Newbie in South GA

[pickelj]

Hi guys, I'm pretty new here, and of course all us newbies need some advice.  Actively shopping for a bike for my son, he's 5'5" and about 140 lbs,  starting to think a KX100 is not big enough.  Any advice here would be appreciated, and thanks in advance.  Just got his gear ordered, looking forward to what I call some quality father and son time.  Still haven't found that perfect KX5 yet, but that's just around the corner too.  Maybe I'll just have to settle for a KDX for awhile.  Don't let anyone tell ya it doesn't snow in south GA, got the vids to prove.......roost on.....

JP

[Danger4u2]

Most of the storms you guys have been getting tracked across our state (Ok) before hitting you.  Welcome to the site.

[Friar-Tuck]

Welcome Pickle,
   Truth be told I think that KDX is an excellent choice for a trail bike. There is lots of information on them as well as parts available.    There are several guys here who have them.  The only concern I would have is if your son has any expierience riding.   I'm not sure it's possible to "de-tune" a 200 or 220 enough for a young rider.

   Unless you rode the KDX and got the boy a 125 or old XR or TTr to learn the ropes on and then got the KX500 for yourself when your son is ready to move up to the KDX.
  Hopefully some of the other guys will chime in with some more feedback.
   Tuck\o/

[pickelj]

Thanks Tuck,
We seem to be thinking along the same lines, I believe the 125 would be just right.  It's hard to make the right call with him, he out-grows everything so quickly, not your average 10y.o.. Want to give him the same great memories of riding the woods, that my dad gave me.  Of course we must grow the next generation of the sport, so we don't lose it along the way, something we forget sometimes.

Now the question is, what about the old man?  A re-entry rider, tons of street cred, but haven't gotten dirty in many a year.  And at 6'4" and 250lbs, everything seem miniature.  A KDX might just be the way to go in the short term, but would love to have the kx5 long term.  Thanks, see you all again soon...

JP 

[blueoval]

pickelj, greetings.  I am having the same "problem" with my kids  ages 10 and 12.  They outgrow things fast until they come of age.  I am moving them up to kx80's.  I have a 2000 k5 and a 2004 kdx200.  I love both bikes.  I am 5'7'' and weigh 180 and I fit perfectly on the kdx and k5.  When one of my friends rides the kdx  6'1'' and 200lb he complains that the cockpit is quite cramped for him.  He says that he is uncomfortable due to the seat height being to low and difficulty with foot peg placement.  There are modifications that could be done.  Just something to think about.   ted

[Friar-Tuck]

PJ,
  There are several options taller guys can do to get more comfy on bikes built for someone with a lower center of gravity...
 Maybe that woul be a good thread starter if it already hasn't been covered.
   I see that ford guy beat me to the options thing. 
 You might consider snooping around your area for an offroad riding club or group.  There are lot's of families moving in and out of bikes, unfortunately we are so spread apart and have such different scheduals it's tough to get together.
   I can tell you from personal expierience that buying youg'ins new bikes is great if you have lot's of expendable cash.
 I made the mistake of buying my boys new bikes when they were 9 & 10....yeah it was great for about the firs two weeks.
  Then when they started getting brave and breaking them it started to get expensive... a year later the younger one moved up and had to sell the 80.. well more like give it away for what I had in it.
   Oh well.. live and learn...

 There are several other members in GA.   Spend a few moments searching through the site and see if  there is anyone near by  who might be close enough to hook a brutha up with some good advice.
   After all isn't that what it's really all about!?
  Tuck\o/

[hughes]

Here's a Georgia boy selling his kx500. Easy for you to drive up and take a look. Welcome.

[pickelj]

Thanks guys, lots o good advice here, much to ponder.  Time to get out and start lookin, feel like I'm on the right trail.  I know a little man that will be very happy, very soon.  And one more to carry on the sport, maybe time to stop and give some thanks, may you all be as blessed as I am....

[pickelj]

Found a nice 05 KX100 for my boy, nice shape, just needs a new front tire & tube.  Hmmmm, seems no more D756, guess the MX51 will do.  Gonna go p/u a 98 KDX220, got all the mods I'd do myself, nice price.  Sorry hughes, scrapped the K5 idea, just don't need all that, especially for a re-entry rider.  Spend alot of time in N. GA though, maybe see ya there one day.  Will post some pics soon, guess they go in gallery?  Thanks for all the help guys, gonna be great to be a "smoker" again.  Happy trails.....

J