A Bigger Beginner

I know that there are a lot of posts out there just like this, but they didn't quite fit my description.


Im 6'4" and waeihg about 215 ibs. So a lot of people get like 200CC and less to start with, but Im a lot begger than most guys.

So should I get like a 250CC? Also a 250CC in a 2 stroke is good, but in a 4 storke it would suck right?

Im pretty new to dirtbikes, I've rid them before, but Im not good or anything. So I am a beginner

Im lookin to spend $1500 max! preferably under $1000

and I know Im a beginner but I would have no problem fixing up a busted bike. Im pretty handy mechanicly and have fixed many things on cars.

I would get an on-off road bike like a Suz. DR-400 or Honda XR650-L.

I would get an on-off road bike like a Suz. DR-400 or Honda XR650-L.

Im looking at KDX 200 2 strokes.

Im looking at KDX 200 2 strokes.
My first question is why do you want to ride?

Lets assume you want to ride the trails for fun.......
I suggest something relatively lightweight and with a nice wide powerband. A mid-size 4 stroke fits the bill nicely.

Almost all 2 stroke bikes made these days tend to lean towards the race-bike end of the spectrum. They have peaky powerbands, which go like gangbusters at higher revs buy have little power down low. They generally are miserable and frustrating for a beginner.
The true dual purpose street-and-dirt bikes are not so good either for dirt-only use. They tend to have slightly higher gearing and slower more stable steering. They are more difficult than a true dirst bike to ride at slower speeds off-road (which is what you are doing as a beginner)

So, I suggest a 200 or 250 cc off-road only 4 stroke. A honda XR is a great choice, since they have been on the market for 26 years, they were sold in large volume, so they are cheap and parts are a breeze to get.

BTW I have been riding dirt bikes for 30 years and have ridden all kinds. I am 6'2" and 230 lbs. My preferred bike for trail riding is an '87 XR200. Sure its a bit on the small size, but it is extremely user friendly, cooperative, reliable and easy,easy to ride. No hill is too steep, to trail too rough for this bike. It can creep through the tight woods at 3 mph or blast down a fire road at 65 mph, with equal ease. Sure its got less displacement than larger bikes but is actually no slower tham many mildly tuned 250 and 350cc dirt and dual purpose bikes, because its lighter and is tuned to produce a bit more power per cc than many other mild-mannered dirt bikes.

One more thing - in your price range, bikes hold their resale value very well. Chances are when you get more experienced and want to trade up, you likely can sell the beginner bike for what you paid for it. So don't feel you are stuck with the first bike forever.

totaly agree... except my experience was with yamahas like dt's lt's it's. I contradict myself here though, i would recommend a four stroke mid sized bike. i have on occasion had to push a bike through the damn woods. (theres a yamaha joke there somewhere) i think four strokes are so much more reliable, and storable. let us know how it goes...

Almost all 2 stroke bikes made these days tend to lean towards the race-bike end of the spectrum. They have peaky powerbands, which go like gangbusters at higher revs buy have little power down low.


I've been riding dirt bikes since 1968 both 4 strokes and 2 strokes and would like to qualify the statement. While I agree that most 2 strokes today are intended for motocross style racing, the 250cc class bikes are an exception and handle trail and enduro riding exceptionally well. The race suspension has saved me many times during religious moments on the trails. Most two stroke 250s nowadays are not peaky like 85cc or 125cc class machines. I've got plenty of torque and power down low and the complete powerband is broad. Try out a Yamaha YZ250 or Honda CR250R and you'll see what I mean. I have a friend who has a Honda XR650 and we ride in the desert with sand dunes and he is amazed with the versatility of the 250cc 2 stroke.

The major problem with 200cc - 250cc 4 strokes today is they have inadequate power, are boring, and too slow.


'03 Honda CR250R, Pro Circuit Platinum, VForce3 reeds, Boyesen exhaust flange, Renthal bars (RC bend) , Sunstar 13/50 sprockets, DID ERT Gold chain, N-Style Gripper seat, Acerbis plastic, Factory Effex graphics,
TwinAir filter, Dunlop D756 tires.

i have to agree with both magicrat and bnaylor on this one although i prefer a 2stroke. i think a 4stroke is much better to learn on. but 6'3" 200 pounds on a 200? i dont know man. i only weigh 150 and my third bike was a 350 DR which i rode all over the rocky mtns. previous to that i rode a xr250 which i still own and now feels ridiculously slow. now i have a cr 250 which is crazy fast and perfect for almost all trail riding i do. the major difference between older 2s and 4s is the weight. older four strokes are heavy. and slightly harder to maintain engine-wise. however if i was teaching someone to ride or buying my first bike it would be without a doubt a four-stroke.

i have to agree with both magicrat and bnaylor on this one although i prefer a 2stroke. i think a 4stroke is much better to learn on. but 6'3" 200 pounds on a 200? i dont know man. i only weigh 150 and my third bike was a 350 DR which i rode all over the rocky mtns. previous to that i rode a xr250 which i still own and now feels ridiculously slow. now i have a cr 250 which is crazy fast and perfect for almost all trail riding i do. the major difference between older 2s and 4s is the weight. older four strokes are heavy. and slightly harder to maintain engine-wise. however if i was teaching someone to ride or buying my first bike it would be without a doubt a four-stroke.

Hi. Welcome to the forum. I totally agree with you. Honda did a great job on the weight of the CRF450. One competitive bike.

Nice to see another fellow Honda rider.

http://www.photodump.com/direct/LizzyN./honda_riceb.jpg