It’s hard to deny the draw of the dirt! Whether you’ve started out cycling or you’ve recently graduated to a motorcycle for long-haul trips, there’s a thrill to being on the bike. The freedom of the road is an exciting thing for many people. But, the ability to just get up and go when you need to, feeling nothing but the air and the pavement, is also a reason for many people to buy into biking.
Fortunately, if you’re already an avid biker, you’re probably familiar with the excitement a bike can offer. However, the world of dirt biking is a lot different. While a road bike may be a thrill in itself, the joys of jumps and racing on a dirt bike can be even more awe-inspiring! But, there are a few things you should know before you invest in your own. From heat shields to oil cooler guards to pipe guards, there are so many things to be aware of. So, whether you’re a novice or you have a bit of experience under your belt, there are a few tricks when picking out your next dirt bike.
By using the following guide, you’ll be ready for anything! Whether you take it out to the dirt pit next door or head for one of the world’s most famous tracks, you can be sure to have a bike suited for you.
Determine Your Budget
When it comes to purchasing a toy that you’re going to love for the rest of your life, it might seem like the sky’s the limit in terms of cost. However, making the right decision with the type of dirt bike you choose doesn’t mean spending a lot. Instead, determine what amount of money makes you feel comfortable spending. You’ll also want to consider what it is you’re looking for so you’re not spending beyond what you need. It might seem like a great idea to have an expensive piece of equipment sitting in your garage. But, you won’t be able to truly enjoy it if you’ve spent so much that you’re afraid to test it out. Before making a final decision, ensure you consider all the extras that will go into it. If you’re keeping it simple it might not be an issue. But, if you’re planning on a bit of flash, you won’t want to stretch the budget. You’ll need accessories for your Honda CRF250L or your Kawasaki KLX400, so keep some money in the bank!
What’s Your Experience Level?
If you happen to just be getting your feet dirty in the world of dirt biking, it’s important to get the right bike. A bike that requires a little bit of experience under your belt will be no good if you can’t handle it. So if you’re starting out, you may want to consider a 70cc mini bike. This comes with a little less power and will provide easy handling for the newcomer. Given that it’s lightweight, you’ll have little trouble handling it on turns and jumps. However, if you’re at a mid-point in your biking experience, you may want a little more kick. A 110cc bike can still be pretty easy to handle and it will still give you a bit more power than a beginner’s bike. And, if you’re looking for a bike that will really take you places, move up to a 120cc. Given the increased cylinder capacity, this bike will give you a little more fun for the money spent. Whatever you do, ensure that the bike you choose isn’t beyond your ability. A too-powerful machine can turn you off dirt biking forever, so start with what’s comfortable.
What Style of Bike?
For those who are completely new to the world of dirt biking, the options might be a bit overwhelming. It can be easy to go into the shop and pick something out that looks good. However, this doesn’t mean that it’s going to serve your purpose as a rider. Instead of going into it blind, consider exactly what you’re looking for in a bike. Whether you’re experienced or not, a little bit of research can go a long way toward the right choice. Each bike will have different gear adjustments, fuel tank capacity, and suspension, so it’s important to buy it for the right purpose.
- Racing – If you’re looking to race, you’ll want to choose a motocross bike that’s built for the speed you need. These types of bikes will allow you to accelerate instantaneously and make the big jumps you need to stay on course. However, keep in mind that these bikes are pretty simple so they won’t have instrumentation or warning lights. Racing bikes include models like the Kawasaki KX 250F, the KTM 250 and the Suzuki RMZ 450.
- Trail Riding – On the other hand, if you’re looking to get out on the trails, you’ll want to choose a bike with a lower gear ratio. You’ll rarely use a lot of gears while trail riding so these bikes take that into consideration. This will allow you to get up the mountainside without too much of a struggle. With this type of bike, you will also get a smoother ride when the trails are tough. You’ll even be able to tackle some jumps since these bikes will enable you to accelerate quickly. A little less simple than racing bikes, this bike style will usually feature an instrument panel and lights for oil and coolant temperature. Trail riding bikes include models like the Kawasaki KLX 450R, the KTM 530EXC and the Honda CRF250X.
- All-Purpose Bike – If you’re not sure quite what you want but are looking for the best of all worlds, an all-purpose bike might be the right choice. This bike will give you the option of doing some jumps, getting up the mountain slopes and still having the ability to accelerate. Fortunately, you can even take pleasure in riding down the highway on the back of an all-purpose bike. This means that if you’re doing a bit of trail riding, you can get there on the back of your bike without taking out your vehicle! However, if you decide later on that you’re looking for a more specific bike style, you may have to replace it entirely. All-purpose bikes models include the Kawasaki KLR650, the Suzuki DR-Z400S and the Yamaha WR250R.
Consider Your Size and Height
It might seem strange to choose a bike based around your size and height. However, an important part of getting into the world of dirt biking is being comfortable. Fortunately, comfort is what will help you decide if you’re going to love the sport and what kind of bike will optimize it! If you scale on the smaller side, the power of a two-stroke model can be something fierce to handle. On the other hand, the amount of power can be just right for a person who has a heavier build. You’ll also require more suspension from the bike model you choose. When it comes to the comfort of your bike, ensure that you can comfortably touch the ground with your feet while sitting. Now, this might sound like a minor thing but it’s of paramount importance in keeping you safe on your bike. If you encounter any issues or need to stop, being able to touch the ground can be an important part of securing yourself. Instead of taking a risk, make sure you have a bike that suits your comfort level and your body’s build.
Are You a Mechanical Maven?
For some avid bikers and dirt bikers, one of the best parts of having a bike is getting down to maintenance. It might seem like one of those things that need to be done. However, tinkering around with their bike and making it feel shiny and new again is part of the fun! Before buying your bike, it’s important to think too about just how much maintenance you’re going to want to do. It can be a fun project for a rider to take on rebuilding a bike. But, this is only for the individuals who really know their stuff and are willing to dig into the manual. If you’re not interested in too much maintenance, you may want to spring for a new bike that’s going to stay together without a lot of effort. Keep in mind that it can be tempting to choose an option that is more economical, but you may end up paying for it in the long run! A bike might look good on a budget, but it may also fall apart before you know it. Instead of going with something potentially suspect, spring for a manufacturer you know. Whether it’s a Yamaha, a KTM, a Kawasaki, or a Husqvarna, these are old-school brands that have proven their mettle in the biking world. As a result, you can count on their ability to provide you with a machine that can last.
A Two-Stroke or Four-Stroke Bike?
If you’re new to the world of dirt biking, you might not have heard the terms two or four-stroke before. But, this defines the type of internal combustion engine on the bike you are considering purchasing. While two-stroke completes a power cycle during one crankshaft revolution, four-stroke completes four separate strokes while turning the crankshaft. Now, this might sound like a different language to the novice, but it has an impact on the kind of power you’ll have. A four-stroke bike for the beginner can be a good place to start because they have more consistent power. However, the kind of power that a two-stroke will unleash can be a real draw for the more experienced rider. Whatever you decide, the two-stroke model has started to make a comeback in recent years. This means that whether you choose a two-stroke or a four-stroke model, you’ll have some of the best options available to serve your dirt biking needs!
Test It Out!
The choice is up to you, but one of the best ways to figure out if a bike is right for you is to not invest right off the bat. Instead, try and take one out for a test drive to get a sense of how it feels. You may not be able to ride a dirt bike at your local dealership. Fortunately, if certain bike manufacturers are hosting demos in your area, it can be a great opportunity to go for a test drive! You may want to look into events in your area and see if you can sign up for an invite. However, if you’re raring to ride and there are no demos any time soon, you may want to try borrowing or even renting a bike. If you’re borrowing a bike, ensure that it’s appropriate for your height and weight. This will enable you to get a good feel for the suspension and handling you should be looking for. But, if all else fails and there’s no bike to borrow or demo, try a rental! It can be easy to go to your local shop and buy the first shiny bike you see. But, you won’t regret taking one out to ensure it’s the right ride for you. This will make for a better investment, and a lot more dirt biking fun on the trail!
Walking into your local bike shop to pick out the perfect dirt bike to ride can be a lot of fun. But, it’s important to keep in mind that there are many different factors to consider before you decide to invest. In addition to deciding on the budget, you’ll want to be aware of many other things. Fortunately, if you figure out the style, determine your comfort level, and know the kind of power you want, you’ll be well on your way to a perfect purchase. Whether your dirt bike is for trail riding or racing, you’ll be sure to have a fun new toy to enjoy in no time!
References
http://riderswestmag.com/inside-your-ride/article/choosing_a_dirt_bike
https://www.belmontebikes.com/blogs/news/how-to-choose-the-right-dirt-bike-for-yourself