What bike to buy for my 12 year old nephew?

Wandell
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Wandell 1/7/2020 8:59am
1/7/2020 8:59am
FARANG wrote:
KLX140G would be a good choice. I bought one as a backup to my KX250F and I ride it almost as much. Loads of fun and...
KLX140G would be a good choice. I bought one as a backup to my KX250F and I ride it almost as much. Loads of fun and it will teach him the basics of corner speed, jumping etc.

Plus they're bullet proof. The oil, air/oil filter super easy to change so he can learn maintenance as well.

Suspension is soft for me at 170 lbs but if he's a skinny 12 year old it should be fine. Put a pipe on it and it's good to go.

I agree. It's an all around better bike than a TTR 125, not nearly as heavy as a CRF 150f, it's bulletproof and has full size wheels. Let him ride the fields until he's riding the crap out of it, move to the track and do the same. Then start shopping for a motocross bike.
chump6784
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chump6784 1/7/2020 12:09pm
1/7/2020 12:09pm
I'd go a 125, lower the suspension and wrap a thick hand towel around the air filter. This will choke the bike up a bit and make the power much more manageable. You could also look at putting a washer in the exhaust to restrict it some more. As he gets better you can pull out the washer/hand towel and once he's used to that send him to the track.
My wife's first bike was an rm125 that i had lowered although her throttle hand was a lot more controlled than i would expect a 12 year old boys to be
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Denn700
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Denn700 1/7/2020 2:58pm
1/7/2020 2:58pm
CRF150R. Still a race bike but smooth power and easy to ride.
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zehn
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zehn 1/7/2020 3:02pm
1/7/2020 3:02pm
Why is everyone suggesting race bikes? Doesn’t sound like the kid is gonna race
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kborr
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kborr 1/7/2020 3:13pm
1/7/2020 3:13pm
For sure no racing anytime soon. He needs to learn how to ride a bike first. Gonna get a cr150f or kaw 140 to start and see how he does with that. Then 125 2 stroke when he is ready for the track
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VetMX.com
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VetMX.com 1/7/2020 3:28pm
1/7/2020 3:28pm
KLX 110 used, learn how to ride and sell and get most of your money back. Then a 125.
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kborr
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kborr 1/8/2020 11:09am
1/8/2020 11:09am
Hello all I found a 2001 tr125l for $1150.00 I am going to get it tonight sounds like the right bike for him. What do you think about that bike?
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Hammer 663s
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Hammer 663s 1/8/2020 11:47am
1/8/2020 11:47am
kborr wrote:
Hello all I found a 2001 tr125l for $1150.00 I am going to get it tonight sounds like the right bike for him. What do you...
Hello all I found a 2001 tr125l for $1150.00 I am going to get it tonight sounds like the right bike for him. What do you think about that bike?
It'll be fine for a little while. Cheap way to see if he really likes it. Not many options on Craigslist in your area as it is. One 1999 YZ125 and a 2000 CR125. That's about it.
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PC
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PC 1/8/2020 12:32pm
1/8/2020 12:32pm
FARANG wrote:
KLX140G would be a good choice. I bought one as a backup to my KX250F and I ride it almost as much. Loads of fun and...
KLX140G would be a good choice. I bought one as a backup to my KX250F and I ride it almost as much. Loads of fun and it will teach him the basics of corner speed, jumping etc.

Plus they're bullet proof. The oil, air/oil filter super easy to change so he can learn maintenance as well.

Suspension is soft for me at 170 lbs but if he's a skinny 12 year old it should be fine. Put a pipe on it and it's good to go.

Wandell wrote:
I agree. It's an all around better bike than a TTR 125, not nearly as heavy as a CRF 150f, it's bulletproof and has full size...
I agree. It's an all around better bike than a TTR 125, not nearly as heavy as a CRF 150f, it's bulletproof and has full size wheels. Let him ride the fields until he's riding the crap out of it, move to the track and do the same. Then start shopping for a motocross bike.
We have one of these bikes for my 12y/o son. One day last summer we we're almost 20 miles from the truck in the north rockies and all of a sudden the bike wouldn't run under half throttle. Pulled the carb expecting the pilot jet had backed out, but the carb was fine. We limped it back (ride uphill, coast down) and when I got it home I discovered the exhaust valve had tightened to the point the motor wouldn't run. Adjusted the valves and it runs perfect again. The bike is basically new with like 20hrs, so it caught me by surprise to say the least. Just an FYI if you venture far from home.

Other than that, the bike is great. Easy to use power, disc brakes, 18/21" wheels make it stable and estart makes restarting on side-hill trails a breeze. He was on a xr100 and not really enjoying it (kick start, small wheel instability and drum brakes) and this bike fixed all that.
kborr
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kborr 1/8/2020 12:51pm
1/8/2020 12:51pm
Does a 2001 ttr125 have elec start?
davis224
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davis224 1/8/2020 1:28pm
1/8/2020 1:28pm
kborr wrote:
Does a 2001 ttr125 have elec start?
I don't think they got it until 05 or so. I started out on a 2001 XR 80 and frequently stole my brothers '00 TTR 125 L. After a couple years on those, my dad threw me on a CR 250 and let me ride it across an empty field, I returned it wide eyed and asked for my 80 back, but settled into a CR 125 a few months later.
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Ted722
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Ted722 1/8/2020 1:28pm
1/8/2020 1:28pm Edited Date/Time 1/8/2020 1:42pm
kborr wrote:
Does a 2001 ttr125 have elec start?
I think it's '03 and on. The photo I added is an '02. Hasn't been an issue...almost easier sometimes if it sits for a while. Don't have to worry about charging the battery. Oh yea, it's is an "L" designation. A little bigger rims and front disc (vs. drum).
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Zesiger 112
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Zesiger 112 1/8/2020 1:35pm
1/8/2020 1:35pm
Either a play bike ttr125 crf100 crf150f rmz125 klx125
Or an mini race bike yz85 cr85 kx85 rm85
The play bikes he can get on and be having fun in no time.
The race bike may scare him out of riding but it's nothing he cant handle it if he's got a good head on his shoulders and doesn't twist without thinking.
Zesiger 112
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Zesiger 112 1/8/2020 1:37pm
1/8/2020 1:37pm
kborr wrote:
Hello all I found a 2001 tr125l for $1150.00 I am going to get it tonight sounds like the right bike for him. What do you...
Hello all I found a 2001 tr125l for $1150.00 I am going to get it tonight sounds like the right bike for him. What do you think about that bike?
That's a good bike and a good price. Get it for $1000 but start at $800 may just get it for that.
crusher773
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crusher773 1/8/2020 2:34pm
1/8/2020 2:34pm
CRF150F or something along those lines since he is that tall.
TeamGreen
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TeamGreen 1/8/2020 2:45pm
1/8/2020 2:45pm


Great bike for getting started//learning to ride.
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quadzrulebro 1/8/2020 2:50pm
1/8/2020 2:50pm Edited Date/Time 1/8/2020 2:55pm
KLX140 would be my choice. Plus, they make it in different sizes so you can find the one that fits him best. If you don’t think that is big enough for him, KLX230R has a bit more grunt but is still super friendly.
kborr
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kborr 1/8/2020 3:13pm
1/8/2020 3:13pm
Ok got it for 1000 bucks the ttr125l he took it for his first ever ride on a dirt bike in Second gear only around the field! Came back with a big smile on his face and then it was 2 dark to ride anymore. Thanks all!
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NorCal1975
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NorCal1975 1/8/2020 3:25pm
1/8/2020 3:25pm
kborr wrote:
Ok got it for 1000 bucks the ttr125l he took it for his first ever ride on a dirt bike in Second gear only around the...
Ok got it for 1000 bucks the ttr125l he took it for his first ever ride on a dirt bike in Second gear only around the field! Came back with a big smile on his face and then it was 2 dark to ride anymore. Thanks all!
Uncle of the year right here! He will have a lot of fun on that bike, not so fast he will get in too much trouble. My wife has one, and my boys who rider newer KTMs are always taking it out to goof around on, under strict instructions to not jump the thing. About a month ago my knucklehead 12 year thought he could clear a 65' step up on our track, and cased the heck out of it. The bike came away unscathed, but he jammed his wrist pretty good which I was ok with (hoping he learned a lesson!)
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Hammer 663s
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Hammer 663s 1/8/2020 3:45pm
1/8/2020 3:45pm
kborr wrote:
Ok got it for 1000 bucks the ttr125l he took it for his first ever ride on a dirt bike in Second gear only around the...
Ok got it for 1000 bucks the ttr125l he took it for his first ever ride on a dirt bike in Second gear only around the field! Came back with a big smile on his face and then it was 2 dark to ride anymore. Thanks all!
Better start saving some $$$ for the next level ride, and keep an eye out for good deals in the Spring. Cause he's hooked now. Nice work!

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Graybeard 1/8/2020 3:51pm
1/8/2020 3:51pm
kborr wrote:
Ok all thanks for all your input! We are gonna get him into a ttr crf or klx to start and see what happens from there...
Ok all thanks for all your input! We are gonna get him into a ttr crf or klx to start and see what happens from there. Thanks again!
lostboy819 wrote:
Cool part is that you will be able to ride it too and have a good time. Wink
Exactly, and they're awesome pit bikes!
Zesiger 112
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Zesiger 112 1/8/2020 4:00pm
1/8/2020 4:00pm Edited Date/Time 1/8/2020 4:15pm
That's awesome man! He's now stuck in this sport forever. Ask questions whenever always willing to help a new rider. I started riding near about that same age on that same year and model bike.
FahQ
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FahQ 1/8/2020 4:01pm
1/8/2020 4:01pm
kborr wrote:
Ok got it for 1000 bucks the ttr125l he took it for his first ever ride on a dirt bike in Second gear only around the...
Ok got it for 1000 bucks the ttr125l he took it for his first ever ride on a dirt bike in Second gear only around the field! Came back with a big smile on his face and then it was 2 dark to ride anymore. Thanks all!
Perfect, and you will get your money back when he's ready to move up!
Lowlander
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Lowlander 1/8/2020 9:06pm
1/8/2020 9:06pm
My 2 cents as I am going through this now.

Daughter now 17, 5ft6 and about 125lbs. Started off in 2018 with a 2014 (power valve motor) KX85 supermini, chucked on the biggest flywheel weight from steahly, up 2 teeth in the rear and ensured it was jetted perfect.

Was a great bike to start off with. But even with bar risers and a tall seat it was always too small. Ride around just fine, but the size held her back.

3 months ago bought her a new left over 2018 TC125. Again, flywheel weight, jetted perfectly and it was the wrong bike. Too peaky and quick as I would still say she is a beginner. Jumps the odd 20-30foot table top but thats about the limit.

Let her have a go of my KTM200 2016 and she loved it. So traded in the TC125 with less than 5 hours for a TE150 2019. Picked it up yesterday. So will run it in over the weekend.



Now onto my son. JR80 aged 10, KLX110L aged 11 and now aged 12 he has the hand me down KX85 supermini. Now at 5ft 3 its perfect for him. But won't be long until he outgrows it.


Now my recommendation is to get a KL140G or KLX140L as a good play bike that will last a year. Ultra reliable and will allow you to find out if he likes it. If he does then onto a full size bike and sell the KLX. It won't lose much value and is a much better all around bike than a TTR or CRF150F.
aeffertz
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aeffertz 1/8/2020 9:23pm
1/8/2020 9:23pm
kborr wrote:
Ok got it for 1000 bucks the ttr125l he took it for his first ever ride on a dirt bike in Second gear only around the...
Ok got it for 1000 bucks the ttr125l he took it for his first ever ride on a dirt bike in Second gear only around the field! Came back with a big smile on his face and then it was 2 dark to ride anymore. Thanks all!
Hell yeah, man! I think you made the right choice for sure. He is tall but that will only help build confidence as he can easily work the bike around under him. My younger brother started out on a TTR-90 at around 9 years old and then got a 65 to start racing until he aged out. Then raced 85's at 6' tall until he aged out. Was cramped at times but just threw in some stiff springs, tall bars and he always had fun.

kijen
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kijen 1/9/2020 8:34am
1/9/2020 8:34am
Ycf bgy 190, best of both, he can learn, you can rail.

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