What's a good old small cc dual purpose or dirt MC? What should I avoid?

[Gryphon Rider]

Between now and spring I'm gonna keep my eyes open to purchase a couple of dirt bikes for my son (who will be 16 in spring) and me to ride together.  My $2000 budget for both (not each) means I'm looking at late '70s to mid '00s.  To ride on public land, they need to have a headlight and taillight, so I'd prefer to not have to add them myself.  It's better that they're not crazy fast, as he's a new rider, and I'm old (compared to him, not to most of you) and inexperienced off-road.  I know it will totally depend on the condition of the bike(s).  If dual-purpose, I will be removing the mirrors and signal lights for the time being.

[hubcapsc]

A brand new $10,000 KTM 350 would be best :-) ...

But I had one of these, me and Carolyn both rode it. It went
wherever I took it, climbed the hills and everything. It was
fun to ride and not real heavy like the big bore popular
Japanese dual-purpose bikes. I liked it  ...



-Mike

[chief120865]

Just about anything from the japanese big-4  singles are pretty much as bullet proof and reliable as they come from that era

[The emperor has no clothes]

I don't know what they go for. But I think the Suzuki DR's were better than the Honda XR's. I think for what you want, a couple 93 Suzuki DR 350's would be about right.

[Jersey mike]

I’d try to stick to a 4 stroke Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki in the 150cc range depending on how big your son is. The thing is I think you’re going to find the market in that range a bit tight unless you’re going to do any repairs yourself that may be needed. $1000.00 doesn’t buy much of a dual purpose bike around here but you know your market better.

Good luck, have fun and get your son riding.  

[Jess from VA]

I'd work a problem like that backwards.  Though it's a good idea to research good and bad choices generally.

But I'd start looking in all my available sales references (Craigslist, Cycletrader, local adds, dealer websites, yada) (within whatever distance I would be willing to travel), and then whenever I found anything in my general price range and liking, I'd research that bike carefully.  Then, pass on it, or call and look.

My old Yamaha two stroke DT360 was more bike than I needed, but was pretty bulletproof.  But 4 strokes were a step up and came later.

[Gryphon Rider]

I'd work a problem like that backwards.  Though it's a good idea to research good and bad choices generally.

But I'd start looking in all my available sales references (Craigslist, Cycletrader, local adds, dealer websites, yada) (within whatever distance I would be willing to travel), and then whenever I found anything in my general price range and liking, I'd research that bike carefully.  Then, pass on it, or call and look.

My old Yamaha two stroke DT360 was more bike than I needed, but was pretty bulletproof.  But 4 strokes were a step up and came later.

That's pretty much what I'm doing.  There are a handful of low-km DR200s up for sale right now; I might pick up a couple of them.  I think Levi is 5'-6 or 7" (He's 15, so it changes every few weeks, it seems), so the DR's lower seat height might be ideal.  Having two similar bikes will help teach him maintenance and repairs:  "Here's what broke, this is what it should look/feel/sound like."

[klb]

Can't beat the old XR's they are Bulletproof.

[98valk]

I'd work a problem like that backwards.  Though it's a good idea to research good and bad choices generally.

But I'd start looking in all my available sales references (Craigslist, Cycletrader, local adds, dealer websites, yada) (within whatever distance I would be willing to travel), and then whenever I found anything in my general price range and liking, I'd research that bike carefully.  Then, pass on it, or call and look.

My old Yamaha two stroke DT360 was more bike than I needed, but was pretty bulletproof.  But 4 strokes were a step up and came later.

That's pretty much what I'm doing.  There are a handful of low-km DR200s up for sale right now; I might pick up a couple of them.  I think Levi is 5'-6 or 7" (He's 15, so it changes every few weeks, it seems), so the DR's lower seat height might be ideal.  Having two similar bikes will help teach him maintenance and repairs:  "Here's what broke, this is what it should look/feel/sound like."

kawasaki,  small klrs or super sherpa
honda, avoid, too many bad reviews of the small bike compared to other makes.
suzuki,  DR200, not a low seat height,  DR200  has large 3.4 gallon tank.
yamaha  xt225,  TW200,   smaller tanks, aftermarket avail for larger.

[cookiedough]

will be tough finding a decent running 150 to 250cc dirt bike for 1 grand each I think.   Most I have seen are easily 2K on up which for me I think is way overpriced for what you get.

good luck on your search I think facebook marketplace will be a better bet for cycles on the cheaper side vs. craigslist, etc.

[h13man]

Any Honda XL's but @ $1000 ea., be a tough find. Not a fan of 2 strokes especially in smaller CC's. as they are bit to "pipey" to control. Old XL 250's are bit on the heavy side but stone cold reliable and have the torque that will pull some pretty steep hills.

[98valk]

see last page for modified TW200s.  nice 

https://advrider.com/f/threads/craigslists-dumbass-of-the-week-nominee.889310/page-714