From: frampton@skitzo.dseg.ti.com
Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.dirt
Subject: Re: Beginning Dirt Riding
Date: 31 Aug 92 12:10:30 CDT
Organization: Texas Instruments Component Test Facility

>    - While I would like a dirt machine, my car can't tow, so I'm
>      thinking about a DP bike (although I know some folks with pickups).
>      (Maybe it's not smart to go dirt riding alone and probably twice as
>      dumb for a beginner ?)

       Seems your mind is in the right place, but sometimes you have to
       ride alone or stay on the phone all weekend trying to hook up
       with someone.

       When you start to frequent a location, be friendly at the parking
       site.  Chances are, you'll find someone to roost and explore with.  

> 
>    - Any recommended dirt instructional videos ?  (Like Keith Code's
>      _Twist_ but for the dirt, I guess... :-)

       Gary Semics, "MX Techniques Video" $29 (216)424-3382.

       Gary Baily , all videos are great. $?? (703)650-1759.

>    - Any opinions about XT350's (any year), or similar DP's ?  I've also
>      heard people talk aboout DP's disparagingly as "not dirt enough for
>      the dirt, not street enough for the street".  Also, what's a TW200 ?

       I suppose... But in my personal opinion, "Either its a dirtbike
       or it aint".  If you are going to be worried about snapping off
       all that shinny stuff, you'll be hindered. You have to fall now and
       then to know what the limits are in the dirt.

       I know that you can find a simple used trailer for $150 or less.
       So don't let transportation keep you from getting scoot.  Buying
       tags and insurance just to ride your intended dirtbike on the 
       street can cost you as much as the trailer.  Plus you have to deal
       with "CARS"!

>    - If I went for a dirt bike not a DP, I was thinking about something like
>      an 80 or 125 cc two-stroke.  What do you think of RM's vs. CR's vs.
>      KDX (KX?) 's vs. YZ's ?  Are these generally water or air cooled ?
>      Any preferences or caveats ?

       For what I think you want to do, the KDX200 would be choice.
       The 80 is too small to get anything done on.

       125s are ok but be careful what year and model you buy. There were
       some real bad years on some of the 125s.  Also, the smaller the
       displacement usually the harder its been pushed.  I'm not saying
       to go out and buy a 500, although they are usually in the best
       shape. :-) 

>    - How long do some of these 2-stroke thumpers usually last under nominal
>      treatment by the average dweeb (meaning me) ?  

       As long as you can afford the premaintenance on them.  I spend
       more hours tweaking than I do riding. 

>      I guess an engine
>      rebuild is probably simpler than for a multicylinder streetbike,
>      there being only 1 of everything...

       I can have new rings in my RM in 20 minutes but I usually spend
       a couple of hours measuring wear and putting it in the log book.

>      Any other kind of protective/maintenance/accessory equipment sound
>      like it might be good ?? (besides milk crate, butt pack,
>      band-aids, etc :-)

       Craftsman metric socket and open end wrench set. A torque wrench.
       Long zip ties.  A REAL BIG HAMMER!  Lots of $$$$$$$$$$$$$.
_____________________________________________________________________________
mark frampton (RM)             |  "Friends don't let friends ride S****i."
frampton@skitzo.dseg.ti.com    |  "Life is short, ride hard."
                               |  "Born and Bred to Rip and Shred."
Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.dirt