Thinking about getting a used trailbike. Any recommendations?

[scotteroni]

I just picked up a fixer upper 86 suzuki dr125 for $150 for my 13 yr old to learn on. Cleaned the carbs, and fixed the back tire to get it usable. It smokes a little and there's a tick in the motor despite valve adjustments and cam adjuster cleaning. He's having loads of fun and I'm just stuck watching him making sure he's not too out of sight.  I'm thinking about getting something cheap and used around 200-250 ccs for $5-600 so I can tag along on his backwoods journeys but don't know exactly what I should be looking for. I definitely want a four stroke because their quieter and I don't plan on doing jumps and racing. In my short research I came up with three bikes, Suzuki DR200, Yamaha tt250 and the Honda XR200. I need something ultra reliable, easy to work on and maintain and has plenty of cheap spare parts available. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[Ack535]

Get an XR200. I have one. Tons of parts availability, easy to work on, and cheap to buy.

Plus you get the Honda bullet proof reliability...

Pete

[buls4evr]

 
  Yes an XR200. And when he outgrows the 125 he gets the 200 and then you go get a DRZ400. By then he will be up to speed(or you will need twice the bike to keep up).

[Bad Dad]

I'm biased having had 3 of them through the years but, Survey says, XR200!

[sammyseaman]

Yep, XR200 or maybe even a DR350 would be a good choice. I'd steer away from the DR200. They're pretty weak.

[scotteroni]

Well, I took everyones advice and found a one owner 81 XR200R for sale for $400.  Had to beat out ten other guys to get there with the deposit money first and the bike was only on Cl just a few hours. It was the guys first bike and he babied it.  He hadn't ridden it much in the last ten years but would pull it out of storage and run it briefly every spring. Kept it insured and registered all that time just in case I guess. I'm excited about picking it up on Sat morning.  It's the R version so this year had the better suspension and adjustable rear monoshock.  I had to drive over an hour away this morning so I could get there right away. Some local guy was waiting in the wings probably hoping I'd get a flat and not show up.  . . I was impressed. The engine was tight, no leaks or smoke. It started right up from cold with one kick. Not mint but pretty good for a $400 bike.   Thanks again guys for the input.  Scott

Now I have to learn to ride a dirtbike without killing myself.  I'm 50 and my body is not so flexible anymore. Here's a picture from the other day.