CRF's Only Forums

I'm somewhat new to the dirtbiking world at 27 y/o. I've been riding on street for awhile now. I was stationed in the middle of nowhere in 29 Palms, CA where I had relatives in nearby Lancaster. They got me hooked...ok, more like addicted.....on dirbiking. I started on a TTR150 but the bike was just too small for me. I am now out in NC and have been craving to get my own dirtbike. I love riding trails and offroad stuff, but know as soon as I start to get better I will want the track bike as well (and being in the military I can't afford one of each no matter how bad I would like it ). I was thinking the 230F because of everything I read said it was a good starter bike. However, a guy I'm currently deployed (in Iraq) with said that @ 5'11" and around 185-195 lbs I would be too heavy for the suspension. That and the 230 wouldn't last very long after I started doing the track and started taking jumps higher than a foot off of the ground. I do however like how it sits just a lil bit lower because I felt more comfortable on the lower sitting ttr125 than the 125 ktm 2 stroke. However, I think its just that I didn't get time to get used to the taller bike. I do like the idea of the 250 because I can grow into it and I doubt I'll ever need more than that (of course, i said the same thing about my 600cc crotch rocket which I'll upgrade very soon lol) I still have several more months to think about it, and I found this website and figured I'd try to get some help with the decision. Any suggestions?

If you plan to do some trail riding and other type of non track riding as you work to improve your skills I would recomend the CRF250X as it has proven to be a great bike. I have purchased a 230 as well but it does not really compare to the 250. Completly different bike. The 250 will allow you to do more diverse riding and if properly maintained will give you a great opportunity to enjoy the ride!

David

If there is any chance at all you'll be riding on a track get the 250R. The X line of bikes isnt made to take the beating of constant jumps on the track but the R can be ridden on trails. I ride a CRF450R and a CR125 on both track and trail and they do fine in either place.

I just bought a 250R about 3 weeks ago. I'm 53 and about 165lbs. Never had a dirt bike before. Been riding street bikes pretty hard for a few years and the getoffs have been expensive. I thought I'd try to get my jollies on the MX track and it's been a blast! I've hit the dirt a few times with no damage and I think I'll probably save my aggressive riding for the track from now on. (Or at least I'll try to) This is a lot of fun and I wish I'd tried it out several years ago. Y'all take care.