Complete motorcycle noob from the PNW

SSGN-Doc · 12-04-2022, 05:40 PM

Hello from Washington. Currently live near an ORV park, and near several forestry, logging and state park roads. Never been into motorcycles. My older brother, growing up got enough injuries from stunt riding that I never got the opportunity. I’m in my 50s. Decent in mechanical aptitude.

Looking at obtaining a decent bike for trails and dirt roads. Need something ok for a beginning rider. Really wanted to get an old Honda CT90 as my ideal ride, but the folks up in this area find fused frames to be of high value. But my searching lead me to Chinese clone motors and the full Chinese bikes.

After months of looking stuff up online it seems I could find a decent used bike without putting out too much cash and parts seem inexpensive enough thatI shouldn’t get too far over my head in maintaining a decent bike.

Looking for suggestions on where to start.

Jwrider · 12-04-2022, 06:15 PM

I,ve been riding over 40yrs. Just got an Lifan x-pect for my trail riding. Nice bike with a few mods can be a real nice bike. EFI doesn’t hurt either.

TominMO · 12-04-2022, 06:34 PM

Are you specifically looking for street-legal? If so, you might want to consider an Icebear Champion. https://www.venommotorsportsusa.com/...onkey-pbz125-2

Unfortunately there are no CT90 type Chinese bikes here in the US. IE, small street legal dualsports or trail bikes with larger tires. Lifan makes something similar to the Honda Trail 125, but not for the US market.

Zapkin · 12-04-2022, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TominMO

Are you specifically looking for street-legal? If so, you might want to consider an Icebear Champion. https://www.venommotorsportsusa.com/...onkey-pbz125-2

Unfortunately there are no CT90 type Chinese bikes here in the US. IE, small street legal dualsports or trail bikes with larger tires. Lifan makes something similar to the Honda Trail 125, but not for the US market.

when I see these little thing I have some sort of weird flashback memory of riding something similar when I was tiny as heck but it was like orange metalic and I didn't know how to shift. first gear maxed out until I think someone intercepted me. wow. how did we kids survive the 70's?

TominMO · 12-04-2022, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zapkin

when I see these little thing I have some sort of weird flashback memory of riding something similar when I was tiny as heck but it was like orange metalic and I didn't know how to shift. first gear maxed out until I think someone intercepted me. wow. how did we kids survive the 70's?

Like I always say, it's better to be lucky than smart.

Ratboy859 · 12-04-2022, 08:32 PM

Hey, Doc: Welcome to motorcycling. You've got a lot going on, sir. It sounds like you've not ridden in a long while. I would recommend a riding course. You could start your search here: https://msf-usa.org/ The Motorcycle Safety Foundation is a good start. The web site also has some literature for off-roading that can be downloaded for free.

You'll need some mechanical skills and that is a plus for you! CSC Motorcycles has several tutorials on their products. The videos are free to watch. Just google them and poke around the website.

As for the brand of bike, take guidance from all, but make your own decision. If you can, visit the areas where you will be riding. Chat it up with the riders. If you can, find a local power sports store. For the price of these bikes, you won't lose your tail if you have to sell/buy a different bike.

And.....finally....welcome to the boards!

Terry D

TominMO · 12-04-2022, 09:20 PM

Doc, I should add that if you can do with a non-street legal bike, there are plenty of inexpensive 125cc Chinese bikes. I'd recommend a new or used one with a 17" front wheel for adult-sized riders. Or a used Japanese brand.

SSGN-Doc · 12-04-2022, 10:49 PM

at this point of starting out, I’m strongly considering one of the 125cc pit bikes for simplicity, size and weight. I’d love to have a 250 dual sport, but think I probably need some off-road time before getting out on the roads.

I had strongly considered one of the CT70 clones, but some of the areas I may ride may benefit from a larger wheel diameter (one of the things I liked about CT90s over CT70s.

I’ve seen folks have done “Big wheel” conversions on some of the smaller pit bikes. So this is something I was considering.

Texas Pete · 12-04-2022, 10:51 PM

+1 on the MSF basic rider course

Also if you want you can take the MSF basic rider course through Harley Davidson dealerships for something different. Same course, book, exam, etc. Just do it on the smaller for Harley street 500s which are usually much better maintained by the dealerships than random mixes of low cc bikes at some places. Same price through the Harley Rider Academy as most MSF course places.

TominMO · 12-04-2022, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSGN-Doc

at this point of starting out, I’m strongly considering one of the 125cc pit bikes for simplicity, size and weight. I’d love to have a 250 dual sport, but think I probably need some off-road time before getting out on the roads.

I had strongly considered one of the CT70 clones, but some of the areas I may ride may benefit from a larger wheel diameter (one of the things I liked about CT90s over CT70s.

I’ve seen folks have done “Big wheel” conversions on some of the smaller pit bikes. So this is something I was considering.

You can get a 125cc big wheel bike for $1300.

https://www.venommotorsportsusa.com/...4-speed-manual

12-04-2022, 05:40 PM	#1
SSGN-Doc Join Date: Dec 2022 Posts: 2	Complete motorcycle noob from the PNW Hello from Washington. Currently live near an ORV park, and near several forestry, logging and state park roads. Never been into motorcycles. My older brother, growing up got enough injuries from stunt riding that I never got the opportunity. I’m in my 50s. Decent in mechanical aptitude. Looking at obtaining a decent bike for trails and dirt roads. Need something ok for a beginning rider. Really wanted to get an old Honda CT90 as my ideal ride, but the folks up in this area find fused frames to be of high value. But my searching lead me to Chinese clone motors and the full Chinese bikes. After months of looking stuff up online it seems I could find a decent used bike without putting out too much cash and parts seem inexpensive enough thatI shouldn’t get too far over my head in maintaining a decent bike. Looking for suggestions on where to start.
	0

12-04-2022, 06:34 PM	#3
TominMO Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: De Soto, MO Posts: 1,978	Are you specifically looking for street-legal? If so, you might want to consider an Icebear Champion. https://www.venommotorsportsusa.com/...onkey-pbz125-2 Unfortunately there are no CT90 type Chinese bikes here in the US. IE, small street legal dualsports or trail bikes with larger tires. Lifan makes something similar to the Honda Trail 125, but not for the US market. __________________ 2021 Lifan Xpect--sold 2022 Lifan KPX 1972 Honda CT90--The Carrot 1969 Honda CT90--The Tomahto Cheesy is the WDK (workplace drama king). Now retired. Nope, back in the saddle. Nope, finally retired. Climate: The Movie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A24fWmNA6lM How our government really works https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjadCd0VRBw Question all authority.....think for yourself
	2

12-04-2022, 09:20 PM	#7
TominMO Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: De Soto, MO Posts: 1,978	Doc, I should add that if you can do with a non-street legal bike, there are plenty of inexpensive 125cc Chinese bikes. I'd recommend a new or used one with a 17" front wheel for adult-sized riders. Or a used Japanese brand. __________________ 2021 Lifan Xpect--sold 2022 Lifan KPX 1972 Honda CT90--The Carrot 1969 Honda CT90--The Tomahto Cheesy is the WDK (workplace drama king). Now retired. Nope, back in the saddle. Nope, finally retired. Climate: The Movie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A24fWmNA6lM How our government really works https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjadCd0VRBw Question all authority.....think for yourself
	0

12-04-2022, 10:51 PM	#9
Texas Pete Join Date: Nov 2022 Location: Dallas TX Posts: 612	+1 on the MSF basic rider course Also if you want you can take the MSF basic rider course through Harley Davidson dealerships for something different. Same course, book, exam, etc. Just do it on the smaller for Harley street 500s which are usually much better maintained by the dealerships than random mixes of low cc bikes at some places. Same price through the Harley Rider Academy as most MSF course places. __________________ 2022 1/2 Templar X 250 - 6 gear model - 13 Front / 40 Rear Sprockets - #42 / #120 Jets - 1mm thick nitrile O-ring needle shim (removed) - Kenda K761 Dual Sport Tires - Sedona Standard Thickness Inner Tubes - Stock OEM battery, carburetor, spark plug still going strong - https://youtu.be/dhAYEKH-jFQ Texas Pete's Templar X 250 Torque Specifications Sheet Texas Pete's Engine Displacement Calculator Texas Pete's Tire and Rim Compatibility
	1

12-04-2022, 06:15 PM	#2
Jwrider Join Date: Jul 2022 Posts: 26	I,ve been riding over 40yrs. Just got an Lifan x-pect for my trail riding. Nice bike with a few mods can be a real nice bike. EFI doesn’t hurt either.
	1

12-04-2022, 08:32 PM	#6
Ratboy859 Join Date: Nov 2022 Location: Lowell, North Carolina Posts: 16	Hey, Doc: Welcome to motorcycling. You've got a lot going on, sir. It sounds like you've not ridden in a long while. I would recommend a riding course. You could start your search here: https://msf-usa.org/ The Motorcycle Safety Foundation is a good start. The web site also has some literature for off-roading that can be downloaded for free. You'll need some mechanical skills and that is a plus for you! CSC Motorcycles has several tutorials on their products. The videos are free to watch. Just google them and poke around the website. As for the brand of bike, take guidance from all, but make your own decision. If you can, visit the areas where you will be riding. Chat it up with the riders. If you can, find a local power sports store. For the price of these bikes, you won't lose your tail if you have to sell/buy a different bike. And.....finally....welcome to the boards! Terry D
	1

12-04-2022, 10:49 PM	#8
SSGN-Doc Join Date: Dec 2022 Posts: 2	at this point of starting out, I’m strongly considering one of the 125cc pit bikes for simplicity, size and weight. I’d love to have a 250 dual sport, but think I probably need some off-road time before getting out on the roads. I had strongly considered one of the CT70 clones, but some of the areas I may ride may benefit from a larger wheel diameter (one of the things I liked about CT90s over CT70s. I’ve seen folks have done “Big wheel” conversions on some of the smaller pit bikes. So this is something I was considering.
	1