I was sure that i wanted an atv but then i came across a kawa kx125. I really like both dirt bikes and atv's, although i've owned or ridden either. (besides small minibikes and atv's for about 5 minutes). So i'm really not sure if i would like a bike or an atv better. I'm 15 year old 6 foot 4 inches and about 185 pounds. I BMX bike so two wheel balance shouldn't be any issue. But i'm just not sure about convenience for trail riding if a dirtbike would be better? if i'm a lot more prone to getting hurt on a dirt bike? if i can drive dirtbikes in the snow? how much harder are dirtbikes to ride than atv's. And just what are the overall disadvantages and advantages of the two, and your opinions of what you would do.

 

Bikes for me and the boys, ATV for the wife.

 

I would say bike but thats what I ride. I think the quad is safer until about 25 mph depending on terrain. After that it becomes a bigger handfull than the dirt bike. The dirt bike does take more skill to ride, but you have the basics of that down form your bmx experience. I would definitely get a full set of riding gear no matter which you choose though. As for the snow I have ridden a dirt bike in the snow quite a few times. Up to about 4" it is no big deal. At a foot it gets tough and we would take turns knocking a path thru. If you ride with quads have them knock it down for you. It is easier to transport a dirt bike and store it too.

 

Quads are superior in soft terrain. Nothing else.

Where do you want to ride?

 

i would want to ride in trails. And i was kinda thinking a bike too. I go to the local riding trails with my sandrail and i see that most the trails are to small for atv's and only bikes can fit down them. If i were to get a bike do you think that the Kawasaki KX125 would be good for me (i'm 15, 6 foot 4 inches, about 185 pounds) I hear that the 125s are a lot better for trail riding because they're more manuverable around the really tight trails then the 250's. Would i beable to get a 125 2 stroke started in the snow?

 

I'd rather have a larger 4-stroke for trails.

 

The advantage of bikes are many. Unlimited by narrow trails, easier to haul and store, do not need to make super loud to still have a thrill. Quads are so easy to ride that you will need a loud obnoxious pipe right away. I would forget about a pipey 2-smoke for a starter bike. They are much harder to learn on. Look at a left over 2004 XR400 or find one used. The XR250 is great for your weight but 6'-4' is tall for this model plus good used ones are hard to find. I would also forget about the newer water cooled electric start models for your first bike. The top ends are not as reliable as air cooled, the radiator and shrouds are vulnerable to damage when you bail, battery maint/charging is extra headache you don't need. Plus everyone needs to learn how to kick start a middle weight 4-stroke.

 

I grew up riding dirt bike, and now ride ATV. The tall suspension on the higher end dirt bikes, makes them sketchy with my short legs. I find I don't miss dirt bikes at all, except I would like to have a street legal dual-sport to explore places that aren't legal for an ATV.

ATV's are better in big rocks, sand, mud, and snow. Dirt bike is "better" everywhere else.

 

i sat on my friends new honda cr125 and i wasn't even flat footed. Hes shorter than me but bigger so he weighs like 20 or 30 pounds less then me but whenever he takes off the things like spinning out. He'll just crank it into about 3rd gear and then just coast for like 500 feet. So thats why i think a 125 would have plenty of power for me. And i love the way the 2 strokes sound. I also have a lot of expirence rebuilding 2 stroke engines, like those high performance scooter engines, weed wackers, sand rail. I know a dirt bike engine would be a little drifferent but its all the same principals. If i were to go and get a bike now what one would you suggest?

 

if your going to do any climbing at all you need a bigger bike than a 125. but for trail riding it is ok for a big guy like you just as long as you dont get into places where you have to go slow or otherwise you will be walking your bike around.