We are selling this Bikepics website to someone that can make it even better. See more details HERE
Where to Buy a Dirt Bike? Used vs New Options
So you’ve decided to take the plunge and buy your first motorcycle. Now, where should you start? There are dozens of places to buy your dirt bike—where do you start?
A dirt bike is the ultimate summer thrill. But the question is, where do you buy the bike you want? You can do a lot of research online, but you’ll never know if what you found is really problem-free and worth your hard-earned money. And if you decide to go the online route, you’ll also have to deal with a ton of scams.
Where to buy one?
There are many ways to get a dirt bike. You can find them on your local dealership, Facebook marketplace, or Craigslist, but you can also find them through a friend of a friend, or you might know a person from the dirt bike club.
The thing is, finding a dirt bike isn’t just about finding where you can buy one. So we will take it a step further by giving you some tips that can help you choose the right bike for you.
Used or Brand New?
Make sure you know what kind of riding you’re going to do before buying a dirt bike. How much money do you want to spend? Do you enjoy a fast or slow ride? A new or used bike will have many considerations that may not be as apparent as the price tag might make them seem.
Used Dirt Bike
Some things can make you buy a used dirt bike instead of a new one. A used dirt bike is the best choice if your first time purchasing and riding one.
If you’ve never ridden a motorcycle, a dirt bike is a good choice. You don’t have to learn how to ride on the streets, where you might have to contend with other traffic from day one.
If you’re like most people, you’d love to have a dirt bike in your garage or a new scooter for your child. If that’s the case, then do it! They have one problem, though: It costs a lot to buy a dirt bike or scooter, which many people don’t want to do. If you’re going to buy a cheap dirt bike, there are a few things you need to think about first.
What to check when buying a used dirt bike
When buying a used dirt bike, you want to look for these telltale signs that the bike has been used and abused, so… When it comes to dirt bikes, you don’t want to spend your money on someone else’s junk.
You need to perform many checks before buying a used dirt bike that is technical and mechanical in nature. Therefore, you should bring an expert along.
Inspect the engine oil
Ask the owner what kinds of maintenance practices they use for their vehicle. If it’s a four-stroke engine, how often does the owner change the oil? Dirt bikes only hold about one quart of oil. That means the owner probably changes it more often than a car owner.
Pull the dipstick and see what’s in the oil. If you have some metal particles, it means you have an engine bearing failure. Look for excessive wear on your gears or other components, which can mean a transmission is going bad.
Check rear suspension, linkage, and swingarm
When choosing a used dirt bike, make sure to inspect it before making any hasty decisions. Be aware of the condition of the seat, handlebars, rear tire, chain, and brake pads. These factors could cause the bike to not respond as it once did.
Climb aboard the bike and bounce on the seat to ensure it has control dampening. When checking your bike for potential problems such as a worn-out shock, look for oil and dirt buildup at its base.
Check the tire pressure and the wheel-to-frame connection. Have someone pull the handlebars forward and see if the shock rod is loose, the chain is rubbing, and so on.
This test can reveal many problems, including a lateral motion on the bike caused by bad wheel bearing. It is a sign that your tires need to be changed.
Inspect the front suspension
The front suspension is the area where most dirt bike accidents occur. They are the most likely place for a crash because they absorb the impact of the ground when going over bumps. Make sure to look for used dirt bikes with the best front suspension if you want to buy them.
Check the tires and the wheels
Wear patterns in the tires can tell you how well the bike is being taken care of and how many miles it has been used. Cracks or checking in the tires is an indication that the bike is not being ridden very much or the owner is not changing tires regularly.
Run your hands over the spokes. If they are tight, then everything is fine. If they are loose, this may signify a damaged wheel or improper maintenance.
Listen to the engine & shift through the gears
No matter how you test your used dirt bike, you should always be sure to start it. Check for spark plugs, fuel level, battery terminals, and air filter if you see smoke or the engine isn’t starting up. Also, check the oil pan, the engine’s front end, and the transmission.
You should progressively shift through the gears with no issues and easily find neutral. A slipping or grabbing clutch is an excellent diagnostic tool for indicating worn, low-quality, faulty oil, worn clutch plates, or even a defective transmission.
Road Test
The next step is to do a road test. To conclude your road test, you will need to start it up and drive it around the block. This will allow you to see if it handles properly and if the brakes work well.
Doing a road test is not difficult. You will want to take the bike to a track or a public road and ride it around. This will let you check to see if the brakes are working right.
As part of your evaluation, check if:
the engine starts easily
Is there any noise on startup?
Is there any gear, chain, or ticking noise that shouldn’t be there?
When you rev the engine, does smoke come out of the tailpipe?
Is it easy to shift gears?
Conclusion
If you buy a used dirt bike, there isn’t a single test that can tell you whether or not it’s worth it. You need to look at various factors, such as how well it handles, how well it brakes, and the condition of the parts.
Besides, you should be able to ride it around the block and shift gears without any trouble.
Also, you should look at the overall condition of the bike. If the tires are bald, the brakes are not working, or the frame is rusted, you should probably pass on the bike.
Suppose you are considering buying a used dirt bike. In that case, you should know that you will be responsible for fixing any problems you encounter. You can make your purchase with confidence, but you need to ensure that you have the tools to do the job.
It’s easy to find used dirt bikes for sale.
Used dirt bikes are available for purchase in many different places. You can find used dirt bikes for sale at flea markets, garage sales, dealerships, online, and even Craigslist.
Good luck on your dirt bike hunt, and do let us know if you’ve found one.
