Well, hello...

[jojomonsta]

I think my first 125 was kick start. It was tough going but I was younger and fitter then too! Seen a few Serows but commanding a lot more money. Want to keep it as close to £1k as I can really. I know that's going to further limit my options.

[gtcodave]

Hi Jo,

I would add: Do not buy a 4 stroke without an electric start. All 4 stroke without electric start are old and at some time during the day it will not start. You will spend ages kicking it over and knackering yourself, it will spoil your day and enjoyment.

Steve Sharp

Excuse me, Mr. Sharp, my bike is old but it kicks first time, every time!

Grudges aside, I do agree with Steve, if you can get a thumper with leccy start you'll only make your life easier............ if the electrics are in good nick

What are these things like to insure though, as although I am a long-time rider, the chavs do love to nick this kind of bike so would think he premiums would be a bit different to my 'pipe and slippers' BMW

Cheap as chips. the majority of insurers run a computer program which boshes out the main price based on the bhp, not so much the power to weight ratio.


I looked at that CRM u linked. Looks in bloody good nick for it's age! So i'd have no 2nd thoughts. But have u ever ridden a 2t?

Maybe my views of two strokes are built on Yamahas (I've only ridden blue in the dirt) where the powerband kicks in at the top end, making it an all or nothing throttle junkie beast. I hear kawazakis are low end and hondas mid. so this should be great right? (i now looks to 2t users for more input). Regardless, this looks like a nice bike and i'm sure it will have the power to keep the wheel spinning fast and should have the torque to get you through all the trails

[Maxxx]

Hey Jo

Before investing in another bike, you might want to consider joining these guys for a day out http://www.wix.com/epmexperience/the-epm-experience. Riding offroad is very different to riding on the road - breaking and balance require techniques that you would not have used on the road and it's well worthwhile to get someone to explain the differences to you before you throw yourself over your bars for the first time

I totally agree with Steve's comments about size and power, my original question about which GS you had was to see if you had gone for the 650GS in which case I might have offered to show you the ropes with a gentle offroad introduction somewhere like Salisbury plains as I've done my fair share of offroad coaching in the past but if you've gone for the 1200GS then I would suggest you don't take it anywhere near dirt until you have spent a bit of time on something more suited for the job.

Hope to see you getting dirty sometime soon.

[steve braham]

CRF 230 on fleabay located at Dorking,(dont know how to put a link on) bit over budget but would be perfect.

[jojomonsta]

gtcodave - I think I have ridden a 2 stroke, if that's what you are referring to, but it was many moons ago. If I am honest I would prefer something more low-end power but I'm sure I will cope with whatever I get my hands on.
I have ridden lots of different bikes over the years but dirt bikes are not one of them!

Maxxx - I will have a look at that site. And I am going in with my eyes open! I know it's a much different experience to road riding and as such is going to take some getting used to, if anything I hope it will make my road riding better as I want to experience handling on different surfaces with something I'm not terrified of dropping/scuffing/denting. I think if anything it will make me a better rider by improving my balance and handling skills. I'm not very delicate with anything I do so don't expect me to be too delicate about this lol I expect bruises and scrapes myself, too! And to be totally knackered at the end of each run!

Steve - I'll have a look for that CRF. I am watching a few but still a bit scared about buying something!

Just to demonstrate how amateur I am - how do I know which bikes are 2 stroke and which are 4?

[jojomonsta]

Maxxx - just looked at that site and didn't know there was somewhere like that so close!
I'm all over it! lol. I think this will be perfect for me.

The only problem is I have to wait until the 1st July for their next experience day! Patience is not one of my strong points lol

[steve braham]

Should say wether 2 or 4 stroke but easiest way is probably to look at exhaust header pipe( where it comes out of the engine )if it is fat it is a 2 stroke,4 stroke a lot thinner,just look at a few you will see what i mean

[jojomonsta]

Cheers Steve!

[BobH]

Hello Jojo, i own a similar aged CRM250 and they have alot of bottom end, low rev range power unlike the 2 stroke competition bikes. Very easy to manage on or off road, nice soft suspension with lots of travel BUT BEWARE THEY ARE BEST SUITED FOR TALL PEOPLE i'm 6ft 3 and long legged.......for more info on the crm250 see www.crm250.com

best wishes Bob

[dplum]

Hi Jo.

Welcome. Have a look at kevs ktm 200 its on the forum for sale. I was with kev on sunday at bagshot and the 200 went well all day.

[jojomonsta]

Cheers guys. Still trawling the classifieds and ebay at the moment. Need to see if I can go and try some bikes and see what's what. I do know will struggle with anything too tall though!

[jojomonsta]

These are currently on the watch list but nothing really jumps out. Have heard the 230 is better for short-arses like me but they obviously want a bit of money for it

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/230795894469? ... 1438.l2649

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/110887408463? ... 1438.l2649

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/290719343286? ... 1438.l2649

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/290719246687? ... 1438.l2649

[fallenmikethebike]

Not mentioned yet is the DT230 Lanza, the capacity being obvious, but it's a T2 WITH ELECTRIC START, low seat, and very robust.Being a pukka Trail bike they are heavier than pseudo "Trail Bikes " from other manufactures.
They have not been made for a while now, but being an easily rebuild able 2T, they should go on forever.
They are are designed for extended road use, so the long gaps between lanes is less tortuous.
My own 2T CRM is vintage 1994, and still giving reliable service.
Mike

[gtcodave]

Hi Jojo,

how's it coming along with getting some wheels?

-D

[lumley_ron]

Pop along to Azcri in Dorking and have a test ride on one of their AJP 250's or Husqvarna 250's they also have a selection of used bikes

http://www.azcari.com/products.php