Dirt Bike Buying Guide

As you start browsing the market for the perfect motorcycle, you’ll be met with a variety of options. One way to narrow down your choices is to determine the type of motorcycle that’s best suited to your lifestyle.

Not everyone’s motorcycle dreams include highways and city streets. You might be more intrigued by the thought of taking on challenging dirt trails and rocky paths instead. If this is the case, you’ll want to buy a dirt bike that’s made for tackling rugged terrain. We've gathered up a few important things you’ll want to consider to make sure that you’re purchasing the right dirt bike.

Think About How You’ll Use It

First, consider how you plan to ride your dirt bike. Riders who are just learning the ropes will want to focus on a less powerful bike so that they can stay in control. Beginners may also want a more lightweight frame that isn’t too hard to handle. Comfort is another factor since riders who will be on their dirt bikes for hours at a time will suffer if their bike doesn’t offer padded seating and an ergonomic riding posture.

Those who wish to race dirt bikes will have to think about models with more power and aerodynamically designed frames so they can pull ahead of other riders. Agility is also an important consideration, as it will help them to take tighter turns. Finally, if you want to ride your bike on paved roads, then you’ll need to check out dual-sport models that can handle pavement and rugged terrain while offering the features necessary to make the bike street-legal.

Consider Where You Want to Ride

Your next priority when shopping for a dirt bike is to consider where you plan to ride it. Many dirt bikes are specifically designed for riding on hard-packed dirt paths. Looser material like mud or sand will require a more specialized model or different tires that can tackle that specific type of terrain. You can look for bikes that are suited to mud or sand riding, or you can also consider aftermarket accessories.

Figure Out Your Ideal Engine Type

Dirt bikes come with either two-stroke or four-stroke engines, and each has its own benefits. Two-stroke engines are easier to handle and are lighter in weight, while four-stroke engines offer more power, better stability, and more weight. The power level of your motorcycle’s engine should match up with your experience level as a rider so that you don’t feel overwhelmed or held back by your engine.

Establish Your Budget

When shopping for the perfect dirt bike, you’ll want to make sure that you can afford it. Analyze your financial situation and consider how much you can afford to spend on your bike. Don’t forget to factor in additional costs, like insurance, maintenance, and accessories. You can look at models online to see what prices you can expect for a new or a pre-owned model so that you have a realistic budget in mind.

You may want to make a list of priorities before you stop by your local dirt bike dealership, SoCal Honda Powersports in Carson, CA. Our staff looks forward to helping you find the right model for your needs. We welcome all our patrons visiting us from Los Angeles and Long Beach.