I want to learn dirt.

[JealousFromOH]

I picked up riding when I was 23. I'm 33 now. I've owned 3 different bikes, and ridden a lot more the past 4 years than the first 5 years. I try to hit 10k per year and have been very close the past 3 seasons up in Oregon. Now I'm in California. I've done a lot of twisties day trips, fair amount of touring and motocamping, commuting, grocery getting, but I've never done any (intentional) off-road riding. I used to live places that had fantastic street riding 10-30 minutes from my door, but Sacramento is making a quick trip to the twisties more difficult, and instead turning it into an all-day affair, or overnighter. However, there is literally dirt in my neighborhood.

So I'd like to finally get introduced to riding dirt. Where do I start?

I can gear up and all that. What are some resources for learning dirt? To what degree is street experience transferrable? What are reasonable bikes that an experienced road rider but new dirt rider could enjoy for a few years before upgrading? I've been reading about the sticker system -- Do most states reuire dirtbikes be registered with the DMV? I started street riding on a docile 250, and honestly it was a pain in the ass to sell that bike when I quickly outgrew it. I'd like to avoid that this time, while still being reasonable. I'm a 220lb dude with a 30" inseam FWIW.

 

[OaklandF4i]

Will your street skill transfer? Some, but you will be learning far more new ones than those that transfer. You already know how to shift and use a clutch to start and come to a stop. That's about it. Not snarky, but honest. You are basically going to learn from the beginning, its that different to do well.

The challenge of it is what appeals to most.

Rich Olivers Mystery School in Auberry (has bikes)
Feel Like a Pro Dirt in Lake County (has bikes)
Garrahan Offroad Training (not sure if has rental bikes)

Just a few spots to get you started.

As for bike choice, you are already thinking about it wrong. Its harder to learn, and even harder to master a dirt bike than riding a street bike. Unless you are a 16 yr old phenom natural, destined to race at the top ranks, you aren't going to out grow your first dirt bike as fast. Get that out of your head and prepare to be humbled.

While you can learn on a more powerful or faster bike without hurting yourself (sometimes), you more often than not miss out learning key skills you need if and when you want to become really good at riding or racing down the road. Everybody thinks they will be the exception, or are exceptional. Reality is........ far different.

A TTR230/250 or racier WR250F, CRF230 or racier CRF250X are all good bikes for adult learners just to name a few. Clean well maintained bikes like this are hard to find and easy to sell. Dirt bikes don't last XXX miles, maintenance includes engine rebuilds, and maintenance intervals are described in manuals as hours, not miles.

If you don't like working on bikes, have the tools, skills, experience or space to work on them... consider a new or newest bike you can afford.

But start off with a weekend school with one of their bikes to see if you even like it. Then start a different thread about bikes and budgets if you do.

Just my experience and opinion, others will vary.

 

[cheez]

I second the Garrahan and Mystery School recommendations, I've heard good things about both and GOT's intro to dirt class was on my to-do list this spring before it took a Corona torpedo.

 

[banshee01]

Fuckin A! Love this type of thread!

Dmv requires registration to be paid every other yeah on dirtbikes if it has a green or red sticker. Think my bikes are like $60 for 2 years

Red stickers will be eliminated here in about 5 years and all bikes prior to that will be treated as green sticker. Look at your area to see what the red sticker restrictions are. Down here where I ride no red stickers are allowed June through Sept. Each park varies

You are gonna have a blast! You will fall down for sure so gear up! My wife learned on the street and transferred to the dirt. Like mentioned she had the controls down just a different wild experience in the dirt standing up and not always getting traction.

4 strokes are gonna be easier to learn on. A 250cc or less would be good for someone your size. A 250cc 2 stroke would be crazy to learn on, I would compare that to a gsxr600 or more.

For $4k or less you should be able to pick up a nice 4 stroke

Do you do your own maintenance?

Keep us updated

 

[budman]

The ones listed are great.

A little less can be found at these two resources.
https://www.dirtbikeschool.org/
https://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=24927

You can read about my experience at the Mystery School here:
https://www.bayarearidersforum.com/features/

Beside it being closer it really enhances your street riding in my opinion. The whole traction aspect of riding dirt is so good to learn.

I think you are big enough for a good 250.. dual sport if you want to ride it on the street where you are going to ride... plus street bikes are automatically good in parks. They may not be as hard edged capable as a purpose built MX bike, but they are still very good.

Enjoy getting dirty!!

 

[fufo47]

I got back to riding dirt after over 20 years and it is definitely a blast BUT a challenging one. It's impressive that you have no problem doing over 120 mph in Thunderhill yet on an MX bike you're hardly doing 20 mph and feel scared as shit.

I took a class with Garrahan just to learn the basics in order not to break my neck or injure someone else and the guy is legit. He basically wrote the MX for Dummies book. Absolutely a must and highly recommend him and he does haverentals and believe he actually does a few intro to dirt here or there.

I'm not a wrench so I took the approach suggested here, got myself a newer bike 350 SXF with low hours.

Good luck! You're going to love it. You learn a lot about traction/throttle control etc. and you're also going to find out that you do not have the balls that you think you have once you're facing your first "jump"

 

[Dmitriy]

What everyone else said.

Do the Garahan Class. etc...

You got plenty of good riding near you - Georgetown, Foresthill, Elkins Flat, Downieville. Some of those are not beginner friendly FYI.

Something like a CRF230 would be great to learn on but you might also run into the same issue as your ninja. (It may also be undersprung for you). Take the class before buying and then you'll have a better idea of what to get.

If you are trail riding (as opposed to MX track). I do recommend making sure you get something with an 18" rear wheel (as opposed to 19") for better tire selection and a plusher ride over rocks an roots.

4T's are great to learn on with bottom end torque, 2T's are super fun but they can bite you if you aren't careful.

 

[JealousFromOH]

Thanks everyone!

Totally ready to be humbled by this adventure. I fully expect to eat shit and look like the noob that I am. I'll start googling those courses tonight and see if I can find one that hasn't been outright cancelled due to the current world situation...

I've been browsing the Sacramento Craigslist for dirtbikes and I'm not seeing much! Does nobody use that website anymore? What's considered low hours for dirt? I assume it totally depends on who the rider is and how they spent those hours. I'm clueless there. As for wrenching-- I'm self taught. I usually break shit on my bike and then learn to fix it. That's been an expensive endeavour on the KTM, but I've learned a lot. I can do simple things- oil changes, brake pads, rotors, bleed, rebuild calipers, air filter change/maintenance, chain rand sprocket work.... Haven't ever worked on valves or forks.

I really appreciate all the advice. I'm learning a lot already.

 

[banshee01]

Thanks everyone!

Totally ready to be humbled by this adventure. I fully expect to eat shit and look like the noob that I am. I'll start googling those courses tonight and see if I can find one that hasn't been outright cancelled due to the current world situation...

I've been browsing the Sacramento Craigslist for dirtbikes and I'm not seeing much! Does nobody use that website anymore? What's considered low hours for dirt? I assume it totally depends on who the rider is and how they spent those hours. I'm clueless there. As for wrenching-- I'm self taught. I usually break shit on my bike and then learn to fix it. That's been an expensive endeavour on the KTM, but I've learned a lot. I can do simple things- oil changes, brake pads, rotors, bleed, rebuild calipers, air filter change/maintenance, chain rand sprocket work.... Haven't ever worked on valves or forks.

I really appreciate all the advice. I'm learning a lot already.

Well sounds like you are ready for the next level of valve clearance checks and fork seals. Both are fairly easy and on a dirtbike is a great way to learn!

Check the letgo app and Offerup apps also. Seems like those have been growing. I just sold a yz125 on letgo.

A lot of bikes wont have hour meters but the more high end ones will from the factory.

Do you have a budget in mind for just the dirtbike?

 

[JealousFromOH]

Haha, yeah that's what I figured. If nothing else, it should at least be easier to work on.. I will check those apps, thanks. Originally I thought I'd be able to spend a couple grand, but from looking online so far, it seems more likely that I'll be in the 4-5k range if I want something from within the past decade. Ideally somewhere aroun $3500, but I'm not going to hold my breath. I want something that I can spend more time riding than troubleshooting.

 

[banshee01]

Haha, yeah that's what I figured. If nothing else, it should at least be easier to work on.. I will check those apps, thanks. Originally I thought I'd be able to spend a couple grand, but from looking online so far, it seems more likely that I'll be in the 4-5k range if I want something from within the past decade. Ideally somewhere aroun $3500, but I'm not going to hold my breath. I want something that I can spend more time riding than troubleshooting.

You can pick up a wr250f or crf250x for $3500 or less. They are motocross bike tweaked from the factory for the trails.

A honda XR400 might be a good choice also to start off on. $3k could get you a nice one and those are bulletproof. Softer suspension than the other 2 though. Maybe put stiffer springs in and ready to go! Nkt as high maint as the other 2 either

 

[OaklandF4i]

Haha, yeah that's what I figured. If nothing else, it should at least be easier to work on.. I will check those apps, thanks. Originally I thought I'd be able to spend a couple grand, but from looking online so far, it seems more likely that I'll be in the 4-5k range if I want something from within the past decade. Ideally somewhere aroun $3500, but I'm not going to hold my breath. I want something that I can spend more time riding than troubleshooting.

Anything running these days seems to go for $2k. Running doesnt mean well maintained or not a ticking time bomb. :laughing The cheaper an older bikes are great for folks with good mechanical skills and eye for discerning what a bike needs. Stay away from any 250 four stroke MX bike unless you know the owner and its history if you arent the mechanical type.

A complete top end with head on any four stroke will run in excess of $1500+ at a shop, much more if bottom end is needed too. On the trail orientated CRF250X for example, I'd expect to be doing that kinda work in 200 +/- some hours range if it was just trail ridden. A small fraction of that if raced or moto'd. The euro prices are a bit more for parts, same sort of intervals.

So keep that in mind when shopping and putting a value on used bikes. The non MX or enduro performance bikes. The non performance trail or play bikes can go longer like the CRF230 or TTR230/250. Two strokes are cheaper to rebuild and require fewer parts, easier for home mechanic to tackle, but require the work to be done much more often.

Bottom line, if you are not really heavy into to mechanical work or the willingness to do it, consider the upper range of your budget and or new. Always better to have more info than not when buying your first bike and the financial impact of a bad purchase is huge as noted above.

There will be lots of folks who will say you can do it on a couple of grand. You can, but you better have strong mechanical skills or a friend willing to do it for you. Be honest with yourself. Its why a lot of these play bikes like the TTR are popular for folks getting their feet wet, and sold fast when ready to upgrade.

XR400's are fun in the desert, much less so on the trails. Older design, kick only, and weight carried higher. I'd strongly suggest staying in the 250F range and newer. Yamaha WR250f, Honda CRF250X (not the R), KTM 250 XCF-W or a play bike.

Yes, you can learn on 400/450/500 and the physical measured weight isnt significantly higher. But the power and inertia makes the perceived or felt weight MUCH higher and really handicap you when learning more tehnical skills. Experienced guys that race gravitate to smaller bores in tight stuff.
Same of the dualsports, even the very best ready to race ones.

No bike is a do it all. Pick a bike to learn on and gain skills. You will probably find yourself owning a number for different purposes if you really take to it.

Just my experience and opinion, others will vary.

Good luck! :thumbup

 

[matty]

Another alternative for skill building/learning, is Doc Wong's ADV dual sport clinic and it's essentially free, I think I donated $20. I found it really helpful in learning the basics and fundamentals and more importantly instilling good habits. And having done Mystery School years ago, I think going to one of Doc's clinics will make your Mystery School experience, if you go, WAY more enjoyable. At least for myself, I wish I had had a little more dirt foundation before I did Mystery School.

 

[Starpower]

I went with a WR250R after trying and selling a KTM SX-F250 (too insane and a kicker) and a XR250 (carb, old '83 and under powered). Although I have a trailer and a truck I prefer to ride to the off road areas. I also realized that the maintenance schedules are too much and I enjoy wrenching but would rather ride! From '09 on all year WR's are the same and many used one's are low mileage and nicely modded. These are very capable dirt bikes, awesome single track and can cruise at 65 no problem. Valve adjustments are maybe twice a lifetime and rebuilds unlikely. $700 in suspension work will transform the bike into more serious dirt antics and nicer ride. At my level and weight OEM suits me.

 

[wilit]

There's some really good info in this thread. I was in your same boat a few years ago. Rode street for 15+ years and got into dirt at age 40. I wish I had started dirt riding way earlier. Some street skills transfer to dirt, but so many more dirt skills transfer to the street. I have to say, riding dirt has made me a better street rider.

That being said, I started off with an XT225 and it was a great starter bike, but I quickly reached the limits of that bike in terms of suspension and power. I bumped up to a WR250F and it was a huge leap in terms of performance. Even though the XT was smaller and easier to manage, the WR does make riding easier.

I am looking to upgrade to a plated bike, so if you're looking for a nice WR250F, let me know. I've got a lowering link and cut down seat for the bike too for the inseam challenged.

 

[banshee01]

There's some really good info in this thread. I was in your same boat a few years ago. Rode street for 15+ years and got into dirt at age 40. I wish I had started dirt riding way earlier. Some street skills transfer to dirt, but so many more dirt skills transfer to the street. I have to say, riding dirt has made me a better street rider.

That being said, I started off with an XT225 and it was a great starter bike, but I quickly reached the limits of that bike in terms of suspension and power. I bumped up to a WR250F and it was a huge leap in terms of performance. Even though the XT was smaller and easier to manage, the WR does make riding easier.

I am looking to upgrade to a plated bike, so if you're looking for a nice WR250F, let me know. I've got a lowering link and cut down seat for the bike too for the inseam challenged.

:thumbup

 

[KTMCathy]

Hi welcome to the dirt side of life! I have not much new to add except that Brian G. is an excellent teacher. He is doing classes on private property. I went out there and the terrain is not not not for beginners. If you can wait until Metcalf or Carnegie open, that would be much more beginner friendly. Another option is Hollister Hills. When they open they have bikes, so does Brian, and Hollister offers MSF classes for free to HHORA members. That’s the Hollister Hills Offroad Association.
Anyway Happy Trails!!

 

[JealousFromOH]

Thanks for the tip re: beginner friendly courses! I was sitting here googling and reading, waiting for 10:00 to roll around so I could call and see who's still on, and who's on hold... Then I got itchy feet, and had to go ride. So I rode 128 from Winters to Napa and back... And then didn't call anyone.

But the more reading I do, the more questions and potential decisions I see that come up. I'm curious what BARF's take on dual sport vs dirt only is? I have a pickup and ramp, and can load a bike and haul it relatively easy... but something tells me that I'll hit more dirt and explore more if I can ride to it. The fewer vehicles I have to insure and register and plate the better though...

I don't even know where the closest trails and dirt/gravel/fire roads are to me right now (Woodland). Curious what the general vibe is in that respect regarding riding there vs. hauling there . Is it best to just get a dedicated dirt machine and haul it there, or buy a heavy dual sport and suffer off road because of it? Guess I need to figure out what I want to do, but the truth is, I don't know what I don't know yet. :dunno

I welcome anyone's opinions and experiences.

 

[banshee01]

Thanks for the tip re: beginner friendly courses! I was sitting here googling and reading, waiting for 10:00 to roll around so I could call and see who's still on, and who's on hold... Then I got itchy feet, and had to go ride. So I rode 128 from Winters to Napa and back... And then didn't call anyone.

But the more reading I do, the more questions and potential decisions I see that come up. I'm curious what BARF's take on dual sport vs dirt only is? I have a pickup and ramp, and can load a bike and haul it relatively easy... but something tells me that I'll hit more dirt and explore more if I can ride to it. The fewer vehicles I have to insure and register and plate the better though...

I don't even know where the closest trails and dirt/gravel/fire roads are to me right now (Woodland). Curious what the general vibe is in that respect regarding riding there vs. hauling there . Is it best to just get a dedicated dirt machine and haul it there, or buy a heavy dual sport and suffer off road because of it? Guess I need to figure out what I want to do, but the truth is, I don't know what I don't know yet. :dunno

I welcome anyone's opinions and experiences.

There are different classes of dualsports. Some are low power, heavy (290lbs or more) and have budget suspension. These bikes typically are low maint. Valve adj and oil changes are in mile intervals. Oil at 3k and valves at 15k or more. Wr250r, crf250l, drz400, dr650, klr650, xr650l. These bikes can go in the dirt but they are no dirt bikes. I think you will have more fun buying a lightweight machine with better suspension and brakes as they are easier to ride in the dirt. Also tires are compromised. Good dirt tires are gonna get EATEN on pavement. Good road tires wont be so good in the dirt

Then there are the high performance class. Ktm 350 excf ktm 500excf husqvarna fe350, fe501. These are dirtbikes with plates on them. Lightweight and more high strung. Oil and valve adjustments are recommended in hour intervals. Probably not a bike your gonna want to hammer street miles on. Still have to deal with the tire issues also.

I have owned a wr250r and rode it through the Sierra 4 times on 800 mile trips. Tons of fun and it was cool to hit up fire roads and easy trails. Now I have a 701 enduro for day rides to fire roads and easy trails. I have a pure dirtbike kx250 for ohv parks. It is 2 different styles of riding really, I enjoy both. It is hard to beat a lightweight dirtbike with good suspension though, they are just so damn capable

 

[OaklandF4i]

Banshee nailed it, both are fun, but different.

I will add this though. If you want to learn how to really ride a dirt bike, buy a dirt bike. If you want to learn and perfect advanced dirt skills, buy a dirt bike. You aren't going to be able to learn them as fast, and some not at all, on a big heavy dual sport or adventure bike. When you take a dirt class, what do you ride? A dirt bike. Guys you see riding dual sports or adventure bikes like a dirt bike learned those skills, wait for it......... on a dirt bike. What skills are most useful dualsporting or adventure riding? Dirt skills. Where do you learn dirt skills? On a dirtbike.

There is a theme there in case you missed. :laughing

Nothing wrong with dualsports or dualsporting, its fun too. I own one and enjoy it. But given the choice when a plate isn't needed, I will always go for my dirtbike.

I don't generally suggest a dualsport as a first bike unless there is no option to transport and store a dirt bike OR you can afford an expensive new KTM 250 EXC-F dualsport.

Only you can decide what you want to accomplish and dirt biking isnt for everyone. Dual sports are fun as well.

I wouldn't spend any money on anything until I took a class.

That's all I have to say on this subject. My opinion, others will vary. :afm199 :laughing