chrism
Full Member 2010/2011
Posts: 351
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« on: August 14, 2007, 11,04:47 PM » |
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G’day guys,
I’m looking for some advice!!
I want to get into trail bike riding, I have done very little bike riding in the past. I got hooked on it while on a cousins property a few months back.
I’m 22, I just got my bike learner on the weekend and now I need a bike.
I am so lost on what to buy, I suppose I have two option either to get something second hand or buy something new. I’d rather get something second hand at this stage because I don’t really want to buy a new bike and go out and trash it! And as I’m stuck on a 250cc for 15months I figured I’d probably want to get something bigger capacity down the track.
My current short list is TTR250, or a WR250f. What should I get?? How old and how much should I spend, ideally the cheaper the better. I’m fairly tall weigh around 95kgs.
PLEASE HELP!!!
Offcourse once I get a bike, and some gear I’ll be heading off on some of the AMTRA trail rides, the ones suitable for beginners!!
Cheers Chris
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Serge C
Committee 2010/2011
Posts: 1041
PRESIDENT
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« Reply #1 on: August 15, 2007, 07,21:22 AM » |
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Chris,
I would suggest sticking with the TTr-250, or for that matter, XR 250 or DR 250. All basically the same bike but in different colors! These bikes are good, solid, reliable, bullet-proof trail bikes. They don't pretend to be enduro racing machines, and can be abused and flogged through the bush with minimal complaints.
The WR is a fantastic bike, but will require more maintenance and care than it's air-cooled brother. For a first time bike, keep it simple.
The TTr and DR are still available new, and won't set you back too much, but are still readily available on the second hand market.
Happy decision making!
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"Size matters not ... look at me. Judge me by size, do you?” - Yoda.
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Mat R
Committee 2010/2011
Posts: 674
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« Reply #2 on: August 15, 2007, 11,51:50 PM » |
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Second the TTR/DR-Z, they are good bikes that can be fully registered and don't break the bank buying and running them. There are still new XR250's in the dealers as well.
Try to go for a bike with electric start if you can. Newer bikes have electric start, whereas many of the older used bikes may not. There is a reason it is referred to as the "magic button".
Check out Peter Stevens prices - they have new DR-Z 250's quite cheap, at least you use it as a start point with a local dealer or bargaining on a TTR.
Also, keep in mind that dealers are starting to clear out 07 models right about now, to make way for 08's. Pressure on the price new does not get reflected in the used asking prices and makes the difference smaller.
Have just bought a used 400 and while happy with the price and condition of the bike still get surprised when finding out what is actually on it.
There are a few bikes in Vic that look registerable but are not, they will qualify for Rec Reg but sounds like you are looking for the full reg bike. So make sure there is an ADR compliance plate (on the head tube of the frame usually) if you want to get full reg. With rec reg you will need to trailer it to ride and keep out of towns.
Cheers,
Mat.
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When is the next ride?
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chrism
Full Member 2010/2011
Posts: 351
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« Reply #3 on: August 16, 2007, 08,16:31 AM » |
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Thanks Serge & Matt!
I've been looking at the trading post, there seems to be a few TTR250, around $4000-5000. Looks like most of them are 2001 - 2003, are there any common problems? The milage seems to vary a lot, some have 1800k's some 18000's! What should I watch out for?
I intend to put it on a trailer but I would still prefer to have it fully registered.
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Dirtpilot72
Full Member 2010/2011
Posts: 158
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« Reply #4 on: August 18, 2007, 11,42:58 PM » |
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Get the TTR. Its a bit bigger than the DRZ. Dont get a WRF, that will be your next bike. Get a 99+(blue) model. Up to 8000km should be ok. The motors are indestructable as long as the oil has been changed. Weak spots are the rear suspension linkage bushes- make sure there is no play in them, clutch-can be a problem on hard use bikes, starter motors. My TTR did second gear at 12000, but i have not heard its a problem with them. Easy fix-$400. Buy the best condition bike, dont worry what year, they are all the same(99-07). Everything else on them is tough. At 12000km mine still had original front brake pads, front wheel bearings! The DRZ are also worth a look and are soo cheap to buy new! Good luck.
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chrism
Full Member 2010/2011
Posts: 351
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« Reply #5 on: August 30, 2007, 09,55:19 PM » |
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Just paid a deposit on a TTR today, subject to a RWC.
It seems to be in pretty good nick, I’ll get it checked over by my a local motorbike mech. The clutch and front break leaver seem a little loose but I suppose replacements are available.
Hopefully I’ll see you all out there soon! Thank you all for replying!
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Serge C
Committee 2010/2011
Posts: 1041
PRESIDENT
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« Reply #6 on: August 31, 2007, 07,22:29 AM » |
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Congratulations!  |
"Size matters not ... look at me. Judge me by size, do you?” - Yoda.
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Mat R
Committee 2010/2011
Posts: 674
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« Reply #7 on: August 31, 2007, 04,50:46 PM » |
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Congrats Chris on the new bike.
Hope to meet you on a ride sometime soon - I have yet to get to my first AMTRA ride but really keen to go soon.
Cheers,
Mat.
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When is the next ride?
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Paul Smith
Posts: 854
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« Reply #8 on: September 04, 2007, 09,12:04 PM » |
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Just paid a deposit on a TTR today, subject to a RWC.
It seems to be in pretty good nick, I’ll get it checked over by my a local motorbike mech. The clutch and front break leaver seem a little loose but I suppose replacements are available.
Hopefully I’ll see you all out there soon! Thank you all for replying! Marysville level 1 & 2 on this weekend call email me if you are interested in coming. TTR = perfect trail bike - well done. |
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chrism
Full Member 2010/2011
Posts: 351
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« Reply #9 on: September 06, 2007, 10,16:25 AM » |
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Thanks for the invite Paul but I don't think I'll be ready in time.
Does anyone know who makes 3XL Helmets..... I went to a shop yesterday and tried on a XXL Fox Helmet and it was still too small! I never thought I had a big head!
So I'm a bit stumped the guy in the shop (Peter Stevens) just shrugged his shoulders and said i'd have to keep shopping around!
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David Smith
Administrator
Posts: 775
Film Editor
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« Reply #10 on: September 06, 2007, 12,10:39 PM » |
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The best thing to do is try on differnt helmets
till you find the right size and the pick the parrern and colour you want
differnt brands are differnt shapes
new world honda in berwick are good with there fitting of gear
well there were a few years ago when i got a helmet and stuff
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andrewp
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« Reply #11 on: September 06, 2007, 07,33:30 PM » |
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From my experience FOX helmets are fairly small compared to other brands. You may find XXL in another brand would be ok.
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07 WR250F
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Brad
Administrator
Posts: 755
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« Reply #12 on: September 07, 2007, 08,42:18 AM » |
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Chris,
I bought a TTR-250 new 10 months ago and its been great. Only add on's were a B&B bash plate, alloy bars and bark busters. Its was much better off road once I did most of the recommended mods which I am still fine tuning its a matter of dollars. Over the 10 month period here is what I have done. Took off all the ADR stuff (put it in a box) and replaced the tyres with nobbies and heavy duty tubes, refitted number plate on rear guard and registration label on front. Rode it and then removed exhaust pipe bung and airbox snorkel, (this required re-jetting) ditched the side stand cut out switch and changed the front sprocket from a 13 to 14 tooth with the standard 44 rear to run 13:44. Up to this point the only cost was 2 tyres ($240) and H/D tubes ($100) and a 13 tooth sprocket ($20 from Ballards). Next I got a new chain and 52 rear sprocket and put back on the origional 14 tooth now running 14:52 very good. Also on the UK web I found the headlight switch cut out mods and a full 300 page workshop manual. I have done a bit more best to chat, I will be on Pauls Maryville ride this Sunday if U can make it, I will bring along the 13 tooth sprocket which you you can have if you hace a 44 rear. I have all the mod's documentation, manuals and TTR web sites, ask and you shall receive.
The beast looks like a dirt bike now!.
Good purchase and congratulations.
Brad
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Regular maintenance is the key to reliability; irregular maintenance is the key to great exercise!
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chrism
Full Member 2010/2011
Posts: 351
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« Reply #13 on: September 07, 2007, 12,15:43 PM » |
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Thanks David and Andrew, I purchased a One Industries Combat this morning I also tried on everything else the shop had and found that suited me best.
Thanks for all the info Brad. I've bought an older bike (1999) with the idea that i could do a few repairs myself along the way. Its already got its fair share of scratches and scrapes so mine should'nt get noticed!
The bike has done a fair bit of offroad work its got; bark busters, bash plate, staitune exaust, nobbies, re-geared, I assume it's been rejetted and the exaust restrictor removed.
I won't be there this weekend, whats the next even on the calender? Can I do a few AMTRA rides before becoming a member?
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Brad
Administrator
Posts: 755
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« Reply #14 on: September 07, 2007, 05,35:55 PM » |
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Chris,
Thats great about the off road setup. You got a real winner there!
BTW the TTR250 has had only very few changes since it came out. Its mostly the same parts on the 1999 as on the 2006 model. The workshop manual is the same. Anyway next ride will probably be Sunday the 14th of October, it will get posted to the ride calendar in the next few weeks. You can certainly come along for a few introduction rides, may also bring your friends no problems at all. Need to fill out the indemnity form prior to the ride or at the ride prior to start. I won't be there on the 14th riding in the Strahbogies ranges that weekend with a 4WD club, playing the Mozzie, buzzing around the trucks.
Cheers,
Brad
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Regular maintenance is the key to reliability; irregular maintenance is the key to great exercise!
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