Our son's move from XR80 to ???

[zoohoot393]

Well, we are thinking it might be time to move our son up to a new bike in a few months. Here are the vital stats:

1. He is 10
2. Been riding the XR80 for about a year or so
3. He is a big kid, but not very tall, I would say average height
4. He is fairly slow, but gets hit pretty hard when jumping due to the XR's lack of good suspension

So...I was thinking a CR85 or KX85. The CR is a touch shorter than the KX, plus it is red

What do y'all think? I don't want to put him on something too fast, like I said it is mainly to get better suspension.

[DCox]

Zoo, my very first MX bike was a new 1979 Suzuki RM80. I had never rode a motocross bike prior to that--only mellow off-road bikes.

I loved it!

At first I had to get used to the ultra peaky powerplant, but a great deal has changed in 25 years. I adapted quickly and that little ride will always have a special place in my heart.

If I were in your place, I would probably go with the Honda CR (this is of course presuming you have ruled out the KTM, which interestingly enough is rated among some reviewers as top in its class for broad power and excellent handling. But they are pricey!)

When the time comes with my children for a bit more serious ride (as in your case), I may actually get them involved in the process--we'll see. I would probably have them research the basic features of each, look up and read some reviews, and then write up or relate to me verbally a brief summary of what they have discovered--you know, characteristics of each, relative strengths and weaknesses, price differences, parts availability, etc. Then as we narrow it down to the two final contenders, they could go and sit on each and tell me how they like the feel, etc. I would keep it light and fun, but also make it a good learning experience. I would really enjoy watching them (hopefully) get excited about it to!

I can't wait to meet you in a few days!

[MATTXR250R]

Zoo...Glad he is sticking with it.

The CR and KX85s are good choices....I would personally get the CR(its a Honda)but for him you might want to look at these 2 things...the CR is gonna be alot more pipey than the KX and probably hit quite a bit harder...the KX has a powervalve which helps alot with low-end power and makes the transition from out of the power to in the band generally smoother. Not saying he can't get used to the hit or anything because he will but what I am trying to get out is I think the KX will be alot easier to ride. The CR is gonna be like my friends 88 RM80..either pin it or stall it. But if you think he will catch on to keeping the RPMs up quick then by all means go for the CR. I think the CR is the most peaky out of all the 80s and 85s but still a darn good choice.

[zoohoot393]

DCox...great suggestion. I already had him do some research on the kawa and honda websites to look at seat heights, etc. But I will continue with that as you suggested. I also cannot wait to meet ya in person

Matt...that is great feedback, definitely what I need to know. With that in mind, that probably leads us more to the KX, as I like the idea of a nice smooth power.

I think I will check out the KTM as well...

[TixiLix]

go the CR- Cause reds faster! and besides, if u go KX, you will need a rebuilt after every few months.

[Honda_Rider_XR]

Lol Chris you rebuild 2-strokes that often of that size anyway. Doesn't matter what color, the properties are the same and so are the rebuild times similar.

[MATTXR250R]

Glad I was of some help Josh.

The KX even with the powervalve will still have a hit in the powerband but will be quite a bit smoother than the CR...and it should also be a little better at slower speeds and lower RPMs than the CR. The CR is gonna get fussy at low RPMs..so will the KX but it shouldn't be as bad as the CR.

[MATTXR250R]

Zoo another idea for you to think about. Depending on how much free time you have to work on your bike,Ima's and then the 85 if you get one is to remember that the 85 will need pretty frequent topends. Probably can get by with a piston every other time with a 1 ring piston. And you will also have to carry atleast 2 seperate gas jugs..one being straight gas and the other mixed which you already know. The 85 will just need a bit more attention than your bike and Ima's which is basically that is will just need to be rebuilt alot more often which isn't bad at all...once you do it once or twice you can do it really quick. Just something else to think about.

[MATTXR250R]

Darn another thing...I was about to sign off and go to bed when I thought about this...with the KX having a smoother powerband...not as hard of a hit as the CR..that will be much better when riding in mud. My friends RM80 hits pretty daggon hard and I have ridden it in mud and when it kicks in..even with my 155 pound butt on the seat weighing that rear tire down it still just won't hook up good...rear end swaps from side to side...the smoother the power..the more traction that is avaliable because you don't get that sudden burst of power to the rear tire.

[Woody_393]

Good question, I'm interested in the answers too. Not that I want or need one, but just interested.

Also, in case you are interested, my bro has a... '86 YZ80 (pretty sure it's an '86) right now, that's a pretty good bike (I rode it, the one that had the leaking seal, which has been fixed by the way) for sale right now. I believe he is planning on putting a new top end in it before he sells it. Anyway, when you are here, we could take it to the track with us and let JJhoot give it a whirl. The price is right too. I'm not sure on the price though... $650 I think after the top end is done, $500 if not? Don't quote me on it though, since I'm not sure what he wants out of it, but I think it's close to that.

It's certainly not a brand new bike, but for it's year, I think it looks/runs pretty good. Great learner, and won't break the bank in the process.

If he likes, you can take her home, if not, now worries. No pressure what so ever, and he'll have had the chance to ride an 80, so you'll know for sure if that's going to be the best route or not.

Anyway, let me know if you want more info/concrete details and I'll tell my bro about this thread so he can give you more info. Otherwise, I won't.

Also (no pressure ), if you think it might be something you're interested in, we'll see about getting the topend done before you come, or at least while you're still here.

Lemme know.

[zoohoot393]

That sounds cool Woody! If nothing else it would give JJ a chance to try out an 80 and see if his overall skills are ready for it. That would be sweet!

[Woody_393]

Sounds good, I'll let my bro know.

[Rockey]

I think the RM or KX would be your best best, because of the powervalved motors. The CR80 has no bottom end whatsoever. He would learn quicker on the RM or KX IMO.

[Woody_YZF]

Originally posted by Woody_CRF
Good question, I'm interested in the answers too. Not that I want or need one, but just interested.

Also, in case you are interested, my bro has a... '86 YZ80 (pretty sure it's an '86) right now, that's a pretty good bike (I rode it, the one that had the leaking seal, which has been fixed by the way) for sale right now. I believe he is planning on putting a new top end in it before he sells it. Anyway, when you are here, we could take it to the track with us and let JJhoot give it a whirl. The price is right too. I'm not sure on the price though... $650 I think after the top end is done, $500 if not? Don't quote me on it though, since I'm not sure what he wants out of it, but I think it's close to that.

It's certainly not a brand new bike, but for it's year, I think it looks/runs pretty good. Great learner, and won't break the bank in the process.

If he likes, you can take her home, if not, now worries. No pressure what so ever, and he'll have had the chance to ride an 80, so you'll know for sure if that's going to be the best route or not.

Anyway, let me know if you want more info/concrete details and I'll tell my bro about this thread so he can give you more info. Otherwise, I won't.

Also (no pressure ), if you think it might be something you're interested in, we'll see about getting the topend done before you come, or at least while you're still here.

Lemme know.

Sounds good to me. I'm taking the top end off and down to the machine shop today and I'll see about getting it back before Thursday, not sure if that will happen, but if so, you're welcome to try it out and maybe take it home. . No pressure though, I know I'll be able to sell it for around $750 once the top end is all done. I'll probably replace the reeds on it too while I'm in there.

[Silver_Fox]

To keep the hit a bit smoother I strongly suggest installing a flywheel weight on whatever brand you pick, it really helps riders who are learning on a 2 stroke.

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[Silver_Fox]

regarding seat height, talk to the dealers - usually they know the tricks to adjust seat height up or down. I would say if he finds one is more comfortable for him go with it, then you can adjust the height. JMO


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[Blitz393]

not to be demeaning but i rode a YZ85 and it suprised me. holy crap, it had so much of a hit!! the CR and YZ's are the only bikes without powerbands (of the 80's anyway) and i was genuinely suprised. going from an XR to a CR 80, is a huge jump. i'm going to go out on a limb here and suggest the non-bigwheeled version of the TTR125's, BUT that comes with a grain of salt. i've never seen him ride but as you said in the original post, he's not the fastest rider on the track. that's ok, there's nothing wrong with that unless you're trying to get him on a bike that is needed to be ridden by a fast rider (or one that pins it all the time) a 65 would suit him fine suspension wise, probably better than the TTR but the overall size won't. let him ride the '86, it won't have near the power of the newer bikes and if it was my kid (yeah, thats coming from a 17 y/o ) i'd go with either Woody's YZ or a TTR. thats just my opinion. the biggest thing is to start him on a bigger, less powerful bike. try to find someone with a TTR1125 (DBK) and let him get used to the bigness. then, put him on the YZ. if you go all out and stick him on a new 85, he wont be ready and WILL crash, loopout or whatever. also, he's going to need to learn to work the clutch. or does the XR80 have a clutch? i forgot. anyway, i'm not trying to come across as mean or anything but to go from a XR80 to a CR85 is like jumping from a TTR125 to a YZ250. big, big jump. i've ridden both and there is a HUGE difference.

cheers!

Rob

[MATTXR250R]

Yep the XR80R has a Clutch...but he will have to get used to slipping it where thats not needed on the XR.

I have to say along with Rob..the first time I rode my friends 88 RM80..it did surprise me...its not really all that fast IMO but it hits pretty darn hard. I think a KX85 would be just fine for him. I went from an XR250R to a CR250R and that was a BIG jump as well...going from a bike that is smooth as butter with its power delivery to a bike with double the power and a snappy powerband is a pretty big jump IMO. I did just fine...I just was easy on the throttle and respected it...I also always kept a finger on teh clutch when I was starting out on my CR..that way if it started getting away from me I could pull it in and hopefully not crash.

As long as he goes easy on it..he will be just fine Zoo. I am 100% comfortable on my CR now and love the power...I still respect like I did from the get go...every once in a while I will kind of loose respect for the power that it has and it will almost get away from me... Just remember....the thing making these bikes go fast is your right hand twisting that grip...it won't go faster than you can twist it.

[zoohoot393]

Thanks Matt/Rob...those are definitely concerns I have. I trust him to be cautious and not ride over his head, but I don't want to put him on a bike that is too much for him.

We thought about the TTR, but that doesn't help us in the suspension department at all, which is the main reason I am thinking of the switch.

Trying out Woody's YZ will be a great test for these questions.

[Blitz393]

i still think the YZ is a great choice, but the TTR defenitely is good enough for a 85 pound 10 year old. is that close? thats what i guessed... the problem is the TTR225 that Ima used to have has almost the same suspension as the 125, but probably 50 pounds heavier

Rob