>>570549Considering dualsporting/plating it? Have to look into what it takes to plate a bike in your region; here it's real easy to convert a "for offroad use only" bike, other places don't let you do that nearly as easily (like california). If that's on your radar at all, I'd take that into consideration.
2t's need to be revved out a little more before the power's useable, where you can lug a thumper more on the bottom end.
Then there's lubrication... 4-stroke's an add-fuel-and-go, even from a gas pump in some small town. 2-stroke you'll need to pack premixed fuel, plan your ride so you don't run out of fuel, or pack oil and meter it based on how much fuel you put in.
For dualsport/street use, the 4-stroke's a much more pleasant option.
Also, "No replacement for displacement". I really don't buy into the "beginner bike" thing. 250 for more trails or offroad-only use, 450+ if you're thinking about dualsporting it.
Wider ratio transmission's nicer for woods/trails riding, where the closer ratio lets you get the revs you want on a MX track. Some bikes (Kawi KLX's, KTM MXC) have a kind of weird mid-ratio trans. (I'm not a big fan of them.)
Once you've figured out a budget, buy the gear first. Boots, helmet, gloves, knee protection, elbows, body armor... then spend what's left on the bike.
As far as brand goes... are you doing the work on it yourself, or are you going to be taking it to a dealer for service? Most "dirt bikes" have anywhere from 5-hour oil changes for the MX race bikes, up to 20-30h for the enduros (My 525's called out as 15 hour oil intervals, analysis shows it'll go about 30 before it needs it).
30-hour oil changes is every other weekend when I'm riding it a lot in the summer. Dealer's probably going to whack you about $100 for an oil change.
Tires are $50-100/ea, life depends on the tire. I shred 3-4 sets a year.
If you're having a dealer do the work, buy a brand with decent dealer support nearby.
>pic related, my moto 