Dirt Bikes

[ezzyride]

My daughter Stef (15) wants to try dirt bike riding.

Any advice on dirt bike riding? What would you recommend to a 1st timer.

I wish I knew how to say NO!

Wish my girls would ask for ballet classes sometimes - I wish this.

Thanks!

[Geronimo]

Originally Posted by ezzyride

Any advice on dirt bike riding? What would you recommend to a 1st timer.
Thanks!

New post below.

[CalEpic]

At 15, anything they want to do besides getting in trouble is a blessing. Run, don't walk to your nearest motorcycle shop. There are some incredible deals on new bikes right now.

At that age I was heading down a dangerous path. Fortunately I got hooked on MX, spent a few years virtually living at Saddleback park and ditched the losers I was hangin with. A motorcycle was the best thing my parents ever did for me.

[singletrakk]

Listen to Craiger.He is a smart man.I know motorcycles kept me out of a lot of trouble as a kid.It was cool knowing that I had a lot more goin on than most kids on weekends.It is also a really great activity the whole family can get involved
in.Camping,racing,outdoors you can't beat that.
Best type of bike in my eyes for a beginner girl is a small four stroke.Maybe a TTR 125 or crf 150 to get started.Very mellow and predictable powerband.One downside of the sport I'll let you know ahead of time is that it's very expensive.Learn to do your own maintenance.Haha.Good luck!!

[ezzyride]

Singletrakk,

Thanks for the info on what type of bike to look into. I am thinking of renting one for her and of course she will wear the protective gear.

So I just take her out and let her ride?

I guess that's the best way to learn.

Cal Epic thanks I feel better about letting my girls try the more dangerous sports. I'd really hate it if fear got in their way.

Thanks,

[BFloFoxRider.]

Originally Posted by ezzyride

My daughter Stef (15) wants to try dirt bike riding.

Any advice on dirt bike riding? What would you recommend to a 1st timer.

I wish I knew how to say NO!

Wish my girls would ask for ballet classes sometimes - I wish this.

Thanks!

another girl my age?!?!? Saawwwhheeeettttt

hahahah well i ride and i know some girls who can beat anyone on a track.... let her try it

hahaha

Originally Posted by ezzyride

Singletrakk,

Thanks for the info on what type of bike to look into. I am thinking of renting one for her and of course she will wear the protective gear.

So I just take her out and let her ride?

I guess that's the best way to learn.

Cal Epic thanks I feel better about letting my girls try the more dangerous sports. I'd really hate it if fear got in their way.

Thanks,

i think a ttr 125 is the best bet

cant go wrong with yamaha
blue bikes are faster!!!

after a few years of riding get her a dh/fr bike and the skills transfer ocer and she probly be a really fast racer at fontucky

[Geronimo]

Sorry, after rereading my first post it was rather discouraging. I think I might have been projecting a little bit (maybe alot). I agree with the guys above. MX is THE best family sport that I can think of. SoCal is the dirtbike capitol of the world for good reason. There are many fun places to ride and explore within a relatively short driving distance. I agree with the others that a four stroke would make a great first bike, as two strokes have an abrupt power delivery that can be a handful for the novice. I would also suggest getting her a bike with an electric start. Trying to start a bike when your tired can be a chore when your in full gear and it's hot out. If her bike doesn't have an electric start your bike should have a kickstand so it's convenient to help if required. Pick up the cycletrader and see what the dealers are advertising before going to a dealership. Look for the OTD price (Out the door) as dealer prep and destination charges can add up. The new bikes come out in sept, and october and there's ussually a premium to get next years model. You can save alot of money by buying an 07 this time of the year. Joining a motorcycle club is also great way to network with other riders and explore new areas in a safe and organized way. The MC clubs are like the STR equivelant for dirt bikes. Hmmmm... maybe STR needs an MX forum?

[BFloFoxRider.]

Originally Posted by Geronimo

Sorry, after rereading my first post it was rather discouraging. I think I might have been projecting a little bit (maybe alot). I agree with the guys above. MX is THE best family sport that I can think of. SoCal is the dirtbike capitol of the world for good reason. There are many fun places to ride and explore within a relatively short driving distance. I agree with the others that a four stroke would make a great first bike, as two strokes have an abrupt power delivery that can be a handful for the novice. I would also suggest getting her a bike with an electric start. Trying to start a bike when your tired can be a chore when your in full gear and it's hot out. If her bike doesn't have an electric start your bike should have a kickstand so it's convenient to help if required. Pick up the cycletrader and see what the dealers are advertising before going to a dealership. Look for the OTD price (Out the door) as dealer prep and destination charges can add up. The new bikes come out in sept, and october and there's ussually a premium to get next years model. You can save alot of money by buying an 07 this time of the year. Joining a motorcycle club is also great way to network with other riders and explore new areas in a safe and organized way. The MC clubs are like the STR equivelant for dirt bikes. Hmmmm... maybe STR needs an MX forum?

if you want a new bike for alot of money off OTD price (out the door, tax fee's and all the goodies) go to otdcyclesports.com and get a quote.... they are the cheapest anywhere i have found. berts mega mall ahtes them because ill go in with a request price match and they hate losing all the money when they have to match it

[ezzyride]

Geronimo,

No big! I don't think you were discouraging. But I am a mom and just thinking that I will be watching her ride a dirt bike - it's crazy. Orthopedic surgeon surely I'll visit one sometime. I can hurt myself just walking.

Thanks for all the info.

I have a better idea about this dirt riding stuff.

I won't lie I am freaked out about letting her ride a dirt bike. I've never been on one and don't have any plans on jumping on one.

Felt totally lost about this at first.

Thanks!

[BFloFoxRider.]

Originally Posted by ezzyride

Geronimo,

No big! I don't think you were discouraging. But I am a mom and just thinking that I will be watching her ride a dirt bike - it's crazy. Orthopedic surgeon surely I'll visit one sometime. I can hurt myself just walking.

Thanks for all the info.

I have a better idea about this dirt riding stuff.

I won't lie I am freaked out about letting her ride a dirt bike. I've never been on one and don't have any plans on jumping on one.

Felt totally lost about this at first.

Thanks!

ive been riding on and off since i was little and ive never fallen. ive dropped it in turns alot but never really eaten it...
get her started now its really fun

but its also costly

[ezzyride]

Originally Posted by BFloFoxRider.

ive been riding on and off since i was little and ive never fallen. ive dropped it in turns alot but never really eaten it...
get her started now its really fun

but its also costly

When I take her out on her first ride...what do you recommend?

I am sure she will take a couple falls right?

How heavy are those dirt bikes?

[Geronimo]

Honda usually has clinics for new riders with bike rental included. You might want to call your local honda dealer and ask about this. I would imagine the other brands have similiar programs. They probably have gear available too, so it would be a cost effective introduction as well.
If you rent a bike, the small four strokes don't weigh much maybe about 100lbs and are easy to pick up after a spill.

[BFloFoxRider.]

Originally Posted by ezzyride

When I take her out on her first ride...what do you recommend?

I am sure she will take a couple falls right?

How heavy are those dirt bikes?

i recommend having her start out with the bike on but in neutral and walking with it first and then once shes comfertable with the clutch in have her downshift once into first and slowly let out the clutch a tad bit but not all the way just to get an idea on how it works and walk with it still
then once shes comfertable with the clutch just let her go in circles

as far as weight goes, the ttr le which is electric start is claimed at 185 lbs dry
with gas and all the other good stuff it will be around 200 lbs

and yes get her good gear as she will probably fall many times her first few times
but ive ridden with 15 year old girls and when they fall pretty hard they usually jump right up
its crazy how fast they pop up

Originally Posted by Geronimo

Honda usually has clinics for new riders with bike rental included. You might want to call your local honda dealer and ask about this. I would imagine the other brands have similiar programs. They probably have gear available too, so it would be a cost effective introduction as well.
If you rent a bike, the small four strokes don't weigh much maybe about 100lbs and are easy to pick up after a spill.

i went to that class after i had ridden for about two years... its very good.
it costs about 100 dollars and its good for the whole family
and its east of southridge by about 15 or 20 minutes
and its really long
you spend somewehre around 5 hours talking about the bikes and riding them practicing turning and whatnot
but they do give you lots of breaks

i do recommend the class though

[ezzyride]

Okay good thank you. I know where to start...she didn't like mountain biking. She's been asking for a while about this - hope she likes it and has fun. As much fun as her little sis and I have mountain biking.

The class sounds like a great start.

[BFloFoxRider.]

Originally Posted by ezzyride

Okay good thank you. I know where to start...she didn't like mountain biking. She's been asking for a while about this - hope she likes it and has fun. As much fun as her little sis and I have mountain biking.

The class sounds like a great start.

get her a bike and ill ride with her and i bet she'll have a blast!

hahahahahahahaha
but she should like it
get her into dh and she can be the next sauce!

[ezzyride]

Originally Posted by BFloFoxRider.

get her a bike and ill ride with her and i bet she'll have a blast!

hahahahahahahaha
but she should like it
get her into dh and she can be the next sauce!

Okay Thanks!

We can set up a dirt biking ride. Oh Wait! I don't see myself on one of those. Maybe we can split into two groups dirt riding and ATV's.

[RacinJason]

I have been teaching for a long time the bike i teach on is a TTR230 .
I am selling it because my wife never rides it she love mtn biking a lot more.
Its 05 and has not been used much I was teaching turning technique to a couple of people other than that Willie rode it. The low center of gravity makes it a great trainer and its not all quick it lets you make mistakes without flipping you on your butt. Sent me a PM of you or someone on here is interested.
I don't mind teaching still I just work at Chumba full time so i will have to make a date to do it.

[BFloFoxRider.]

Originally Posted by ezzyride

Okay Thanks!

We can set up a dirt biking ride. Oh Wait! I don't see myself on one of those. Maybe we can split into two groups dirt riding and ATV's.

usually dirtbikes and mx'ers dont ride together but i dont follow that rule
lol
whereabouts do you guys live?
we go riding in the barstow area around october when the season starts and my stepmom has a ttr 125 your daughter may be able to try? we can make it an STR desert weekend or something and invite all the dirtbike and atv riders

Originally Posted by ChumbaJason

I have been teaching for a long time the bike i teach on is a TTR230 .
I am selling it because my wife never rides it she love mtn biking a lot more.
Its 05 and has not been used much I was teaching turning technique to a couple of people other than that Willie rode it. The low center of gravity makes it a great trainer and its not all quick it lets you make mistakes without flipping you on your butt. Sent me a PM of you or someone on here is interested.
I don't mind teaching still I just work at Chumba full time so i will have to make a date to do it.

ttr is the same as the 125 for the most part.... bigger and definitely heavier, though

[Paul000]

Your first ride should be somewhere that doesn't have a lot of loose dirt or sand. I learned how to ride up at Lake El Mirage. Depending on where you live, it isn't that far from LA/OC. Great place for a family to learn how to ride.

I just got home last night after picking up 5 new bikes/quads for me and the family. I finally got the full approval from the wifey and we are off this Saturday to go riding up at El Mirage!!! sooo excited...

My 10 year old son is going to be riding a CRF100. A 15 year old girl should do just fine on a TTR125 CRF150 or 230... each manufacturer's bikes are different sizes... today the bike you chose is pretty much what bike you can fit on comfortably and what color do you like... they are all really great bikes.

The really best approach to make sure she will like riding is to go out with friends or people you know that have bikes. They can let her experience the feel and excitement before buying one for her. Its a really great way to get the right size also.

I've been riding since I was 5!!!! Now i'm 36 and still love the dirt bikes since the first day i rode one. Also, I have NEVER hurt myself. Crashed... sure... but never seriously hurt myself.

Saftey is key. Have fun and before you know it she'll be hooked on another positive sport!!!