Some advice... And recommendations.

[Gazz]

First of all I must admit that I have very little knowledge of offroad bikes. The way that I see it is; that they are something that kids use as toys and are basically unreliable, disposible bikes; however it has come to the stage in my life where I want one.

I hear a lot of names thrown about but dont know the difference between them... Dirtbike, pitbike, off-road bike, moto, motocrosser, scrambler, supermoto, trials, trailbike, monkeybike to name just a few (I had a few others in mind but have forgotten when it came time to write this thread).

Are they all the same thing?

I have looked at a few off-road style for sale online and the price of them seems to vary an awful lot and I cannot justify the price of some of these machines (as I see them as cheap kid's toys), therefore I dont want to be wasting money on something that is going to break down on my because I didnt know what I was looking for in the first place.

I would like something that is road legal but can also be ridden on the numerous dirt roads around my area (I live in quite a rural area and the roads around here seem perfect for this type of bike).

Also, I would like somthing that has a decent sized engine. A lot of the examples for sale seem to be 50-150cc, which I would imagine to be quite underpowered for what I am looking for.

Additionally, I want something that is physically a good size (something about the same size as those guys who do the massive jumps).

Any help much appreciated. Thank you.

[Thelostone]

My greenlaner is used purely for fun. so yes it is a "toy" rather than a tool or transport. But unless you are a professional off-road racer that's true for us all.

Dirtbike - yank term, so the least said the better.
Pitbike - little 50cc auto shit-heaps ridden by scotes around dodgy council estates.
Off-road bike - general term suitable for use when talking to idiots (i.e. non motorcyclists).
Moto - French abbreviation for motorbike thus motogp, motocross etc.
Motocrosser - Full on off-road bike designed with competition in mind. May be adapted to be road legal but would be a bit of a handful/right giggle depending on ability/brain size.
Scrambler - olde worlde British term now replaced by Motocrosser so usually only applied to olde worlde bikes with twin rear shocks. (note - flying type goggles must be worn whilst riding.)
Supermoto - motocrosser fitted with road wheels and tyres ridden by lunatics. (note - probably the must fun you can have on tarmac).
Trials - riding very, very slowly over impossible obstacles whilst not putting you foot down. Riders must own a pipe and a pair of slippers but these don't have to be used at an event (proof of ownership may be required).
Monkeybike - tiny little Honda from the '60s. Google it if you want to know more.
Trailbike - looks a bit like motorcrosser but designed to be usable in the real world.
Dual sport - large capacity trailbike (500cc+).

Riding on unsurfaced roads is bloody hard work and will involve picking it up after dropping it (in greenlaning crashing is considered part of the fun), which is why 250cc four strokes are generally considered the best. The likes of KTM, Husaberg etc will try and sell you a 400/450 and because they are made so light they are fantastic to ride, but you better be prepared to do lots of maintenance. If you find you really enjoy falling off then feel free to consider a 2 stroke.

[Fizzer Thou]

I have been riding dirtbikes a fair few years now and have always enjoyed my XR400,which is now fitted with 17" SM wheels.I still have the 21"/18" just in case the KTM enduro bike is unroadworthy for any length of time but to date this has not been the case.

If you can find a good condition XR250R this would be a good starting point.But find one which is in good condition and get a second opinion on the bike before purchasing.Typically about £1200.
____________________
Just talk bikes.What else is there?

Always have a 'Plan B'

[G]

Edited

[drzsta]

MX & Enduro bikes are far from "cheap toys", fuck sake the latest machinery will set you back 7k!

So what do you want it for? Pootling about some dirt roads ?

Probably anything would do then.


So how much are you willing to spend???!



EDIT: can't see how new riders would need more power than the 250 EXC-f, they can't be riding it right - ride it like a 2 stroke and you can't go wrong - keep it in the power and corner speed And momentum like smoker is key.
____________________
Current Bikes - BMW S1000RR ‘17 & KTM 690 SMC-R ‘12

[Coxyzxr]

Tell you what I I bought a Suzuki dr200 to use on the road and off road now an then, it's brilliant fun.

Not very powerful but of road I wouldn't/didn't need to ride flat out. Torque and decent all round power is much more appreciated.

As mentioned if you want to flog it like a two stroke you can get places on it but you'd only need to do this on road.

I genuinely can't appreciate how anyone who just greenlanes/trials with a bit of normal road riding (or vice versa) would need anything larger than 350. Sweet spot I'd say is 250.

If you tour on motorways then 600+ if you race off road then you already know what you need.

I also own a zxr750 sport bike and am definitely no stranger to fast riding - the dr200 i still find completely adequate for commuting though town/country lanes with some geeenlanunh as and when I feel like.

Basically what I'm saying is 175 to 350 trials type / dual sport will be right up your street. Perhaps an air cooled older model for ease of service and repairability.

Suzuki dr range
Kawasaki klr
Honda xr or xlr
Yamaha xt
Kawasaki Sherpa
____________________
**WAS FITTED "WRONG WAY ROUND" !** CANT ACCOUNT FOR THE STUPID !

[ninja_butler]

Hi Gazz, what is your budget and what do you want to use the bike for?

As a very rough guide you should expect to pay £500 for an old but still half decent off-road-only dirt bike or £1000 for a road-legal one.
I've seen a fair few old Yamaha DT 125's and Kawasaki KMX 200's around for under £800 all in roadworthy MOT'd condition and I'm sure there are cheaper bikes than that if you keep your eyes open.

Thee is also the Chinese bike option but it's a very iffy business and best avoided unless you know exactly what you are buying.

[.....]

I think a 250 four stroke is a good place to start. It gives you a nice, gentle introduction to the muddy stuff.

Then move onto a 2 stroke for some fun.

[Teflon-Mike]

[waffles]