Hi everyone,

Some of you may remember me asking which I should get for my 15 y/o son for a starter bike. Well this past Saturday he got a chance to ride a 2001 XR100. He learned how to use the clutch and shift through all the gears in just a couple of hours. Please note, this was the first time he has ever ridden a bike and I feel he did a great job.

So, with this new information, I have come to the conclusion that the XR100 is too small for him.

I had him sit on a new TTR125 and feel that although it is a pretty good fit, its not much better than the XR100 for his size.

My question is this, if you could buy either a TTR225 and/or a XR200 which would you choose and why?

I like the TTR125 vs XR100 but... the 225 looks a bit funky as far as ergo's go. The tank looks rediculously big to me and I hear they are pretty heavy.

Which of the 2 would have a better resale/demand value?

Thanks for any suggestions/advice you have,
Fryboy

The TTR225 is a rehash of an antique Brazilian dual sport bike - I wouldn't even call it a dirt bike. The XR 200 is a proven playbike, but its little heavy and a little outdated too. Why not check out a CRF 150?

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I would check it out but I want to buy used. There hasn't been one listing for the CRF150 anywhere in my area. Not to mention my budget only allows 2500 or less. Preferably less!

Fryboy

XR200 should be just fine

My buddy's got one and it sure is fun to play on.

Did you try sitting on the larger TTR 125L and LE?

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Yes my son did sit on the TTR125LE. I still think its too small for him. I am leaning towards the XR200 but wanted to know if anyone suggests the TTR225.

Fryboy

Having had a ttr 225, STAY AWAY STAY FAR AWAY. THe resale is horrible. I dumped my 02 for $2100 after 8 monthes. The xr 200 would be a much better choice or a ttr 250. I got a 99 250 for $2600 for my wife lowered it and it is a great bike. The 225 will sucker you in because it sells for a low price. It has poor suspension, power to weight ratio is bad, the center of gravity is low which makes it easy to ride and a very low seat height. If you think the kid is going to out grow it quickly it might be a good step but if it is something he will have for awhile look elsewhere. It really isn't a very good dirt bike for jumping and heavy abuse, I broke something everytime I went out. I like blue bikes but the 225 ought to be put out to pasture with the other cows.

they stopped making xr200 because they came out with the crf 230... but my friend has a xr200 and its alot of fun so.. if i were u i'd go with the honda ,because i've ridden xr's and ttr's and the hondas in my opinion are nicer

Get the 200 and don't look back.There should be some good deals on later models.Look for one from an adult that was maintained.

that ttr 225 is damn near as heavy as my 650R! like only 15 pounds lighter. The 200R is alot lighter with much better power and you would be very hard pressed to find a better bike to ride in the woods. We have had probably 6 of them around over the years and you cant kill them. This would not even be a choice for me, but you have to make your own descision. The ttr does feel like a cow (nice analogy by the way), big slow and stupid. I cant speak for durability because i have not ridden one enough to break it. Just buy the red one, JR

The TTR while a solid bike seems to be pretty outdated, using mostly old technolagy, I'd go with the Honda, and don't forget how fast he will outgrow the bike??, at 15 I think I would look to the future, weather or not it takes a few suspension mods I'd go with a bigger bike, he'll be wanting somthing more before you expect it and before long will be leaving you in his dust!!!.

Thanks for all the great suggestions everyone. Sonorawfo, I can't wait for him to start making me eat his dust! What else could a dad want?

Fryboy