Where to go next after TTR 125?CRF 150R....?

[Dirtgirl]

So I have been riding for a year now and my TTR is seriously lacking power and decent breaks. I love to ride single track, as well as some wider trails where I can open the bike up. I am 5'4" and 125lbs. I am very confused as to where to go next. I have been thinking about the CRF 150R as it has a low seat height, great front suspension, lots of power and disc brakes. But my worry is the kick. I have a few friends with 4 stroke kick starts and after they drop their bike it is a pain to kick over, sometimes taking forever. With trail riding I do drop my bike a bit. Any ideas of what bike to go to next??? My boyfriend is trying to sell me on a ttr 230 but the seat height is so high I would have to lower it, which is to much $$$$.

---------- Post added at 10:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:13 PM ----------

What about a KTM sx85

[Woody_393]

Hmm, for what you want to use it for, their really isn't a logical next step since the 230's are Pigs IMOP.

The 150R is a great bike, and has motocross suspension, which is hands down better than the TTR has. The four strokes can be a pain to start if they are really hot, which when trail riding they can get pretty hot. I am not a trail rider at all, but on the Motocross track I never have much trouble getting my thumper started. 2-3 kicks and I'm back in business.

The KTM or any 85 might be a good machine as well since they have the same suspension as the 150R, but won't have the hard starting when hot like the 150R might. They are also less expensive to buy.

I really don't know... The 230's are out IMOP. They are so heavy and since the seat height won't be optimal, you will be dropping that thing everywhere.

The only real problem I see with the 2-strokes is that they really don't have much power in the low end (well it's not bad, it's just not what the 150R has) so lugging it on trials could prove to be a problem. Getting a fouled plug isn't much better than starting a thumper. Though you can get around that with some different plugs and ensuring your jetting is on for the elevation and temps.

So, after typing all that, I think if I was you in your situation I would get the 150R, and just learn to start it when it's hot. Their are techniques you can use that will make starting them a lot easier. You just have to figure out what it is.

Oh and welcome to

[Dirtgirl]

Hey thanks for your info Woody 393. Very helpful, although not sure I understand what you mean about the plugs. I am now looking at a CR 85 big wheel, and wondering if I could weight down the fly wheel for some added power in the lower end? There is a big cost difference between the cr 85 and the crf 150R. I had my heart set on the crf150r but if I can't master the hot start or starting it after it's been dropped. That would suck. Anyways I really appreciate your input.

[Woody_393]

No problem at all.

In a two-stroke you can actually use a hotter plug to help them not foul. For example, a standard plug is a BR8EG (I don't know which plug the bike takes this is just an example, though it is a pretty standard 2-stroke plug) . You could go with a BR7EG which is a hotter plug. This will be better for slow speeds where you are lugging it more. It will be more foul resistant, where as the 8 would be better for running the bike wide open all the time etc. Hope that makes sense.

The fly wheel weight would absolutely help and is a great idea to help get the bike a little better feeling bottom end. The low end isn't bad on these bike it's just not as good as the 150R.

Now I'm guessing that you a Honda fan based on your selections, and I think the CR85 is a great bike, but it doesn't have a power valve, which makes the power band hit a bit more abrupt though. I think the only 85 with a power valve is the KX85, which makes it a bit smoother in the transition to the power band.

As far as ridability the 150R is going to be the easiest by far. I really don't think the hot starting is going to be a big deal. They have a little lever you pull (called the hot start) that helps them to start when hot. It really isn't too difficult. In fact I don't think the trail 4-strokes even have them, where as the 150R (motocross bike) does. So in that regard you would be better off than your co-riders.

But I don't own a 150R, but I know their are a few on here that do, so wait a day or so and see if we can get some opinions from the actual owners. I know one of my friends (he's on here) son has one (which I rode and it was awesome -- the bike) and they do some trail riding with it, so he would know for sure.

Anyway, hope that helps and let me know if you have other questions.

[Dirtgirl]

Wow thanks!! I am not biased towards Honda. I just started looking into 4 strokes that had lots of power and had a short seat height, so thus found the CRF150R. Then came across a CR 85 by accident.
Love all of your tips thanks!! I am worried about going to a two-stroke for the trails, but love the price point for similar suspension, brakes and power. Almost 1/2 the price right now.
If I do go the two stroke way your tips will really help. Aren't 4 strokes surpassing the two strokes now?

[Woody_393]

Yeah the price point makes them REALLY appealing for sure.

I'm not sure what you mean by surpassing but they are certainly more popular due to generally being easier to ride. I'm not going to get into the 4stroke vs 2stroke thing as that's just non-sense anyway. Riding... that's what important -- I don't care if it pings or thumps or what color it is, so long as it brings an smile to your face.

I think the main thing is the 4-strokes just have a lot smoother power delivery, where as the 2-stroke have a hit to them, which can be a handful to control -- especially for the novice, but they are still great bikes.

Also, if you are seriously considering a 2-stroke do yourself a favor and see what the local dealers sell and what parts they can get. Because if you get a honda for example and the dealer is 3 hours away, that's going to suck big time. Having a local dealer makes life a lot easier if you need to pick something up locally (I typically order online and avoid leaving my house ).

And I would not over look the YZ85 as they are great bikes too.

[gwcrim]

My GF rides a TTR125 and my son rides a KX85 with a 100cc top end, so I'm familiar with those bikes.

The KX is a good woods bike for an aggressive rider. We put a flywheel weight on it and mellowed the hit. But it's still a jumpy thing. If you are a good aggressive rider, look at the 85 or 100 MX bikes. I like Kawasaki because of the KIPS valve that should help make it more ridable.

The TTR is a GREAT trail bike. The electric start is dA bOmB! If it fits your frame maybe you could consider some upgrades. You could try an aftermarket caliper upgrade or maybe better pads. As for more power, try a 150 kit. New springs would probably cure the suspension woes. For $1000 you could probably trick it up a lot.

Another thing to look for is wheel size. The bigger wheels make trail riding a bit easier.

From what I've read the 150R needs the typical 4 stroke MX bike maintenance. Our KX has been on the same top end for 4 years. It's been a pretty bullet proof bike considering the use and abuse it takes.

Just my 0.02. YMMV, and all that stuff.

[Silver_Fox]

CRF150R or RB will work perfect for you, starting while hot is not an issue, just use the hot start lever.

Another option is the KX100 with added flywheel weight, great bike, even on trails. But coming off a TTR you will be more comfortable with the CRF150R.

[AgentSmith]

I think the guys here have you on the right track.

The CRF230F IS a pig. It is a tractor, but is tiring to ride.

My wife is your size. She wanted to be able to be flatfooted when she was on off camber stuff.

My wife rode a CRF230F for awhile, but got tired of the lack of power and suspension.

I built her a CRF250X. It's a perfect bike for what you want to do. We lowered the suspension internally, beefed up the power, outfitted it with all the protective goodies and painted it a metallic pink.

Oh yeah...it's got an electric start too!!!

She rocks on this bike.

[lashman racing]

hay you will find that a two stroke wont do bad on trails i have a cr125r 2007 and i ride a bit of trails and it is awsome

[Woody_393]

Originally Posted by AgentSmith

I think the guys here have you on the right track.

The CRF230F IS a pig. It is a tractor, but is tiring to ride.

My wife is your size. She wanted to be able to be flatfooted when she was on off camber stuff.

My wife rode a CRF230F for awhile, but got tired of the lack of power and suspension.

I built her a CRF250X. It's a perfect bike for what you want to do. We lowered the suspension internally, beefed up the power, outfitted it with all the protective goodies and painted it a metallic pink.

Oh yeah...it's got an electric start too!!!

She rocks on this bike.

Wow, that's a nice bike. I'd hate to imagine what that cost though...

[AgentSmith]

A wee bit more than a used CR85...

[xrrider1230]

Dont listen to these guys. GET A KX 100!!!!! They are awsome! They would smoke a 150 any day that ends with the letter y. The suspension is perfect and they are fast as hell. So do ur self a favor and get the kx 100!

[Woody_393]

The KX100 is a great bike, but they are a handfull when you get into the power. If you are a really good rider that's one thing. If you are coming off a TTR125 that's completely another.

[AgentSmith]

The wheelbase on the 2 stroke 85/100 is too short. They are unwieldy for an adult sized rider. Best to not just go to another transition bike. Step up and start learning how to ride a full size bike. Just mod it to make it comfortable.

[Darin]

I have a 150RB, therefore I vote 150. I'm 215lbs, it has plenty of power even for me. How fast do you need to go? It's not hard to kick..at all. Plenty of smooth plushy suspension too.

[Dirtgirl]

Hey everyone,
Thanks so much for all your posts. I just bought a CR 85 and am heading down to the US and pick it up. I am excited about the two stroke. I have a buddy that is does all work for cost. So I think I can mod it a bunch to get what I need. I think it will work out. It is a great weight for me to lift it when needed. I thought about the KTM 85 but parts are more $$ than the CR. Agentsmith that is a sweet bike. When I have more cash I would love to buy a bigger bike and lower it but I am still paying off my truck so it will have to wait.

[Woody_393]

congrats on the CR. Like I said earlier, any bike will do. And based off where you are coming from, that CR will be a lot better