Trials4Wulf

I also think part of it is the PNW (Pacific NorthWest) prices are higher than elsewhere. But it does seem to be that prices are just much higher than normal across the entire USA. I saw a woman the other day asking $1,500 OVER MSRP for a 2 year old motorcycle that needed a battery and a "Tune-up" (ie, it won't run right) I am noticing that prices are slowly starting to come down though, but not very fast. Thanks about the KLX. We're going to try her out on it this morning, I think I'm even more excited than she is, even though she's been asking for one for years.

Sadly that hasn't been the way the used market has been for a good long time. In fact I can't think of ever being able to buy a 3 year old bike for 35% of new. A new Beta Evo 250 is $8,200, and from calling around it seems they add on about $1,500 to $2,000 between shipping, dealer fees, tax and licensing. Used bike prices right now are especially crazy, they didn't used to be this jacked. I ended up buying the KLX140 for my wife, it's 3 years old and I paid about 50% of new for it, which was a screaming deal. Used party are typically asking about 75% of new, even for 5 to 8 year old bikes. Dealers aren't any better, for example the local Beta dealer has a 2018 Beta 430 RR-Race Edition for $8,000, which is about 80% of brand new for a 5 year old bike. I probably should have bought the Gas Gas for $3,500, but he's sold it now anyway.

Well, the 2014 GAS GAS TXT250 Raga is firm at $3,500. I'm leaning towards waiting to see what else I can find, even if it takes a few months. What do you guys think, is that a good deal for the PNW USA?

What's the secret to starting it?

I've been hunting around, and I've found a bike I'm interested in. KLX140 for the wife to learn on, I'll worry about a trials bike for her later. I found a 2014 GASGAS TXT250 Raga for $4,000, Any thoughts on that? The 2008 Sherco 290 is still available for $3,500, I could probably get it for $3,000 at least, if not 2,500.

That's one of the bikes I've been looking for to teach her on.

She's excited about it, but I do have a legit concern that she won't enjoy it when she actually does it. Which is why since the used market is so crazy right now, I don't really want to buy her her own bike until I know she will like it. A few years ago a person could buy a XR100 or equivalent for $1,000 or $1,200 and then turn around and sell it and get your money back. Those are a lot harder to find now.

Good points everyone. Thanks. I completely skipped over the lack of a seat making learning challenging at first. I think the seat/tank would be a good help for that instead of having to get another bike. In my experience of teaching people to ride, the ability to flatfoot and not having too much power available if they accidentally wring the throttle when panicked, make it much, much easier to learn. I like the idea of a 125, as I doubt I'll need much more than that with my style of riding. Or, I wonder if there's a way to put a throttle limiter on a 300 until she gains confidence? Some sort of throttle stop?

Hi everyone! So, my background is about 26 years of riding dirt and street, dirt just focused on trails, never motorcross, my dirt bikes were a XR200 and a KTM 300 (2 stroke). I finally decided that with the type of riding I do (tight woods) I didn't need a big heavy bike and never sat down when riding anyway, so trials bikes started looking really appealing. My little wife has never ridden a bike in her life, but is excited to learn. I wanted to get her started out on a something she can flatfoot on that's light. I was going to do a small XR100 size bike, but I think she could learn on a trials just as easily, but could also grow into it. I'm also thinking if I get myself a trials bike, she can learn on it, and if she dislikes it I haven't wasted money on getting her her own bike. If she likes it I'll get her her own bike. I'm looking around for bikes, and wow used prices are ridiculous. I've seen people asking $6500 for a 2 year old bike, when it's new price is $5000, and the dealers have them in stock! local (PNW USA) used bikes are slim pickings. And I'm really stretching the term local. I mean within about 150 mile radius. So far I've found: 2008 Sherco 290 for $4,000 (private party) 2018 Montesa 300RR for $6,000 (private party) 2022 Gas Gas TXT250 for $6,000 (small used dealer) and a 2019 Beta EVO 125 factory edition for $6,000 (dealer) So a few questions: I'm about 200 lbs, the wife is about 150lbs. Am I right in thinking that anything over about 125 is fine? I'm happy with more power, but not sure I should care. I'm inclined to lean towards 2 stroke, but not really bothered one way or another. Should I worry about 2 vs 4 stroke? At those prices should I be buying new instead? If so, what should I be looking for? Sorry for the long post!

Hello all. Or is it supposed to be hello world? I've been wanting to get a trials bike for years, and my little lady is interested in a bike now too, so here I am. From the reading I've done here, everyone seems very nice and friendly. I'll do my best to contribute to that!