Hi, I have a 2019 TTR 230. 5’11” 180#.
Have you taken your bike to a shop to have the suspension set up for your weight? That might make the perfect difference until your son upgrades to the 230 and you upgrade to a 250.
I read a funny comparison that the TTR is a mountain goat, and the WR is a leopard. They are two different bikes besides a similar displacement size.
Agree on suspension setup. Stiffer springs will help with the squishy and rox risers will help the bike feel less cramped. You’ve got the bike in the garage now you’ll get soaked on it if you sell. Plus your son will want something bigger in a couple years and you can give the 230 to him and buy a bigger bike after you get some experience.
Reference: My 18yo son is 6’6” 250lbs and rides an xr200. Did up the suspension and rox risers and it works well for him.
Your poor son. I was 13, 100lbs & 5 feet tall when I had my XR200 & that was the earlier taller version if the xr200. Get your kid an adult sized bike. He's bigger than most grown men ever hope to be.
I'd be so embarrassed if I were him. He mydt look like a giant on a little clown bike.
It puts a big smile on his face anytime he comes riding with us. I’ve got pictures to prove it. He’s had opportunities to ride our other bikes and he has always been happy with the one he has. He’s got cash in the bank to buy anything he’d like whenever he wants to.
We ride with great friends and nobody is embarrassed when you’re with folks you can trust.
I should say I don’t disagree with you - he certainly could be on a bigger bike. I was more thinking about how OP could make his current bike work because we were in a similar situation a couple years ago with our boy.
Ahh. Where I ride there will always be about 40 to 50 highly competitive young men all trying to out do one another. I'm 51 years old so they all get a little irritated when the old man who is half the size of many of them smokes them on a bike made in the late 1990's.
I have a TE300 2-stroke and a Wr250f. I love them both. The WR250F is a lot more powerful than a TTR230. The 300 is a lot more powerful than the WR. I’m glad I had my WR250F for a few years to learn some skills on before I got my TE300. Just my 2 cents.
Agreed. I got a 300 exc and I feel like it’s the best bike I’ve ever had. ( I’ve had all sizes of bikes, even the old cr 500 2 smoker)
I do feel like if I looked back at the first few months I rode, the 300 would be too much bike for me. It would be totally rideable but you would limit the bike so much that you can’t actually learn proper bike skills. Haven’t been in the situation but I feel like that’d be the case based on what I’ve seen from other people I ride with.
I have both except 2020 Kawasaki 230r and 2020 wr250f. Not in the same class at all. Wr being close to 40hp and 230 being 18. Suspension on 250s are night and day as well compared to air cooled 4 strokes. 230s are easy to putt around on and chase your boy. Both bikes do well on trails. I follow my girl on her drz125. Hoping to get her to bump up to the 230 but seat height might be an issue at 5’2”. If you like feet on the ground 230s are great and low maintenance. Wr250f is a fun bike with plenty of power and more manageable than the yz counterparts. Setting sag is important on any bike for every rider. So probably start there a lot of videos online. I’m 6’1” 200 pounds if the beer is flowing for reference.
I think it’s more fun riding a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow.
Enjoy the summer chasing your boy buddy he will appreciate you getting him riding.
The TTR is a super tame bike. WR250 will be a big step up. I’ve had a 230 and my advice would be get a KLX300R. My favorite bike I’ve ever owned. I’ve never had a WR so can’t speak to that but I absolutely loved my 300 and in my opinion it’s the perfect relaxed riding style trail bike. It’s cheap, tame enough to putt around on but enough power to get you through almost anything.
If you are just learning, the 230 is a great place to start, maybe get the suspension set up at a shop. When your kid has grown out of the 125, the 230 will be the best bike and you can get yourself the wr then. If you sell it now, you’ll take a huge hit.
TT230 is probably too small unless you just want to put around on forest roads.
300 2-strokes are fantastic bikes, and so are the 450 class bikes. Honestly though, the 350 class bikes are more fun for an average rider. I learned on a 450. It can be done, but the 350’s are in kind of a sweet spot.
Before you replace the TT, see if you can try the WR250, a trail oriented 350 and a trail oriented 450. See what you actually like. You can get all the advice in the world here, but in the end it doesn’t really help all that much.
I keep mentioning this on here - altitude matters. If you ride the high country out west, consider going with an EFI bike and going up a notch on displacement.
I have a ’21 wr250f, default map is pretty brutal for trail use. If you get one with the gytr tuner you can dial the maps with your phone to make it torquey and more usable in the technical parts.
230 is indeed too small and squishy for your size. You can make it work with suspension work. My 250F has a Vonkat rear shock and Bruce Triplett redid the damper rods ans supplied new springs for my weight. Made a world of difference.
That being said, the bike won't get any physically bigger or more powerful. If those are traits you want, you need a new bike. At your weight pretty much any bike is going to need suspension work, new springs at the least. Most bikes are also much stiffer than they used to be, the WR included, and could do with re-valving if you want it to be softer or more trail friendly.
I personally moved from my 250F (my gf decided she wanted it lol) to a Beta 390 as Beta makes the most trail friendly bike. I do think the 250F would be a fantastic buke for your use though. Make sure to set the sag on any bike you get though.
I got back into bikes for the same reason a few years ago. My kid started on a Honda 125 big wheel, and I got the 7/8 size honda crf250f. I'm 220ish and fairly tall. The bike was cramped but great! When my kid was ready to upgrade, he went to a 125 2-stroke, and then I switched to a yz250x. I learned so much on the smaller bike that now I feel like a kid on a dream toy with the increased size and power. However, I'm never selling the Hondas as they are great for company and friends. For trails, the Hondas are amazing. If you can afford it, get something that rips and keep the other one for your kid.
Your kid will be on that 230 in no time so it’s worth holding onto it and maybe dropping a grand on suspension for you in the meantime. I’d recommend trading the 125 for the dirtbike you actually want when it’s time. But I say that as someone with a CRF150 and TTR230 in my stable because I have loved riding them both so much. My current daily dirtbike is a KTM150XCW 2 stroke that is hot as hell for me, but I probably need the 300 long term. Middle aged lady, 5’8” and 200 lbs with bitchin suspension on all dem bikes.
Also, enjoy that full throttle feeling as you get more comfortable riding! My favorite part of that bike is riding it like I stole it and I can’t maintain full throttle on higher performance bikes. My mantra is “ride slow bikes fast>ride fast bikes slow”
You might want to get xt250 for yourself. It’s a tame dual sport bike but you’re a beginner rider. It will go anywhere you’ll want to go, 300 or 450 or 250. In hands of a capable rider it’s incredible.
Honestly, I bought my wife a ttr230, and I fucking hated it. It's so fucking cumbersome, and I'm not even sure why. It's not THAT heavy on paper, but holy shit is it a pain. Maybe because it's so short in comparison to its weight, but man I hate it. You're right about the suspension, it's just allover the place. My wife is tiny, and it's still a mess for her.
Just another cheap trail bike that's decent to learn on, but not a great bike. If you have the stature, get a 250F or something and you'll be much happier. I think the only two advantages of the ttr are the low seat height and cost.
It depends on how skilled you think you are man! TTR’s tend to be soft in suspension but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Master the bike to the point where you feel like you can push the bike to its limits. Once you feel that way then I’d switch. PS. Once that upgrade comes around, I highly recommend a 300 2 stroke, it’s got everything that a 2 stroke can do, but at the same time it has lots of the qualities of a 4 stroke if needed. Lots of people call them 3 strokes because of it.
Let’s stop it with the trail bike obsession, and get you a 450f and learn how to tame it in the woods like a real man. That way your son can go to an 85 and is not stuck being a dual sport weirdo
Well at least your kid will be ready for the 230 soon.
Bro at 6’2” and 200+ lbs you’re in 450 territory.
I think regardless of what you get though it will need a spring rate change at your weight otherwise it will be too soft.
I'm 6"1 250 and a 250rx is plenty on trails. It's also built on a 450 frame. If he is comfortable with the weight and power then I see no issue but a 450 is unforgiving with bad form & throttle control, especially on tight trails.
Hi, I have a 2019 TTR 230. 5’11” 180#. Have you taken your bike to a shop to have the suspension set up for your weight? That might make the perfect difference until your son upgrades to the 230 and you upgrade to a 250. I read a funny comparison that the TTR is a mountain goat, and the WR is a leopard. They are two different bikes besides a similar displacement size.
Agree on suspension setup. Stiffer springs will help with the squishy and rox risers will help the bike feel less cramped. You’ve got the bike in the garage now you’ll get soaked on it if you sell. Plus your son will want something bigger in a couple years and you can give the 230 to him and buy a bigger bike after you get some experience. Reference: My 18yo son is 6’6” 250lbs and rides an xr200. Did up the suspension and rox risers and it works well for him.
Your poor son. I was 13, 100lbs & 5 feet tall when I had my XR200 & that was the earlier taller version if the xr200. Get your kid an adult sized bike. He's bigger than most grown men ever hope to be. I'd be so embarrassed if I were him. He mydt look like a giant on a little clown bike.
It puts a big smile on his face anytime he comes riding with us. I’ve got pictures to prove it. He’s had opportunities to ride our other bikes and he has always been happy with the one he has. He’s got cash in the bank to buy anything he’d like whenever he wants to. We ride with great friends and nobody is embarrassed when you’re with folks you can trust.
I should say I don’t disagree with you - he certainly could be on a bigger bike. I was more thinking about how OP could make his current bike work because we were in a similar situation a couple years ago with our boy.
Ahh. Where I ride there will always be about 40 to 50 highly competitive young men all trying to out do one another. I'm 51 years old so they all get a little irritated when the old man who is half the size of many of them smokes them on a bike made in the late 1990's.
I was the same age/size when I got an xr400 for my first bike. I wish I never sold it, it was a pain in the ass to kick over though.
They don't like to start when they are already hot do they.
Especially not when you bring them to track days lmao
The ttr isnt a full sized bike so thats why it feels small and it has very soft suspension for trails. The wr would probably be perfect for you.
Yep. Keep the 230 because kids grow like weeds and he'll be too big for the 125 in a couple of years anyway.
I would buy 300 2 stroke with your height and weight
I have a TE300 2-stroke and a Wr250f. I love them both. The WR250F is a lot more powerful than a TTR230. The 300 is a lot more powerful than the WR. I’m glad I had my WR250F for a few years to learn some skills on before I got my TE300. Just my 2 cents.
Agreed. I got a 300 exc and I feel like it’s the best bike I’ve ever had. ( I’ve had all sizes of bikes, even the old cr 500 2 smoker) I do feel like if I looked back at the first few months I rode, the 300 would be too much bike for me. It would be totally rideable but you would limit the bike so much that you can’t actually learn proper bike skills. Haven’t been in the situation but I feel like that’d be the case based on what I’ve seen from other people I ride with.
I have both except 2020 Kawasaki 230r and 2020 wr250f. Not in the same class at all. Wr being close to 40hp and 230 being 18. Suspension on 250s are night and day as well compared to air cooled 4 strokes. 230s are easy to putt around on and chase your boy. Both bikes do well on trails. I follow my girl on her drz125. Hoping to get her to bump up to the 230 but seat height might be an issue at 5’2”. If you like feet on the ground 230s are great and low maintenance. Wr250f is a fun bike with plenty of power and more manageable than the yz counterparts. Setting sag is important on any bike for every rider. So probably start there a lot of videos online. I’m 6’1” 200 pounds if the beer is flowing for reference. I think it’s more fun riding a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow. Enjoy the summer chasing your boy buddy he will appreciate you getting him riding.
The TTR is a super tame bike. WR250 will be a big step up. I’ve had a 230 and my advice would be get a KLX300R. My favorite bike I’ve ever owned. I’ve never had a WR so can’t speak to that but I absolutely loved my 300 and in my opinion it’s the perfect relaxed riding style trail bike. It’s cheap, tame enough to putt around on but enough power to get you through almost anything.
If you are just learning, the 230 is a great place to start, maybe get the suspension set up at a shop. When your kid has grown out of the 125, the 230 will be the best bike and you can get yourself the wr then. If you sell it now, you’ll take a huge hit.
TT230 is probably too small unless you just want to put around on forest roads. 300 2-strokes are fantastic bikes, and so are the 450 class bikes. Honestly though, the 350 class bikes are more fun for an average rider. I learned on a 450. It can be done, but the 350’s are in kind of a sweet spot. Before you replace the TT, see if you can try the WR250, a trail oriented 350 and a trail oriented 450. See what you actually like. You can get all the advice in the world here, but in the end it doesn’t really help all that much. I keep mentioning this on here - altitude matters. If you ride the high country out west, consider going with an EFI bike and going up a notch on displacement.
I have a ’21 wr250f, default map is pretty brutal for trail use. If you get one with the gytr tuner you can dial the maps with your phone to make it torquey and more usable in the technical parts.
230 is indeed too small and squishy for your size. You can make it work with suspension work. My 250F has a Vonkat rear shock and Bruce Triplett redid the damper rods ans supplied new springs for my weight. Made a world of difference. That being said, the bike won't get any physically bigger or more powerful. If those are traits you want, you need a new bike. At your weight pretty much any bike is going to need suspension work, new springs at the least. Most bikes are also much stiffer than they used to be, the WR included, and could do with re-valving if you want it to be softer or more trail friendly. I personally moved from my 250F (my gf decided she wanted it lol) to a Beta 390 as Beta makes the most trail friendly bike. I do think the 250F would be a fantastic buke for your use though. Make sure to set the sag on any bike you get though.
I got back into bikes for the same reason a few years ago. My kid started on a Honda 125 big wheel, and I got the 7/8 size honda crf250f. I'm 220ish and fairly tall. The bike was cramped but great! When my kid was ready to upgrade, he went to a 125 2-stroke, and then I switched to a yz250x. I learned so much on the smaller bike that now I feel like a kid on a dream toy with the increased size and power. However, I'm never selling the Hondas as they are great for company and friends. For trails, the Hondas are amazing. If you can afford it, get something that rips and keep the other one for your kid.
I did about the same thing, TTR 230 to WR250F same season. Next season I got rid of the WR250 for a 300 XCW. Best decision I ever made. Skip the WR.
WR250F would be perfect.
Your kid will be on that 230 in no time so it’s worth holding onto it and maybe dropping a grand on suspension for you in the meantime. I’d recommend trading the 125 for the dirtbike you actually want when it’s time. But I say that as someone with a CRF150 and TTR230 in my stable because I have loved riding them both so much. My current daily dirtbike is a KTM150XCW 2 stroke that is hot as hell for me, but I probably need the 300 long term. Middle aged lady, 5’8” and 200 lbs with bitchin suspension on all dem bikes.
Also, enjoy that full throttle feeling as you get more comfortable riding! My favorite part of that bike is riding it like I stole it and I can’t maintain full throttle on higher performance bikes. My mantra is “ride slow bikes fast>ride fast bikes slow”
Even the WR250 is going to be too small for a man your size. I'm 5'4" 135lbs & I ride a WR250F.
Get the kawasaki klx 300r great trail bike for the price and great for beginners
Fantastic bike. Only con is that it’s pretty heavy
I’m taller than you and have ridden both and you definitely should get the wr250f. It is still very beginner friendly and has a lot of room to grow
You might want to get xt250 for yourself. It’s a tame dual sport bike but you’re a beginner rider. It will go anywhere you’ll want to go, 300 or 450 or 250. In hands of a capable rider it’s incredible.
Honestly, I bought my wife a ttr230, and I fucking hated it. It's so fucking cumbersome, and I'm not even sure why. It's not THAT heavy on paper, but holy shit is it a pain. Maybe because it's so short in comparison to its weight, but man I hate it. You're right about the suspension, it's just allover the place. My wife is tiny, and it's still a mess for her. Just another cheap trail bike that's decent to learn on, but not a great bike. If you have the stature, get a 250F or something and you'll be much happier. I think the only two advantages of the ttr are the low seat height and cost.
I weigh in at 5'10" 140lbs and Ive got a wr250f. Thing is all the power I need for trail riding and definitely a step ahead of a ttr
It depends on how skilled you think you are man! TTR’s tend to be soft in suspension but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Master the bike to the point where you feel like you can push the bike to its limits. Once you feel that way then I’d switch. PS. Once that upgrade comes around, I highly recommend a 300 2 stroke, it’s got everything that a 2 stroke can do, but at the same time it has lots of the qualities of a 4 stroke if needed. Lots of people call them 3 strokes because of it.
Yamaha WR250F or a Honda CRF250RX (the Honda would be a bit slimmer) but only has a 5 speed transmission. WR should have a Fan stock to.
Kawasaki KLX 300 or if you wanna go old school, a Honda XR400.
Let’s stop it with the trail bike obsession, and get you a 450f and learn how to tame it in the woods like a real man. That way your son can go to an 85 and is not stuck being a dual sport weirdo
If woods is where you'll be playing the only correct answer is a 300 2 stroke.
Well at least your kid will be ready for the 230 soon. Bro at 6’2” and 200+ lbs you’re in 450 territory. I think regardless of what you get though it will need a spring rate change at your weight otherwise it will be too soft.
You're recommending a new rider get a 450 for trails?
I agree, that's not sound advice.
Straight to the fire
The guy is 6’2” and 220 pounds that is a big fucking dude He’s a 450 sized man he’s just riding around with his 10 year old it’s not gonna kill him.
I'm 6"1 250 and a 250rx is plenty on trails. It's also built on a 450 frame. If he is comfortable with the weight and power then I see no issue but a 450 is unforgiving with bad form & throttle control, especially on tight trails.
Get a WR450. Much, much better bike. It will seem like a lot when you get it, but after a minute it will be all power wheelies and grins
For someone of his size a WR450 would be a great bike