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.

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.

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?

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

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

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.

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 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.

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

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