Back in the ‘70’s when I was a child, I trail rode a ’74 Honda XR75 (4 stroke, 4 speed, 7 HP) and mostly trail rode with a few races on a ’76 Yamaha YZ100 (2 stroke, 5 speed, 11 HP). I’m 63 now, 5’ 8”, 180 lbs. and in very good fitness but have not ridden since the mid ’80’s. I’ve narrowed my selections to 3 finalists (in no order of preference) (all are new models either 2025 or 2026):
I realize that all these have much more powerful engines than what I rode a ½ century ago. Hopefully I won’t be terrified enough that I have to wear Depends as I soil myself (hence the expression, ‘Scared Shitless’) until I get used it. I will only be trail riding in fields and forests at mostly slow to moderate speeds with the occasional high speed escapade. Not concerned about max top speed but do enjoy the thrill of rapid acceleration!
My selection criteria in rank order from most important to least:
#1 Reliability – easy to start; doesn’t stall easily at low speeds - low revs / steep hills / muddy-sandy conditions; doesn’t repeatedly and unexpectedly breakdown in the middle of nowhere leaving me stranded.
#2 Maintenance – frequency, complexity (I can do basic stuff), cost, spare parts availability
#3 Suspension Adjustability – Given I weigh considerably more than your typical rider for this size bike, I will not ‘Launch into Low Earth Orbit’ over jumps but need enough stiffness to not experience frequent bottoming-out over rough terrain.
#4 Fun Factor – Accelerates like a Cheetah, corners like a Ferrari and brakes like Grandma at the next yard sale.
#5 Modifiable – I am not opposed to solid ‘Bang for Your Buck’ mods that enhance my riding experience but will not do a major overhaul.
Thank you very much for your insight and feedback!
Patrick
- Honda CRF150R
- Yamaha YZ85LW
- Kawasaki KX112
I realize that all these have much more powerful engines than what I rode a ½ century ago. Hopefully I won’t be terrified enough that I have to wear Depends as I soil myself (hence the expression, ‘Scared Shitless’) until I get used it. I will only be trail riding in fields and forests at mostly slow to moderate speeds with the occasional high speed escapade. Not concerned about max top speed but do enjoy the thrill of rapid acceleration!
My selection criteria in rank order from most important to least:
#1 Reliability – easy to start; doesn’t stall easily at low speeds - low revs / steep hills / muddy-sandy conditions; doesn’t repeatedly and unexpectedly breakdown in the middle of nowhere leaving me stranded.
#2 Maintenance – frequency, complexity (I can do basic stuff), cost, spare parts availability
#3 Suspension Adjustability – Given I weigh considerably more than your typical rider for this size bike, I will not ‘Launch into Low Earth Orbit’ over jumps but need enough stiffness to not experience frequent bottoming-out over rough terrain.
#4 Fun Factor – Accelerates like a Cheetah, corners like a Ferrari and brakes like Grandma at the next yard sale.
#5 Modifiable – I am not opposed to solid ‘Bang for Your Buck’ mods that enhance my riding experience but will not do a major overhaul.
Thank you very much for your insight and feedback!
Patrick
