Owning a Dirt Bike: What to Consider

• Researching your dirt bike before buying it will increase the chance of a good purchase.
• Consider dirt bike size, weight, and level ratios. 
• There are many types of dirt bikes, like dual sport, flat track, Hillclimb, supermoto, motocross, and enduro. 
• The average cost for a new dirt bike is between $8,000 and $9,000.
• Popular dirt bike producers include Yamaha, Honda, Sherco, Gas Gas, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and SEF. 
• The models of dirt bikes include 125cc dirt bikes (beginner), 250cc dirt bikes (intermediate), 450cc (advanced), and 50cc dirt bikes (for kids).

For those who intend to have a weekend out or enjoy their holiday, purchasing and trying out a dirt bike can be an exhilarating experience. A leading motorsport center in Salt Lake City, Utah, advises that the best option varies from person to person. They posit that children and adults can own and enjoy dirt bikes, pre-owned or new. But this will depend on the following issues.

Importance of Researching Before Buying a Dirt Bike

Researching your future dirt bike is beneficial for you and your wallet. Numerous dirt bike parts can influence your experience, including sizes, tires, and weight. Unlike the safer 4-wheel bikes, dirt bikes are meant for stunts like jumping, carving, tossing, and landing on dirt-filled roads. There are many dirt bike brands and types available for sale, either used or brand new:

Types of Dirt Bikes Available

Here are the kinds of dirt bikes:

• Enduro bike – Made for hard jumps at high speeds.  
• Motocross bike – Lightest of all the dirt bikes, meant for off-road racing. 
• Trail bike – Made to conquer all mountain trails and roads. 
• Dual sport bike – bikes designed for both off-road and on-road riding. 
• Trials dirt bike – Made to compete in a set trial and special competitions. 
• Supermoto bike – The kind of bike that has sleek dirt bike tires and upgraded brakes and suspension.
• Hillclimb bike – Used for the sport of hill climbing. 
• Flat track bike – Done on a flat track, the bikes don’t have front brakes. 
• Electric dirt bike – The first electric-powered bike model, such as the Zero FX and Stark Varg. 

You can buy dirt bike from an expert manufacturer at an average cost of $8,000 to $9,000. However, if you are buying a used dirt bike, you should know that every year of its age knocks off $1,000. For instance, a dirt bike worth $8,000 in 2020 would be worth $5,000 now.

Different Dirt Bike Brands And Models 

There are many dirt bike brands; the most popular producers include Yamaha, Honda, Sherco, Gas Gas, Kawasaki, Suzuki, SEF, and more. If you buy these from a salon, the price could reach $10,000. However, if considering you’re buying used dirt bikes, pay attention to the following: 

• 125cc dirt bike (beginner) – The 125cc dirt bike is recommended for beginners because it’s lightweight and easy to navigate. The 125cc is the best choice for off-road trails. The best example of a 125cc is the Honda CRF125, which costs around $3,199.
• 250cc dirt bike (intermediate) – The 250cc dirt bike is meant for skilled and experienced riders. The Kawasaki KX250 is a motocross beast that is light as a feather. Weighing 221 lb, the Kawasaki is a dream ride for challenging tracks costing $7,190.
• 450cc (advanced) – The 450cc dirt bikes are dedicated to veteran riders seeking serious power. These high-class, hunky bikes are built for speed and can reach up to 90 mph. The Yamaha YZ450 is a 450cc model powered by a 4-stroke engine designed to tear up tracks. You can find vintage dirt bikes for sale like this at $9.299.
• 50cc dirt bike (for kids) – The 50cc dirt bike resembles a mini dirt bike and is adaptable to children. They cost between $1,000 and $3,000; a perfect example is the Honda CRF50F, available for $1,699. The most expensive example on our list is the scout bike, specifically the Indian Scout FTR750, which costs a whopping $350,000.

Buying A Bike: What to Look Out for

The most important thing for you to consider is that you sit comfortably on your bike. That is so that you don’t strain your lower back. Still, you want to consider how secure you are if the bike skids and you fall. That means that you are not going after the size of the bike first but one that is a perfect fit for you.

Dirt Bike Features and Specs

A dirt bike has many features and specs, like being lightweight and more rugged than a street motorcycle. The dirtbike is designed to handle rough terrain and perform tricks, so that’s why it’s equipped with special tires, stiff suspension, and reliable stability. For example, the specs of a Suzuki Dirt Bike would look like this: 

• A 2-wheeler type 
• Engine cc: 49cc 
• Number of Gears: 3 speeds 
• Kerb Weight: 119lb
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 3 liters.

User Reviews and Ratings

Evaluating user reviews and ratings is important whether you’re buying a used dirtbike or a new one. For instance, reviews on the 2020 Yamaha YZ 250F and 2022 Gas Gas EX 250 give 4.8 out of 5 stars for reliability, 4.8 stars for performance and overall quality, and 4.7 stars for comfort. 

Dirt Bike Size and Weight

The heaviest dirt bike can carry up to 320 lbs. The best-suited model for someone that weighs more than 250 lbs is a 250 to 450cc dirt bike. Riders that weigh between 150 and 250 lbs can ride a 250cc one. 

Since dirt bikes are meant for performing stunts, it’s best to stick to lighter models if you are on the slimmer side or inexperienced. Otherwise, you may choose a heavier model. Remember that the weight of your dirt bike ultimately determines your balance when riding it. Maintaining the correct posture and getting a bike for your size ensures a safe ride.

Engine Size and Power

New to buying a dirt bike? The 125cc engine size is the most popular choice for riders across all levels.

Concerning dirt bike engines, know that there are a few different types, including two-stroke and four-stroke engines and electric options. Four-stroke bikes carry a lot of power but have small engines. If you have a dirt bike with large engine size and power, it will cost more to sustain fuel consumption. 

Maintenance and Upkeep

To prevent expensive repairs on your dirt bike, you need to provide regular maintenance, like checking the engine and oil.

A dirt bike maintenance checklist should include cleaning the air filter, lubing the chains, and changing the oil. The most common dirt bike problems are damaged and rusty chains, leaky seals, worn-out brakes, wobbly seats, etc. Dirt bike maintenance should cost a minimum of $50 yearly, but the price could increase depending on the issue and model.

Safety and Protective Gear

Usually, dirt bike riders are bound by law to carry safety gear like helmets, goggles, or sunglasses and protective clothing like motor jackets equipped with gloves.  

Dirt bike protective gear includes chest protectors, neck braces, knee pads, bandages, and more first-aid equipment in the case of a crash. Although the safety gear can be uncomfortable to wear and can influence your comfort while riding your dirt bike, this will never outweigh the safety benefits if an accident occurs.

Riding Environment and Terrain

Different terrains can impact your bike’s performance and smoothness. It can even lead to accidents if you ride an inappropriate bike on the wrong road, like a flat track or a hill bike. Avoid riding your dirt bike in the rain or snow, as it can burn out your engine. Trail riding and track riding are some of the most popular in dirt bike sports, and they have different rules and obstacles. Trail riding happens through mountain trails, while track riding is on a flat track.

How Tall Are You?

Your height is also a critical factor to consider when purchasing dirt bikes. You can tell this by sitting on your bike and seeing whether you can comfortably step down; this bike is a little smaller if you can. On the other hand, if you cannot touch the ground with your toes, that bike is too tall for you. You also can test that by trying to stand on your bike to see whether you can stand comfortably. All these checks are a precaution if you hit a bump on the road or skid and want to stabilize the bike.

How Heavy Are You?

For beginner riders over 100 pounds, they should start their learning with a sizeable bike. But often, people learn faster when using smaller bikes; however, working with a sizeable bike, in the long run, allows its suspension to handle your weight well enough. A 250cc bike is a good fit for those at most 150 pounds, while those who are heavier can consider one that is 250cc to 450cc. High-powered bikes of 250cc and above are best suited for the experienced rider. The bike’s suspension is always tailored to a particular weight and for comfort on the trail. Choose one that is within your range.

How Experienced Are You?

Age is a significant factor in choosing the engine power of dirt bikes. For a rider who is ten years and below and not more than five feet tall, handling a bike with more than 110cc will be a challenge. These youngsters can ride one without a clutch system, but for first-time adult riders, it is best if you ride a bike that is less than 250cc until you have had enough experience. For a teenager who is 15 years and older, riding a clutch system bike should be the focus.

As a novice, you will want to avoid purchasing a high-powered bike until you are comfortable and experienced. Avoiding accidents is possible when you are tall enough for the bikes you are using. But also considering the safety standards the bike will offer, whether pre-owned or new, recommends a Salt Lake City-based motorsport center.

Dirt Bike Laws and Regulations

Understanding dirt bike laws and regulations is crucial for your dirt-biking experience.

You don’t need an operator’s license or liability insurance to ride your dirt bike off-road, and this is persistent in nearly all states. But, what all states impose are age restrictions for the riders or supervision requirements for minors while riding. Some states look for a rider training certificate, which usually implies minors.

Many states require the riders to have spark arrestors, while others enforce sound restrictions. Many OFF-highway vehicle riding areas need an annual pass or sticker for daily trail entry. 

Riding your dirt bike off-road does not require licensing, but you need insurance. In California, you’ll need insurance to register your dirt bike to the state so you can operate it on the road.

Dirt bikes are not street-legal in most of the US, and if someone rides a dirt bike on the sidewalk, the state will issue a citation, leading to the bike being towed or impounded. 

20 Tips To Consider Before Buying A Dirt Bike

Before considering things to look for when buying a bike, you should pay attention to a few factors before making the actual decision:

1. Caring for your dirt bike requires energy and finances, so evaluate your current situation. 
2. Start small –  as a beginner; you must learn to ride smaller dirt bikes with less power. 
3. List what your ideal dirt bike would look like.
4. Think about the features you need for a smooth ride. 
5. Dirt bikes need regular maintenance, like common oil changes. 
6. Research your potential bike.
7. If you are buying a dirt bike that’s used, you should check its hours 
8. Don’t mismatch when it comes to weight requirements.
9. Examine the suspension. 
10. See if all the dirt bike gear is tightly secured and not damaged. 
11. Check whether the tires need changing.
12. Evaluate your environment so you can buy dirt bikes that are a fit. 
13. Don’t rush with your final decision – don’t choose the first dirt bike for sale you see. 
14. Dirt bike buying can be done with friends – the company can advise your decision. 
15. Put comfort above power if you want longevity. 
16. Take a look at the state of the air filter. 
17. Secure a spot where you are going to keep your dirt bike. 
18. Give the potential vehicle a ride before paying for it. 
19. Look for bends and cracks 
20. Watch out for any weird noises coming from the engine.

Conclusion 

Dirt bikes are the best thing to own if you have an itch for wild rides and are not afraid to get things messy. But, with all that power comes great responsibility, and with motorbikes, you must do many things to keep things running. 

Don’t go big if you are a beginner, and consider your weight when choosing your ideal dirt bike model. Consider reviews if buying a used dirtbike, and always have your protective gear close!