Braap_Master cngrats. post some videos
Braap_Master You made a big mistake, you should have got the 200. It is 200% better in every way
julian wilson just got off a ttr125l, this 150 is going to be plenty for me for now lol. Down the rode maybe
Nice, Picking up a 2014 KTM 150sx tomorrow! Enjoy the bike
Braap_Master awesome bike. stay off the roads these engines don't do well with that. clean air filter every ride and don't use cheap mixing oil. really good idea is to install a hour meter to keep track for maintenance. 50 hours max and new piston kit. I've owned 57 mx bikes and most were 2strokes. I've been riding and fixing mx bikes since 1980. I hope these tips help you grow into the 2stroke world because these important tips will keep the 150sx running good for ya. most important things are the filter being clean and re oiled with filter lube and running good synthetic mixing oil.
I feel ya. I used to have a yz125 a few years back and it almost turned me away from 2 strokes. Because I was dumb and thought I could make a stock mx bike work in singletrack lol. Absolutely horrible on any rough trails! Got rid of it after a month. A few years later I picked up a kdx200 after researching old Enduro 2 strokes. Best bike I've currently owned. So smooth in technical singletrack and still crazy fast on fast trails. :)
Kdx's are just something else! I wish kawi would get their head out of their asses and get back on the 2 stroke market.
I started on a 1974 Suzuki 370 and man that old lumber wagon was a handful for a little hooligan of about thirteen,I can't even remember how many times that bike bit me real good. Pretty funny memories on that sumbitch. Be safe out there!
I bought a new 2015 KTM 350 exc-f . It’s is an awesome beginner bike( and I’m now 54 years old and just started riding ) the bike is 100% street legal , so you can take it anywhere , and you can take off the mirrors and turn signals if you ride strictly off road . It’s a well balanced light weight( 236 lbs w/ electric start and lights etc) and nimble bike , great power band even down low and mid range . I personally think JMHO , that it’s the perfect set up and a great compromise to that 450f . It’s got a lot of power but not too much and it’s not underpowered either , it’s all I can handle for my old age .
I have to thank you man! I randomly found this vid the day before I had a planned delivery of exactly the same 2012 YZ450F. After watching this, I called the guy and canceled the sale but still took the TTR125 he had for my kid, which is perfect for him. The next day I found a WR250F which, after not riding for over 25 years, is the perfect bike for my 52 year old butt! Been on a few short rides but tomorrow my kid and I head out into some of the incredible trails we have here in the Okanagan Valley, BC. I'm sure that YZ450 would have killed any chance of me getting back into this sport. Thanks for a great and very informative channel!
competition can take the fun out of dirt biking if your not careful. I my self raced from age 8 to 34 and have not rode one for 15 years now. Only caring about winning championships was my "mo" and riding with injuries because of points that would be lost would never let them heal right, burned me out. Be sure to keep it fun and only become a better rider for your self and not just to beat someone else. I have entertained riding again and I get lots of pressure from former team mates that I'm wasting my talents. They tell me I don't that it comes so easy for me that i take it for granted, but I don't think thats so, I just need it to be fun. I think I would enjoy doing what you guys do and keeping the competition out of it. Thanks for your time to this channel, it is bring a new light to riding for me. I will let you know if I take the plunge!
This is one of the reasons I don't race.
I was born in 1943, i start riding in 1964 with the military police old Triumphs a lot différent to my very new Yam WR 250 F 2022. I owned at least 15-20 motos somes for my son. I rode a lot off trail and did motocross racing locally in Québec province. We event start a club the ROULEURS in my home town . All my riding buddy are 30-40, my son who is in his forthy and working at Can Am in Valcourt, just started a riding group LES MAREAUDEURS! My wife off over 50 years always let me do what i like and i can say that i was very much in a lot off sport. I think that biing in shape his really the secret for a long active life ! In the winter i ride a VTT Renegade, we have 120 km off trail. I really like you vidéos very intéresting and instructive and you have a beautiful family!
just cause you have the best 450 out there don't mean it the fastest ,be surprised on if you step down a bike size how much more comfortable you are and that's what makes you faster not some big 450 ,great video man keep it
There was an article in MX action or some monthly mag, anyways they had a bunch of people ride a track on 3 bikes , a 450, a 250
Four stroke and A 250f, and only the best riders were fastest on the 450, most people were faster on the 250f
First time single tracker on a 500EXC and loving every minute of it.
I began riding when I was 6 years old in 1975 on a 1973 Yamaha GT MX 80. I have been riding non stop for 45 years. I have ridden several different kinds of mx bikes and enduro bikes and dual sport bikes. All bikes are good to me. I have ridden 2 track trails, 50 inch trails, and tight single track trails. All is good to me, but I am mostly a single track trail rider. I say that anybody who has only been riding for 10 years is still a newcomer to the sport.
I did the same thing but here I am in 2017. I purchased a used Yamaha yz426 4 stroke & really scared the shit out of me. It's fast! Granted I'm completely new to dirt & I got myself into trouble a lot. Had a hard time with it. I was going to quit, almost told myself this is not for me. Sold the bike and purchased a wr250r its just a dual sport but I can get used to dirt at a much slower pace & I like I can ride around town on it & still take it into the hills! I have my eye on a full enduro bike in the next year or 2 maybe! Thanks for the videos!
KYLE,I GOT MY FIRST DIRT BIKE IN 1950 WHEN I WAS 12,IT WAS A TRIUMPH CUB 200CC 4T.IVE HAD SEVERAL IN THE INTEREM..THE MOST EXCITING WAS A YANAHA YZ 465 IN THE EARLY 80 S..I GOT IT FROM A FRIEND WHO WAS A TOP RIDER WHO HAD NO RIFGT LEG FROM A LAWN MOWER ACCIDENT WHEN HE WAS 12..IT HAD NO KICK STARTERNO REAR BREKE PEDAL AND IT WAS THE MOST FUN TO RIDE THAT YOU COULD IMAGINE,IT ALSO HAS EVERY OTHER ROW OF KNONS ON THE REAR TIRE HACKSAWED OFF AND IT WOULD CLIMB ANYTHING,I MEAN ANYTHING..IM 84 NOW AND LOOKING TO BUY A HUSKY 150 2TBUT THEY ARE HHARD TO FIND IN THE PHILIPPINES WHERE I LIVE NOW,SO ILL PROBABLY GET A KTM 150,AS THEY ARE AVAILABLE..IVE HAD A GREAT TIME ON DIRT BIKES FOR A LONG WHIKE NOW KYLEGREETINGS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY..YOUR VIDEOS ARE GREAT..KEEP IT ON GOING KYLE
I bought a yz426 in 2001 and that clunky crappy starting first gen turned me off of dirt bikes for twenty years. Fast forward to 2022 and bought a new 450RX and I'm in love with it! Man these machines have come a crazy long way. I friggin love riding it,single track fast or trail riding with quads and side by sides and it's so fun either way! Gotta do abit of heat management riding slower behind the famjam but so worth it. Cheers folks!
You're the inspiration for me to get back on a bike... I love your videos and you have me dying to ride again. Biggest regret was selling my last bike. You kill it with riding and with your videos. Keep it up man. ✌️
I think people don't understand that you don't need a 50HP bike to have fun off road. The most fun I have ever had off road was on a 220 CC 4T. It was so light and easy to control. I dont think its more than 10HP. Total blast to ride off road.
Same scenario with me Kyle minus the 450!
My father bought me a 99 kx250 that was meant for the woods. I rode it on logging roads with a flywheel and sprocket ratio that made the bike seriously go 45mph tops. it was cool having a 250 but i complained because it was just not right for me in my eye. It became a challenge to get me out to ride with buddies and hated riding around my place. Then, a trip a few miles up the road to where single track and tough terrain was around and actually learning what advantages a 2 stroke has freshen up my passion for 2t and enduro with the kx250 that was built well for what i enjoy riding!
Similar experience here. Thought the 2013 WR450F would be the perfect bike for me getting back into the sport. Rode a lot as a kid and finished riding on a CRF250R at 18. Picked up a 2017 300 XC as soon as they were available and I'm riding 10x more than I was with the WR450F.
If you still have the 450, you should have somebody change the suspension to be a trail bike instead of a mx bike. Suspension can make a lot of difference in comfort of the ride. I have had the wr450 for quite a while and I love it. Soft suspension makes it a good woods bike along with having a headlight to ride home after dark.
started on a crf100 when I was about 14, got out of dirt biking and in to street bikes. This year I got a 525 EXC, rode it and loved it. Now I've got a 06 yz450f.. added a heavy weight fly wheel and lower gearing and Im having a blast on it in the woods, way better experience than the 525.
you lot in us are so lucky to have all that open space to ride in! - UK lousy all land basically private!
Joey Fnuts your fucked up a 8 year old died from Isis and you make a fucking jokes about it think about all the families that lost loved ones
@Jim Bo guess that's why we all ride Austrian, Italian and Spanish enduro bikes... smh.
Dam I made this mistake and got a 450 and is kinda miserable it’s really tall for me
I started on a 1967 Kawasaki 175 street scrambler. 18" front wheel. 4" suspension travel, and wide ,wide ratio 4-speed that wouldn't pull the gaps on anything but flat ground. A 1971 Honda SL100 was a game changer for me. All things are relative.
Glad to know that I'm not the only dummy that started out on a yz450f. I actually got good with that bike on single track. Bought a 2014 300xcw and never looked back!
It's called bike set up. I ran 250 2 strokes 10 years now 450 4 strokes for 10 years. You can set up a 4 stroke and gain the power if you do it right.
Joshua W I'm about 5'8 150 would the 250 2 stroke be to much, I only own a Yamaha Ttr 225.
Bryn Slater not at all. It's gonna hit harder and be a lot more exciting bike. It will take some adjustments. I'm 5,7" 175. If the power band is a bit to much... put a bigger fly wheel weight on it.
Joshua W Ok thank you.
Glad you stuck with it and are humble enough to admit the mistake -- good advice all around. Your productions are always top notch - love the new drone shots.
Started on a 1979 ds80, fairly calm motorcycle, went to a yz125 and that Bike almost killed me, by accident I rode a yz250 with a heavy flywheel weight and absolutely loved it. that is what I still use to this day, I have kids now, that want to ride, so I am selling and getting a wr450f. so I can take them on trails.
I had the same 09 YZ450 and it wasn't a good bike for anything but motocross. After two years of starting out back on a dirt bike I sold it for a 2011 300xc last year from watching your videos. I love the 300xc and am glad I made the switch since it's an awesome trail bike. Th
started on a 93 xr650 riding fire roads and what was pretty technical (didn't know it at the time) single track. after several years of intermittent thrashing upgraded/downgraded to a '01 xr400r which was a game changer. now on a crf250x and looking back can't believe I stuck with it on the 650.
My first and only bike is an 08 RMZ450. I do trail, single track and light enduro. I ride in the desert of AZ and this bike has been fantastic. Every time I go out with my riding buddy we push the limit of our skills a bit more so we always learn something new.
I started riding about 4 month ago and can't imagine not having a 450 at this point honestly. A 250 might get added to the garage some day though.
My first bike was a 1986 CR500R purchased in 96. I have several bikes and quads now but the Beast is still a thrill every time I get on it.
I came from quads as well, raced them and trail rode them. Then bought a CRF450X to desert race BITD. That pig weighted in at over 280lbs. Sold that thing for my 17' TE300 Husky. I know EXACTLY how you feel lol.
The topic of engine size when starting out is interesting because when I started out we were riding 50cc Mini Trails, Honda XR75's, Yam '80's etc. The fun factor on those bikes was huge. Thirty something years later and there's a lot of those guys still riding, and still loving it.
I learned on a CRF230 (riding my neighbors a few times as a teen). Bought my first bike in my 20s and it was a CRF450R. I don't regret it for a second. I no longer have that bike(or any bike) but know I would have always questioned what a 450 was like if I had bought a 250. Not to say I didn't struggle or have some obstacles to overcome with such a heavy and powerful bike.
I started riding just 5 months ago at 27 years old. I've never ridden 2 wheel bikes much my entire life but I have a few mates who are all riding dirtbikes so I decided to see what all the fuss was about. Personally I bought a 2015 Suzuki RMZ 450 which as you say could have been a bit much bike but I have loved every second of it. I must say the normal trail ride terrain in New Zealand is dirt/mud and clay so it makes it much easier learning on a bigger motocross bike.
4 strokes can be good bikes if you're getting one that fits you, this applies to 2 strokes as well, size wise. A ~100 class 4 stroke will work well trail riding, because they're significantly more mild mannered than 2 strokes. As a beginner bike, they won't foul plugs by idling and inching through crevices. 2 strokes love full throttle power since the reed valve is built for it, so they're good for purpose built motocross tracks. 4 strokes have traditional valves so they don't mind idling and concentrated riding through tight spaces and slippery terrain. Plus being a smaller, lighter bike with a forgiving clutch engagement is an excellent beginner bike for inexperienced riders of all ages, especially ones getting used to starting off with the clutch after being used to semi automatic quad riding.
The CRF450RX was the worst dirt bike experience I had. I realised I had to sell that bike because it was making me not enjoy riding. I will never ever go back to a 450 what a huge mistake that was.
Just started watching the video. Haven't heard why he almost quit but I don't understand how someone could ever want to quit riding a dirt bike. I crashed over a 60ft tabletop and broke my collarbone, a rib, punctured my lung (It sounds like the broken rib is what stabbed the hole in my lung from the way it looked), and broke a bunch of bones in my foot. The last 1/3 of my foot right where the joints to the toes are, or right by it too depending on the toe was literally bent down when took of my boot. Almost at a 90° angle. There are joints in my left foot that are no longer joints. The doctor called it hardened mush. Never once did I think about quitting riding. One of if not the first thought to my mind was "man, my bike is probably going to be so fucked up." I didn't even know I broke a rib or punctured my lung until I got to the hospital. They were going to make me wait because all I knew that was wrong with me at the time was a broken foot, and broken collarbone. I could only take half breathes though. I should've known something was up with my lung. Oh yeah, i almost forgot, I severely bruised my spleen from the crash too. The doctors said it could've ruptured at any time, so I couldn't drink any water of eat any food. Which truly was the worst part. Sitting there in the E.R. being woken up every 2 hours (Which is how long it took to make me do asleep even with whatever narcotics they gave me at the time) and not being able to drink water when I was the thirstiest I've I've been in my entire life. They gave me a plastic cup with the bottom barely covered in ice chips to chew on. That shit made me pissed. It's like torture. I swear, the fact of not having water until around noon of the next day was worse than the pain of having all that happen and driving somewhere between an hour 15 and and an hour 45 before I even had any type of pain treatment or sedation. We drove 30 minutes back to my hometown before waiting in the E.R. until I started coughing up blood, so they took me back and took x rays and realized how serious things were. Then they put me on a gurney with a neck brace (keep in mind I walked into the E.R. with some help so I didn't gave to put all my weight on my broken foot. I don't remember if I said it or not earlier in the post, but if not, when I took my boot off, I put weight on it and it popped back into place (as much as it could with having crushed bones and joints).
It wasn't until I got my Yamaha YZ450F that I started having serious fun riding again. From Ocotillo Wells to Glamis, to the Barstow, it doesn't matter. The bike is perfect for me... and I've had all the Japanese and even a Husky over the years. "Beauty and handling are in the eye of the beholder."
I love your video, I also respect the content. I had a 2002 CRF450R, I DID SNAP MY TIBIA, even Ricky Carmichael said a stock RMZ450 is over his head fully under power. I do want to get a 450 again and plan to this year, but I'm going to add a couple teeth on the rear sprocket like last time, I had an 06 CRF250R last year and really miss the bike!!! But also miss that little extra power, so instead of getting a new 250 that has more horsepower than that lazy 06 Honda, I'm getting a 450 because I like what the gentleman mentioned that posted this video, I used to race 125's - the open class, and this time I'm going to the 450's again with more caution. 🏁
I am not a great rider either. But your right, every year I am better, and it's the most rewarding feeling there is.
Good story. I returned to sport 5 years ago with a 2007 Husqvarna te 450 WITH a REKLUSE. The rekluse was key... now I have a 2010 husky cr 144 that I started racing xc and enduro last year and loved it so much I grabbed a 2017 husky tx 300 for this season!!!! Agree with you that everyone needs a passion that can serve as a distraction ;).
I've had several current model 250f's and 450f's. Just picked up a a 2017 300 xc and absolutely love it! Feel like a kid again when I'm waiting to ride!
my story is new but goes along the same way. I use to ride as a kid. but now I'm 28 and my first bike back into ridding was a 09 kx450f and exactly like you said it was way to much for my trails around my house. so I sold it about 3 weeks ago and now I'm on a 07 ktm 200 xc and I still have a lot to lean with this bike buy I'm definitely going in the right direction
I did exactly the same thing - bought a KX450F, and the thing was fucked. Downgraded to a 250EXC-F, and it's surprising how much power she still has. It doesn't hurt to start small, it definitely accelerates your learning curve.
Great advice dude! I quit because I bought a KTM400 EXC, as a 1st bike. Not enjoying it. Each time I've ridden my friend's 125 EXC, I was digging it.
Nice to hear I'm not the only one that has went from 4 Wheeler to Dirt Bike. I like your point about "too much bike". I was considering a 350/450 and I actually watched one your videos you did asking DO YOU REALLY NEED A 450? I ended up going with a 250SX-F to use at MX track and Single Track. Have not had on single track yet, but have had a MX track and definatly enough bike for my level.
Im 34 and when im not on my dirt bike im continuously on my Haro BMX and i can tell you that at my age my bmx keeps me in super great shape to be able to man handle that smoking beast!!!
i quit track for enduro best mive of my life enduro is so much fun i have 4 bike in my life i start with 2 stroke ..i quit two stroke for 4 stroke and now i do some extreme enduro on my 200 xcw 2015 best ride ever continue youre vlog man you rock
Hello, my name is Scott.
I have been a motorcycle rider for most of my life. And I have always lived in an extremely rural area in Michigan.
Growing up my dream was to own a Harley, and I bought my first Sportster at 16 in 2006, and put all terrain knobbys on it with the help of a friend and a lot of penny pinching.
I fell in love with offroading that day, and riding on the street later the same day.
Last year I sold Maxxiene my first Harley, and a few days ago I bought a 250 4stroke Chinese off brand dirt bike to fill the 2 wheeled hile I feel in myself.
I am going to start video Chronicaling my rebuild of her motor and customization of her body from my experience as a trail, track, and untamed wilderness riding.
I hope to see more content from you, and maybe support for my channel as I try to grow.
Hey Kyle, we have similar stories. Like you I got into dirt bikes late in life at 30 in 2008. Also like you we both had a Yamaha R6 previous to riding dirt bikes. How I got into the sport was from a friend saying we should ride a dual sport. So I went out and bought a 2003 Yamaha WR450F. In some ways I became instantly hooked but really the bike was too much bike for me, cursing it many times. It wasn't until I bought a 2008 KTM XCF-W in 2012 that I realized this is the right bike for me. Now I still have that bike which I love to death but will might have to go soon with having a 2012 350 EXC-F and 2016 250 XC-F in the garage. Just want to say I love your passion and you produce great content.
i bought my first bike last spring, a 2016 KTM 250xcf. it's not a 2 stroke but it's a great bike to learn on, and because it can stall out easier i'm definitely getting good practice at controlling the clutch. i'll move to a 300xc when i'm ready to move to a new bike, just to much bike for me at the moment.
This same thing happened to me I wanted to get into dirt biking and ny dad got me a 2011 YZ450f for my first bike no experience whatsoever not even on road bike and I was only 18 at the time my first year riding I started to hate it thought the sport wasn’t for me wrong suspension and little guidance just kept pushing myself eventually I got better on the bike started learning a lot on my own and got a new husqvarna 350 this last year and have been in love with riding more and more have the right bike makes such a big difference and starting on the right bike makes a big difference as well
I one time made a trade deal for a kx250 and thought the thing was huge, and later got a crf150rb and i love that thing. Really fun bike for trail riding. We certainly dont have the mountains in Texas like youve got out there though. Wish we did.
I hadn't riden since I was 17, I had a cr125 then injured my knee. My parents said no more bike so that ended it for a long time. Then I turned 52 and decided to get back into it. My bike of choice was a 2015 gasgas xc300e. 1 year later and no regrets just pure adrenaline and happiness. The rockier and more technical the trail the better. This thing is a rocket with tons of power.
I started on a 2007 crf250r still got it to this day I don't even go to tracks I just rip it around fields and single tracks. ( what it's not designed for) but love the bike to bits 👍 one thing with those older CRFs STAY ON TOP OF VALVE CLEARANCES😂😂😂
i went and got a 250f ktm 2009 which was all race speced out when i started never ever been on a bike but that how i got going then had to buy a car and trailer to take it to the tracks. now i go to motocross tracks and love it
i knew nothing about bike at all
but in the 4 years i have did the sport now
rebuilt engine tire changes suspension changes clutch and brake levers changes handlebars exhausts pegs everything really i just love it
I agree completely. I've been riding bikes since I was 3 and I have witnessed on many occasions people getting into the sport with a 450 and losing interest almost instantly. This guy isn't saying that a beginner cannot handle a 450, he's saying that it won't make the beginner/novice as enjoyable as it should. Everyone here can ride a 450 if they had to, but only few can do it well. It's hard to ingrain those introductory skills when you're constantly fighting giving it too much throttle. These 450s allow beginners not to worry about corner entry speed and manouverability so long as you get the bike pointed in the right direction and give it a handful of throttle. Great video with a solid explanation of your perspective.
im a single track rider, got myself a crf450x, the 250 just feels like a moped in comparisson.
Ride the bike that suits you, and to bring a 450 mx bike off road is just stupid :p
great story tough!
I'm a bigger guy. I've always done single track with my CR500R and lately with my CR500AFC... I find it a hell of a challenge (and workout) to battle that beast in spots it really shouldn't be. That being said, I also own a CR125R. That little bike is a ton of fun, and you actually have to remember your skills and ride with forethought when you don't have the power to just sit there and twist the throttle. Keeping those skills sharp is paramount. Nice bike. I've always wanted to try the KTM300. Great channel, I've subscribed!
I know what you're saying man. I just upgraded from a 2015 kx 100 to a 2016 ktm 250xcf, I like riding it, but I feel like the bikes a little too big for me right now. I have a hard time riding it in the woods unlike my kx100. I should probably adjust the suspension its way to stiff for me. The bike is smooth on power which I love, but the bike just feels huge compared to my kx100. I think they should make a 200 fourstorke with a slightly smaller frame, just to give people more time to grow into the full sized bikes.
I spent some time on motorcycles as a kid and had always wanted one growing up but my dad was, is and always will be way too cheap to spend money on his boys for them to have fun. All our friends had quads and/or dirt bikes. My uncles are avid street riders. I spent my twenties partying and wasting money. I moved to the Black Hills in my later twenties and made a living for myself. I finally ponied up the doe and bought a 150cc dirt bike to get back into riding in my late thirties. As an older man who wasn't very experienced in dirt and trail riding, I feel that it was perfect sizeed engine for me to gain experience but the overall size is little too small for me because I am 6' 2". I am going to buy a 450cc quad for some more adventures here in the Black Hills because are too many friends with quads and more rocky, sandy trails geared for quad riding. However, watching these great and informative videos, I am going to look into single track riding here and enjoy the experience.
Agree fully with this. Bought a YZ250F loved it and then chased more power.
Bought a kx450f. 2nd ride I went endo. Broke collarbone e and had a bad concusion. Had amnesia for 6 days.
Sold that bike as I went riding after I healed up and realized Yeah...too heavy and powerful. Got a KTM 250xcw 2t. Lots of fun but for some reason I didn't enjoy it as much as my old YZ250F. Something about the 2 stroke power delivery maybe. Yeah the sound is fun and the power kick and the smell of 2t bit I wasn't riding as well or having fun. Sold it as I wasn't enjoying it anymore. 2 years later the bug bit again and I got myself a modded WR250F.
Man I'm having so much fun again. Thing is that 450 put a serious dent in my riding and it persist till today.
I had a very similar experience to yours, I started off on at 250 four stroke mx bike and would only ride on open flat roads and trails with quad guys. It was a little fun but nothing I would go out of my way to do. Then one buddy I met on a ride invited me to go ride some single track in the mountains with him and some other guys and it was so challenging and tiring with my stiff mx suspension bouncing me around all over the place. I never had so much fun riding I bought a 450 xcw that was designed for that type of riding and I couldn't be happier, well maybe if I had a 250 or 300 two stroke as well I could be a little happier.
Great video Kyle. Went through the same thing with a big four stroke in technical riding and almost quit. Next thing is to get into racing! I'm hooked on doing our local enduro series
Similar life experience: quit riding early 20's, wife, kids, work. Restarted mid 30's with a big ass KX450 doing enduro, oh boy wrong bike! Since I've switched to 2t enduros, it's a whole new game. Good thing you did not give up, now you started a great yt channel:)
Yes indeed I have a 625 ktm I use for Jeep 🚙 tails with my 4 wheel friends. And I have a 250 four stroke for motocross and trail riding gotta pick your bike for what you do !!!! This guy hits it on the head I fill the same way. Love the video bro😎
Donnie Dornbusch do you fill the same way ? from the top?
when I saw the title to this video I was like
Whaaaaaaaaaaat?
My first bike was a 1984 Suzuki PE175. It was a perfect bike for 16 year old newbie
OK, I did the same. I bought a 450 wrf. Literally wants to rip off your arms. On single trick and tough terrain (moab, rockies and more) it's been a challenge, particularly as I had young children with me oftentimes (e.g. pick up their bikes too). It was exhausting. I'm moving down to a 350 four stroke (KTM), lighter, shorter and, hopefully, a lower center of gravity. Ironically my son is now taller and way more talented than me, now he inherits the beastly 450. We're headed for Moab for spring break and looking forward to developing new skills and creating more shared experiences with the family to discuss for the years to come. Good times.
I love my 450 lol
unrealfmx888 ......Same
Me 3
My first bike at 17 was a ktm 450sxf and it made riding just not fun. I rode my uncles old cr125 and I had the most fun I’ve ever had on a machine. I now have a yz125x and I look forward to getting on it every single day. Riding ain’t just about going fast, it’s about having fun, And 6’2” 200 pound me has the most fun on a 125 2 stroke
I'm tired of my Harley electroglide, heavy around town, older and not a strong to pick up if tips. So I'm pushing 68. had various street bikes over years. The most fun had was the trail bikes in 60
I love this story, especially since you said you really only got into dirt bikes in 2010. I watch all your videos and would of thought you been riding dirt bikes all your life, very knowledgeable. I just recently bought a Ktm 250 xc-f and I'm definitely happy I didn't get a 450 or something too big because I ride single track and the mountains and it's just right for me.
i could smell that rook in ya from the very first video! thanks forthe support! you are a role model for beginners *
My first true trail bike was a wr400 and ill tell you that thing was a handful, and it such a pain to start when its hot and you fall.
My first proper dirt bike is a 2016 wr450f
I'm 260lb and can't imagine being on something smaller. Yes it's heavy as hell, and I don't use the bike to its pull potential... but I'm able to take it on the street and keep up with traffic.
Maybe a 2t would be more fun but I have never tried one. But I can tell that I enjoy the engine breaking in the 450. The tractor like pull is awesome. And it has a lot of room for growth for me... and when I master a heavy 450 (if that ever happens) then jumping on a light 2t would be like riding a bmx I'm guessing
I had a really nice CRF 250r, it was great on the track but it just couldn't hang on the trails. I have a KTM 300xc now and that sucker goes anywhere.
I have a built 09 yz450f & im 5'6 & 130lbs I love it , but I've raced and rode since I was 5 so I love big bikes
as a 16 year old that doesnt have much money with parents that dont support me riding...GO BIG OR GO HOME... i bought a yz250 2 stroke for my first bike and it definetly had too much power but ive grown to control it and its a beast.
Did my first serious trail ride on a YZ-250 2 stroke. More of a MX bike and I wasn't a very good rider, I could hardly start it. You have to slip the clutch a ton due to the high gearing. If you're more experienced just ride faster but it's rather difficult for a new rider.
I'd say a big thing is to make sure the bike you're using is set up for whatever you're riding when starting out. After you get more experienced you can learn to handle more.
Funny, I can relate. I was into mX bikes bigtime from the age of 13 to 21 and then college, marriage, kid, divorce….LIFE just got in the way for 40 yrs basically. I continued to elk hunt with my father on ATVs during the hiatus from bikes, but when I’ve been the Montana hunting over the past 4-5 yrs….I felt something was missing and I’ve always been into adventure and adrenaline, so I finally bought a WR250r at the age of 59 and took it to MT the past 2 falls to hunt, but Mainly just solo adventure on the single tracks in the area I love but have been kept from on the ATVs. I tell you what….my first single track ever in my life last yr….even though I put it down a couple times going up the switchbacks to get to the top….when I got to the top….I stopped and took helmet off and sat there thinking “omfg…..I can’t believe I’ve wasted 50 F’in yrs of my life without doing this. I done everything one can do in the mtns ….skiing, hiking, atving, fishing, even brown bead hunting in alaska when I lived there….out of everything I’ve done in the mtns in my life….riding single track is the best there is in my opinion. Nothing else compares.
I also relate to your story, because I’m a little ol man at 60 but my mind and adventure needs are only 49 ish…I feel the this WR is friggin non handling pig for me and it’s just way more heavy that I prefer. I miss my Elsinore at 17 yrs old! So I got home after riding 3 wks up in mt last month and I’m seriously thinking about adding the 2023 KTM 250 for single track. I figure I only have 2-5 yrs left to still be able to ride up there and figure I might as well have something I can handle, something lighter and just more fun than my pig which is better suited for dual track and logging roads. It’s a tough decision because of the expanse but man what a difference that bike would make compared to this doggie pig I ride. It’s dependable up in there riding solo and dependability had a lot to do with my decision since I knew I’d riding solo in major grizzly country most of the time, but my god the lighter KTM with better response and nimble handling would be dreamy and that’s all I do 11 months a yr is dream about going home to MT and riding before a die. Who knows how long any of us will be around so I figure FULL ON YOLO action for me from now on.
I remember when I stopped at the top last yr thinking (during friggin Covid) “man I can’t believe I could of died (damn near did with Covid) without ever experience the true pure freedom and exhilaration of single track riding in high high density grizzly country.” Totall badass. There is no substitute. Period
I started at 45 years of age on a ttr230. I ride in the mountains west of Calgary Alberta. I can keep up with my riding buds who all ride 250 or greater. TTr230 all the way for me., Will never go bigger. If its not broken, don't fix it IMHO! Best fullbody work out ever.
My brother in the Air Force gave me his 05 kx250f. It's kinda clapped. But I've been riding it about a year now. I also started on atvs (one the same brother gave me) anyways. I've been doing single track on it up here in North Idaho and now I can't imagine live with out it. My bike is clapped. It has no compression. The valves need adjusted. Pretty much need to rebuild the motor. But it still push starts so I still ride it as much as possible XD
I recently had the same decision to make. I started looking on line for a dirt bike. I had never had one, but had been riding road bike for decades. Lucky for me I went to a motorcycle dealer to look at dirt bikes. I initially went to look at 250s, and 450s. After talking to a salesman that also road dirt bikes, he talked to me about the first bike I should be looking for. After I thought about what he said, I ended up with a yamaha ttr 230. Since I have no plans of doing motocross, I am going cross country trail racing. For this trail riding, this bike is great for a first trimmer. This bike has plenty of power, and going on easy trails it is the perfect bike.