RSS icon Bullet (black)
  • 5 Money-Saving Tips for Buying Dirt Bike Motorcycles

    Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Banner


    Buying dirt bike motorcycles is not as easy as it might seem. With the enormous amount of choices available from the various dirt bike manufacturers it is not always easy making a final decision. There are several important factors that must be considered if you want to end up with a bike that is well-suited for your level of skill and experience. Without understanding these factors you could end up racing on a dirt bike track at a big disadvantage.

    It is important not to make a quick decision if you are in the market to purchase a new bike to ride on dirt bike tracks. Taking your time to find one that best suits your skill level, and at a reasonable price, will ensure that you get a dirt bike you can enjoy for a long time. There are 4 questions that should be asked when shopping for dirt bike motorcycles.

    1 – What is your level of experience?

    If you are a looking to buy your first off road bike and have little to no previous riding experience, you will normally want to start with one that is low in power. Power is measured in cubic centimeters, called CCs, so a 250cc engine will have less power than a 500cc engine. Rookies should normally start the learning process using an engine with less power.

    green motorcycle

    Beginning riders can often get themselves into trouble quickly if they have too much power at their disposal. One of the biggest mistakes rookies make is buying something that is too powerful for their experience level. Typically, the more power it has the heavier it is, and heavier bikes are harder to handle and control. It is a smart idea for beginners to buy motorcycles that are lighter and have less power. This gives them an opportunity to gain confidence and experience while riding a motorcycle they can more easily handle. Once they feel comfortable on a smaller dirt bike they can always move up in class.

    2 – What size of bike should you buy?

    The amount of power you can handle, and therefore the size of bike you should buy, depends on several factors including your body size, age, and experience level. Experienced riders can usually handle any amount of power that is available to them, but if you don’t have much riding experience, no matter what your size or age, it is usually smart to start with less power. To become a good rider you need to develop confidence in your riding skills, and there is no better way to gain confidence than riding successfully. Starting with less power gives you the opportunity to improve your skills and gain confidence at the same time.

    Many dirt bikers these days start riding at a very young age. And in addition to being only a few years old they are usually very small in size. Younger and smaller riders need to begin on very small bikes with very little power because safety should always come first. Do not increase the size and power of the motorcycle until they have sufficient skill riding one with less power.

    A good rule of thumb is that a seated rider should be able to put their feet flat on the ground without standing up. They should also be able to handle the weight of the bike easily. Talking with some dealers can help you make a better decision because they will usually have the knowledge necessary to give you some good advice.

    3 – Will you use your motorcycle for racing or recreational purposes?

    The type you get depends on what it will be used for. Are you planning on racing motocross or just riding for fun? If you plan on racing you should attend some local races and see what the professionals are using. Talk to other riders and ask them why they prefer a specific bike or manufacturer over another. If you plan on riding as a leisurely hobby you need to decide where you are going to ride. Will you be riding on trails or tracks?

    4 – What model are you most interested in?

    After determining the size and type of motorcycle that most interests you, it’s time to find a specific manufacturer or model. Once again, talking with experienced riders or dealers is the best way to choose a manufacturer. Find one that has a good track record for reliability and durability. Once you have decided on the manufacturer it is just a matter of choosing the model that best fits your needs as far as size and power is concerned. Visit some local dealers and sit on several bikes that look good to you. This will help you come to a conclusion as to the size you feel most comfortable with.

    5 – What price do you want to pay?

    Dirt bikes is a competitive market so shopping around for the best price can often save you a lot of money. Once you have determined which type best fits your needs visit several dealerships in your area to determine which one has the lowest prices. Once you have a pretty good idea of what you’ll have to pay for the bike you want, it is a good idea to visit several online dealers too. If you find a lower price online you have two options. You can either buy it online or take a visit to a local dealer and see if they will beat the price.

    By answering these 5 important questions you will be able to make a wise selection. And once you have purchased a motorcycle that best fits your skill level, age, and size it’s time to go have some fun. But remember, safety comes first.