Best used beginner dirt bike

[HuffieVA]

Both good, but I'd go with the YZ because they are still importing them (Suzuki is still making RM's just not importing them at the moment, same with Kawi) but either would be fine, I would stay away from CR's for moral reasons (Honda's stance on two strokes), KX's, KTM's, Husky's, Gas Gas are all good bikes. if you want easy to find parts stick with YZ, RM, KTM or KX

[cr480r]

A 250 is easier to go slow on. requires less frequent maintenance. And is much easier to resale. If you have skill you can quickly adapt to anything.

[dksix]

The thing I have against MX bikes for trail riding is, they are MX bikes. MX bikes have stiff suspension, small gas tanks and no lights. At your size and being new to 2 wheelers rough trails are not going to be fun with MX springs and valving. Mx tanks offer limited range and not having lights to get you back in when something goes wrong really sucks. The pipey power of a 125 is hard to manage if you are in slick stuff, even when you drop the gearing. MX bikes can be made good for trail riding but that takes a tank, new springs and suspension valving, armor and a spark arrestor. On top of that, the MX bikes get updates often and parts normally only fit 2 or 3 years of bike. The KDX has been the same bike since the mid 90's and parts are everywhere used and made by all the after market companies. I like the KTM's but buy in is much higher and keeping them up is also. My opinion is limited, though. I've only ridden in the mountains, I like tight challenging slick stuff and that's what we have here. If you are talking logging roads and fields on private property the MX bike would probably a better choice but if you're going to get into the 3 R's (roots, rocks and ruts) the KDX is worth a second look.

[Buck Snort]

No one has said anything about Yamahas IT. I know they are a old model but in my opinion they were great old bikes and came in many sizes. I currently have a 1984 it 250 . Bought it awhile ago and then ran into another deal. For $ 200 I got a truck load of parts for the bike. Two motors included. However I was looking for a KDX before the It came along. I like the 2 strokes and I ride where you need the bikes to lug down. The mx bikes can be made to do this or like my son you can ride the crap out of the bike and clutch. I am too old and believe too wise too ride like that now.(lol) THe kdx can be bought for a good price and like my IT, easy to find used parts. If I had some extra money I would like to get into a newer KTM or Husquvarna but for alot less money I am riding what I believe too be a great bike. Also this style of 2 stroke can get up and rip with the best of them and with the extra fuel capacity you have more range.