what bike should i get to learn on

[bc_gavin]

hey guys quick Q's i am about to buy a dirtbike and i am new to dirtbikes so i am thinking about getting a 2009 ktm SX450-F its new and i can get a good deal on it but i proll not gonna be on a track mostly sand pits/ logging roads as i live in a rural area some feedback would be great on other types of bikes. thanks guys.. Paul

[qwerty]

Ive been an avid sport quad rider for years and my first bike i chose was the 250 xcf-w.

[HoneyMonster]

Hey Gavin,

I was in your shoes a year ago. I spontaniously got a CR125 2006 model. It looked stunning in the picture so I just got it on the fly ... consider I'd never riden a bike in my life. Everyone told me it's way to big and it'd be hard for me to learn on.

What scared me was the powerband because the CR's can be visious and my brother (whos a rider) wheelied it pretty easily.

I jumped on it, rid it around the field in first and second gear (without touching the powerband). I could feel the powerband wanting to kick in and I just pulled back the throttle, leaned my weight towards the front of the bike and shifted into second and then third.

I shattered my confidence within 30 minutes and from then on I've never had a problem with the bike.

When you buy one, take an experienced rider with you so they can test it for you and look it over.

You'll get the hang of it in no time mate.

Good luck.

[ktmpegger]

You need one of these!

[WoodsRiderParts]

Yes, a works KX500 is every new riders dream bike I can just see it, broken wrist, collarbone, neck, and then laying on the ground watching that beast continue to throw roost until it falls over...lol that is a sweet KX though.

Luke

[Hillclimber]

Paul,
I just moved from my first bike, a Yamaha YZ 450 (four stroke) to a KTM 300 XC-W, (two stroke), last fall.
While the 450 was a real cheap bike to learn on (and to crash on). It had way to much pull for the type of riding I usually do, (lots off woods,jeep road and single track, occasional desert trips).
The 450 might be a better starter bike if all you ride is motocross tracks or cruising at 70 thru the desert, but for me it sure was a handful.

Compared to my 300, the 450 was a heavy feeling, arm stretching beast of a ride.
I'm loving the new ride, the 300 is so light and nimble I can twist that throttle and rip it comfortably.

It's unbelievable how much the move to the 300 helped my riding, wish i would have started with one.
JM2C
HC

[mapleleaf]

Originally Posted by ktmpegger

You need one of these!

Great starter bike if you enjoy ambulance trips

[mapleleaf]

Originally Posted by bc_gavin

hey guys quick Q's i am about to buy a dirtbike and i am new to dirtbikes so i am thinking about getting a 2009 ktm SX450-F its new and i can get a good deal on it but i proll not gonna be on a track mostly sand pits/ logging roads as i live in a rural area some feedback would be great on other types of bikes. thanks guys.. Paul

Get yourself a nice 250 4 stroke and develop your skills.
A 45hp bike might not be a best first bike as you will most likely be faster on something with less power because you will be able to ride it, not the other way around.

My starter bike was a 60hp CRF450R with an Athena 490 kit and it beat the living crap out of me everytime I rode it.
I bought a TT-R 230 for my wife and I love riding that bike every once and a while because I can ride WOT pretty much anywhere I go.

You will develop your skill much quicker on a machine that you can control. 20hp is plenty for a learner bike.

[mapleleaf]

Originally Posted by Hillclimber

Paul,
I just moved from my first bike, a Yamaha YZ 450 (four stroke) to a KTM 300 XC-W, (two stroke), last fall.
While the 450 was a real cheap bike to learn on (and to crash on). It had way to much pull for the type of riding I usually do, (lots off woods,jeep road and single track, occasional desert trips).
The 450 might be a better starter bike if all you ride is motocross tracks or cruising at 70 thru the desert, but for me it sure was a handful.

Compared to my 300, the 450 was a heavy feeling, arm stretching beast of a ride.
I'm loving the new ride, the 300 is so light and nimble I can twist that throttle and rip it comfortably.

It's unbelievable how much the move to the 300 helped my riding, wish i would have started with one.
JM2C
HC

Have you not twisted the throttle on your 300 all the way Your KTM will pull just as hard as that 450...maybe you still have it on the SOFT setting.

[OTHG_HOGG]

I'd have to agree..I have a 2010 XCW-E 300 and have had over 20 bikes in my life,from minis to 450-s and the big bores when they made em...my 300 has a 500cc feel when you open it up...havin trouble with the e-start though..be sure to ask when and if this fails shortly after you buy the bike, will they correct the engineering flaw...the starter bushings are cheap and are part of the left case half, cant be bought separately...sux..I think I have a kicker for the rest of the bikes life with an extra 9 lbs.