buying a dirt bike - Perth-WRX.com

markveron · #1 17-09-2007, 10:17 AM

hey guys,

i am looking at bikes this w/e being my first bike i have alot to learn. (NOT BUYING FROM A DEALER)

the budget is $5K nothing more, as always i want the best most recent bike i can get my hands on.

you may ask what i have ridden; WR450 WR250 KX125 CRF250R
out of all those bikeS i think the CRF250R rode best.

i would prefer a 4 stroke but open to opinions

i wiegh 78kg

WHAT WOULD YOU GUYS RECCOMEND?

and what things to check for on used bikes. general ware and tare??? not shore

thanks

Broomy · #2 17-09-2007, 10:51 AM

Is it just for trail riding??

urabus · #3 17-09-2007, 10:52 AM

First question you need to ask yourself is if you want a road trail or a dedicated mx bike. The lines in terms of performance are becoming more and more blurred however about the only places that you can legally ride a MX bike now is the pines / a proper mx track and private property. You cant ride lancelin (legaly anyways) anymore. If you go for a road trail at least you can go to all the national parks etc. Then if you want to race you can take all the lights / mirrors etc off and go racing. Mind you with a budget of only $5k you will not be able to buy a seriously competitive race bike.

If you stick to the big name jap bikes for your budget you would be getting a pretty rough 4 stroke. They are a bit like a WRX where unless the maintenance is done properly they can turn into an absolute nightmare.

As a guide I just sold my 05 CRF450R and got $7k for it. It was an absolute plum.

Things to check? Check that the rear wheel has not rubbed on the inside of the exhuast. Indicates a bent sub frame.

Dont buy it from a young kid that could only just afford the bike and can not afford the mainentance.

Check the front forks are not leaking. Not a big deal at all to fix but a good indication of the general maintenance.

Also look at the rims. If they are buckled then it is either cause they have not maintained the spoke tension or because they have bottomed out on some big jumps. You can not miss the damage as the only way to fix it is to bash the dings out with a hammer and that is what leaves the marks.

Dont be out off by a bike that has been raced. You will find that these guys will look after the bikes better than most of the guys that pull it out of the shed / fill it up with fuel and then ride it and put it back in the shed.

Also make sure you allow another $1k for all your safety gear. Helmet / Boots / Kidney Belt / Armour etc. Dont spend $200 on a helmet and then $500 on a pair of boots. Do it the other way around.

If you go for a 2 stroke they are pretty much bullet proof and are cheap to re build. Agreed they are harder to ride (no engine braking) than a 4 stroke but given your budget might be the best bet.

I would definately stick to the well known stuff. Unless you want a nightmare do not buy a VRM / Husaberg / Gas Gas etc. Nothing wrong with them persay however parts / support is a massive issue here in WA.

A website that you might have seen. www.perthmx.com is quite good.

Hope that helps a little.

Brendon

DAN682 · #4 17-09-2007, 10:52 AM

Call Darren at Mandurah City Yamaha, he will look after you on price.

YZ's are sweet
I had a TTR but that is a road trail
The WR range is wicked.

207 de · #5 17-09-2007, 11:09 AM

wont get much for 5K...not near new anyway

I have a CR250 97 model that I'd sell for 3K...goes as fast as anything mentioned here, and will not have you wanting for more, being a new rider..

consider ones like this...

markveron · #6 17-09-2007, 11:11 AM

yer i want it just for mx trail riding/ beach lancilen no road trail

thanks for the help urabus thats very help full, will keep an eye out for a nice 2 stroke.

def keep to the jap brands, they have never failed me!!