Displaying items by tag: dirt bike buying guide

 

As far as hobbies go, dirt biking certainly isn't the cheapest game in town.  Not only do you need an expensive bike, you also need to pay for transportation, safety gear, repairs, and sometimes the occasional medical bill.  It can be a drain on anyone's wallet.    Never fear, though, there are ways to save money.  By following these tips to find cheap dirt bikes, you can be out riding and still have enough cash on hand to pay your rent this month.  Happy days!

 

The first step to finding yourself a cheap dirt bike is to decide on what you want.  Narrow in on brands and models.  This way, you can begin to familiarize yourself with the current going prices for your given bikes, making your search much easier.  Be sure to pick an appropriate bike for your budget and skill level.

 
Once you have a bike in mind, it's time to start shopping.  You'll want to use all available online resources to find the best deal in your area.  Of course, if you're looking to get a nice cheap dirt bike, you'll be looking at used bikes.  Dealers can often have good deals on pre-owned bikes.  They will be slightly more expensive than buying from a private seller, but they often come backed with some sort of warranty or service plan.  If you're not into wrenching on your bike, go with one of these.  If you don't mind doing a little wrenching, EBay and Craiglist are of course the kings of used bike shopping, so definitely use these to find some local sellers.
 
I should emphasize that you should only buy from local sellers who let you check out the bike before making your purchase.  While other sellers may offer good deals, you don't want to buy a bike you can't inspect thoroughly first.  Because dirt bikes are often ridden very hard (it's their intended use, really), you don't want to take any chances.  Once you have found a bike you like the looks of, be sure to bring an experienced mechanic friend along if you have one.  He or she can help you inspect the bike and make sure it's in good working order.  A cheap bike can become very expensive if something breaks right away, so be careful to look the bike over before handing over the cash.
 
If you like what you see, and are ready to buy, don't be afraid to haggle on price.  If you have the cash in hand, sellers will often be more than willing to drop the price a little bit to make the sale.  Just giving it a try can save you good money with very little effort.  
 
Saving money on a dirt bike isn't rocket science.  Just be sure to shop smart, and you'll certainly find yourself a good deal on a great bike.  Happy riding!
 
Published in Other Sports

dirt_bike3.jpgThere are a wide range of different, makes and models of dirt bikes to choose from so buying your first one can be a daunting task. You'll need to research the different models available and match the one you choose to your level of skill and, of course, your budget. The very first consideration must be how you are going to use the dirt bike. Will you be using it mainly for recreational purposes or for racing? Will you be using it on trails or on specially made tracks?

Many manufacturers make models designed for both trail riding and racing while other produce one or the other so you'll need to investigate the types of bikes offered by the different manufacturers. For those embarking on dirt bike racing there is nothing better than asking veterans of the sport which manufacturers and models they like best.

Suiting the Power to the Rider

The experience of the rider as well as their age and size is an important factor. Don't be tempted to choose a big powerful bike if this is your first experience with dirt bikes! It is safer to choose a less powerful bike until you are more experienced and can handle a powerful one. Choose a bike that suits your size and not one that looks cool but is way too big for you to control properly.

Buying a New or Used Dirt Bike

Should you opt for a new bike or buy a used bike? As a new dirt bike rider a used bike could be a good idea until you are sure this sport is for you. A new bike will lose a good percent of its value as soon as you take it home so you could lose money if you decide after a few outings that you do not want to pursue dirt bike riding. In this case it's probably best to opt for a used bike until you are sure you will get your money's worth from investing in a new one. However, in a similar way to buying a used car, you need to be careful when buying a second hand dirt bike so make sure you have the advice of a mechanic to check it out for you before you hand over the money!

A new dirt bike will come with a warranty so you can be sure of replacement or repair if there are problems. It will also require less maintenance when new.

Maintaining Your Dirt Bike

Whether you have opted for a used or a new dirt bike maintenance is extremely important both to keep you safe while riding and to ensure you don't break down on the trail miles from anywhere. Always check over the bike thoroughly before each ride and carry a basic set of tools plus spare spark plugs with you. Try to spot any problems before they become major by knowing how your bike sounds and feels and replace the oil and filters on a regular basis.

Conclusion

Dirt bike riding, whether on the trail or racing on circuit is exhilarating and an increasingly popular from of recreation. With careful research on the type and model that will suit you, you can be sure to enjoy this sport safely.

 

Image by WELS.net

Published in Other Sports