RM 85 vs. KX 85 as 1st bike for old guy?

[Doom Rider]

This isn't your 'normal' 1st bike question.  This is a first bike for a 51 year old who is using riding as a form of physical therapy.  I don't plan to enter any races, or try to jump any cars (ha).  I am 5'7" and 144 lbs.  Currently I am training on a 26" mountain bike, mostly downhill at high speeds.  Riding seems to be the ideal format for retraining my body (been 'dormant' unable to work out for the last 4 years) because I currently cannot walk very well, and cannot lift weights to work out.  When I dump the dirt bike I will have someone there to help pick it up.  Back in the early 90s I owned a pair of Kawasaki 125 enduros, but never got to ride much due to work constraints.  Due to my medical conditions, I have lost most of my memory of riding back then, so basically I am starting over as a beginner. 

 

I was advised by a local mechanic at a Kawasaki dealership that the Suzuki RM or RML in 85cc is the bike I should get, because they are more prevalent than the Kawis so it's easier to find parts, and also don't break down as much.

 

Was his advice correct?  Is the RM 85 the best starter bike?  Remember, have some respect for the old guy newbie asking dumb questions.  It takes guts to start your life over again.  Peace.     

[jay bird1138]

I would think a kx85 would be more readily available but not sure. Sorry about your medical condition, sounds tough. Not sure if dirt biking is right for you if you aren't in the right physical shape atm. I'll gladly answer more questions if you got em

[Doc_d]

I'd disagree with their recommendation.  I'd consider a Honda CRF150F, Yamaha TTR125LE or Kawasaki KLX140L.   Or if you want something with a little more seat height and a little more grunt a Honda CRF230F,  Yamaha TTR 230 or Honda XR250.

 

85's aren't great trail bikes and it sounds like you aren't going to be on an MX track.  I love two-strokes but they can be harder to learn on than a 4-stroke especially for someone who'd not a testosterone fueled teenager.  An 85 MX bike is also going to be much more maintenance than the bikes listed above.

Edited April 18, 2016 by Doc_d

[Chevy_97]

Crf230 would be a great choice. Mild power delivery for casual trail riding. Its also electric start. Not being mean, but if you can't walk very well, you will have dificulties kick starting a bike.

[Mudd94]

Whoever recommended you get a 85cc 2 stroke for your first bike should be slapped upside the head.  That's about the worst advice you could possibly get (except maybe recommending a CR500).  

 

The recommendations above are good/smart/logical recommendations.  

 

Let me say this again, just so it's clear, DO NOT BUY AN 85CC 2 STROKE MX BIKE

 

I would suggest a CRF230 like the smart dudes above.  Although it is a bit heavy.  The mellow power, electric start, and lowish seat height would be perfect for you.  Also, the air cooled 4 stroke is about as reliable of an engine as there is, and won't take a bunch of maintenance.  

[Doom Rider]

thanks for the feedback folks. appreciate your perspectives. my joints will thank you again in the future.

[SenorThumpy]

Well I came here to say NO! but everyone already took care of you with solid advice. 

I'd be hesitant to go back to that dealer/mechanic after advice like that. 

If you have the opportunity, go sit on a crf150f (not 150r!) and a crf230f and see which one feels better to you. IMO those are the best two bikes from the list doc-d threw up there.

[Bron-Yr-Aur]

The guy's having trouble even walking, and you're suggesting 230 4T's?! He's only 144 lbs. and 5'7". I personally would recommend a KX100 (the 85's wheels are too small for someone your size) and look into limiting the throttle until you learn to work it. The power valve smooths out the hit of power, but you could also look into a fly wheel weight.

They are a very light bike and very easy to ride. I'm a short, light rider (5'3", 130 lbs), and a full size bike is a handful. I'm very strong and healthy, and that 213 lb bike is all I can handle (I ride a KX250 2 stroke) Just today I rode my old KX100 (now my son's) I had forgotten the utter ease of riding that bike - easy to hold up, throw around, and even pick up in case of a spill. The only thing to be careful of is the aforementioned power hit that the previous posts are alluding to. That can be addressed.

So I'll say this, if your health and strength are as limited as your post suggests, DO NOT GET A FULL SIZED 4 STROKE! Way too heavy.

I'm not a 4T guy at all, but the 150 previously mentioned might be a good fit, too. Never ridden one, though.

Just my worthless opinion.

Edited April 21, 2016 by Bron-Yr-Aur

[seer]

I'll halfway second the above post. A kx 100 is far better than a 85.

The problem is common. No one makes a light weight mellow trail bike.

The kx 100 has a very rude power delivery for a timid rider.

[Bron-Yr-Aur]

I'll halfway second the above post. A kx 100 is far better than a 85.

The problem is common. No one makes a light weight mellow trail bike.

The kx 100 has a very rude power delivery for a timid rider.

Yes this is true. But the things I mentioned can really tame that delivery. He could also change sprocket sizes for even a more tame delivery.

Again, the 150 might be the best fit for him, though. Downside: it's 15-20 lbs heavier than the 100.

Edited April 22, 2016 by Bron-Yr-Aur

[seer]

My son had one for a couple of years.

I've been looking for another cheap and local. I'll have the cylinder decked to the max and the head cut to match.

[fith wheel]

They both make silencers equipped with spark arestors but probably not as quite as the q and 296. Fmf turbinecore and the pc nature friendly. You maybe, able to get an insert to quite it down though. Having an older bike you are kinda of limited in the aftermarket world. I sometimes have trouble finding stuff for my 01. If all else fails you maybe be able to find something on ebay. I don't know if the 93 wr silencers came with spark arestor. That maybe an option too. I think those bikes were pretty much the same bike frame wise.

[fith wheel]

Ops stupid smart phone. Wrong post obviously. I'd second the kx 100. The other bikes are just too heavy. Just be careful with the throttle till you get used to it. My wife learned on an 85. We still have it. Shift a little early ride in an open field for a while till you get used to it before you attempt the trails. Work your way up to more difficult stuff and you'll probably be fine.

[matty86suk]

Meh, I'm 6'1, 200 and had a blast on a kx85, used it as a pit/camp bike. I loaded it in the back of my Cherokee. I'd love another kx80/100 for a fun put/camp bike...

[Jim_B]

I'd second the CRF150F or the KLX140L.  The TTR125 is great, but a bit too small for someone 5'7".  Electric start is going to be a big bonus.

[shrubitup]

KX100 

[335 SMITTY]

Electric start and side stand, I feel a must.

[Doom Rider]

I did sit on a kx 100, and it was the same height as a kx85L big wheel, but heavier, which is why I was attracted to the 85s.  I would add an electric starter, kickstand, spark arrestor. I was even considering an electric mountain bike, but the costs are ridiculous for them vs a 2 stroke mx bike.  I have a lot of slow and easy rehabilitation to go thru before I buy anything with a motor.  part of my self training is pushing a mtn bike up the hill, which is the hardest thng I've been able to do so far, then practicing fishtailing with the rear brake on the way down.  I took two nice endos last weekend, trying to follow a deer trail (lol).  at least I didn't re-injure myself.  I expect to have a few falls now and again; it's part of the fun.  otherwise I'd ride street (yawn).  anyway thanks for the opinions from everyone.  I hope to show off whatever I end up riding hopefully before the end of the year.  Peace.    

Edited May 1, 2016 by Doom Rider

[Bron-Yr-Aur]

I did sit on a kx 100, and it was the same height as a kx85L big wheel, but heavier, which is why I was attracted to the 85s. I would add an electric starter, kickstand, spark arrestor. I was even considering an electric mountain bike, but the costs are ridiculous for them vs a 2 stroke mx bike. I have a lot of slow and easy rehabilitation to go thru before I buy anything with a motor. part of my self training is pushing a mtn bike up the hill, which is the hardest thng I've been able to do so far, then practicing fishtailing with the rear brake on the way down. I took two nice endos last weekend, trying to follow a deer trail (lol). at least I didn't re-injure myself. I expect to have a few falls now and again; it's part of the fun. otherwise I'd ride street (yawn). anyway thanks for the opinions from everyone. I hope to show off whatever I end up riding hopefully before the end of the year. Peace.

Hmm, that's interesting about the weight difference between the 85 and 100. I'd always heard that they were basically the same bike (frame, motor, etc) But a bigger bore in the motor and bigger wheels being the only major difference. I hadn't heard about the weight thing. Either way, they're a blast to ride! I've had both and absolutely loved them both, but my 100 a little more.

[Jim_B]

I did sit on a kx 100, and it was the same height as a kx85L big wheel, but heavier, which is why I was attracted to the 85s.

 

The weight difference between a KX100 and a KX85 is really small.  Do they even make a big wheel KX85?  I know all the KX100s are big wheel.