I Almost Quit Riding Dirt Bikes! - Story time - Episode 226 

When I'm at school I'm just always sitting there like wow I wish I could be riding right now

I've seen too many people do the same thing... they want to get into dirt biking so they go out and buy the most badass bike they can afford. They don't even ask any of their friends what they should get. This has ended up in frustration, injury, or (almost like you) abandoning a hobby that they never gave a fair chance. I always suggest new riders get a bike that is slightly underpowered and the RIGHT SIZE for their height, and start out in easy terrain. When their skills improve and they have outgrown the bike's abilities, that is the time to upgrade to a more powerful/more capable machine. Thanks for telling a relevant personal story and the good pictures. Keep up the good videos.

Bought a cottage in North Eastern Ontario 5 years ago. Lots of knarly rocky trails and hundreds of thousands of acres of Crown Land. After 40 years away from dirt bikes I bought a used Yamaha WR 400 and Man I love it. After test riding new Husky two strokes and KTMs etc etc, they just feel too twitchy to me. I’ll take my 20 year old WR any day. I liked it so much I bought another. 2003 WR 450 with less than 2500 kms on it. I do several challenging events every summer up here and I couldn’t be happier with my WRs. They pull like tractors, and yeah I know, they weigh about the same too! I’m 61 and I’m still just a kid at heart rippin it up.

I started on an old xr250 when I was 14. I fell in love with riding and even more with wrenching on them. Now I'm starting my own shop here in the next few months!

3:49 “giving me something to look forward to” totally hits home with me man just bought a ktm 350 and I’m already so excited like a little kid to get seat time on it! Brings me back to riding growing up so much joy.

I love this . this is so similar to my own story... about a 450 x and ended up addicted to single track with a KTM 300. Kyle has so much good to say and is a great advocate for this sport... he rides great and does great video work and doesn't flaunt it or shove it down people's throat he has good practical advice for setup and all around technique.

I can really relate to your story. My first bike was a YZ400.....at that point I had the skills and reaction time of a dead hamster and it made it possible to hit every tree in Michigan at one time or another (you can still probably see the marks). I was considering just opting out and then got a chance to ride a Penton 175 Jackpiner. Boy, did that open my eyes! It was my buddies bike and it was FUN instead of misery. When I moved west to Wyo I suffered the YZ awhile longer and then got a chance to pick up a Husky 250 WR.....that bike could climb a tree and it got me back into riding a lot. Over the years I've matched my rides to where I want to ride....and, I couldn't be happier. I'm an old guy with 3 back operations, one knee, one shoulder, and probably need one more of each.....BUT, I'm still riding.

HAHAHAAHAHHAA the laughs when he said he was a QUAD bike rider

Another great video Kyle. I've had a dirt bike since I was 4. Moved out west to Colorado with my 2005 CRF450 and attempted to ride some single track with new friends out here. I promptly got frustrated and eventually sold the bike, and was dirtbike-less foe the first time in my life. 12 years later, my passion for riding has been reignited with a 2017 KTM300 and like you mention, I'm always looking forward to the next great ride. A break from life, stress, & the daily usual. We truly do live in one of the most, if not the, most amazing place to ride.

I have ridden a few 450s before i bought my first bike and always thought they were too much bike, my first bike has been a husky 300 and since being on that for abit and going back to the 450 4 strokes they dont feel anywhere near as bad as what they first did, they just feel extremely tame compared to that 300 2 stroke power, in saying that the 300 is super forgiving and light and i love it.

I have to thank you man! I randomly found this vid the day before I had a planned delivery of exactly the same 2012 YZ450F. After watching this, I called the guy and canceled the sale but still took the TTR125 he had for my kid, which is perfect for him. The next day I found a WR250F which, after not riding for over 25 years, is the perfect bike for my 52 year old butt! Been on a few short rides but tomorrow my kid and I head out into some of the incredible trails we have here in the Okanagan Valley, BC. I'm sure that YZ450 would have killed any chance of me getting back into this sport. Thanks for a great and very informative channel!

the 2 stroke saved him

Love this story man, I used to ride yz80, and kx80s when I was a kid stopped riding for over 20 years up and just decided to buy a dirt bike again now at 42 trying to get back in shape picked up a fully restored 2002 kx125cc , with a 144cc tom morgan race engine, hydo clutch v 4 reeds, lectron carb , and fmf fatty!! Still have not fully decided what type of riding I will end up doing as for now I'm just hoping not to kill myself as I am totally out of shape. But really like the channel

just cause you have the best 450 out there don't mean it the fastest ,be surprised on if you step down a bike size how much more comfortable you are and that's what makes you faster not some big 450 ,great video man keep it

I feel ya. I used to have a yz125 a few years back and it almost turned me away from 2 strokes. Because I was dumb and thought I could make a stock mx bike work in singletrack lol. Absolutely horrible on any rough trails! Got rid of it after a month. A few years later I picked up a kdx200 after researching old Enduro 2 strokes. Best bike I've currently owned. So smooth in technical singletrack and still crazy fast on fast trails. :)

Why are 2 strokes so simple I just love them just remove 4 bolts you have half the engine taken apart

You're the inspiration for me to get back on a bike... I love your videos and you have me dying to ride again. Biggest regret was selling my last bike. You kill it with riding and with your videos. Keep it up man. ✌️

Glad you stuck with it and are humble enough to admit the mistake -- good advice all around. Your productions are always top notch - love the new drone shots.

competition can take the fun out of dirt biking if your not careful. I my self raced from age 8 to 34 and have not rode one for 15 years now. Only caring about winning championships was my "mo" and riding with injuries because of points that would be lost would never let them heal right, burned me out. Be sure to keep it fun and only become a better rider for your self and not just to beat someone else. I have entertained riding again and I get lots of pressure from former team mates that I'm wasting my talents. They tell me I don't that it comes so easy for me that i take it for granted, but I don't think thats so, I just need it to be fun. I think I would enjoy doing what you guys do and keeping the competition out of it. Thanks for your time to this channel, it is bring a new light to riding for me. I will let you know if I take the plunge!

First time single tracker on a 500EXC and loving every minute of it.

I learned on a CRF230 (riding my neighbors a few times as a teen). Bought my first bike in my 20s and it was a CRF450R. I don't regret it for a second. I no longer have that bike(or any bike) but know I would have always questioned what a 450 was like if I had bought a 250. Not to say I didn't struggle or have some obstacles to overcome with such a heavy and powerful bike.

Awesome story man!

I started on a 1974 Suzuki 370 and man that old lumber wagon was a handful for a little hooligan of about thirteen,I can't even remember how many times that bike bit me real good. Pretty funny memories on that sumbitch. Be safe out there!

For all the four stroke riders here’s my story: I’ve ridden 4 stroke pit bikes and a few 4 stroke dirt bikes all my life and they are okay but were never really that fun. For Christmas my dad bought me my first bike. It’s a Honda cr80 (2 stroke) At first I wasnt happy because I’ve ridden a crf 80 and it was not at all fun. I acted happy because I knew dad had spent a lot of money for me. I got the bike running and immediately the sound of the engine changed my mind slightly. Once warmed up I took off on it and the dang thing almost threw me off. That’s when I knew this was going to be an awesome dirt bike. To this day I still think that it’s one of the most fun bikes to ride and I also now think that 2 strokes are a lot more fun to ride.

I did the same thing but here I am in 2017. I purchased a used Yamaha yz426 4 stroke & really scared the shit out of me. It's fast! Granted I'm completely new to dirt & I got myself into trouble a lot. Had a hard time with it. I was going to quit, almost told myself this is not for me. Sold the bike and purchased a wr250r its just a dual sport but I can get used to dirt at a much slower pace & I like I can ride around town on it & still take it into the hills! I have my eye on a full enduro bike in the next year or 2 maybe! Thanks for the videos!

I love your video, I also respect the content. I had a 2002 CRF450R, I DID SNAP MY TIBIA, even Ricky Carmichael said a stock RMZ450 is over his head fully under power. I do want to get a 450 again and plan to this year, but I'm going to add a couple teeth on the rear sprocket like last time, I had an 06 CRF250R last year and really miss the bike!!! But also miss that little extra power, so instead of getting a new 250 that has more horsepower than that lazy 06 Honda, I'm getting a 450 because I like what the gentleman mentioned that posted this video, I used to race 125's - the open class, and this time I'm going to the 450's again with more caution. 🏁

this doesn't make any sense to me... 450 was too much so you buy one of the biggest 2 strokes they make..

Just bought a 2010 ktm 150sx can't wait to ride✊

I agree completely. I've been riding bikes since I was 3 and I have witnessed on many occasions people getting into the sport with a 450 and losing interest almost instantly. This guy isn't saying that a beginner cannot handle a 450, he's saying that it won't make the beginner/novice as enjoyable as it should. Everyone here can ride a 450 if they had to, but only few can do it well. It's hard to ingrain those introductory skills when you're constantly fighting giving it too much throttle. These 450s allow beginners not to worry about corner entry speed and manouverability so long as you get the bike pointed in the right direction and give it a handful of throttle. Great video with a solid explanation of your perspective.

I bought a new 2015 KTM 350 exc-f . It’s is an awesome beginner bike( and I’m now 54 years old and just started riding ) the bike is 100% street legal , so you can take it anywhere , and you can take off the mirrors and turn signals if you ride strictly off road . It’s a well balanced light weight( 236 lbs w/ electric start and lights etc) and nimble bike , great power band even down low and mid range . I personally think JMHO , that it’s the perfect set up and a great compromise to that 450f . It’s got a lot of power but not too much and it’s not underpowered either , it’s all I can handle for my old age .

If you still have the 450, you should have somebody change the suspension to be a trail bike instead of a mx bike. Suspension can make a lot of difference in comfort of the ride. I have had the wr450 for quite a while and I love it. Soft suspension makes it a good woods bike along with having a headlight to ride home after dark.

Hello everyone! I bought Honda cr 250r 2001 as a first bike a month ago. I have rode dirt bikes of my friends - 3 times and now when I am riding the Honda I think that it's not the right first bike as well. I think it's too agressive. But I am enjoying it! Just wanted to share. Sorry for the bad English.

I had the same 09 YZ450 and it wasn't a good bike for anything but motocross. After two years of starting out back on a dirt bike I sold it for a 2011 300xc last year from watching your videos. I love the 300xc and am glad I made the switch since it's an awesome trail bike. Th

It wasn't until I got my Yamaha YZ450F that I started having serious fun riding again. From Ocotillo Wells to Glamis, to the Barstow, it doesn't matter. The bike is perfect for me... and I've had all the Japanese and even a Husky over the years. "Beauty and handling are in the eye of the beholder."

you lot in us are so lucky to have all that open space to ride in! - UK lousy all land basically private!

I began riding when I was 6 years old in 1975 on a 1973 Yamaha GT MX 80. I have been riding non stop for 45 years. I have ridden several different kinds of mx bikes and enduro bikes and dual sport bikes. All bikes are good to me. I have ridden 2 track trails, 50 inch trails, and tight single track trails. All is good to me, but I am mostly a single track trail rider. I say that anybody who has only been riding for 10 years is still a newcomer to the sport.

My first and only bike is an 08 RMZ450. I do trail, single track and light enduro. I ride in the desert of AZ and this bike has been fantastic. Every time I go out with my riding buddy we push the limit of our skills a bit more so we always learn something new. I started riding about 4 month ago and can't imagine not having a 450 at this point honestly. A 250 might get added to the garage some day though.

Good story. I returned to sport 5 years ago with a 2007 Husqvarna te 450 WITH a REKLUSE. The rekluse was key... now I have a 2010 husky cr 144 that I started racing xc and enduro last year and loved it so much I grabbed a 2017 husky tx 300 for this season!!!! Agree with you that everyone needs a passion that can serve as a distraction ;).

I'm a bigger guy. I've always done single track with my CR500R and lately with my CR500AFC... I find it a hell of a challenge (and workout) to battle that beast in spots it really shouldn't be. That being said, I also own a CR125R. That little bike is a ton of fun, and you actually have to remember your skills and ride with forethought when you don't have the power to just sit there and twist the throttle. Keeping those skills sharp is paramount. Nice bike. I've always wanted to try the KTM300. Great channel, I've subscribed!

Hey Kyle, we have similar stories. Like you I got into dirt bikes late in life at 30 in 2008. Also like you we both had a Yamaha R6 previous to riding dirt bikes. How I got into the sport was from a friend saying we should ride a dual sport. So I went out and bought a 2003 Yamaha WR450F. In some ways I became instantly hooked but really the bike was too much bike for me, cursing it many times. It wasn't until I bought a 2008 KTM XCF-W in 2012 that I realized this is the right bike for me. Now I still have that bike which I love to death but will might have to go soon with having a 2012 350 EXC-F and 2016 250 XC-F in the garage. Just want to say I love your passion and you produce great content.

I one time made a trade deal for a kx250 and thought the thing was huge, and later got a crf150rb and i love that thing. Really fun bike for trail riding. We certainly dont have the mountains in Texas like youve got out there though. Wish we did.

Great story. I started with a WR250R five years ago and still like it, but I got an 08 WR450F because I thought I wanted something more serious. I hated that bike. Preferred my 250R on almost everything. Been playing with DRZs and XRs, and I'm finally starting to figure out that I need to try a two stroke. I'm still a pretty casual rider, but already have a couple pretty casual bikes, so I'm thinking Beta 250RR, 300RR or Xtrainer. Thanks for doing this video. Until now I was thinking I was more the problem than the WR450 and worried that a 300 two stroke might be a repeat of the same thing.

I love this story, especially since you said you really only got into dirt bikes in 2010. I watch all your videos and would of thought you been riding dirt bikes all your life, very knowledgeable. I just recently bought a Ktm 250 xc-f and I'm definitely happy I didn't get a 450 or something too big because I ride single track and the mountains and it's just right for me.

I was born in 1943, i start riding in 1964 with the military police old Triumphs a lot différent to my very new Yam WR 250 F 2022. I owned at least 15-20 motos somes for my son. I rode a lot off trail and did motocross racing locally in Québec province. We event start a club the ROULEURS in my home town . All my riding buddy are 30-40, my son who is in his forthy and working at Can Am in Valcourt, just started a riding group LES MAREAUDEURS! My wife off over 50 years always let me do what i like and i can say that i was very much in a lot off sport. I think that biing in shape his really the secret for a long active life ! In the winter i ride a VTT Renegade, we have 120 km off trail. I really like you vidéos very intéresting and instructive and you have a beautiful family!

Same scenario with me Kyle minus the 450! My father bought me a 99 kx250 that was meant for the woods. I rode it on logging roads with a flywheel and sprocket ratio that made the bike seriously go 45mph tops. it was cool having a 250 but i complained because it was just not right for me in my eye. It became a challenge to get me out to ride with buddies and hated riding around my place. Then, a trip a few miles up the road to where single track and tough terrain was around and actually learning what advantages a 2 stroke has freshen up my passion for 2t and enduro with the kx250 that was built well for what i enjoy riding!

The topic of engine size when starting out is interesting because when I started out we were riding 50cc Mini Trails, Honda XR75's, Yam '80's etc. The fun factor on those bikes was huge. Thirty something years later and there's a lot of those guys still riding, and still loving it.

Great video Kyle. Went through the same thing with a big four stroke in technical riding and almost quit. Next thing is to get into racing! I'm hooked on doing our local enduro series

Thanks for sharing your story. My story is just starting out. Starting on a 2015 xc-w 500. Well got a few stories so far but I'll save them for my channel ;)

I've had several current model 250f's and 450f's. Just picked up a a 2017 300 xc and absolutely love it! Feel like a kid again when I'm waiting to ride!

Similar life experience: quit riding early 20's, wife, kids, work. Restarted mid 30's with a big ass KX450 doing enduro, oh boy wrong bike! Since I've switched to 2t enduros, it's a whole new game. Good thing you did not give up, now you started a great yt channel:)

The CRF450RX was the worst dirt bike experience I had. I realised I had to sell that bike because it was making me not enjoy riding. I will never ever go back to a 450 what a huge mistake that was.

4 strokes can be good bikes if you're getting one that fits you, this applies to 2 strokes as well, size wise. A ~100 class 4 stroke will work well trail riding, because they're significantly more mild mannered than 2 strokes. As a beginner bike, they won't foul plugs by idling and inching through crevices. 2 strokes love full throttle power since the reed valve is built for it, so they're good for purpose built motocross tracks. 4 strokes have traditional valves so they don't mind idling and concentrated riding through tight spaces and slippery terrain. Plus being a smaller, lighter bike with a forgiving clutch engagement is an excellent beginner bike for inexperienced riders of all ages, especially ones getting used to starting off with the clutch after being used to semi automatic quad riding.

Nice to hear I'm not the only one that has went from 4 Wheeler to Dirt Bike. I like your point about "too much bike". I was considering a 350/450 and I actually watched one your videos you did asking DO YOU REALLY NEED A 450? I ended up going with a 250SX-F to use at MX track and Single Track. Have not had on single track yet, but have had a MX track and definatly enough bike for my level.

I bought a yz426 in 2001 and that clunky crappy starting first gen turned me off of dirt bikes for twenty years. Fast forward to 2022 and bought a new 450RX and I'm in love with it! Man these machines have come a crazy long way. I friggin love riding it,single track fast or trail riding with quads and side by sides and it's so fun either way! Gotta do abit of heat management riding slower behind the famjam but so worth it. Cheers folks!

started on a 93 xr650 riding fire roads and what was pretty technical (didn't know it at the time) single track. after several years of intermittent thrashing upgraded/downgraded to a '01 xr400r which was a game changer. now on a crf250x and looking back can't believe I stuck with it on the 650.

I started on a 1967 Kawasaki 175 street scrambler. 18" front wheel. 4" suspension travel, and wide ,wide ratio 4-speed that wouldn't pull the gaps on anything but flat ground. A 1971 Honda SL100 was a game changer for me. All things are relative.

i bought my first bike last spring, a 2016 KTM 250xcf. it's not a 2 stroke but it's a great bike to learn on, and because it can stall out easier i'm definitely getting good practice at controlling the clutch. i'll move to a 300xc when i'm ready to move to a new bike, just to much bike for me at the moment.

My first bike was a 1986 CR500R purchased in 96. I have several bikes and quads now but the Beast is still a thrill every time I get on it.

KYLE,I GOT MY FIRST DIRT BIKE IN 1950 WHEN I WAS 12,IT WAS A TRIUMPH CUB 200CC 4T.IVE HAD SEVERAL IN THE INTEREM..THE MOST EXCITING WAS A YANAHA YZ 465 IN THE EARLY 80 S..I GOT IT FROM A FRIEND WHO WAS A TOP RIDER WHO HAD NO RIFGT LEG FROM A LAWN MOWER ACCIDENT WHEN HE WAS 12..IT HAD NO KICK STARTERNO REAR BREKE PEDAL AND IT WAS THE MOST FUN TO RIDE THAT YOU COULD IMAGINE,IT ALSO HAS EVERY OTHER ROW OF KNONS ON THE REAR TIRE HACKSAWED OFF AND IT WOULD CLIMB ANYTHING,I MEAN ANYTHING..IM 84 NOW AND LOOKING TO BUY A HUSKY 150 2TBUT THEY ARE HHARD TO FIND IN THE PHILIPPINES WHERE I LIVE NOW,SO ILL PROBABLY GET A KTM 150,AS THEY ARE AVAILABLE..IVE HAD A GREAT TIME ON DIRT BIKES FOR A LONG WHIKE NOW KYLEGREETINGS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY..YOUR VIDEOS ARE GREAT..KEEP IT ON GOING KYLE

Similar experience here. Thought the 2013 WR450F would be the perfect bike for me getting back into the sport. Rode a lot as a kid and finished riding on a CRF250R at 18. Picked up a 2017 300 XC as soon as they were available and I'm riding 10x more than I was with the WR450F.

That is very sound advice. Love the channel, loved the story, look forward to the next adventure!

Great video. keep riding man, i just bought a new 2017 YZ 250 2 stroke, great bike, a bit to much power though, im used to a 125 but im getting used to it

Dam I made this mistake and got a 450 and is kinda miserable it’s really tall for me

Glad to know that I'm not the only dummy that started out on a yz450f. I actually got good with that bike on single track. Bought a 2014 300xcw and never looked back!

I had a very similar experience to yours, I started off on at 250 four stroke mx bike and would only ride on open flat roads and trails with quad guys. It was a little fun but nothing I would go out of my way to do. Then one buddy I met on a ride invited me to go ride some single track in the mountains with him and some other guys and it was so challenging and tiring with my stiff mx suspension bouncing me around all over the place. I never had so much fun riding I bought a 450 xcw that was designed for that type of riding and I couldn't be happier, well maybe if I had a 250 or 300 two stroke as well I could be a little happier.

started on a crf100 when I was about 14, got out of dirt biking and in to street bikes. This year I got a 525 EXC, rode it and loved it. Now I've got a 06 yz450f.. added a heavy weight fly wheel and lower gearing and Im having a blast on it in the woods, way better experience than the 525.

Im 34 and when im not on my dirt bike im continuously on my Haro BMX and i can tell you that at my age my bmx keeps me in super great shape to be able to man handle that smoking beast!!!

I am not a great rider either. But your right, every year I am better, and it's the most rewarding feeling there is.

I started on a 2007 crf250r still got it to this day I don't even go to tracks I just rip it around fields and single tracks. ( what it's not designed for) but love the bike to bits 👍 one thing with those older CRFs STAY ON TOP OF VALVE CLEARANCES😂😂😂

Great advice. I wish I had heard it sooner haha I did exactly what your saying not to do. Went and bought a WR450F and started racing hare scrambles. I love the bike and all it's power, but it is a real handful.

i went and got a 250f ktm 2009 which was all race speced out when i started never ever been on a bike but that how i got going then had to buy a car and trailer to take it to the tracks. now i go to motocross tracks and love it i knew nothing about bike at all but in the 4 years i have did the sport now rebuilt engine tire changes suspension changes clutch and brake levers changes handlebars exhausts pegs everything really i just love it

my story is new but goes along the same way. I use to ride as a kid. but now I'm 28 and my first bike back into ridding was a 09 kx450f and exactly like you said it was way to much for my trails around my house. so I sold it about 3 weeks ago and now I'm on a 07 ktm 200 xc and I still have a lot to lean with this bike buy I'm definitely going in the right direction

I know what you're saying man. I just upgraded from a 2015 kx 100 to a 2016 ktm 250xcf, I like riding it, but I feel like the bikes a little too big for me right now. I have a hard time riding it in the woods unlike my kx100. I should probably adjust the suspension its way to stiff for me. The bike is smooth on power which I love, but the bike just feels huge compared to my kx100. I think they should make a 200 fourstorke with a slightly smaller frame, just to give people more time to grow into the full sized bikes.

thanke you man you realy helped me i rode about 80cc bike not dirt bike and i am only 15 wholikes cycling on trails and jumping stuf so now i know what to deside got a new sub

Very good article. I know how you feel in regards to dirt bike riding. There is nothing like it. I just got back from the Tenn Knockout Extreme Enduro and it is radical how good those guys are. Cody Webb and Graham Jarvis make you feel really bad about your riding style. Good news is, I am just out there to have fun. Thanks for the vid.

I started riding just 5 months ago at 27 years old. I've never ridden 2 wheel bikes much my entire life but I have a few mates who are all riding dirtbikes so I decided to see what all the fuss was about. Personally I bought a 2015 Suzuki RMZ 450 which as you say could have been a bit much bike but I have loved every second of it. I must say the normal trail ride terrain in New Zealand is dirt/mud and clay so it makes it much easier learning on a bigger motocross bike.

Great advice dude! I quit because I bought a KTM400 EXC, as a 1st bike. Not enjoying it. Each time I've ridden my friend's 125 EXC, I was digging it.

I came from quads as well, raced them and trail rode them. Then bought a CRF450X to desert race BITD. That pig weighted in at over 280lbs. Sold that thing for my 17' TE300 Husky. I know EXACTLY how you feel lol.

Hello, my name is Scott. I have been a motorcycle rider for most of my life. And I have always lived in an extremely rural area in Michigan. Growing up my dream was to own a Harley, and I bought my first Sportster at 16 in 2006, and put all terrain knobbys on it with the help of a friend and a lot of penny pinching. I fell in love with offroading that day, and riding on the street later the same day. Last year I sold Maxxiene my first Harley, and a few days ago I bought a 250 4stroke Chinese off brand dirt bike to fill the 2 wheeled hile I feel in myself. I am going to start video Chronicaling my rebuild of her motor and customization of her body from my experience as a trail, track, and untamed wilderness riding. I hope to see more content from you, and maybe support for my channel as I try to grow.

good video, first time hearing this story. i finally got my own bike at 28 years old and it was by accident. ive been wanting my own bike since i was 16 when i rode my buddies and even though i could have bought my own bike many times over the past 10 years i never had enough disposable cash to do so responsibly so i waited and waited. couple years ago i ruptured a disc in my back and got depressed thinking i waited to long to buy a bike and i wont ever be able to really enjoy riding. luckily i was able to make major changes in my work life and now i dont work my body so hard just to earn a living i can spend some time having fun. i still get minor sciatic nerve pain here and there but not bad enough to stop me from riding. still wish i got in to riding sooner because even though i can ride now i have to be really careful not to tweak my back.

Michael Steven, the 350xcf is an awsome bike! I just picked up a low hour fc350 (same thing) and am in the process of setting it up for me. Ive been a two stroke guy but always know im faster on a four stroke. So im lucky to have my little 2t for play riding and practice, but when im serious about racing, ill be on my 4t. But as someone said... it really does matter what you ride as long as you are having fun...

I recently had the same decision to make. I started looking on line for a dirt bike. I had never had one, but had been riding road bike for decades. Lucky for me I went to a motorcycle dealer to look at dirt bikes. I initially went to look at 250s, and 450s. After talking to a salesman that also road dirt bikes, he talked to me about the first bike I should be looking for. After I thought about what he said, I ended up with a yamaha ttr 230. Since I have no plans of doing motocross, I am going cross country trail racing. For this trail riding, this bike is great for a first trimmer. This bike has plenty of power, and going on easy trails it is the perfect bike.

This same thing happened to me I wanted to get into dirt biking and ny dad got me a 2011 YZ450f for my first bike no experience whatsoever not even on road bike and I was only 18 at the time my first year riding I started to hate it thought the sport wasn’t for me wrong suspension and little guidance just kept pushing myself eventually I got better on the bike started learning a lot on my own and got a new husqvarna 350 this last year and have been in love with riding more and more have the right bike makes such a big difference and starting on the right bike makes a big difference as well

I hadn't riden since I was 17, I had a cr125 then injured my knee. My parents said no more bike so that ended it for a long time. Then I turned 52 and decided to get back into it. My bike of choice was a 2015 gasgas xc300e. 1 year later and no regrets just pure adrenaline and happiness. The rockier and more technical the trail the better. This thing is a rocket with tons of power.

Very well said at the end man. Got a new subscriber!

My first proper dirt bike is a 2016 wr450f I'm 260lb and can't imagine being on something smaller. Yes it's heavy as hell, and I don't use the bike to its pull potential... but I'm able to take it on the street and keep up with traffic. Maybe a 2t would be more fun but I have never tried one. But I can tell that I enjoy the engine breaking in the 450. The tractor like pull is awesome. And it has a lot of room for growth for me... and when I master a heavy 450 (if that ever happens) then jumping on a light 2t would be like riding a bmx I'm guessing

I'll have to admit. I smile under my helmet when a MX450 rider in any riding group of ours utters the words "I hate my bike". I've led rides where it does happen. It's the beginning of a motocross cleansing process.

Started on a 1979 ds80, fairly calm motorcycle, went to a yz125 and that Bike almost killed me, by accident I rode a yz250 with a heavy flywheel weight and absolutely loved it. that is what I still use to this day, I have kids now, that want to ride, so I am selling and getting a wr450f. so I can take them on trails.

i could smell that rook in ya from the very first video! thanks forthe support! you are a role model for beginners *

i quit track for enduro best mive of my life enduro is so much fun i have 4 bike in my life i start with 2 stroke ..i quit two stroke for 4 stroke and now i do some extreme enduro on my 200 xcw 2015 best ride ever continue youre vlog man you rock

Yes indeed I have a 625 ktm I use for Jeep 🚙 tails with my 4 wheel friends. And I have a 250 four stroke for motocross and trail riding gotta pick your bike for what you do !!!! This guy hits it on the head I fill the same way. Love the video bro😎

great insight on getting the right bike to fit the rider.

You're so very lucky to live next to all that great terrain, it's a whole lot harder to do my favourite hobby when i have to drive 4 hrs to get to somewhere decent, great vids btw! :)

I'm subscribing just because of this video because that's a perfect explanation

My first true trail bike was a wr400 and ill tell you that thing was a handful, and it such a pain to start when its hot and you fall.

I did exactly the same thing - bought a KX450F, and the thing was fucked. Downgraded to a 250EXC-F, and it's surprising how much power she still has. It doesn't hurt to start small, it definitely accelerates your learning curve.

You could do a sled conversion and make a series of it. Maybe get a used one and do Some work on it and tell is the dos and donts it. Great video cant wait for spring.

That’s the funny thing is that sometimes street riders don’t understand how you can ride a powerful bike on the street yet how different it is riding in the dirt. I had a friend who got a yz426 and crashed it the first time he rode it. He never rode it again, yet I did and I loved that bike! It was power on demand :D

Good for you👍👍 I’m curious where is that landscape?

I love my 450 lol