What kind of dirtbike should I get?

If you are thinking of riding track or racing mx then look to bikes like the crf250r, kx250f, yz250f etc. All four strokes and easy enough to ride and mx race bikes. If you only want a bike for trail riding then look at something like the crf250x or similar again a 4 stroke with many of the nicer things that the mx bikes have although designed more for off road and enduro type riding. The bike would have all the power you could need though. I have no idea what the person stating the option of a cbf250 is thinking as you would look a little out of place on one off road or on a mx track as they are designed for road. The f also does not mean necessarily off road as honda don't make a bike with the F ending in the 250's it is either the R or the X. Same with the 450's

Are you trail riding or closed course racing? If you are trail riding I would suggest A Kawasaki KDX-200, A KTM 200xcw or even a KTM 150sx. I would recommend a two stroke over the four stroke 250 due to lower weight, a lot less required maintenance and lower priced overhaul/rebuilds. A 250 four stroke race engine requires a complete teardown ever 20 hours. This isn't something the beginning rider will know how to do so it's off to the shop for a big $$$ bill. If the 125 you were riding was a four stroke then a move up to a 125 two stroke will be incredible. The performance difference from a 125 four stroke to a 125 two stroke will blow you away. Just some food for thought.

With what you have said I would go straight up to a 250 but I won't tell you which of the 4 Japanese makers to buy as that would only be my personal preference and may not be yours. If I said bike 5 is a bit better than the rest but you puked at the sight of it for some reason but went ahead with my suggestion anyhow that wouldn't be right for you.

Now your not saying 'racing' but using 'riding'. There is a big difference in what bikes are the best for one or the other so best you decide which path you want. Only for example Honda make a cbf250r and a cbf250f, both 250's but worlds apart in so many ways I won't go into details. The last "f" is a dirt bike where the "r" designates racing.

Ignore the negative votes, some people don't like the truth or understand what this forum is about -- helping people with sound advice.

If your going to buy a bike and want to get the biggest bang for your buck read this. Okay so i bought a CRF230f three years ago for $2100 when i was 15 and i quickly outgrew it. Last year i sold it for $2000 and bought a Like Brand New 01 CR250r for $1500 and I put around $500 into it. The reason i bought a CR250 is because its alot cheaper up front and in the long run costs less to have maintenance on it, and also it has more power than a CRF250 (except for long distance speed). I absolutely love my bike and probably will never go back to a 4 stroke, if anything ill put a 500 motor in my frame

Dude, if you are going with a 250 you should check this one out. I almost bought it... http://atvquadswap.com/atv/11886/KX-250-Dirt-bike-...

go for a 2012 kawasaki kx 250f it is the best my friends dad has one it is FAST.

i would go with a yz 250 you wont ever out grow it and probably wont ever out power it