Twins want dirt bikes.

[endobear]

They have been on quads since they were 3. Pretty good riders. 50/50 sand and desert. They want to try dirt bikes.
He's 5'7" and growing like a weed. She's 5'5" and not growing fast. Turning 15 in March.

We will be doing mostly single track woods riding with these bikes. I think they will want to stick with their quads in the dunes. Maybe some track time later if they take well to them.

What should I be getting them?

I have no clue.
I've been out of the 2wheeler game for 15 years. I always road 2 strokes. My 1st thought was to throw him on an older cr250 and her on a cr125. Lower hers the best I can and set them up for woods riding.

Budget wise. Used. Would like to stay under $7000 for the pair. Or pick one up for them to try and go from there.

 

[j21black]

I got a 23 KTM 125SX I'd sell but to far away from you.

I would put both of them on a 125 - Maybe even a Supermini for her.

If you decide to buy new, I'd get them YZ 125s. If used I would try to find a 21/22 KTM 125 vs the new fuel injected models, but those are hard to find.

 

[HBCraig]

I think you're on the right track with the 2 CRs you mentioned
Hard to beat those as they are fairly simple to maintain. If you can snag late model bikes with the aluminum frames you're home free. Be careful with the jetting if you go to the low desert. I seized 2 at Ocotillo

Camt go wrong with a KTM either. Solid bikes.

 

[Bobby_329]

250F's with e start or 300 ktm's. Smoother power.

 

[Kylemenz1]

Get any Austrian 125. Great bike to learn on, parts readily available, cheap to work on, and have good resale. And Honda would have to be a bit older, last year of CR125 was 2007.

 

[Kylemenz1]

250F's with e start or 300 ktm's. Smoother power.

I’m thinking for beginners at 15 years old a 250f or a 300 2-stroke would be too much bike.

 

[outboard_256]

I would put them both on 125's and move them up if they get the hang of it. 250 is too much power for a beginner to learn on. 125's are actually pretty mild if you stay off the pipe, and if they are riding on the pipe all the time you know they are ready to upgrade. I would even try a CR85 if the 125 is too tall. The lighter weight of the 125 will also be easier to learn on. These are all 2 strokes I am talking about.

 

[Bobby_329]

I’m thinking for beginners at 15 years old a 250f or a 300 2-stroke would be too much bike.

I think they are easier to ride than a supermini or 125 especially if you are used to 4 strokes. I went through this with my wife she loved my rm250 in the dunes scared her in the dirt I bought a kx100 that thing was a light switch she liked being able to touch the ground but didn't wanna ride it on the pipe. I put her on my 300 and just had her ride in a taller gear and she liked it still too much power but more controllable. I Ended up getting her a beta Xtrainer that has worked out pretty well.

 

[Gelcoater]

I would put them both on 125's and move them up if they get the hang of it. 250 is too much power for a beginner to learn on. 125's are actually pretty mild if you stay off the pipe, and if they are riding on the pipe all the time you know they are ready to upgrade. I would even try a CR85 if the 125 is too tall. The lighter weight of the 125 will also be easier to learn on. These are all 2 strokes I am talking about.

I agree.
125s
Lighter and easier to start.

Endo, they been spoiled by all these push button start rigs.
She struggled last year trying to start our 250. The 125 is much easier to row.
They will probably hate them at first, completely different power delivery vs the quads they have now. Will definitely refine their clutch skills
Once they figure it out and feel the thing get on the pipe just expect they are mixing gas from here on out.

 

[Bigbore500r]

I would put them both on 125's and move them up if they get the hang of it. 250 is too much power for a beginner to learn on. 125's are actually pretty mild if you stay off the pipe, and if they are riding on the pipe all the time you know they are ready to upgrade. I would even try a CR85 if the 125 is too tall. The lighter weight of the 125 will also be easier to learn on. These are all 2 strokes I am talking about.

Beginner 2-wheel riders on 125 2 strokes, for woods riding?

 

[outboard_256]

Beginner 2-wheel riders on 125 2 strokes, for woods riding?

I would assume they would stick to beginner trails to match their skill level. Worst case you might have to jet it a little lean if they start fouling plugs from not getting on the pipe.

 

[Badchoices03]

This is RDP....get (2) 2025 KTM125sx's....2stroke fun, with electric start....

 

[endobear]

I would assume they would stick to beginner trails to match their skill level. Worst case you might have to jet it a little lean if they start fouling plugs from not getting on the pipe.

I'd definitely start them on easy fire roads, move up to jeep trails then quad trails up to single track.
Sprocket them for woods and possibly weight the flywheel to make them a little more woods friendly.

 

[endobear]

I agree.
125s
Lighter and easier to start.

Endo, they been spoiled by all these push button start rigs.
She struggled last year trying to start our 250. The 125 is much easier to row.
They will probably hate them at first, completely different power delivery vs the quads they have now. Will definitely refine their clutch skills
Once they figure it out and feel the thing get on the pipe just expect they are mixing gas from here on out.

A kick start will be good for them. I'm sure a 2stroke coming on the pipe is going to make them crap.

 

[GETBOATS]

125, 125, 125, 125 end of story and keep them there for as long as you can! any brand, as mentioned, jet properly, 32/1, take some spark plugs, good clean fuel, leave them stock, use stock parts when needed. Depending on how hard they ride you may never need pistons, ring, crank. 250F is a great platform but I made this mistake with both my sons moving up to soon. They will benefit and become better riders on small "125" two strokes, easy starts, nimble, and will teach proper use of the power band. Judging from their past, I'd stay away from the play bikes, XR, TTR, etc. My youngest now 32, rode intermediate motocross here in So. Cal. 2009 thru 2012 onYZ250F and stopped to pursue his education "weird right" LOL. Today he owns a 2017 YZ125 for fun and looks right at home on the pro track at Pala/Fox, Still Pala to me. Did I mention 125?

 

[endobear]

I think you're on the right track with the 2 CRs you mentioned
Hard to beat those as they are fairly simple to maintain. If you can snag late model bikes with the aluminum frames you're home free. Be careful with the jetting if you go to the low desert. I seized 2 at Ocotillo

Camt go wrong with a KTM either. Solid bikes.

Yeah. Seems like I spend more time jetting bikes than we do riding them with the different elevations we ride.

 

[69hondo]

My girls started on a CR125. Now on CR250s. 125. available, DM if interested.

 

[endobear]

Get any Austrian 125. Great bike to learn on, parts readily available, cheap to work on, and have good resale. And Honda would have to be a bit older, last year of CR125 was 2007.

Not against older machines. A little newer than mine would be nice.
I'll be riding my old 2000 CR with them..

 

[j21black]

This is RDP....get (2) 2025 KTM125sx's....2stroke fun, with electric start....

I would not - KTM still does not have this figured out. Speaking from experience and watching the fastest kids in the country move to YZ's because of it.

I still have one of our 2 FI KTM 125SX left at home -

Having said that, if just riding woods and not having the bike screaming all the time it will probably be fine.

We went to 250s early because these FI 2 Strokes proved unreliable for us and many others.

 

[81eliminator]

Yamaha you 125 is the way to go. Best suspension and parts availability

 

[j21black]

My girls started on a CR125. Now on CR250s. 125. available, DM if interested.
View attachment 1438114

I kinda want that bike!

 

[Dan Lorenze]

Lucky kids.. You're a good Dad..

 

[endobear]

Thanks. But I feel like a slacker... my old man had me riding dirt bikes at 3 and atc's at 8.
They have been asking for dirt bikes for a couple years. Now they are wanting new mtn bikes. Went and looked at new mtn bikes and about crapped my wallet.

We are getting dirt bikes 1st.

 

[Dunerking]

I have my 15 year old son a 2023 KTM 300 XC-W and it has worked out great! He rips it all over the dunes,desert,track or trails. Power is super smooth and as long as they know throttle management they will be fine.
My 19 year old daughter has a 2016 KTM 200 XC-W and it’s a fantastic bike as well. The power is a bit more “hitty “ as it’s not a counterweight crank like the 300.

 

[Dunerking]

 

[COCA COLA COWBOY]

I know a little about this subject! My 12 year old just came off super mini's and I put him on a Gas Gas 250f. Best decision ever. I have to go pretty quick, but going to give you the quick response.

Most of the manufacturers are having major issues with the 125's. KTM, Husky, and Gas Gas haven't figured out the fuel injection and having issues. If you do want one of those, you have to take it to Twisted Development and have them change the computer and give you the right tune. Yamaha's 125 is absolute garbage.....piston has to....has to be changed at 10 hours and 20 hours after that. The engineers messed up on the location of the cylinder to the end of the stroke. Lots of parents are pissed about this. The Kawasaki is just not very good. The Honda is actually good, but slow and not very good overall.

Personally, your son really needs a 250 four stroke no matter what! Your daughter it depends on her personality. She may be good on a used super mini KTM, Husky, Gas Gas big wheel 105, but let me know which one you're looking at. I know the ins and outs of most the bikes on the market right now because a lot of kids I know are moving up.

This bike below is the best bike I have ever ridden. I'm going to buy another pretty soon as it is that good and better than my 2020 450 Rockstar. There are two programmed tunes for cruising and aggressive.

Also, don't buy the Kawasaki 250f....the dealership literally told me Kawasaki has a 50/50 chance of making it past 5 hours of riding. Their quality control is that bad!

 

[endobear]

I know a little about this subject! My 12 year old just came off super mini's and I put him on a Gas Gas 250f. Best decision ever. I have to go pretty quick, but going to give you the quick response.

Most of the manufacturers are having major issues with the 125's. KTM, Husky, and Gas Gas haven't figured out the fuel injection and having issues. If you do want one of those, you have to take it to Twisted Development and have them change the computer and give you the right tune. Yamaha's 125 is absolute garbage.....piston has to....has to be changed at 10 hours and 20 hours after that. The engineers messed up on the location of the cylinder to the end of the stroke. Lots of parents are pissed about this. The Kawasaki is just not very good. The Honda is actually good, but slow and not very good overall.

Personally, your son really needs a 250 four stroke no matter what! Your daughter it depends on her personality. She may be good on a used super mini KTM, Husky, Gas Gas big wheel 105, but let me know which one you're looking at. I know the ins and outs of most the bikes on the market right now because a lot of kids I know are moving up.

This bike below is the best bike I have ever ridden. I'm going to buy another pretty soon as it is that good and better than my 2020 450 Rockstar. There are two programmed tunes for cruising and aggressive.

Also, don't buy the Kawasaki 250f....the dealership literally told me Kawasaki has a 50/50 chance of making it past 5 hours of riding. Their quality control is that bad!

View attachment 1438182

Great info and beautiful machine..

 

[Gelcoater]

! Your daughter it depends on her personality. She may be good on a

Based on her personality she needs an alcohol burning CR500 with a stoker crank and a nitrous bottle mounted to the triple clamp

 

[endobear]

She's a wild one...

 

[DanG]

Everyone loves the smell of two stroke in the morning, but I will give personal family experience.

I grew up riding two strokes my whole life into my 30's and got a 4 stroke CRF450R in 2003 and never went back.

Had my two boys on 2 strokes as well...from a JR50, KTM50, KX65, and KX85. In 2007 when Honda came out with the CRF150R, I bought one for my 12 yr old. Within a couple of months I bought a second one for my 10 yr old.

The 4 stroke power is so much smoother than a two stroke. There is no need to stay on the pipe and the power is just always there. My boys were climbing some of the toughest hills in Jawbone, and would go anywhere the adults rode. It was crazy the difference in confidence and then ability in very short time on the new bikes.

based on their age and size, I would suggest a CRF250R that they can grow into. I mean girls are bad ass and can ride too. If you think it's too much power you could consider a CRF150R Big Wheel.

 

[COCA COLA COWBOY]

View attachment 1438190
She's a wild one...

I have a couple super mini's in the garage. If you want to meet up at a track and let her ride one, that tell you right away if that's the right direction. I can even take a pit bike so you can follow her around. I would recommend meeting at Fox Raceway at Pala as there is some good flat areas for her to try it and if she likes it. There is also a kids track that she could take it to the next level at.

 

[endobear]

I have a couple super mini's in the garage. If you want to meet up at a track and let her ride one, that tell you right away if that's the right direction. I can even take a pit bike so you can follow her around. I would recommend meeting at Fox Raceway at Pala as there is some good flat areas for her to try it and if she likes it. There is also a kids track that she could take it to the next level at.

 

[endobear]

Appreciate the offer. Unfortunately your way over my budget and I live in Denver.

 

[PlumLoco]

Everyone loves the smell of two stroke in the morning, but I will give personal family experience.

I grew up riding two strokes my whole life into my 30's and got a 4 stroke CRF450R in 2003 and never went back.

Had my two boys on 2 strokes as well...from a JR50, KTM50, KX65, and KX85. In 2007 when Honda came out with the CRF150R, I bought one for my 12 yr old. Within a couple of months I bought a second one for my 10 yr old.

The 4 stroke power is so much smoother than a two stroke. There is no need to stay on the pipe and the power is just always there. My boys were climbing some of the toughest hills in Jawbone, and would go anywhere the adults rode. It was crazy the difference in confidence and then ability in very short time on the new bikes.

based on their age and size, I would suggest a CRF250R that they can grow into. I mean girls are bad ass and can ride too. If you think it's too much power you could consider a CRF150R Big Wheel.

CRF150 of course. He says "they will be riding mostly single track in the woods."
34" seat height and only weighs 187 lbs. A 250 goes about 230 lbs right?
A modern 250F or X is really overkill at this stage isn't it?

 

[endobear]

CRF150 of course. He says "they will be riding mostly single track in the woods."
34" seat height and only weighs 187 lbs. A 250 goes about 230 lbs right?
A modern 250F or X is really overkill at this stage isn't it?

I should rephrase that.
Mostly woods riding, with the ability to do single track. Lots of jeep road miles with some single-track mixed in. 34" seat height would be fun on the single-track for sure.

 

[PlumLoco]

They can be hopped up pretty good too.

 

[Dunerking]

Carson Brown is always ripping on his 150r..that’s no stocker though..looks like an aluminum frame.
My son had a 150r from 10-14 and it served its purpose but sent it down the way when he was ready to move up.
DanG have you riden the a 300 TPI/TBI? Definitely not the same 2 smoker we all grew up on.

 

[endobear]

They can be hopped up pretty good too.

That's rad...

 

[Jimmyv]

My kids are much younger, so I don’t have a great bike recommendation, but I love seeing the kids get on two wheels

 

[rmarion]

Enjoy!!!!

Great Time ahead!!!!



my grandson was riding a PW 50 on over the weekend.... There's still HOPE!

 

[endobear]

Story of my fucking life .
One kid plugs a toilet. Doesn't say shit.
Wife takes a leak without turning on the lights and flushes. Floods 2 bathrooms.....I give up....FML

 

[DanG]

Carson Brown is always ripping on his 150r..that’s no stocker though..looks like an aluminum frame.
My son had a 150r from 10-14 and it served its purpose but sent it down the way when he was ready to move up.
DanG have you riden the a 300 TPI/TBI? Definitely not the same 2 smoker we all grew up on.

In fairness, I have not ridden a two stroke bike in many years and they very well could be a whole different ballgame these days.

 

[DanG]

CRF150 of course. He says "they will be riding mostly single track in the woods."
34" seat height and only weighs 187 lbs. A 250 goes about 230 lbs right?
A modern 250F or X is really overkill at this stage isn't it?

It very well could be overkill and that's why I threw out the 150R. I was going by their age and height. Both of my boys were on 250R's by 15-16 yrs old. I believe the power band on the 4 stroke is smooth enough that a 15 yr old with riding experience (even though on a quad) could grow into it without issue. You have a good point about the weight and the 150R might be better suited for a couple of years. I just hate buying something that they outgrow in two seasons, been there and done that.

 

[Factory571]

Look at the KTM 150.. if you go the supermini route you will need to do a top end every 5 hours..

 

[Gelcoater]

Story of my fucking life .
One kid plugs a toilet. Doesn't say shit.
Wife takes a leak without turning on the lights and flushes. Floods 2 bathrooms.....I give up....FML

Oh No!!

How bad are the floors?

 

[Factory571]

It very well could be overkill and that's why I threw out the 150R. I was going by their age and height. Both of my boys were on 250R's by 15-16 yrs old. I believe the power band on the 4 stroke is smooth enough that a 15 yr old with riding experience (even though on a quad) could grow into it without issue. You have a good point about the weight and the 150R might be better suited for a couple of years. I just hate buying something that they outgrow in two seasons, been there and done that.

You can get the Crf 150 with bigger wheels..

 

[COCA COLA COWBOY]

Look at the KTM 150.. if you go the supermini route you will need to do a top end every 5 hours..

105’s if they aren’t ridden hard can get away with 50 hours for a top end, but that piston will be shot. Personally, I would change the piston every 20 hours, but I can do it in about 45 minutes and the cost is about $150. 112’s need full rebuild every 20 hours. If a kid rides hard, that crank is tough on things.

 

[j21black]

Don't get her a 150R - I would imagine she will have a hard time kicking it over. There is a reason you don't see them competing at a National Level often, every now and then you will see one. For your wants here that probably doesn't matter, but put a kid that knows how to ride a 2 stroke on the track with that 150R and I'll take the kid on the smoker everytime, with the exception being when Cooper Webb was coming up through the amateur ranks.

If you go the SM route for her, which I think is best, get a used KTM brand or a KX112 - The KX112 is pretty bullet proof, had 3 of them before we moved to KTM on 125s. And if you want to turn it into a rocket ship, send the head, cylinder, carb off to Pro Circuit and you have an animal. After I did that, my kid came off the track and said "Dad, I don't want a 125 anymore" - KTMs are defintely more forgiving and easier to ride, and have a much better braking system.

Your son you could go either way, 250F or a 125. Like I said earlier, I would stay away from the new FI 2 strokes - We had 2 of them - KTM does not have a handle on it. YZ is the way to go here if you get a new 125. Many kids got off the KTM and moved to YZ because of the reliability issues. If you want a KTM brand, 22 or older on a 2 smoker. If you can figure out how to go fast on a 2 smoke, kid will be really fast on a 4 stroke.

250s - We stuck with KTM(s) because we had so much stuff that was interchangeable between the 125s, wheels, suspension, etc....

 

[Nordie]

I'm willing to part with an 08 yz450 that has been completely redone except the plastics

My best attempt at a 2FF moment

 

[69hondo]

For some girl experience. My middle girl is 4'-11. She has a CR250 and has no problem kicking it over.
Now, it did take some time to figure out how to balance and kick it being that small.