Potential new dirt rider. Dealers? Info?

[mike]

I'm considering getting a dirt bike sometime this year. Of course I haven't discussed the matter with my wife yet, so maybe not. =) Nonetheless I don't really know anybody that rides off-road and I wonder if there's any kind of "off road" community in the area? Clubs? I also wonder if there are any local dealers known to be active in the off-road community. If anywhere, I'd like to give my money to people who actively support local riders/riding. Any and all advice helps. Thanks!

I read online about the Stumpjumpers MC and that sounds like a possible source of info. They appear to have regular meetings.

[mikimoto]

Mike:

What style of riding are you considering? (Motocross, Trials, Trail riding, etc.) And what type of bike are you looking at?

Miki

[mike]

I'm thinking trail bike / play bike I can take out and just rip it up in the dirt. I'd like to be able to do jumps, and go fast, but have control in tight woods and iffy terrain. I am not decided on a bike, but not an MXer or a two stroke. I'm thinking along the lines of an XR400 or WR450. I'd like to avoid electric start - I'm still young enough and have energy, and I don't want a heavy pig of a bike. I've got an XR650L and that bike is HEAVY. Us owners call it the BRP - the Big Red Pig!

[mikimoto]

Mike:

I realize that 2 strokes are falling to the wayside now. But I'm a 2 stroke fanatic. Especially in the dirt. It enables the bike to be extremely light, yet torquey enough to get you out of the most troublesome areas (rocks, boulders, logs, mud, sand, and etc.). And yeah, forego the electric start, that's just more weight. You're going to love riding dirt, it allows me to experiment with various techniques (to use on the street), and get really wreckless and carefree.

Miki

[mike]

The primary reason I'd avoid 2 stroke is because my impression (having never rode a 2 stroke dirt bike) is that the power comes available higher in the rev range, similar to the difference between the power delivery of an R6 (high power at high RPM) vs an HD (high power at low RPM). Is that an accurate idea to have? Or can I get a 2 stroke that pulls hard at low RPM?

[mikimoto]

Mike:

I had a KX80 that I road all thru the deserts and forests of AZ. Never had a problem with it mechanically. Only had a problem with it when it was stolen. Anyways, I'm fairly petite so that's why that bike fit me so perfectly. I figure you're much taller, so if I was your size I'd definitely go for the KDX220. It's got a power band that starts at the lower RPM's.

Miki

[mike]

Well, I bought a yz250f about three weeks ago. I like it a LOT. Have been out to Reiter a couple times, and MXGPR in Monroe, so far.