Looking for a dirt bike for my daughter . She is 23 & 5'4" probably 140LBS. She has never ridden a dirt bike. Her street bikes have been a Ninja500 and then a SV650S, she's still a novice street rider but a natural.

Considering a CRF150F or maybe. TTR125 big wheel. Are these good choices? Will they have enough power for her weight?

Also what are the differances in year models? I see the
06 and newer have electric start. Is a 03 the same as a 05? Any thing to look out for?

Also considering a CRF230 for the wife. She has also never ridden in the dirt, She's 150lbs 5'8" street bike was a CBR600F4I novice street rider not as natural as my daughter. Opinions?

If your daughter is a natural I would get her the 230f, she will like it much better once she gets comfortable on it. Now I'm not really sure of exactly how tall the 230 is but she should be able to manage it.

I would start them both out on 150f's. A 5'4" beginner would not really be happy on a taller 230f to start out. Even your wife at 5'8"will truly be better off starting out on a 150f.
The 150 and 230 are exactly the same size frame. The wheels are different sizes.
06 and newer 150 has electric start, far nicer for a beginner.
As they become better riders they may want to step up to the larger size if you ride a lot on the fire roads.
My daughters, both 5'4" ride and race 150's. One on a 150 f and the other on a 150r. On a recent trip to Colorada riding with some top level riders they both kept up, especially in the really tight stuff.

4strokeridertt, on 17 August 2012 - 07:34 AM, said:

Agreed.  The CRF150 is a perfect bike for any rider small of stature and/or new to dirt bike riding.  The CRF230 in stock form is a mild bike but it is taller than the CRF150 and the rider will not feel as confident as he/she will on the CRF150.  We have the older model CRF150 and it has plenty of power.  I've not thrown a leg over the new model but I can only assume it's power must be on par with the older model.

I would steer clear of CRF230s until both become better riders and they both truly learn to enjoy the sport.

The CRF150 is a great bike and they will not be disappointed.

I would try to have them ride both and see which they like best.  According to the Honda website, the difference in seat height between the two is only 1.3" (32.8" vs 34.1").  Your wife and daughter are both pretty average height and they both have streetbike experience, so they already know how to ride a bike.  My wife is 5'5" and bought a 230 for her first bike.  It came with almost every BBR product made, including the suspension linkage that raises the rear 1/2".  She lays it down maybe once per ride (usually dessert-style terrain or tight singletrack), but has no problem controlling the power or touching the ground when she comes to a stop.
Have fun with whatever you guys get!

Go to the dealer and have them sit on both. Cause if the 230 fits them I don't think anyone would like a 150 after a 500.

If your worried about the height difference get the 230 and a Durelle Racing seat  pad. 1.5" lower than stock.

http://durelleracing...463f0c781d2dfb8

my 230 has the Works shock,  it  has adjustable lenght so you can lower the seat if needed.

you can shave 1n inch off of the stop of the stock seat easily. ( the area also becomes wider when  you shave it)

the 230 is better for low end grunt than the 150, but both are great bikes. I would make sure u got electric start version if u get a 150.

Thanks seems like all good advise, even though the girls have street bike experiance, I'm looking at them as being brand new novice riders in the dirt, once that back tire breaks loose and slides around on them, their eyes are going to be wide open.

Unfortunately no dealers in our area have 230's to look at, but my buddy's wife has a 150F that he wants to sell, but I'd prefer a newer model with the majic button.

I'm pretty sure my daughter would be quite happy on a 150F, I do think she would feel way more comfortable flat footing a 150F than not being able to get good footing on uneven ground, at least untill she gets some dirt miles under her belt.

My wife felt the TTR230 was way too big for her, it actually fit her perfectly, and I'm also afraid my wife will ride a few times then loose interest, I think I'm leaning towards picking up one 150F and I will also look at the 140 Kawi,  let them play on it and look inot a second bike later.

Oh I also worked out a deal for a 08 TTR50 for my grandson this morning, now I just hope the guy hangs onto it till I can pick it up like we agreed.  He seems like a verynice older gentlemen,  I wanted a CRF just becasue I love Hondas but the majic button swayed me, especially since I'm looking for a stock bike for a 3 yr old, not a pit bike. and at $600 for a clean tagged 08, I couldnt pass it up. The guy said he actually bought a CRF50  for his G kids, and he got tired of walking all over the property to restart it for them so he sold the CRF and bought the TTR because of the electric start.

Edited by brianm767, 22 August 2012 - 08:38 AM.

The CRF-150 is an excellent bike for  a beginner or one with limited experience.

My wife has 7-years street riding on a Daytona 675 but little time in the dirt. She attended a Dirt Bike School and was ready to join me off road. We tried various 250s but they were too heavy, than went to a CRF-230. She was happy with the bike but I wanted to get it plated. Not able to do so.

So….purchased her a CRF-150 that was plated. She LOVES this bike! Light weight & the smaller wheels put her closer to the ground. Only problem was as a 2004, the bike had no e-start. Simple to remedy as I purchased the parts and install was simple. A lighter battery & pipe sweetened the deal.

Go with a CRF-150.



The plated 150 and the 130



Her Daytona street bike

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brianm767, on 21 August 2012 - 02:26 PM, said:

That Yamaha 50 is pretty much the same thing as a Honda XR/CRF 50.  It sits quite a bit taller than the shorter, lighter Yamaha PW50.  For a 3yr old, you're far better off with the PW.  I bought the Honda for my son when he was little, but it was just too big and heavy for him to be confident on.  I then picked up a PW, which fit him much better, and gave him more confidence.  Outside of that, he's going to need someone to ride with, or he'll lose interest pretty quick.  When I ride with my son, he seems to enjoy it MUCH more, and doesn't get tired nearly as fast. Good Luck!