Best dirt bike for a BIG guy?

[Bossman150]

Ok, first off I know I am too fat, but I am working on that. Right now I weigh about 340 lbs (down from 400) and I am 6'3. My 12 year old recently picked up an 01 RM 125, and I would love to ride with him. I have not ridden in about 13 years or so. I am looking for something to lug my fat butt around our property which has some nice trails and a few mild jumps, nothing major, but it does have a lot of hills. I did quite a bit of riding in my teens so I am not completely new to dirt bikes. I realize for my weight a 4 wheeler would be better, but I never feel safe on them. I am looking to spend 1.5-3k.

Are their any bikes that might fit the bill or am I needing to stick with an ATV until I kick another 75lbs?

[AJ_YFZ]

A 450 should haul you around without a problem
And Welcome to ATM

[ccnut]

Hey Bro,WELCOME to Don't trash yourself over the weight thing. The most important thing is riding with your son!!! You will cherish that for all your days! What did you ride previously? 4 stroke or 2t ? My son rides a 250 2 stroke and loves it! BTW he is 6'6" and about 320. I guess you just have to go out and ride a few,both 2 t and 4t and decide which suits your needs. Good luck and keep us informed about your decision. Most important.....Go ride with your son!!!..... Jerry

[crfjedi393]

Welcome to ATM.

Originally Posted by Bossman150

I realize for my weight a 4 wheeler would be better, but I never feel safe on them.

Don't get a quad!

[crdude]

welcome to ATM, a 250 2t or a 450 4t would do just fine. I ride 250's at 5'10 and pushin 230, has plenty of power for me!

[Bossman150]

When I was in high school I rode a yz 125. So you really think a 2t 250 is enough for me? Thanks for all the replies!!

[jimmy1181]

Bossman 150 -

I'm a Rookie to this forum and also a Rookie to riding, I did ride a long time ago, in Montana, Honda XR series is what I took to riding.

It sounds like your in a similar boat as me - I don't know too much about fixing or repairing a bike, so I would recommend NOT getting a 2 Stroke. I had a KX 250 which was awesome but was a real pain to keep running - I traded it for 2 Yamaha TT-r 125's. For you, the 125's will be too small. I would look into a XR 250 (4 stroke) and/or a newer 450 4 stroke.

You said you're not much into racing, jumping, etc.... I don't see a reason why you would need a 2 stroke unless you're looking to get more aggressive. Remember, it costs big $$$ to have a bike worked on. (just spent $520. for a new front tire, new rear tire, new battery, and both carbs cleaned). Stay with the 4 stroke if you don't ride that often!

Let us know what you end up doing, this is interesting topic to see unfold.

[Budlite]

My advice is to look for a used 450 Honda. They're decent bikes and engine parts are cheaper.

[egoallenpoe393]

Originally Posted by crfjedi393

Welcome to ATM.

Don't get a quad!

What he said

You can find a good WR450, KLX 400, XR350 or DRZ400 for about 3k or less, I would say a CR or YZF would not be to your liking "FOR NOW". I would look for the Magic Button Kind (Estart). You may even find a decent KTM EXC400 or 450 for that price.

If all your looking at is the fun factor to follow your son around, a good old Honda 230 is a tank and easy to add some HP.

[Bossman150]

I am use to a 2 stroke, and if I have to do some serious work I think they are easier and cheaper to work on correct? I do like the sound of the honda XR series, bulletproof sounds nice to me lol.

[ccnut]

Howdy, The XR's are awful good bikes for trails,used to desert race them back in the day. plus the whole not pre mixing thing is a plus. I'm a 2 stroke guy myself,haven't owned a 4t in 30 yrs. But I did ride a CRF 450 the other day and sure liked the power delivery though!! ......Jerry

[char393]

Just my .02...

If you're mostly riding trail and want something reliable, consider an Xr400. It will pull you along just fine and the air cooled motor would be nice. I've seen plenty of larger guys on 250 pingers hauling themselves and the mail around the track. If you find the poet delivery isn't quite what you want, you have the option of gearing changes and/or a flywheel weight to get things where you want.

Also, jmo, but yes, two strokes are less expensive and simpler to work on. A top end will likely run you around $100 and can be done in a couple of hours if you're just looking at changing a piston and rings.

And one last thing that's just my opinion, a properly maintained bike will last you quite a while, especially if you're just trail riding and not racing. Regular oil changes and clean air filters will go a long ways toward prolonging the life of a motor.

[Bossman150]

This seems like a great deal, what do you think?

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Older posting so not sure if its still there, seems like a nice deal though.

[char393]

I think I'd be going to take a look at it.

[Bossman150]

I just emailed him, I hate ads with no phone numbers lol.

[ccnut]

Tell you what bro, I'd be checking that out for sure!! My brother Steve (YZnutt) has one and it flat rips!! I know,.. it broke my ankle two yrs. ago! And after that ride I knew I had to get back into dirt riding,after a 25+ yr. layoff. Go to my intro to this site for the story. If you get it you Will love it , and you will have no problem with the weight thing. Just remember they only go as fast as you twist the throttle!! Keep us informed!....Jerry

[Bossman150]

Well as I figured that bike is already gone. The search continues.

[json]

If it helps any, I'm 6' 2" 250 and ride a 2t 250. I trail ride and am a somewhat agressive rider, speed-wise. 250 2t is more power than I'll ever need.
I think a racing 2t will need a bit more regular attention that an XR, but parts are cheap and the attention they need is cheap/easy to do (wash the bike and air filter every ride, change oil every 6 hours or so, tops ends every 40-60 hours depending on how you ride, etc). Like char said, if you take care of whatever you ride, the 2t or 4t will be reliable and last a long time.

[Bossman150]

Local dealer has an 04 Honda XR400R listed for 2400. How would this bike suit my needs? Pro's/cons?

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Its the top one.

[cowboyona426]

Originally Posted by Bossman150

Local dealer has an 04 Honda XR400R listed for 2400. How would this bike suit my needs? Pro's/cons?

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Its the top one.

The pro's are a dead reliable bike that can take almost anything you throw at it. Good power, not terribly heavy, and will last a long time when properly cared for.
The con's are they can be a pig to start and compared to a 450 (CRF, YZ, KXF, RMZ, WR, etc.) it will feel heavier. As a jump start back into riding though, I don't think you could go wrong with it. You might outgrow it as your skill improves, but it would definitely be a good place to start.
IMO, what's more important than anything when buying a used bike is to get as much of the history as you can. Talk with the shop or owner about their maintenance routine and look the bike over closely. If it looks like a rat, walk away. What you don't want to do is end up with someone else's basket case of a bike that will spend more time in the garage being fixed than being ridden.