looking for a bike for the wife

Got questions? We got answers....
User avatar
diymirage
Supporting Member II
Supporting Member II
Posts: 2909
Joined: 05:00 pm Sep 19 2011
Country:
Location: michigan

looking for a bike for the wife

Post by diymirage »

hey guys, this is about the most exciting news shes given me in a long time...the wifey said she would be willing to try riding dirtbikes with me
my KDX is too tall for her by far (i have to stand on my tippietoes to keep it up straight) so it looks like im in the market for a second dortbike
she is 5"5' and her leg is is about 27 inches long (figured you might need that for the seat height)

so, what am i looking for?
shes never ridden a dirtbike before so im looking for something that wont be hard to ride
4 stroke will be cleaner and may have a smoother powerband but a 2 stroker just feels right for a dirtbike

to complecate mathers even further we are planning on pooling our money in with her brother who has a 14 year old son about the same height as the wife who would also learn to ride on this bike


so, what are the suggestions?

thanks guys
newbbewb wrote:DIYmirage has it right.


-1996 KDX 200 woods weapon (converted to 99 green body)
-1996 KDX 200 plated street toy (barney edition)
-2003 Yamaha TTR125-L (wifeys bike)
-1997 KDX 220 project bike
User avatar
Julien D
KDXRider.net
KDXRider.net
Posts: 5858
Joined: 07:53 pm Nov 07 2008
Country: USA
Contact:

looking for a bike for the wife

Post by Julien D »

My vote would be a kx100 with a heavy flywheel weight.
Image
User avatar
Slick_Nick
Supporting Member
Posts: 1675
Joined: 10:06 pm Oct 22 2009
Country: Canada
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Contact:

looking for a bike for the wife

Post by Slick_Nick »

Went through this exact thing recently, and I did some exhaustive research. If its her first bike, make it a 4 stroke. She will feel much more comfortable and become confident much quicker. Look at the 125/140 4 strokes. I ended up going with a TTR 125L with electric start, but the CRF's are great, as is the KLX/DRZ 125 (same bike) and KLX 140.
'00 KDX 220R
Fletch
Member
Posts: 477
Joined: 05:59 pm May 01 2011
Country:
Location: Calabogie ontario canada

looking for a bike for the wife

Post by Fletch »

I'm going through the same thing at the moment and my wife is also 5,5. We currently have a 03 kx85 and she's too big for it. Way way to big. It's nice cause she can touch flat foot with both feet but it's not teaching her much in the way of rider position. Even with the larger wheels on the 100, I think the cockpit would be too small like it is for my wife.

I'm going to look at a crf230 for her and see if she fits. I would also like to look at a ktm105 or 150 if they fit any better. A neighbor has a ttr125 small wheel and it's a touch smaller than the 85. I would check the xr200 as well and the ones slick mentioned. Size does matter! At least I'm learning it does....

Oh yeah, she also fit ok on my buddies it200 so maybe an it175 would work if you're looking for a 2t woods bike...
Fletch
89 kdx 200 with 99 rm125 forks
User avatar
SS109
KDXRider.net
KDXRider.net
Posts: 5770
Joined: 05:11 am Aug 23 2009
Country: USA
Location: Tucson, AZ, USA
Contact:

looking for a bike for the wife

Post by SS109 »

How about an older KTM200? Plenty of power for when she gets up to speed, they are physically smaller than other full sized bikes including the KDX200/220, and you get some actual suspension unlike the TTR's and KLX125/140 bikes. Just a thought!
Youtube Channel: WildAzzRacing
AZ State Parks & Trails OHV Ambassador - Trail Riders of Southern AZ
Current KDX: '98 KDX220
Old KDX: '90 KDX200 -White/Blue
'11 GasGas EC250R
User avatar
diymirage
Supporting Member II
Supporting Member II
Posts: 2909
Joined: 05:00 pm Sep 19 2011
Country:
Location: michigan

looking for a bike for the wife

Post by diymirage »

thanks for the replies guys
locally it seems pretty slim pickings here (there is a 97 KDX about 2 hours from here for 800 but that would fill my wants better then her needs)

so what do you guys think of this on?

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/mcy/2963810136.html

here are the specs i found online for it
Dry weight: 74.8 kg (164.9 pounds)
Seat height: 775 mm (30.5 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Ground clearance: 254 mm (10.0 inches)
Wheelbase: 1,265 mm (49.8 inches)


its a 4 stroker 100CC, seems pretty slow compared to the KDX or does the updated technology make a big difference?

this one is also local
http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/for/2970439559.html

same price range, but a 2 stroker, which does have front and rear discs (the honda has drums on both ends) and slightly bigger
Seat height: 871 mm (34.3 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Overall height: 1,105 mm (43.5 inches)
Overall width: 734 mm (28.9 inches)
Ground clearance: 381 mm (15.0 inches)
Wheelbase: 1,290 mm (50.8 inches)

not that i am narrowing it down to these two (wont be buying one untill mad may for sure) but just kicking thought around here
newbbewb wrote:DIYmirage has it right.


-1996 KDX 200 woods weapon (converted to 99 green body)
-1996 KDX 200 plated street toy (barney edition)
-2003 Yamaha TTR125-L (wifeys bike)
-1997 KDX 220 project bike
User avatar
Julien D
KDXRider.net
KDXRider.net
Posts: 5858
Joined: 07:53 pm Nov 07 2008
Country: USA
Contact:

looking for a bike for the wife

Post by Julien D »

The KX looks nice :). I really wouldn't bother with the XR100. Too heavy and slow.

The whole "4 strokes are easier to ride" argument has been invalid since the advent of the power valve. If you can turn a wrench, you can tune a 2 stroke for linear power delivery. Adjust power valve, add flywheel weight, and ride.
Image
Fletch
Member
Posts: 477
Joined: 05:59 pm May 01 2011
Country:
Location: Calabogie ontario canada

looking for a bike for the wife

Post by Fletch »

Xr no way. to gutless and small

The KX would be good for standover height, it's just when her feet are on the pegs it might be too small. I guess it depends on how long her legs are. My wife looks like she's riding a 50 on the KX and the chassis's are the same IIRC
Fletch
89 kdx 200 with 99 rm125 forks
KarlP
Supporting Member III
Supporting Member III
Posts: 1484
Joined: 02:26 pm Jun 29 2005
Country:
Location: Alabama

looking for a bike for the wife

Post by KarlP »

I would ask around and see if you can borrow something like the TTR125L for a while. I wouldn't buy one, but just for getting used to controls and starting/stopping the XR/TTR style bike will be a lot less frustrating. You might also consider that while your wife says she wants to ride you don't want to end up with a 2003 KX100, bought brand new, with maybe 40 hours on it, like I got, if you know what I mean.
'08 KTM200xc
'99 CR/KDX Hybrid with that RB stuff done to it
KX100 for the boy
User avatar
diymirage
Supporting Member II
Supporting Member II
Posts: 2909
Joined: 05:00 pm Sep 19 2011
Country:
Location: michigan

looking for a bike for the wife

Post by diymirage »

allright, first off, thanks for all the help guys

secondly, ive searched for all of the bikes mentioned here and this is what i found, advise please :)

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/mcy/2896175652.html

(this one is a bit more then we are looking to spend, BUT is is close enough to stop by after work and look at)
http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/mcy/2973148428.html

closer to my price ranger, also a TTR
http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/mcy/2966371435.html


no KTMs in my pricerange

Karl, how much for the KX ;)
newbbewb wrote:DIYmirage has it right.


-1996 KDX 200 woods weapon (converted to 99 green body)
-1996 KDX 200 plated street toy (barney edition)
-2003 Yamaha TTR125-L (wifeys bike)
-1997 KDX 220 project bike
User avatar
Julien D
KDXRider.net
KDXRider.net
Posts: 5858
Joined: 07:53 pm Nov 07 2008
Country: USA
Contact:

looking for a bike for the wife

Post by Julien D »

That 06 TTR is a steal. E-start would be nice for her. I'm not personally a fan, as I've ridden one and I swear my 1980 XR80 has more balls. Overall though, i'd say it's comfortable, reliable, and easy to ride. Suspension is really really soft, and it does feel a bit heavy for such a small bike. Probably a good choice for a real beginner.
Image
User avatar
diymirage
Supporting Member II
Supporting Member II
Posts: 2909
Joined: 05:00 pm Sep 19 2011
Country:
Location: michigan

looking for a bike for the wife

Post by diymirage »

allright guys, i looked up the specs for the aforementioned 06TTR
i do like that bike and the size seems right

Dry weight: 84.0 kg (185.2 pounds)
Power/weight ratio: 0.1149 HP/kg
Seat height: 775 mm (30.5 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Overall height: 1,055 mm (41.5 inches)
Overall length: 1,830 mm (72.0 inches)
Overall width: 785 mm (30.9 inches)
Ground clearance: 265 mm (10.4 inches)
Wheelbase: 1,250 mm (49.2 inches)


but the interwebs specs it out to have about 10 HP where my KDX has 37 (according to the same interwebs) is that right?
is my bike 4 times as powerfull ?

i guess my main issue is im afraid the TTR wont keep up with the KDX once she learns to ride it well
newbbewb wrote:DIYmirage has it right.


-1996 KDX 200 woods weapon (converted to 99 green body)
-1996 KDX 200 plated street toy (barney edition)
-2003 Yamaha TTR125-L (wifeys bike)
-1997 KDX 220 project bike
User avatar
scheckaet
KDXRider.net
KDXRider.net
Posts: 3740
Joined: 12:09 am Nov 10 2005
Country:
Location: edmond oklahoma

looking for a bike for the wife

Post by scheckaet »

was in the same spot a few months ago, I got a ttr 125 L big wheel for 800 bux, put 200 bux worth of tire, bearings, chain and sprocket and it was good to go.
She likes it, easy to start, lugs pretty well and low to the ground.
it's perfect to learn on for short legged ppl on tight trail.
If you got wide open area, with higher speed, the stock suspension is not confidence inspiring with blown seals like mine has...I'm sure an front end upgrade and shock replacement would be more than adequate.

I wouldn't worry about her keeping up for now, you don't want to buy something she can't ride or is scared of riding, that won't bring her confidence up and might turn her completely off riding (maybe that's what u looking for though :busted: )
happy hunting
Fletch
Member
Posts: 477
Joined: 05:59 pm May 01 2011
Country:
Location: Calabogie ontario canada

looking for a bike for the wife

Post by Fletch »

diymirage wrote:allright guys, i looked up the specs for the aforementioned 06TTR
i do like that bike and the size seems right

Dry weight: 84.0 kg (185.2 pounds)
Power/weight ratio: 0.1149 HP/kg
Seat height: 775 mm (30.5 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Overall height: 1,055 mm (41.5 inches)
Overall length: 1,830 mm (72.0 inches)
Overall width: 785 mm (30.9 inches)
Ground clearance: 265 mm (10.4 inches)
Wheelbase: 1,250 mm (49.2 inches)


but the interwebs specs it out to have about 10 HP where my KDX has 37 (according to the same interwebs) is that right?
is my bike 4 times as powerfull ?

i guess my main issue is im afraid the TTR wont keep up with the KDX once she learns to ride it well


Well you'll be riding at her pace for a while no? Then when SHE's ready sell that one and get something better for her skills. You should be able to get what you pay. I'm just thinking you don't want to scare her off, and it'd be exciting for her to get a better bike when she knows what she wants.
Fletch
89 kdx 200 with 99 rm125 forks
kawabunga
Member
Posts: 63
Joined: 12:13 am Oct 14 2011
Country:
Location: Beavercreek, OR

looking for a bike for the wife

Post by kawabunga »

I bought a 1978 Yamaha IT 175 for my wife.It has about 9" of suspension travel, and a low seat height. I had one back in the day and found it to a reliable and competent bike.
Maybe a little too old for some, but for me, a known quantity. Very simple to work on.
reviving old war-horse.
User avatar
diymirage
Supporting Member II
Supporting Member II
Posts: 2909
Joined: 05:00 pm Sep 19 2011
Country:
Location: michigan

looking for a bike for the wife

Post by diymirage »

what do you guys think off this one?
(i really like the price)

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/rvs/2909051703.html

any idea who actually makes this thing?
newbbewb wrote:DIYmirage has it right.


-1996 KDX 200 woods weapon (converted to 99 green body)
-1996 KDX 200 plated street toy (barney edition)
-2003 Yamaha TTR125-L (wifeys bike)
-1997 KDX 220 project bike
User avatar
scheckaet
KDXRider.net
KDXRider.net
Posts: 3740
Joined: 12:09 am Nov 10 2005
Country:
Location: edmond oklahoma

Post by scheckaet »

I'd stay away from it, I don't trust the off brand, no name, junk. but that's just me.
User avatar
diymirage
Supporting Member II
Supporting Member II
Posts: 2909
Joined: 05:00 pm Sep 19 2011
Country:
Location: michigan

Post by diymirage »

scheckaet wrote:I'd stay away from it, I don't trust the off brand, no name, junk. but that's just me.
funny, i went through this same dilleme before i ended up buying the KDX for myself
i guess the thing of it is that i am not sure she will enjoy it as much as i do and if i want to fork out twice as much just to find out
(and i do understand that having the right gear can make the difference between enjoying something or not)
newbbewb wrote:DIYmirage has it right.


-1996 KDX 200 woods weapon (converted to 99 green body)
-1996 KDX 200 plated street toy (barney edition)
-2003 Yamaha TTR125-L (wifeys bike)
-1997 KDX 220 project bike
User avatar
doctord23
Supporting Member
Posts: 323
Joined: 01:29 pm Jul 28 2009
Country: USA
Location: NorCal

looking for a bike for the wife

Post by doctord23 »

I would go with a CRF150f or a 230f. The 230 is a little taller with electric start., but you can lower it if need be.
They have real usable power and have the old reliable air-cooled Honda 4-stroke that has been around forever.
I was always amazed how well my nephew could keep up with my KDX on the CRF150. The weak spot on the 150 was keeping air in the 19" front tire.
They also hold their value and make good trade bait. I've bought and traded 3 off so far: traded one for a cherry KX500; one for a YZ450; one for a KX125 that I used for my hybrid.
If you keep an eye out, you can find one int the 8-13 hundred dollar range.
My Team Green:
2002 KX-KDX 220
2000 KDX 220
2003 KLX 300 DS
1988 White KDX 200C3
1984 KX500 (original owner)
1996 Honda Magna V4
2017 Honda Africa Twin DCT
User avatar
B737driver
Gold Member
Gold Member
Posts: 491
Joined: 01:11 pm Dec 02 2011
Country:
Location: Heath, Texas

looking for a bike for the wife

Post by B737driver »

I have a KLX140L that my wife and daughter ride. No way it can keep up with my KDX, no matter who is riding it, but when I'm riding with them I'm not really trying to show them how fast my bike is. Great reliable 4 stroke. Not as many aftermarket parts as there are for the CRF, but it's a great bike. KX forks bolt right up, exhaust system, and some jetting and you've got something they can grow (learn) into.
Live to Fly
Fly to Live
Post Reply