Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: Motocross choice, midrange torque, choice bill

Question
Bill,

Perhaps you can offer some guidance?  I am a 200lb 36yr old male.  I have ridden motocross on and off for a while.  Looking to get a new motocross bike.  Do you have any advice on either a 125 or 250 based on my weight? Not sure which way to go and whether or not manufacturers have guidance on this.  Thanks, Jim

Answer
Jim,

Thanks for the question.

For the most part, manufacturers don't have guidelines as to what "size" people should ride which bikes. My thinking on the matter is that you are probably at the top of the scale weight-wise for the 125 class, and would probably fit better on 250. However, there are certainly no absolutes. If you like the lightness and zip of a 125 versus the higher weight of a 250, there's no rule that says you can't ride one. You may have to make some changes to the suspension, either by cranking up the pre-load adjustment or getting a different shock and heavier springs in the forks. Depends on what specific model you choose and how "adjustable" it is.

As for 250's, they are now as light as the 125's were just a few years ago, so that may be the way to go. Plus, they make more power in more places (such as midrange-torque), so it may make it easier for you to ride instead of winding up a 125 all the time. It depends on your riding style.

Overall though, I think if you have experience riding, and since you're heading for 40 (like me), you might want to opt for the versatility, increased power and toughness of the 250. If you get the 125 you may love it for a while, but you could also outgrow it, and then wish you had the 250. Might as well start with what you will probably want on down the road.

Ride smart, ride safe,

Bill Roberson