There's no doubt that Yamaha is a great brand and has various bikes to choose from, but how do you know if the one you pick will be right for you? The last thing you want to do is get it and find out that it's not what you thought. Stop by Thompson's Motorsports, located in Terre Haute, Indiana, to browse our inventory of Yamaha® models. We also serve Bloomington and West Indianapolis, Indiana, and Effingham, Illinois!

Finding the Right Bike

Finding the right bike for your needs starts with identifying what type of riding you want to do. For example, a bike meant for trail riding will not be suitable for racing. Riding a dirt bike takes skill, stamina, and strength to control the bike. In addition, off-road conditions are not smooth like paved streets, so consider the bike's suspension. 

If you're a beginner, you'll want something that will be easy to learn; your experience level matters, as well as your height and weight. Look for a bike that both of your feet touch the ground when mounted. Look at a few different models; the bikes' performance will differ, depending on the size and the engines. 

Beginner riders should avoid bigger and heavier bikes. This is because they may not be able to handle them. If you choose a bike that you're not ready for, the results could be dangerous. So, beginners should look for a bike that does not exceed 300cc. Remember, even if the bike doesn't have a lot of power, it can still be a lot of fun to ride. Let's take a look at some Yamaha models. 

Yamaha® YZ125

With a 125cc, liquid-cooled, two-stroke engine, it’s perfect for beginner motocross riders. This bike is lightweight and has a great power-to-weight ratio. It's got gripper seats, an aluminum handlebar, and titanium footpegs. If you're looking to buy your first dirt bike, then this one is a fantastic option. 

Yamaha® TT-R230

This model is larger, but still easy to handle. It's got a 223cc, air-cooled, SOHC four-stroke engine. It's also meant for beginner and intermediate trail riders. Long-travel suspension, an 11.6-inch ground clearance, and a diamond-style robust frame lend the rider better handling, strength, and mobility. 

Ultimately, it comes down to what you need from the bike. If you want to enter into the sport of motocross, then you'll want a bike that's built for racing. In contrast, other models are better for other activities. Contact us at Thompson's Motorsports in Terre Haute, Indiana, to find the Yamaha bike for you. We serve Bloomington and West Indianapolis, Indiana, and Effingham, Illinois, too!