| There are several factors that you should consider | | | | decide after trying it once or twice that dirt bike riding is |
| when buying your first dirt bike. It is sometimes difficult | | | | not for you. Also keep in mind that a used dirt bike is |
| determining the best bike for any individual since the | | | | like a used car-- you just don't know what you are |
| dirt bike manufacturers offer many choices. It is | | | | getting. It helps if you are a bit mechanically inclined so |
| important to research the different types of dirt bikes | | | | you would have the ability to troubleshoot and repair a |
| available so you can purchase a bike that is well-suited | | | | used dirt bike if something should break soon after |
| for your skill level. | | | | your purchase. |
| Will your dirt bike be used for recreational purposes or | | | | New dirt bikes are awesome as you should most likely |
| do you plan on racing? | | | | get some kind of warranty and new bikes don't require |
| Some manufacturers offer bikes that are more | | | | as much maintenance early on. There's also something |
| specific for your choice of riding. If you plan on riding | | | | exciting about buying a used bike and making it new, if |
| your dirt bike as a leisure activity, you should decide if | | | | you like to work on your bike. |
| you would like to ride trails, tracks or both. | | | | Whether you choose to buy new or used, your bike |
| Honda, for example, offers trail and motocross bikes. | | | | will eventually be taken apart and put back together, |
| The CRF family of bikes offers R class, F class and X | | | | either by you or an experienced mechanic. When you |
| class motorbikes. | | | | maintain your bike yourself it is a lot easier to fix |
| - The R class is a pure motocross bike that is | | | | problems at the track or wherever you ride. No matter |
| designed with motocross tracks and competition in | | | | how well you maintain your bike, something will |
| mind. | | | | eventually break! Having some spare parts handy, |
| - The X class is offered up as a CRF250X and | | | | such as spark plugs, and a toolbox filled with the |
| CRF450X. These bikes are used in factory racing in | | | | appropriate tools is always helpful. |
| the Baja 1000 and Baja 500. They are like their | | | | When purchasing a used dirt bike, your goal as a |
| brothers in the R class but the X class bikes come | | | | buyer is to appear knowledgeable and ask the seller |
| with a headlight and are geared and tuned with trail | | | | several questions, such as: |
| riding in mind. | | | | - Has the dirt bike been raced? |
| - Honda also offers F class bikes that are made more | | | | - How many owners has the bike had? |
| for the weekend warrior or for riders looking to spend | | | | - Can you tell me about the service history of the |
| time riding and not so much time working on their bikes. | | | | bike? |
| The F class bikes are a little more "cushy" with their | | | | - What has the bike been used for and where has it |
| electric start and more plush suspension. The F class | | | | been ridden? |
| bikes are perfect for the family to get out to enjoy; | | | | Two Stroke vs. Four Stroke |
| and give the kids a break from the video games! | | | | Once again what are you planning to do? If you are |
| Honda isn't the only manufacturer that offers this wide | | | | just riding for fun a two-stroke is cheaper as far as |
| variety, so you should research each manufacturer | | | | maintenance. Four-strokes have valves and less time |
| before you buy | | | | between tune-ups. Two strokes with the proper oil and |
| If you plan on racing, you might also attend some local | | | | gas mixture will last a long time. You may be thinking |
| races and ask riders why they prefer a particular dirt | | | | "They both have valves," and they do but two-strokes |
| bike manufacturer over another. | | | | have reed valves and four-strokes have valves that |
| Age, Size and Experience of the Rider | | | | work in unison with a camshaft and need to stay in |
| Age and size of the rider are other factors to consider | | | | time with the crank shaft and piston so they don't hit |
| and also the experience level of the rider should be | | | | each other. If they are over-revved and they make |
| taken into consideration. Don't be Superman and buy a | | | | contact, a valve will bend or break and that will be |
| bike beyond your skill level. Riding over your head can | | | | very costly. |
| happen on the track as well as with choosing the size | | | | If you've done all of the research and you are still not |
| of your bike. It is better to ride well on a bike that fits | | | | sure which is the best choice, you could just pick your |
| your experience level than to look cool on a bigger | | | | favorite Supercross rider's manufacturer; or you could |
| bike that is too powerful for you. | | | | start with your favorite color and make a trip to your |
| New Bike vs. Used Bike | | | | local motorsports store and have a salesperson share |
| Which is better for you? If you are new to dirt bike | | | | what they know on a particular bike. |
| riding you might consider buying a used dirt bike first | | | | The"Big Five" and Popular Supercross Racers include: |
| because it is a significant investment to purchase a | | | | - Red: Honda, Kevin Windham |
| new dirt bike only to discover that it may not be your | | | | - Green: Kawasaki, Ryan Villopoto |
| thing after trying it a time or two. A new dirt bike's | | | | - Orange: KTM, Justin Brayton |
| resale value drops as soon as you leave the store | | | | - Yellow: Suzuki, Chad Reed |
| with your new toy. If you decide that you don't like | | | | - Blue: Yamaha, James Stewart Once you decide on |
| riding your dirt bike, it is more difficult to get a good | | | | the perfect dirt bike according to your preferences, |
| return on your investment if you would like to sell it right | | | | make sure you have all of the proper safety gear |
| away. | | | | before taking your bike out for your first exhilarating |
| If you purchase a used dirt bike, you can typically sell it | | | | ride around your favorite track or trail. Ride Safe! |
| for around the same price that you paid for it if you | | | | |