Whether you plan on riding every day or just once in a while, choosing the right dirt bike to buy is imperative. The wrong one might end up being uncomfortable to use, difficult to use, too much for a beginner to handle, or have a variety of other problems that just lead to it not being as fun as expected. If you’re new to dirt bikes or just want to make sure the next one you buy is perfect, use the following tips.

Choosing the Right Size

A person’s age, weight, and height will all factor into which bike to buy. Kids will want to opt for smaller bikes, with seat heights ranging from 23 to 31 inches depending on their height. The youngest riders, around three to six years old, will want something with a seat height of no more than 24 inches and will want to start with 50cc for the capacity. Older kids can ride bikes up to 31 inches in height and with a capacity of up to 125cc. Adults should also purchase the right seat height and capacity for their height and weight. For most adults, seat heights range from 31 to 37.5 and the capacity can range from 125 to 150cc or higher.

Consider Your Experience or Skill

When starting out, it’s important to opt for a lighter bike, as these are easier to handle. First-time riders who are adults may want to start out with a capacity of under 250cc. The 110 to 150cc range is perfect for beginners and can allow them to get more experience before handling a dirt bike with a bigger capacity. Younger riders will want to start with a much lower capacity, as this gives them better control as they’re learning to use the bike. As they grow up and purchase larger bikes, they can opt for a higher capacity as they’ll be more experienced.

Types and Styles to Consider

Consider where the dirt bike will be taken regularly. Those who prefer going on trails, for instance, won’t want to get a dirt bike that’s designed for racing. Those who race, won’t want to opt for a bike that’s meant for trails. Beginners or those who want to be able to handle anything may opt for a dual-sport bike, as these are geared for just about any type of riding. They won’t excel at racing or riding the trails like a sport-specific type of dirt bike, but they’re great for general use and those who are new to dirt bikes and want to see what they like before committing to a type of dirt bike.

4-Stroke or 2-Stroke

Dirt bikes are generally split into 4-stroke or 2-stroke engines. The 4-stroke bikes tend to be more popular right now, as they are quieter to run. However, they are also more difficult to maintain. The 2-stroke bikes are inexpensive and require less maintenance. They also tend to be lighter and easier to handle for beginners. Either type will be a good option, just consider the maintenance and use before purchasing a 4-stroke or 2-stroke dirt bike.

Electric Start or Manual Start

The two primary types of starts for dirt bikes are electric or manual. Some include both types of starters. Most people will find they prefer bikes with both types of starters, as they’ll always have a backup if something goes wrong. If both aren’t available for the preferred bike, then it’s typically better to opt for the electric start, as this is less likely to end up with any issues starting the dirt bike. Regardless of which one is chosen, understand how it works and the basic repairs that may be needed if something goes wrong.

The Best Brands to Check Out

The brand shouldn’t be the first thing to consider when picking out a dirt bike, but it is important to look at when considering all of the options. Some lesser-known brands have excellent options available, but parts or repairs can be more difficult to find. Instead, stick with some of the top brands available like Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM or Yamaha. All of these have more expensive dirt bikes as well as budget-friendly options, so it’s possible to go for a name-brand bike without spending too much money. If you are specifically looking for a youth bike, SSR and Cobra are additional options.

Think About the Budget

The budget is always going to be a concern. Even those who have a significant amount to spend on a new dirt bike will want to make sure they get a good deal. Consider how much can be spent on the bike, then look at all of the other details to compare bikes within the budget. There’s no use in buying a bike that’s the wrong height, that doesn’t have a high enough capacity, or that is built for the wrong type of riding just because it’s within budget. It’s important to avoid going over budget, but make sure the right bike is chosen, even if that does mean spending a little bit more money. You can also look into used options before buying new. You can find used dirt bikes for sale on websites such as Facebook and Craigslist. Buying used is a great option for people just starting to get into riding. Used bikes already include aftermarket parts you may have wanted to purchase.

Try it Before Buying

When possible, try out the bikes before buying them. The two main ways to do this are by borrowing or renting a dirt bike. Friends who have a dirt bike already may be willing to loan it for a test drive. Take care to check out the setup and make sure the bike is in good condition before riding. If no friends nearby have a bike to test drive, try looking into rentals. Entry-level dirt bikes can sometimes be rented, allowing you to check out different types and see what you like the best.

Are you ready to buy a dirt bike? If you’ve never owned one before or you’ve never taken the time to make sure the one you buy is actually a good fit for you, use the tips here to start looking. Pay close attention to the type of riding as well as the size and capacity of the bike, as these will make a difference in how comfortable the dirt bike is and how much you’ll enjoy riding it. Once you find the one you love, make sure to add our graphics to accomplish the perfect bike!