[steakcrf77]

My wife has been riding a 2005 Honda TRX250EX for about a year. She only has a few short rides on it. She has been asking to go to a dirt bike as she thinks she will enjoy it more and riding with a group more. My question is, what do you ladies feel is a good starter bike? I used to have an XR100 and it was great, good top speed, good torque, could do some small "jumps" on it, and I was a big kid at the time. I know some younger girls/kids are riding the KX100 and some are on the CRF230's. She is 26 years old about 5'9" and somewhere around 150lbs. I plan on getting the suspension done for whatever she gets so thats not such a big concern. Time is also on our side as we are currently trying for our first child. So it will be some time before she can actually climb on and give it a go. Thanks Ladies! and Gentlemen!

[RLPII]

The CRF 230 F is a good starter bike....that is what my wife rides - we started her on a CRF 150 but she out grew that in about 3 rides and having the magic button really helps as well.
My wife is only about 5'5" and the bike is a little on the tall side for her, but she is able to handle it. It is a great bike and is very low maintenance and unless she is going to do her own work on it, that is a huge plus for us guys!
It is not the only bike, but I can recommend it highly.
HTH,

[steakcrf77]

Found a 2004 XR100 for $800. I think I will go take a look at it. I didn't mention before but I need to stay under $1000 for the bike. I don't mind putting some money into it later over time. If anyone here is close to So Cal and they have an entry level bike for sale, please let me know. Thanks guys!

[n2stackin]

the DRZ125L is a good starter/play bike as well. they are reliable and cheap too. my girl has one and is now looking to get a 150.

ps - nice pic RLP

[steakcrf77]

Is there a particular reason she is only going to the 150? Or Do you mean the CRF150R? Is it a height restriction or just looking for a smaller jump in power and she is not ready for a 200cc+ bike. Thanks for the info!

[steakcrf77]

Thanks! I need to teacher her on something smaller first as she has not clutching experience on any vehicle. I do like the way your 250X is setup and think that is where we will eventually end up. Just need a stepping stone bike first.

[n2stackin]

I was referring to the 150F since the R is red stickered here in CA. She knows she needs more power, but she's had a few bad spills and wants to work her way up slowly. Otherwise, the 230 would be the bike of choice I believe. She is a little vertically challenged at 5'4", but not too bad. She just started riding for the first time this summer (including using a clutch), so I'm proud of whatever she rides.

[steakcrf77]

For sure. Stepping stones is a good way to go. Thanks for the input!

[n2stackin]

cough, cough...ahem, i meant she's pretty tall at 5'4".

[n2stackin]

what did you end up getting?

[steakcrf77]

Still looking, I am checking out a CR85 big wheel this weekend which I believe is a CRF85R Expert. Height wise is pretty much the 150RB. Very similar specs. New Top End and should be able to pick it up for $600. I have a fall back 2003 XR100 for $600 I can check out too. I know the 2 stroke may be harder to learn for her, but I think it definatly the better bike. I tried an 2004 DRZ125 for $850 (small wheel) and it was pretty gutless. I am very restricted on what bike I can get by the money I can spend. If the CR85 has too much pep I will get her the XR100 to learn on and flip it for the better bike later. She has a TRX 250EX that is worth much more money, which we could sell for a 230 or a 250X setup.

Thanks for following up!

[n2stackin]

I definitely know what you mean about the DRZ being a little gutless. We had to open it up, pipe it, and jet it to make it rideable. She actually likes it so much now that I had to convince her she was ready for more power. lol

Good luck and keep us posted.

[steakcrf77]

Good to know. The one I rode, felt like it has some umphh but I just couldn't get it to go. Bike was stock and really clean. You should post some pics on yours for sale

[n2stackin]

We were debating just keeping it and throwing in a big bore kit, but we elected to just get a new bike instead. Less work on my part (lol).

And I posted some pics in my garage because I couldn't figure out how to post a pic in the ad. The pics don't show the new OEM fender, so I should probably take some more when I get home. Thanks for the tip!

[socalnathan]

Steak you should get a matching kx100 with me for the ladies!