old street rider, new dirt rider, what bike?

[newdirt]

Please no flames; I'm not the greatest with net. I'm new to dirt bike riding, but have ridden street for 10 years. I can't afford a new bike, but would like to get opinions on a what used dirt bike would be good for me? I'm looking for 1) most user friendly to ride, but potential to ride expert trails, 2) "green sticker legal for California, 3) reliable. Bike will be ridden mostly on trails. (I've used a friends 79 Honda xr250 on beginner and intermediate trails so far. Bike seems limited by suspension). Since I'm of smaller build, is one bike lower than others?). Looking for smething in the $3,500 range. Thank you.

[Dirtrydar]

a second hand XR400 or mabye a WR250 if you can find a good second hand one.

[OLDMXRACER 393]

A $3500 budget gives you a pretty good pick. First thing that come to mind are a KDX200, XR250 and the WR250 and XR400 like dirtry said. (You are close to the new price of a KDX. Not sure on the Honda retail). And all have the potential to go fast when you're ready with simple mods. Good luck on the decision and welcome to ATM!

[Yardpro393]

all of there are good bikes, but everybody forgets the drz 400. it is a superior trail bike to the xr 400 (i am a die hard honda guy and still believe this). you can also get a drz400s that is street legal. with a few mods it is a pretty potent bike also

[Dirtrydar]

are the KLX and DRZ400 the same like the RM-Z and KX-f?

[cowboyona426]

Yes, the KLX and DRZ are the same bike.

[newdirt]

Thanks for the reply and welcome. Is there a huge difference in weight (and being able to handle) say the 400 (xr400) versus say the WR250. I’m 5’7”.

[char393]

Thats a good question, I'd be curious too. Although, I am 5'7" too and have ridden both those bikes. I think you could dial in the suspension on either bike for your height and weight. One thing to consider would be trying to find both of those to sit on. I think the ergonomics (big word, huh ) will be different on both of them, one may feel more comfortable than the other. JMO, though. I ride a KDX200 now and am happy with it. The power is good and with a few mods, I'd say its great. All that and I just looked at your original post...finding something green sticker legal...Hmmmm...Calif. is such a pain.