I'm giving dirt a try
I decided that I need to give dirt a try. I bought a 1980 Honda XR200.
The previous owner described it as a "not pretty" but a "great beginner" dirt bike that runs well. Since it's old style, the seat height is lower than modern dirt bikes of similar displacement. So the height turns out to be something I can handle.
The kickstart, however, is another matter. Both Scott, the previous owner and Travis, my pseudo-nephew, had no problems kick starting the bike. I couldn't seem to get the hang of it though. It didn't help that the starter was on the right side of the bike since I still have problems with my right foot that I broke last year. I did like the fact that I could lift and maneuver the bike fairly easily though.
I'm looking forward to playing in the dirt. Travis rode the bike up and down the street, over curbs and bumps. I'm going to wait until I'm off-road to give the bike a try. If it's not raining tomorrow, Travis and I may go out and try to find some dirt.
A sobering note: Travis and I went to pick up the bike in Garden Grove. On the way back on the 22 freeway we saw a terrible accident involving two SUVs and a motorcycle. The bike was a twisted crumpled mess. It looked like a newer standard/cruiser type bike. The rider was further up ahead on his back. He wasn't moving but it looked like paramedics were trying to pull open some of his clothing. He still had a half helmet on his head. I hope he makes it and will be alright.
