Are you looking forward to purchasing a dirt bike? It is good to have something that will add fun to your current lifestyle and improve your skill level. You don’t just grab a dirt bike from a motorcycle shop and start riding. There are nine fundamental aspects you must consider to make an informed purchasing decision.
Your Skill Level
Your experience matters a lot when buying any dirt bike. The size of the trail bike should be based on your skill level. When you are new to the sport, your abilities are limited, so you must choose accordingly. Don’t forget to check out these graphic kits that will match your new ride. There is no need to go for a whopping 450cc motorcycle, thinking that you will become a pro soon enough. Such a powerful machine has a high chance of causing an accident when in the hands of a beginner, and it might end up ruining a cool hobby. As an amateur, stick with motorbikes in the range of 200cc to 250cc. A lot of people are selling secondhand models in this range. Alternatively, you can acquire a new one at a bargain price, but avoid off-road machines. Hyper-handling motocrossers look fancy, but some of the best rides happen on quiet and simple models. On the other hand, a 450cc dirt bike sounds suitable for someone who has been riding for years. As opposed to a dirt bike, a regular motorbike is also perfect for a highly skilled rider. Lighter variants are easier to use and excellent choices for anyone who has just started. An automatic clutch makes handling easier for novices with no experience on road bikes.
Body Weight
The overall weight of the rider has a direct effect on the suspension system. A newbie weighing below 100 pounds needs a different suspension than someone who is 250 pounds. When starting, avoid tiny bikes. Aim for models under 250cc if your body mass does not exceed 150 pounds. If your weight is below 100 pounds, you may consider a 125cc or 150cc. Such minibikes are less expensive as well as being easier to handle and maintain. Yet they deliver excellent torque, especially the latest in the market. A 250cc dirt bike has a frame almost the same size as 150cc but provides more power. This is perfect for intermediate riders. Remember, the experience level still applies, whether you are tall or heavy. Heavier riders need dirt bikes ranging from 250cc to 450cc because the suspension can accommodate their weight.
Your Height and Strength
Your height and stamina are critical considerations when purchasing a bike for motocross. If you are not very strong, an arm-stretch power by a 2-stroke 250cc could be too much. However, taller and stronger riders can handle that type of bike. The bottom line is to get the right suspension and power to accommodate the body. Again, the seat should be adjustable for ultimate comfort. Confirm this before leaving the shop. Suppose you are purchasing the bike for a fast-growing teenager. Luckily, most youth-sized motocross cycles are designed with durability in mind but must be maintained well. It is vital to give a kid a model that matches their height to safely and effectively grow into the sport. The best wat to confirm that the bike suits your height is to sit forward and see whether the feet are touching the ground. A perfect size allows about one-third of the feet to touch down. A flat foot on the ground means that it is too small, and you could be asserting too much weight on the suspension system. On the other side, tiptoeing to keep balance when on the bike means the bike is too big.
The Type of Ride
What kind of riding do you plan to be doing most? Forget about motocross bikes if you will be spending most of the time on single trails. Your type of ride dictates whether you need dual sports, a track, or a trail bike. Check the gear ratio while shopping since it is created for a particular purpose. Taking a motocross race bike on one trail can be frustrating as the performance dwindles after every stall. Traditionally, track motorbikes feature the lowest gear since riders hardly use the two top gears on track. In this case, high speed is not an important consideration. A low gear provides better acceleration, making it easier to build speed and power out of corners. As for the dual sports bike, trail riders have to gear a little bit to keep the throttle in control and reqiuire less clutch riding over the rocks. It also has the added advantage of maintaining high speed when cruising down the road. Experienced riders find it easier to modify the final drive gear depending on the terrain conditions. Dirt bikes differ significantly in terms of features. For instance, trail bikes have an instrument panel with a speedometer, temp light, and oil light. In comparison, dual sports bikes come with full instrumentation, including a fuel gauge, odometer, warning lights, speedometer, and amp trip meter. It is this broader range of features that makes this design more popular.
Two-Stroke vs. Four-Stroke Bike
The 2-stroke bike is now a big deal in the motorcycle trends, though it was being replaced with the 4-stroke design sometimes back. Even though some riders claim that the 2-stroke is louder and smellier, the bike is just fine. It is cheaper than a 4-stroke dirt bike and has fewer maintenance requirements. An air-cooled 2-stroke model can be so addictive and provide a lot of fun thanks to its light and agile body. You will quickly hit the sweet spot, feeling the immense power propelling you forward. However, a 4-stroke dirt bike is more predictable in terms of power with quite a torque. You want to get a 4-stroke motorcycle if you are a novice rider or doing it for leisure instead of serious motocross. Expect the engine to last longer, but be ready for more maintenance practices compared to the 2-stroke type. Part of the routine check-up involves changing the oil and adjusting the valves.
Manual vs. Electric Starters or Both
It is okay to desire a bike with an electric starter, and it is still sufficient to go manual. The pros and cons of both systems are realized when something critical happens to the manual starter. The electric mechanism has no use in the coldest days, but it comes in handy during emergencies. Consider having both if young kids will be riding your bike.
Customer Support from the Dealer
If you have never owned a motorbike before, it is crucial to get enough support from the dealer. The closer they are to you, the better. It may take a while to get used to the bike, and so you must ask all the questions lingering in your mind. You will also need technical assistance and spare parts at one point, and the service of the original dealer means a lot. If you choose to buy online, expect to pay more for the shipping of spare parts. Moreover, quality is never guaranteed with internet shopping. If possible, shop in-person and make sure that the people servicing your bike are qualified and experienced. They must be willing to offer support anytime you need assistance.
Frequency of Biking
How often you will be riding is another crucial factor when choosing a dirt bike. Also, determine if you will be biking alone or with a loved one. Invest in something that will last longer if you plan to go biking daily. It doesn’t have to be the most fanciful design in the market. What matters the most is the practicability. Perhaps you want a bike you can use with your partner, in which case an automatic clutch will improve the biking experience. If kids are involved, a child-friendly machine will be a great option.
Price
Like any other type of shopping, the budget matters when searching for a dirt bike. How much can you afford on a new motorcycle? If you don’t have enough cash and want to finance the bike with a loan, be sure to get a quality ride with good value for your money. Several bike financing companies might help you get old models. Note that a new purchase will have you pay a lower interest rate on a loan. Regardless of your current financial position, always stick to your budget. Do not overspend because there are other bills to pay.
In Summary
Finding the best dirt bike is not an easy process, particularly for beginners. Try out a few rides to have an idea of how they feel before closing the deal. Be very honest with yourself, taking into consideration your budget, body size, and riding needs. Always keep in mind that happiness and safety while on the trail depends on your willingness to be open-minded when shopping. All in all, look at the bigger picture and get a ride you can enjoy for years ahead. It should offer the best value for your money as long as you practice the above nine guidelines when conducting your search. Lastly, you can count on experienced riders in your area to guide you on the best riding routes. Also, find answers to your burning questions about dirt bike decals from the best graphic kits suppliers.
