Cool...Just came from the dealership where I got my 10R and TTR 125 LE...I sat on the KX250...Just way to tall for me...I am not into the jumps and stuff and power....I ride a 10R for that....I just want a cool trail bike that goes fast and is a great height for me...The KX 100 is it!!!!! I sat on it and just sat on it at lunch and was talking to my buddy and the guy who sold me the last two bikes...He is a dirbiker...He said though I am experienced on bikes the seat height could be a problem...He suggested a few 34 inch seat height bikes and said the KX 100 is the bike he would get...He has a KX450...I am sold...My wife gave me the ok to get another dirtbike which is for ME and she gets the TTR 125LE...So I am good now...I am sold. I could see myself really enjoying that bike.
Kx 100
Anyone have one? Good and bad?
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Thanks that is good assurance. I just want to trail ride and just take it quick enough to get a thrill and have fun...Jumps who knows but I will always try hahahaha. But yeah, for speed I am set on my 10R. Racing MX at 37 is not my dream or desire for sure. Thank you for giving me real perspective. :smile:Sounds like fun if you want it too play around on...like you said you have your streetbike for power and speed and its not like you will be racing mx...go for it and have fun riding with your wife!!!
That is good to know...The dealership that sold me the last two bikes said the same thing...I do not want something so loud that it kills me. Oh yeah...When I get hold of a bike, stock is the last thing it remains hahahaha. I will definitely keep your suggestions on my board...I always want something riding tip top and good. Suspension was something I was going to look into as well...I am not light 190lbs...I will see how it rides before I do that part of it. I like stiff on my street bike but stiff on dirt is another thing. Thanks for the suggestions and kudos for the bike!My son rides one, an 06. It's been great so far. We are the 3rd owners but that was within 4 months of being bought. The first kid was scared of it, the second had to move and they had smoked a bearing. So it was rebuilt with hotrods crank, rod and Wiseco piston.
They run great stock and when you get a pipe, silencer and Vforce reeds, look out, they fly. Also the stock set up on the suspension is very stiff, soften them up and pull out out alot of compression and rebound before hitting the trails or track. Then tune it for your weight.
Thanks...The seat height is what is killing me...I sat on a 250 and 450 and it was tall...Really tall. I was literally MAXED tip toe...It felt uncomfortable...Really bad...Got on a 100 and I was felt good. The weight can be an issue for sure...Since street is where I am coming from, I do not see myself do anything adventurous for a bit on the bike...A little air would be nice but that is not my thing...I wave always been into twisties on the street and when I used to downhill and mountain bike. I love turns...You are right, I am still evaluating bikes that are a tad bigger but the ones that are in the 36inch height area are dual sports. Gosh 36 inch seat height would have been great....The CRF150R large wheel was another option but it just a feather shorter so that does not help me and I really hate on HONDA bikes. The new KLX250s which is a dual sport is 35 inches high but also weights 280lbs...That is nothing compared to my 10R which is 400 but would like to stay under 200lbs for a bike right now. I mean I could see getting on a 37 inch 250 but just as in the street, I want to focus on the riding more than the seat height...It is tough for me really...Hi Ervins,
Just giving another point of view here.
My son is 14 yrs old(very experianced rider) but was a bit shorter than optimum.He weighs about 110 lbs.Previously raced a 85 and a supermini(big wheel rm105)
This past season he did real well on a 06 kx 125 that was lowered .
You are in the heart of mx country being from California. Lots of great suspension places that could set you up really well for weight and ride heaight. At 190 lbs I personally thing the suspension on a 125 would be way better for you and could be set up perfectly.
Consider that many young girls in the ladies class switch from 100's to 125's/250F's and find it way more comfortable,smoother,and more stable in rough stuff. ....and many of them are not very big(many even use a block for their foot on the starting gate).All mx bike feel huge and intimidating if people are unfamiliar with them
Just something to consider before you purchase,but either way ,I'm sure it is best to do what you feel most comfortable on.Happy dirt biking!
Hi Ervins,
Just giving another point of view here.
My son is 14 yrs old(very experianced rider) but was a bit shorter than optimum.He weighs about 110 lbs.Previously raced a 85 and a supermini(big wheel rm105)
This past season he did real well on a 06 kx 125 that was lowered .
You are in the heart of mx country being from California. Lots of great suspension places that could set you up really well for weight and ride heaight. At 190 lbs I personally thing the suspension on a 125 would be way better for you and could be set up perfectly.
Consider that many young girls in the ladies class switch from 100's to 125's/250F's and find it way more comfortable,smoother,and more stable in rough stuff. ....and many of them are not very big(many even use a block for their foot on the starting gate).All mx bike feel huge and intimidating if people are unfamiliar with them
Just something to consider before you purchase,but either way ,I'm sure it is best to do what you feel most comfortable on.Happy dirt biking!
Your answer will help me as well...How did he lower...Forks and lowering link on the rear?
That is the concern one of my buddies has...He said see if you can get a fat kid spring kit for the bike and I was thinking OMG more mods...Like my 10R does not get enough mods now another bike...I am 5'7" if that helps. Broad and muscular with fat of course but that is the issue...The height...37 inches was really killing me...Once I was on, I was ok but what if I get stuck or stall on a hill...There is no UP just down...That is the hard part.Wow, 190, I think the bike will be too small. The power will be enough for what you want to do but the suspension is made for smaller riders like mine and Sledders.
I'm 6' and about 170 and his is way too small. Granted I'm an experienced rider but when I'm playing on his I have to be careful on jumps and Whoops.
You need a 125 smoker or 250 4-stroke. The ride will be 1000x better.
You guys swayed me...I was looking into a green sticker RM 125 from 2002...I was thinking I can play with the suspension or springs if need be, but I did not want something I would outgrow quick or at least be begging for more power...I have a buddy who loves dirtbikes and is also the mechanic at the shop I go to and he can always do some of the stuff for me but then he told me there is a ton of maintenance involved...HAHA time to start learning. What you guys think 2002 RM 125 Green Sticker $1800? Very clean looking...I am meeting him tomorrow...I want a KX 125 but Kawi does not seem so big out here....
Those bikes you listed would not fulfill my needs if they are going to be only slightly better than the TTR 125 LE I got my wife...By day one I was over that bikes power and was really enthused at my prospect on dirt by the way I was dealing with the trails near me...I do not want a rocket but need something I can grow into. CRF150R is supposed to be good as well but the specs are close to a KX 100. Except engine size...As far speed and power...I am 37 and handle my 10R very well...Not into speed though I can rip on that thing when the occasion calls for it...That being said that is why I do not want a small bike that will just make me say "crap, should have gotten a bigger bike"...I definitely do not want a 250 though.I suggest you go sit on a Honda CRF150F, CRF230F and Yamaha TT-R230. My girlfriend recently bought a TT-R230. She's 5' 8" and a beginner. The seat height is 32.5", I think.
I think you are too heavy for a KX100, and a quick revving MX bike may not be the best thing to start with on dirt.
Sounds like a plan...The more I think of it the more I am thinking a bigger bike is for me...A used one for now is ok...The last two bikes were new and this time around I do not want to blow cash on this until I really get serious...Not to say I won't, but I want to learn and beat on this thing before I go buy a brand new 250 in a year and a half or so...Thanks for the advice. Sounds very sound.I also think you are too big for a 100 and need to get a 125. Shave the seat foam, and put a steahly flywheel weight on it, and viola perfect bike for you. If that RM125 is in excellent condition, and has some mods done to it $1800 isnt a bad asking price.
About the tippy toes thing, it is like that for almost everyone, unless they have long gangly legs. I originally could flat foot on my 125, but I felt cramped, so I put a tall seat on it. Now I can just stand on my toes, but wow, so much more room in the cockpit.
A full size bike should have about 4 inches of sag with you arse on it(When the sag is set properly), so dont consider the seat high that are in the specs as the actual seat hight. If the bike specs are 37" tall seat hight, subtract 4 inches from that and you will have your actual seat hight(with you on it). I would go back to the dealer and ask them if the bikes sag could be set for you, so you could make a better decision.
I agree with you...But it is like when I started riding...Started on a 636 and loved it...Then went to an underpowered 600RR and hated it...Went to a 10R and I am in bliss on the streets with power at a snap to move me through sections where I was gearing up. I definitely want a bike that is a green sticker so I can ride year round with the wife...I want something where I can say cool...I am done with it...Then move on the a bigger bike if my needs are yelling for more power...But for now I want a bike I can control and worry about riding, lines, leans, etc, instead of worrying about the height and power...I am looking at the RM 125 tomorrow...If it is clean I may pick it up. Regardless, the TTR 125 LE is fun for now, but yeah power and the suspension are killing me...It is sorta fun becoming a newb again...Not that newbish but newbish in a different segment of riding...I bought all my gear already, a bike carrier for my truck, and heck on Sunday I am going to take the TTR to Carnegie...Let's just say I am enjoying this whole dirt thing.Whatever you do, don't under estimate the new 250 lites. They have some power and being 4 stroke...less maintenance and enough power and torque to pull you and then some.
I'm not doubting you on the street, but dirt is a different world.
I looked at an RM 125 today from 2001...Clean for $1700...Yeah streetwise I am one of those guys who have no chicken strips and learn quick...I used to do the mountain bike downhill which has similar turn techniques as dirt, it seems...I am set on getting a green sticker 125...I think that will be all I need for a while...I just am not rushing anything since I need to see more bikes and get an idea of price and such...The KX 100 would be limiting...I am not one to support the idea of start on a 250 for street so I won't start on anything smaller than a 125...That is being an adult though...I am sure I will pick it up quick...Suspension is definitely one thing I will concentrate on.Hi Ervins,
I guess it all depends what you want to do and if you think that you will want to trade up soon or not.Only you can ultimately decide what is best for your own individual situation.
From and observer standpoint,...you have been through a few street models and learned to accel and improve your riding requirements (for your personal satisfaction of riding)...
This only leads me to beleive that you would probably rather start to learn a few proper off road /mx riding techniques and advance a bit(for that same personal satisfaction).
To do so on a kx100 would be futile and would have to be traded in short order at 190 lbs.There is nothing that compares to MX suspension...It MAKES you a more confident ,faster rider...because it does not throw you off the bike like enduro suspensions.
As for the ride height,any suspension shop can lower the rear by installing a small spacer on the rod in the rear shock,...even space down the front forks,etc...and sometimes use lowering links(I personally don't like those as they always seem to have adverse effect on geometry.)....but often they use the proper spring rates in the forks and shock(if the stock ones are wrong for you)...and set the sag and valving properly,and the bike settles in nicely. Also many do some custom shaving in the front portion of the seat foam.
....but don't get too hung up on the still height of a real full sized mx bike. EVERYBODY is too short for them...you get used to that very quickly. Many very short rider even prefer to not to lower,as they want full complete travel of the suspension,but many also lower it for comfort,based on their intended use.Ricky Chamichal is TINY and short!
Another thing to consider,is that you will probably seek to learn riding technique...in reading or taking lessons you will soon learn that seat height is of little importance,as 95% of the time you are supposed to be standing up...yup,95.
Even advanced enduro racers know that standing lowers your center of gravity and makes the bike go thru the gnarliest of ruts...that would be absolutely impossible to go thru without wiping out if you were to sit your butt (and your weight) on the seat. Actually,some Motocross instructors make kids drive the first day with he SEAT REMOVED....so that they learn to master the basic important feature of proper off road riding technique of a low center of gravity...true.
You actually spend alomost NO time on the seat in competittion,except after the apex of a turn,and to get traction to get moving again....then back up on the pegs.
I realize that all this doesn't apply right now and you just want to get out and trail ride and have fun,etc.
...but I would just bet that you would regret a 100 after a very short time.
Like I said,fun is the important part,and ultimatly,only you can decide...just giving input.
I will definitely work on the seat...All my bikes had shaved custom seats I made. I think I will be fine with a 125.you said you can just touch with your toe's on a 250 or a 450 , if thats the case then you are fine .
i have to lean to the one side to touch on my kx 250 . it make's it a little tougher on the starting line , but just bring along a small peice of wood 4x4 works great .
if you can sit on it and hold it up then your set.
you can also carve out the seat a little to lower the bike .
dont just soften up the shock and forks that will mess with the way the bike handles.
dont do the 100 its to small and your to heavy.
Everyone was a great help but your suggestion really lasted in my head...I need something that I can just rip on when I want...I do not want to try and rip and the bike can't...That is not fun and as an ROI to get a bike that won't rip is not smart...That is from someone who has ridden for a while...It is like me going from a 10R to a 250...That would not be wise. So a 125 should be enough to move my body around with enough speed to keep me happy and learning. I will let you all know how it goes...I want to spend no more than $2k and it seems there are a ton of 125s and even 250s at that price range...Wise.
you will never regret a suzuki or kawi 125,...possibly even a Honda,but not a yyyyyaaam..I can't say it,lol.
.. kidding
have fun shopping for a bike. Take your time and finding a good 125 is a smart move.
So 2002 was last green sticker year for some bikes? With that in mind, am I really missing anything by not going Red aside from June to October? Heck I ride my 10R and all my other bikes year round...
Yamaha street bikes are not bad...Heck the TTR 125 LE I got my wife seems to be well built...I like green though. Yellow is not bad...No freaking way am I going Red.Bahh, I love Yamaha's! They is the shiznit:tongue: (Next to Kawi's)
I owned a Honda CBR 600RR for 4 months...That is how much I hated that bike. It was not bad...It was blah and underpowered...So much hype to it and when I got it, I almost crapped in my pants at how blah doggish it was...What a let down.Hey, you think the same way I do! ANYTHING but Honda's for me.
I used to hate the Yamaha's because of the old Yamaha snowmobile I had. It was 6 years newer and had more cc's than my older John Deere, but the old John Deere would crush it in speed, handling and suspension. It always seemed to break a lot too. Fast forward to now, I've had 4 Yamaha's in the last two years and love them. They are built good, have awesome performance, and are very reliable. I now love my Yami's, and I plan on getting a YZ250 sometime here soon. There are no words to describe how much I hate Honda...
Yeah no to Honda for me...Done with them...I am trying to find an a KX 125 but they are far in between.
Here in Cali...The Green sticker bike allows you to run your dirtbike all year round...Red sticker means you can only ride from November to April...Which means that Green is the way to gooooo...Smal trail bikes like the TTR 125 LE I got my wife is a Green...Newer 2 strokes and 4 strokes depending on emissions seem to be mostly Red...That is why I have to buy an older bike to get green which is not a problem since I know a few people who can always tool on my bike if need be.
One of my buddies said to start on a 250 as well...So the party is spit. 2 say 125 and 2 say 250..Decisions. No worries...Always been a do at my pace learner and SAFE....Not out to show off or impress others...I am out to learn and have fun.
Sound advice...Again my focus is a little on power, but more on being able to learn at a pace that is assuring yet fun...I do not want to wind it out and just go flying.The 125 is lighter,doesn't push the front end as much,and probably a better first round. It also is a better teacher,as it takes a bit more work to keep it in the powerband.
They also do not seem to give "arm pump" as bad as a 250 when learning. (people hold onto the bars too tight when intimidated ). 125's are easy to buy and sell. You will know what you want after a spell on a 125(some prefer to keep one around forever)
...again,only my opinion.
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