Ugh, do I really sell it?
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,499
Likes: 25
From: Mesquite,Nevada
Oh and I will be the dissenter on used 4 stroke mx bikes, I wouldn't buy one cause I know how they get ridden and how they don't get taken care of. If it was a 2 stroke used, go for it they take nothing to fix but if something lets go on those bikes(4 valve CRF 250 450) it is usually fatal and expensive.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 44,908
Likes: 29,888
From: PNW
I vote used dirt bikes too. Dirt cheap (pun intended) and you don't feel bad when you drop them. You and the kid can be riding for $2000 easily. Don't feel like you need the latest greatest.
I've had tons of Honda and Suzuki 4 strokes. Never had an issue.
I've had tons of Honda and Suzuki 4 strokes. Never had an issue.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,532
Likes: 132
From: SoCal
Although you may never had issues, the CRF 250 has a light weight, very high performance power plant that has a SHORT service life and needs attention at short intervals or they will be very problematic if used as designed. Now if the bike was used to trail ride and maintained properly and then I may consider one in a non-mx(desert trail etc) use. The 450 is better but when either mill lets go it's pretty impressive! The older 4 strokes were pretty solid as they were nowhere near the performance level that these newer 4 valve hot rod mx engines are. I agree with getting an older less modern(lower seat height as well) mount for a starter bike.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 44,908
Likes: 29,888
From: PNW
Naturally there are bikes out there that are as you described. I have a KTM RFS and I would not recommend it to the casual rider due to the service intervals. He should do a little homework over on ADV or Thumpertalk to find the right bike for he and his kid. I'm only saying that I wouldn't rule out 4 strokes in general. I'm thinking something like a DRZ for him and pretty much any Honda/Suzuki/Yamaha 4 stroke kids trail bike for the 8 year old.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,086
Likes: 154
From: Buffalo, NY
I have a major dilemma on my hands. My son is about to turn 8 and infatuated with motorcycles. I have enough equity in my bike (almost paid off) to sell and buy us each a brand new Honda trail bike (CFR150F, CRF50F), so that we can spend the summer riding together.
I have wanted a Harley since I was a kid and waited til I was 40 to do it responsibly with a family. I want to cry thinking about selling, but I can always come back later.
I am not sure if I can swing keeping it and getting the MX bikes.
Ugh, what to do....
I have wanted a Harley since I was a kid and waited til I was 40 to do it responsibly with a family. I want to cry thinking about selling, but I can always come back later.
I am not sure if I can swing keeping it and getting the MX bikes.
Ugh, what to do....
Buy slightly used. I bought a Blaster with 4 hours use for 2/3 of new. I bought a brand new Honda ATV and took a beating.
You don't say where you are. Consider where are you going to ride it. Land is closing up all the time. Riding areas are hard to come by. Your own property is probably too small, and other private or public property will get you in trouble GUARANTEED. If you have no where to ride legally forget it. That's what drove me out of ATV's and into motorcycles
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,532
Likes: 132
From: SoCal
Naturally there are bikes out there that are as you described. I have a KTM RFS and I would not recommend it to the casual rider due to the service intervals. He should do a little homework over on ADV or Thumpertalk to find the right bike for he and his kid. I'm only saying that I wouldn't rule out 4 strokes in general. I'm thinking something like a DRZ for him and pretty much any Honda/Suzuki/Yamaha 4 stroke kids trail bike for the 8 year old.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 10,946
Likes: 822
From: Nevada
Sell the Harley, buy trail bikes and spend time with your boy. Before you know it he'll be grown and out on his own. The fondest memories I have of my (now grown) daughter are the times she and I spent the day together having fun.