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Dirt bike question(s) and video(s)

Posted: Wed Dec 16, 2020 11:12 am
by armedpolak
Hi gang!
So I ended up getting my 12-yo son a Chinese pit bike, TAOTAO DB-14: https://taomotor.com/products/dirt-bikes/db14/ The reason I chose that was 1) I didn't want to drop 3-4K on a Japanese bike not knowing if he would even enjoy the sport, and 2) it's no biggie if he scratches/dents/kills this cheaper bike while learning how to ride; I am 100% prepared to write it off as 100% totaled if it means my son learns well and advances to bigger/better/funner machines :D

Little back story: I used to ride for about 5-6 years, started with Honda Shadow Spirit 750, then went to CBR600RR. I finally sold the CBR 3 years ago (and the Spirit before that to help pay for the CBR) since I felt I was pushing my luck too much riding a crotch rocket while approaching 40-yo and having 2 little kids at home. But... for the last 2-3 years my son has been asking for a dirt bike but we resisted for a while, instead got him a BMX bicycle etc. Finally I figured he's old enough (he turned 12 last month) and pulled the trigger on the TAO, which was btw initially going to be an electric bike but I'm glad I changed my mind and went with internal combustion :shock:

So last Friday I started teaching my son how to ride in our backyard and he really struggled with throttle control, almost ended up in the pool (luckily I put the pool fence back up before we started), and few times in the bushes. dropped the bike 2 or 3 times as well. He was getting really discouraged and I didn't want that to happen... so we took the weekend off and I ordered a thumb throttle with limiter (just like on an ATV). It came in on Monday, I installed it and tuned the bike down such that in 2nd gear he can't go over 5-6 MPH. I also started teaching him to use 2nd gear for now; 1st is too twitchy for him right now. Monday night after 2+ hours of riding I could not peel him off of his bike!!! He was LOVING it! Same thing yesterday! I'm so glad he didn't get discouraged despite many falls, bumps, and scratches on Friday!

So now time for some questions:

1) What are the places to ride in or around Coral Springs? Can I go alone the everglades on the banks and trails where Atlantic Blvd ends at Sawgrass? Markham Part? Other places, trails, tracks (I know there's a place off 27 on Miami/Broward county line).

2) Are most/all parks with walkways, trails, grass off limits or would I not get harassed about a little kid learning there (bike is very quiet due to the throttle limiter; when riding in my backyard you can't hear a sound in the front yard and I have a canal behind me not neighbors).

3) What gear do you recommend for him? Obviously I will get him a real helmet with goggles, gloves, maybe chest and back shield? Should I get boots or are sneakers or other winter type boots ok? right now he rides with his bicycle knee and elbow pads, is there something similar for dirt bikes?

and the FINAL question:

4) What dirt bike to get for myself :D :D :D ??? If he continues to like the sport I want to ride with him. I was thinking about getting a Japanese 250cc bike (maybe 150cc?) either new or in great shape, one that would last me forever. but what brand and engine size to get? I'm sure 450 is an overkill, and 150 may be too little for me (I'm 6'4" and around 170 lbs). I just want something to have fun on trails, not a racer, and no I do not plan on doing jumps LOL Also, I would rather get a 4 stroke so I dont have to deal with adding oil to fuel; would fuel injected be better? or stick with simple carburetors and not worry about it?



Here's us riding the tiny bike, enjoy!




Re: Dirt bike question(s) and video(s)

Posted: Wed Dec 16, 2020 8:19 pm
by Lucy
You might try contacting a local off-road club. Check out “About FTR” and “Member info” in the red bar across the top.

http://floridatrailriders.org/

Re: Dirt bike question(s) and video(s)

Posted: Thu Dec 17, 2020 12:11 am
by Tenzing_Norgay

Re: Dirt bike question(s) and video(s)

Posted: Thu Dec 17, 2020 12:25 am
by Tenzing_Norgay
You can ride on the street in my old "hood" on Sundays (Atlantic & Powerline). Cops won't hassle you there... :lol:

Image

Re: Dirt bike question(s) and video(s)

Posted: Thu Dec 17, 2020 11:40 am
by Gunnyhiway
Tenzing_Norgay wrote: Thu Dec 17, 2020 12:25 am Image
Crack Dealers Parade

Re: Dirt bike question(s) and video(s)

Posted: Thu Dec 17, 2020 11:55 am
by Gunnyhiway
On another note I would buy a used 2 stroke bike at least 250cc.
Maybe even a nice restored vintage one from the late 1970s to mid 1980s.

Honda would be my choice or Suzuki.
I raced Honda CR500s before and they are not for the timid or beginner rider so I'd stick with a 250cc. Anything smaller and you will end up buy a bigger one anyway.
The newer 4 stroke bikes are nice BUT way too expensive to maintain.
2 smokes on the other hand are much less expensive, no valves etc, just piston, rings etc.
Even clutch parts won't empty the bank.
It would be a good time for you and your son to bond a bit more and to teach him how to maintain a bike.

I'm 65 and I'm starting back up racing again after a 20 year break from it.
Iv'e restored a 1974 MAICO 400 motocross bike so I'll race the vintage class against older bikes like the one I have.
The jumps aren't real high and no supercross obstacles, just 1970s style tracks set up for short suspension travel bikes of that era.
Lots of fun and reliving our youth I guess.

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Re: Dirt bike question(s) and video(s)

Posted: Thu Dec 17, 2020 6:18 pm
by P5 Guy
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=ho ... &FORM=VIRE

CR250 Honda.
Maybe I was crazy, but flat track racing was too much fun on one of these. (with modification)

Re: Dirt bike question(s) and video(s)

Posted: Thu Dec 17, 2020 7:02 pm
by Tenzing_Norgay
Gunnyhiway wrote: Thu Dec 17, 2020 11:55 am Iv'e restored a 1974 MAICO 400 motocross bike so I'll race the vintage class against older bikes like the one I have.

Image
That. Is. Sweet!

Be sure to watch this guy's YouTube channel & MotorTrend show. A little corny, but plenty of vintage 2-stroke porn:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/KaplanCycles/videos


Re: Dirt bike question(s) and video(s)

Posted: Thu Dec 17, 2020 7:08 pm
by Tenzing_Norgay
And his daughter is a smokin' hot InstaHo...


Re: Dirt bike question(s) and video(s)

Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2020 3:23 pm
by Hippie
The closest place is Miami Motocross at Krome and 27. $40 to ride. There is a peewee track and they open the main track to kids for about 15min per hour. Not the greatest track but certainly the closest and easiest.

Cycle Gear on University for cheap gear otherwise there is a lot of kids gear on marketplace.

250F is all around good adult bike. Not a two stroke 250 or a 450 if you’re a casual rider. Look for low hour not ragged out 250F.