My first dirtbike

[Coyote]

I brought home my first ever dirtbike yesterday. I've only riden one once before (maybe 1967). Just feel the need to get some dirt experience (unlike the time I dropped my FJR in the dirt). And it's an opportunity to go play with my daughter and son-in-law.

It was tough deciding what to buy, not knowing if I would like it, but finally settled on a Honda CRF 230. Feels pretty wimpy compared to the FJR. I paid a bit much for it, but got an unridden 2005 that was purchased less than a year ago.

Now I have to buy gear and God knows what else to get functional. Followed by learning how to ride.

A question for you dirters .... Any suggestions on a loading ramp. My pickup bed is about 32" above the ground and I want a ramp that would be okay for occasionally loading a street bike. This one looked good. :huh: Any suggestions?

It must have been kinda funny watching me jury-rig crap from around my yard in order to unload the bike.

 

[chickey191]

I brought home my first ever dirtbike yesterday. I've only riden one once before (maybe 1967). Just feel the need to get some dirt experience (unlike the time I dropped my FJR in the dirt). And it's an opportunity to go play with my daughter and son-in-law.
It was tough deciding what to buy, not knowing if I would like it, but finally settled on a Honda CRF 230. Feels pretty wimpy compared to the FJR. I paid a bit much for it, but got an unridden 2005 that was purchased less than a year ago.

Now I have to buy gear and God knows what else to get functional. Followed by learning how to ride.

A question for you dirters .... Any suggestions on a loading ramp. My pickup bed is about 32" above the ground and I want a ramp that would be okay for occasionally loading a street bike. This one looked good. :huh: Any suggestions?

It must have been kinda funny watching me jury-rig crap from around my yard in order to unload the bike.

personally - I would get the ramp that is like two of the one in your link. made for ATV's. I found it way easier to walk a bike off if I was also on the ramp, but the smallish size of your bike shouldn't give you too much trouble (I was riding an XR 650 - which is WAY heavy).

Make sure you get a good helmet goggles, gloves and boots. I would recommend elbow guards and chest protector, too. Get good riding gear (you might want some knee padding, too. All the gear - all the time - just like on the street. You WILL FALL DOWN - or you aren't having any fun. Might as well be comfortable when you fall. I also rode trails a lot so I had a fanny pack and back pack to carry stuff.

and a spare gas can - and -- and

boy -- you're gonna be BROKE> - but smiling.

You'll figure out what tools you need, but you will need some chain lube and depending on how much you ride you might want to start thinking about tire irons and tire changing equipment.

If you haven't ridden since '67 you will be amazed at the difference in technology, handling and power - not to mention shocks and tires. pretty much everything is better 'cept for the pilot. You will also improve your street riding skills by spending time in the dirt and reaquainting yourself with cornering and braking traction.

Have fun.

 

[sparky3008]

I have a similar ramp that I use with mine. My truck is a 2500 with Hummer tires so it sits pretty high.

I have a WR250 and to get it off comfortably I bring my bike stand as a step so that when I back it out I have something to step on as the ground is too far down.

Chickey's suggestion of 2 ramps gives you one to walk on while the bike can be on the other but if money is tight my way works. If your truck is lower then you may not need anything at all.

In my avatar you can see I broke mine riding and I have ridden dirt for years. It was my mistake but they can happen. Gear is vital, good boots, don't get braces that lock your knees in a certain position as they can cause the break to just go to the Leg. The knee is easier to fix believe me on thumpertalk.com the doctor who did my collarbone is highly against these expensive knee braces. Just something like you would put on your elbows and forearms is good enough. Roost protectors do only that, protect against the occasional tree limb and the rocks from the guy/girl in front of you. This may sound and look silly but a pair of football or hockey shoulder pads will do more to protect against injuries such as my collarbone break.

Also get that thing setup suspension for you. The stock tires on many are not really geared for the terrain you ride in. They generally are sold for MX and 1 type of track surface. Tires range from hard, medium and soft terrain and Michelin sells some really good tires.

Also the suspension, If you are over 160lbs it is not setup for you. My rear sag was way off and this hinders cornering greatly. I changed the front springs for my weight and even raised the forks for sharper steering.

The crf230 is not a "pure" dirt bike and the suspension needs some help if you are to get any real performance out of it. It will make your riding it much more enjoyable and worth the money. I am sure in your area are many local guys who specialize in it if you don't wrench...

Check Out www.thumpertalk.com and they have sections for every bike. You will get more info on all of this and more...

Good luck have fun and get dirty for me!

 

[Coyote]

Thanks for the info guys. I bought one 12" ramp and one mile from the store, I turned around, went back a bought a second one. They already came in handy for loading a concrete grinder. Better to use two than drop the bike or worst yet, hurt myself trying to save a falling bike.

Next is my riding gear. I read about knee protection and am going to stick with pads and guards. My daughter is going to take me to a local gear shop to get outfitted. She is suggesting similar protection.

As for the bike, I knew I was getting in more on the trail bike end of the spectrum. But not knowing if I was going to like the dirt, I decided to get less bike. Not to mention my age. I weigh between 165 and 170 (without gear), so the bike may be okay for an old rookie.

Gotta go now and get ready for wheelie school tomorrow.

 

[sparky3008]

Thanks for the info guys. I bought one 12" ramp and one mile from the store, I turned around, went back a bought a second one. They already came in handy for loading a concrete grinder. Better to use two than drop the bike or worst yet, hurt myself trying to save a falling bike.
Next is my riding gear. I read about knee protection and am going to stick with pads and guards. My daughter is going to take me to a local gear shop to get outfitted. She is suggesting similar protection.

As for the bike, I knew I was getting in more on the trail bike end of the spectrum. But not knowing if I was going to like the dirt, I decided to get less bike. Not to mention my age. I weigh between 165 and 170 (without gear), so the bike may be okay for an old rookie.

Gotta go now and get ready for wheelie school tomorrow.

Sounds like you are well on your way.

Have fun hanging out with the family in the dirt!