244 replies to this topic

[learning2fly TT Addict]

YamaMama said:

Hey mods, can we make this a sticky?  I think it could be helpful for newbies and those looking to move up.  Great info from the whole gang on what works and what doesn't.  Please?

Feel free to PM me with these kinds of requests!      I don't read every thread completely!

Age: 37
Height:  5'10"
Inseam:  34 inches
Weight:  155#
Years riding:  street, 9 yrs; dirt, 4 years
Skill:  I'd say advanced beginner/intermediate, but it depends on the kind of riding.  I've always been moderately brave about taking risks, I did some rock climbing before getting into dirt bikes, went sky diving, that kind of thing
Type:  Started in the desert, Ocotillo Wells primarily, then got heavily into motorcross, did some TIGHT single-track in Louisiana and in the Central Valley... guess I've done just about all of it, except haven't tried a sand paddle in dunes (but really don't want to!)
Racing:  A few harescrambles

First borrowed dirt bike, before buying my own:  1994 Suzuki RM125, 2-stroke.  For the summer of '03, before I bought my own dirt bike, we would borrow this bike from a friend whenever my boyfriend and I wanted to ride dirt.  I didn't have a problem with the 125 smoker 'hit', but the bike was old and needed a top end, so it wasn't that peaky.

First try at my own dirt bike:  2001 Yamaha YZ250, 2 stroke.  I wanted something with more power than a 125 for keeping up with the 'big' bikes in the desert, and for getting up some of the gnarly hill climbs we were doing out there, and got a great deal on this 250 smoker.  But, this 2-stroke hit MUCH harder than the 125, especially being that I was used to the way a street bike  would deliver power.  At this early stage of my dirt riding career this bike was NOT FUN, especially as my boyfriend was in Kuwait and I was riding with other friends that really expected me to keep up, and weren't so patient... so, after having it 2 weeks, and seriously spraining my ankle by looping out going up a hill, I took it in to the dealership and traded it for my current ride:

Current dirt bike:  2004 Yamaha YZ250F.  This bike can do ANYTHING, and I've had nothing but fun with it!  Its an awesome MXer, can haul up any hill, light enough not to be too burdensome on tight trails.  Sometimes, I've wished for an e-start on long trips through tight single track (after stalling out for the nth time), and if I end up riding more trails than track I'll probably change the gearing on it, and I've been considering a recluse, as I'm getting lazy in my 'old' age!  

The only major mod I've made is the Dr. D exhaust, and that was for the removable silencer and spark arrester.  Everything else engine-wise and gearing is stock.  

[dr dave 29 TT Member]

Hi I'm Mrs drdave29, tried opening my own account but couldn't cos we only have one email account.

Age-33
Height-5'5"
weight-126lbs

been riding since October 2007 only done about 350 miles, 300 of them on dirt.
Hate riding on the road but have to linking trails Only get to go out when my ex has the kids, which is rarely!! My hubbie has a drz400 and I have a 2007 reg yamaha xt 125cc (early xmas pressie), don't know what your equivalent is. It's the biggest bike I can have cos I've only done my CBT which means I can ride on L plates for 2 years, then either take my CBT again or a full licence.
I have quite a short inside leg 30" so we had an inch taken out of the seat, and my hubby modified the swing arm so the back end is about 3" lower.
Broke the clutch lever first time out dropping the bke in a rut so we put on hand protectors, brilliant things. Would say my skill level is better than I have any right to be but still learnng all the time! Should have gone out on boxing day but the ex let me down. Going out Saturday though, first time in five weeks, got some new bike boots to try out with platform soles, so If I can get on with them might be able to put the bike back to standard height. Changing up through the gears is fine but the down change feels weird. Heading out with my hubbie and his mates on some new trails on Dartmoor, my first time out on these trails and first time out with his friends.....wish me luck.

[bbbom TT Addict]

Welcome Mrs. drdave29!  So how'd it go?

[dr dave 29 TT Member]

Hi, It went really well although it was very muddy and my tyres had no grip so Dave has bought me some MT21's for an early valentines pressie, tried them again this weekend, awesome, oh and I got platform boots for xmas so we were able to put the suspension back to standard which was very handy because some of the puddles were two/three foot deep and 100+ foot long with no way round, I'd have been stuffed with the lowered suspension. Looking forward to going out again, hopefully it'll be a bit drier, keeps raining, and a bit warmer, can't wait

[Firecracker Get Help Now]

I want to see pictures of your boots. Are they actual dirt bike boots with a platform? If so who makes them? Or did you just have a cobbler add a platform to the sole? Or are they a non-dirt bike boot?

[Blue_Girl13 TT Member]

Hi everyone!  I am new to ThumperTalk but a very seasoned intermediate dirt rider. I am not much of a mechanic nor do I claim to be. Getting on the bike, riding and having a good time is my specialty.  Being 31 and having grown up on dirt bikes was definitely an advantage for later on in life.  I am excited to write this because some of my best memories of childhood were zipping through NJ pine barrons with my brothers on our Honda "Z" dirt bikes.  

My very first hand-me-down dirt bike was a Honda 1983 "Z" 50.  That little bike was so dependable and taught me the foundations of riding at 7 years old!!   When I turned 10 I moved into a Honda 80R.  Talk about big difference between the two..... ok ok ok so for the more fun stuff...... A Girl turns 14 and what does she get?  No not a barbie set or a strawberry short cake bicycle.... but a  1990 Yamaha YZ80!!!  This bike was trick compared to my Honda 80r.  It was my very first two stroke.  I enjoyed the fact that I could put that yz up for 3-4 mos at at time and it would start right up.  I liked the nimbleness and powerband on the smoker.  I ripped through the woods like a speeding bullet w/ not a care in the world.  Ugh ignorance is bliss.
I had that bike for about 4 years until I went to college.  Bikes were on the back burner at that point.  I got back into it when I was 25 with a very dependable Yamaha TTR-125.  I can not say enough good things about this bike. The Honda XR100 or the TTR-125 is what I would suggest for someone getting their feet wet.   The TTR-125  has good ground clearance, torque, nimbleness and is very forgiving especially if you dump the clutch.

Ok so then I decided to go up in power, not in price and ended up unhappy with a 2004 Yamaha TTR-225.  That was a BIG mistake in more ways then one!!!  I am 5'4 and have a few extra pounds to me and thought this bike would suit me well being that seat height was low.  Boy was I wrong!  This bike was a pig.  When I dumped it I could barely pick it back up. It is very top heavy... Forget about jumping it or doing anything that is technical.  To each's own I guess.

I currently have sailed into my own sunset with the best bike for my style of riding. I mainly ride trails.....  My personal heaven and love is my very trick 2004 Yamaha WR250F.  The suspension rocks the house down. You do not feel every little pebble or rut like you do on a smaller bike.  I have a larger rear sprocket that you can climb hills all day long with. The electric start feature is wonderful.  Anyone feeling me on the electric start???  Once you go E-start you wont want to go back!!!  I have mods on it that make the bike lighter like a full exhaust system, yz tank ect.. This bike stock is 229lbs and if you take in consideration the fact that the stock exhaust alone weighs 12lbs you can for sure make it lighter with modifications. Again I am 5'4 and I can NOT touch the ground on this bike but it doesn't scare me b/c I truly trust myself and its capabilities.   The 04 model has a seat height of 39.3 which is taller then the models thereafter.  Mine is lowered an inch making it comparable to the newer stock models 05' and above.  I really did not want to go any lower and take away from the travel in the suspension. I could not be happier with the Yamaha WR250F.  I know this may sound crazy but to me riding a bigger bike w/ better suspension is easier than any of the little bikes.  I think the WR250F is a good fit for an advanced beginner and who wants to grow into something.  Do not let the size of the bike scare you...b/c when all is said and done...you control it!  

Is anyone in the Dallas Fort Worth area on here?  That is where I live now and would love to meet some cool girls to ride with.

[mxdirtdiva TT Titanium Member]

Age:  OTD
Height:  5'4” ¾”
Inseam:  31” ½”
Weight:  126
Years Riding:  5
Skill:  Aggressive/Not timid/Adventure Junkie
I tend to be more of a risk taker (in everything I do).  I like being challenged beyond my comfort level.  I learn and improve my skills best this way.  However, I don’t like to lead a group, unless I’m very familiar with an area.  There are two women (mom’s) in my riding circle of friends that I enjoy riding with.  But, typically I have more fun riding with my husband and going on the high-adrenaline testosterone guy rides.  This has pushed me to levels I never would have gone.  In short, I love to follow by example, but do not lead by example.  
Type:  Lower/Upper Desert (sand, pack, rocks, hills, ridges, on/off trail).  Love the dez!!
Racing:  No (is a consideration)


Goals:  Advocate for those living with MS.  Would like to coordinate and participate in a Race for Cure doing some kind of GP/MX.  Learn more about working on my bike, instead relying on others.  Ride more mountain terrain, which is my element!  Interested in racing, and as a couple with my husband.


Bike #1 – 2003 Yamaha TTR 125 BW, Stock
Beginning bike with E-Start.  Learned all about “what not to like about a bike.”  No guts, no suspension = no glory.  Had for 6 months.  I have nothing good to say about this bike other than I was happy to get rid of it.

Bike #2 – 2004 Honda CRF 230F, jetted, ProCircuit Exhaust, Maxium Tires
Loved this trail bike.  Also had E-start (but, no kick option).  I broke my E-button one time and had to bump start on hill.  Very heavy bike (was a tank), felt much more stable and solid on this bike.  Completely built my confidence immediately.  Was a good size for my height.  I learned SO much on this bike.  Sand, not an issue anymore.  As time passed and my skills improved, I had no problem muscling around this pig-bike.  It finally got to the point where I couldn’t do certain things on it.  It lacked the suspension and the power I needed.

Bike #3 - 2006 Honda CRF 250X, lowered, jetted, Yoshi Exhaust, rad guards  
My new ride.  I love it, but not “in” love… yet.  I would never go back to a smaller bike, there’s no comparison – apples to oranges in suspension and power.  I’m still getting a feel for what my needs are for this bike.  It’s not quite set up the way I want.  It has been lowered and is still a little taller than I’m use to (tippy-toed) and my body sits completely different on this bike than it did on the 230.  Not able to foot my turns as well (barely, if at all) and I’m finding this is inhibiting me.  More than average headshake on the front, which needs to be looked at.  I almost purchased the 250R, but I’m addicted to the E-start.  Having to kick my bike in an awkward situation/position, what for!?!  I don’t need to be a hero and I’m completely happy to just push a button, YO!!  The trail light, I could take, or leave, but I’m always up for anything.  A night ride, you bet… I LOVE IT!  I’d rather do that than park my butt at a campfire.  All in all, very happy - great bike!  I’m looking forward to getting it set up the way I want.  

[Kydirtgirl TT Bronze Member]

Hello everyone, it's been a long time since I have posted.  I had a knee injury during a harescramble this past spring and I couldn't ride for forever.  I am just now getting the strength back in my knee.  

I am 38 years old, 5'3" around 130 lbs. I think my inseam is 31 inches.

1st bike - TTR125 - I rode the bike for about 2 years.  I had it rejetted
                           new forks, and a taller seat foam. Great starter bike.

2nd bike - CRF230 - Love this bike.  Had e-start, just the right seat height.
                           Had it rejetted, new pipe.  Began racing it in  
                           harescrambles.  Only bad thing about the bike was it's
                           weight, and I wanted more power.

3rd bike - CRF150RB - This bike only weighed around 180 lbs. with gas.
                              Had awesome power.  I had to learn how to use
                             the clutch alot more.  When I tried to race it in
                             harescrambles, it was too much power for the tight
                             trails.  Excellent bike for motocross.  I couldn't keep
                             the bike on 2 wheels and that is how I injured the knee.
                             I flipped it going up a slick hill and dislocated my knee.

4th bike - WR250       I still have my little Honda(it's for sale).
                              To race i decided I needed something meant for
                              woods racing and my Wr has e-start and a kick stand.
                             When you have a bad knee an e-start is wonderful.
                             I love how it has the power when you need it and if
                            want to lug it up a hill it will.  I had to buy a lowering  
                            link for it and my husband cut  out a saddle for me in
                            the seat.  I am looking forward to this
                            racing season.

[Plushpuppy TT Addict]

I just had to say WOO WOO WOO WR's!!!!!!!!!!

[Kydirtgirl TT Bronze Member]

gotta love those blue machines:ride:

[braapbraaptyler TT Newbie]

2002 TTR-225

age-14
height- 5'4''
weight - 130
type of riding i do-
trail ride, some small jumps (3 feet), try to keep up with my freinds 426, haha. the bike is pretty much stock except some hand gaurds, and grips. im a very aggresive rider, i ride ride the bike so hard! im suprised its not blown up! this was my first four stroke and i got used to it FAST, this is a bike just for begginers and nothing more.

[mcgradybrandt TT Bronze Member]

2008 YZ250

Age: 31
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 154lbs
Type of riding I do:

With a bit of hesitation, I switched bikes for 2008. I am coming off a 2006 KTM 200XC... which is also a very good bike.  But after competing in my first Harescramble of the season, I know I've made a great choice.  My YZ has custom suspension from Riders Edge Suspension... he shortened it and revalved it.  I also run a Rekluse clutch which is definitely beneficial when competeing in Cross Country races, when I'm very tired.  Then the usual add ons for the bush... Cycra bushguards(which seem to be the only ones I haven't been able to bend....yet) Skid plate, rad guards and a GPR stabilizer.... where I live in British Columbia we ride mostly tight single track. I also compete in Hare scrambles and Cross Countries throughout BC and some in Washington state. The new bike rocks... much peppier than the KTM... and has more power for hills.... So far very happy, guess we'll see what the season brings....

[YamaMama TT Titanium Member]

braapbraaptyler said:

2002 TTR-225

age-14
height- 5'4''
weight - 130
type of riding i do-
trail ride, some small jumps (3 feet), try to keep up with my freinds 426, haha. the bike is pretty much stock except some hand gaurds, and grips. im a very aggresive rider, i ride ride the bike so hard! im suprised its not blown up! this was my first four stroke and i got used to it FAST, this is a bike just for begginers and nothing more.

Hey, no offense... but are you male or female?  This thread is for the Thumpettes to post bikes they ride so other ladies get an idea of what is working for others.  If you're female, never mind... but if you are male (Tyler is what has me thinking this), go post w/the guys in every other forum out there!  

Seriously, we don't mind you hanging around... but this thread is for us ladies... your info might lead someone astray.

[ridemotox4 TT Silver Member]

Alright folks, I'm Katie.

Age- 14
Height- 5'5
Weight- 130 lbs
Type of riding- stritcly Motocrossss!

My first bike was a TTR 90, my Dad bought it brand new when I was about 7.


The bike sat for about 6 months, because I was scared to ride it. One day, somehow, I found the guts to get on and learn. After that, my parets had to drag me back inside when it was getting dark each day after school.

About three years ago, when I was 11, I got a TTR 125L. I think it was a 2002. I rode that thing every chance I got. I kept it stock, but I probably should of put some basic mods on it. I mostly rode it at sandpits and in trails, but in April of 06, after I turned 13, I started going to the track.

After about two months of beating and abusing it at the practice track, my Dad upgraded me to a 2005 RMZ 250. He bought it from Motoworld Racing. Man, that bike is awesome. Its got every mod you could imagine. I continuted riding that through 2006, and had my first race in October of 2006 at Southwick. I didn't do so hot, I got 15th out of 20 in the Woman's class.

The bike went away for the winter, and April 2007 rolled aroundd. My second race ever, I was battling for the lead in the first moto. Of course, I went down. The next weekend was awesome though, cause in my third ever race, I took the win by a long shot in both motos.

I picked up a brand new 2007 RMZ 250 for my birthday in April of 07, it was pretty chill. I raced that the whole 2007 season. After the last race, I ended up 2nd in my Womans class, missing the championship by only 13 points out of 2200. I would of had the championship, but I got taken out and broke my shoulder the last race weekend of the year ( by the girl who won the championship )

MOOOOOD timeee :]

2005 Motoworld Factory RMZ 250-
FMF Titanium 4 muffler, Megabomb header
Boyesen water pump & impeller kit
Boyesen QuickShot
Factory Connection works Suspension
Hinson Clutch
Sunline ARC Levers
Excel Wheels
TriStar Triple Clamps
and lots more, but its been sitting in the corner of the garage all winter, I cant remember :/

2007 RMZ 250
Pro Circuit Ti-4 Exhaust completeee system
Boyesen QuickShot 2
ASV Levers
Factory Connection Suspension
Renthal Chains / Sprockets

We kept the 07 mainly stock.



Sooo here rolls in the 2008 race season. I'm sidelined until further notice due to a shoulder injury. My long thoratic ( ? ) nerve is dead, my muscle might be dead, and turns out I broke off a piece of my shoulder blade back at the last race when I lost the championship.

Oh boy I forgot about my 110. I recently won a 2008 KLX 110 at my racing banquet. It's going to be INSANE once its finished. I just had a little money lying around, so I bought TAG Tall bars and a SDG tall seat. I'm hoping to get a clutch, stiffer suspension springs, mayybe a 134cc kit, or 143, and a pro circuit pipe.


Theresss my racing life in a nutshell :]

[blndebmbr TT Titanium Member]

^dang girl!  Heal up fast!

[MXchic681 TT Bronze Member]

i am 20 years old. i am 5'4". i ride an 06 and 08 kx250F

I got a four wheeler when i was 3 and then i got my first dirt bike when i was 5 and started racing locally when i was like 8 or 9. then nationally when i turned 13. then at about 16-17 i took a year off because i kept getting hurt.

i would not consider myself aggressive.. but if i have to get a pass done i will do it. no worries about it.. and if i fall.. just get up and shake it off.. i race 125C class and women. i try to get good starts. if not i am pretty good working up in 5 laps. i race a lot of AMA events, and some local races. i am not scared to get out there and bang bars. and i ride a lot during the week before i race. my life revolves around racing.

[Fusion77 TT Bronze Member]

I'm Britni, 18 yrs. old, about 5'4ish dependin on the day, roughly 120lbs.

I race a 2003 KX 250 in harescrambles and on occassion alittle MX. I also have a 89' KDX 200 for mud & snow and some tight woods races.

I'm fairly new to the bike, as of the actual race seasons I spent all together I spent about 1 1/2 years racing bike. I race the Womens class and the C class depending on what style I'm racing. I'm slightly aggressive when I need to get past someone or when someone decides to be a jerk. When it comes to letting other pass me or possibly bumping bars with someone i don't have a grudge with I'm very passive.

I always had a quad growin up and when I was 14 I started racing them in SX. Then when i was 16 I got my first bike the PW 80 learned the basics then got a 03' KX 85 and raced SX and some MX on and off. When I was 17 I sold my bike and went back to quad raced harescrambles for a year. Mud & Snow racing started I wanted to try the bike so I ran both. Before the harescramble season started up last year I bought the KX 250, I raced that and the quad.

[lilGirl TT Silver Member]

Age: 46
Height: 5'4"
Inseam: 30 inches
Weight: 115#
Years riding: Since Spring 2003
Skill: Slower and not as good as my crazy girlfriends but I'm tenacious   I need alot of practice to get good at stuff but I'm getting there. I got in 81 rides last year and hope to do ~60 this year.
Type of riding: love trees and Single track. Love adventure. Spent alot of time doing GPS work last year which meant choosing new stuff to try all the time. Some Hare Scrambles. Lots of mileage in Baja. Don't care if I have a spaz day, so long as I have fun.

1st Bike: 2003 CRF188 (150 bored out to a 188). I have ~4,000 miles on it.
Pros: I loved 'Ol Red. Perfect fit, built like a tank to take the abuse I gave it, cheap to fix, cheap tires. Will tank its way up most hard packed stuff (if you have the guts to throttle it- which I didn't always). Gas range goes forever. Cheap to buy. Cons: crummy suspension, on the Heavier side, Tough as hell to start after a dump (in races anyway, lil bugger). Freakin' heavy for it's power so sinks in the soft stuff if you don't throttle at the right time. 10 pathetic inches of clearance

present bike: 2007 CRF250x Jr.
Pros: 181 lbs. Fabulous trail bike engine. Tons of power. E-Start. Fast through the trees (if only I were!). Great suspension compared to 'ol Red.  Cons: Peg height was too tight so I had to lower them and now it's better. Still prefer the CRF150 ergs though. Gas range is borderline. Price (let's not talk about that). Added: rekluse and Scotts.

[jewels TT Newbie]

Age: 38
Height: 5'5"
Inseam: 30 inches
Weight: 135#
Years riding: newbie, only a few months
Type of riding: Trail riding only so far
aggressiveness: medium I guess, I am constantly working on overcoming fear also in other sports. I mtn biked and it was a natural transition to trail riding as line selection and body position was concerned.
Ride: 2003 yamaha ttr125-L, great first bike easy to learn on for a newbie. I've tried a kx100 several times (w/ flywheel weights) and really like the power of that bike, it instantly makes me grin:ride: . Also tried the crf150r, whoa that's a fast lil bike for a newbie. So I hope to go to the track soon and may add a little mx bike for more ride time.

[jennsw TT Newbie]

Age 29
Height 5”9’
Weight 140
Inseam 34” inseam
Riding experience 10 rides (will be spending most weekends this summer on forest trails)

I am looking for a bike (suggestions welcome), I currently own a Yamaha YZ250F, however she is a bit too much for me. We do most of our riding in the forest, trails etc. My YZ has a lot of high end power and is very stiff, we have softened it up as much as possible with the Duvall shocks that are on there now.  I am looking for something with low end power…  I have rode and compared my bike to the KTM 450’s and would prefer a 450 over what I have now, however I am told the 450 is still too much bike for me.  I am a single mom of two so while I have the drive and want to excel quickly, however, I do have to have restraint. I can not afford to hurt myself too bad… So I would say I am a timid rider, would like to be more aggressive.