How to Select the Right Dirt Bike

When the market for a new dirt bike, do not rush the decision. Ensure you find an appropriate bike at a reasonable price. Here are some tips to help with that purchase:

Shop Around for Best Price

Model of Bike

Size of Bike

Level of Experience

Shop Around for Best Price: The market for dirt bikes is very competitive, so if you want to get the best price for your new dirt bike it is wise to shop around. Take some time and visit a few dealerships, and you will see that dirt bikes are probably priced differently at each location. You should also check the dealership prices on the internet because many times you can receive a discount just for shopping online. It is a good idea to have a budget amount in mind for your new dirt bike before setting out to compare prices, makes, and models.

Dirt bike sales are very competitive, so it is a good idea to shop around, and find the dealership that offers bikes around your budget amount.

Size of Bike: Probably the most important factor for selecting the right bike is being certain that the bike is the right size for you. Bikes come in various sizes for different riders, some are larger and some smaller. Obviously the larger the bike the more it will weight as well, and you will have to be able to maneuver the weight of the bike effectively. So when you are sitting on the bike you should make sure your feet can touch the ground without standing up, and you can manage the weight of the bike with little effort.

A dirt bike should fit the body size of the rider so they can effectively manage the height and weight of the bike.

Model of Bike: Dirt bikes have as many makes and models available as automobiles, so get an idea of what is available before making a selection. You might think that all dirt bikes are created equal, but in fact, there is a wide array of differences between bikes. If you are not familiar with the types of makes, models and features available. Don't worry though you can get a pretty good idea of the range while you are visiting dealerships. Each dealership is going to carry many different models, with different features, so pay close attention to the differences.

Not all dirt bikes are created equal, so while shopping around it is vital to pay attention to the differences, and select the model that is right for you.

Level of Experience: Finally, when you are trying to find the right bike for yourself, consider the engine size, or the amount of power the engine can produce. The power is measured in (cc's), or cubic centimeters, and is usually displayed in the model number. For example a 500cc dirt bike has an engine that is less powerful then a 900cc engine. This is important because your level of experience, age, and body size will play a factor in how much power you can manage. Talk to the dealer, who is usually an experienced rider, and listen to their suggestions before selecting a specific bike.

Selecting the ideal dirt bike will take into account your level of experience, and how much power your can safely control while riding.

Pit Bikes - How to Decide Which One to Buy

A pit bike differs from the dirt bikes and the mini motos in the size of their engines and the power packed in their engines. A pit bike usually has a larger engine and comes fitted with a manual gearbox and gears whereas minimotos come packed with automatic transmission and a centrifugal clutch.

The average maximum speed for most of the Pit bikes available readily in the market is anywhere between 40-50mph, but if you add a few accessories to your bike, you can surely get a lot more fire and power from your engine.

It is because of these performance enhancing parts, which are now becoming readily available and the otherwise constant improvement in the performance of the bikes that people have started taking a lot more interest in these bikes. It has also resulted in the setting up of various Pit Bike races and shows on international level. The popularity of this bike is going the dirt bike way. Leagues and international venues are being setup in a fashion similar to the way in which dirt biking was promoted.

Dirt bikes and dirt biking became a fashion and a sport for the adventure lovers in the 90s. There appeared a lot of leagues and similarly sponsors around that time. Dirtbiking stars suddenly became famous overnight and names like Destry Abbot, Jeremy McGrath, Derek Costella and Ryan Ambrigo became idols of dirtbiking enthusiasts.

These pro dirtbikers are a regular appearance at the famous races and shows at Las Vegas each year. These people are now also promoting pit bikes and have been spotted at various pit biking events.

Pit bikes of late have found a lot of manufacturers, both those manufacturing out of their own garage and the large companies involved in the manufacturing of other bikes as well.

Pit bikes are available in the market upwards of $500 and the price increases with the engine power, and the make. For a Pit biking enthusiast a good choice would be MonsterMoto's 125CC bike. This bike has a 4 stroke air cooled engine and the maximum power that it can generate is roughly 9HP @ 8500 rpm. The compression ratio is about 9.6:1.

This is a good value buy because the engine is made by a company that also supplies engines to Honda, which manufactures sports bikes for events like Moto Grand Prix (Moto GP)

You can also customize your Pit bike like people do to their dirt bikes. While you can add a few parts to enhance the look of your bike, you can add a few to increase the bike's performance. You can buy a coloured muffler to enhance you bike's look for about $90 and you can also buy a BBR style exhaust, a stainless steel exhaust for increasing the performance of the bike.

You can similarly buy different fuel systems, carburetors etc. to improve the efficiency of the bike and also buy various accessories like alloy wheels to enhance the bikes looks.

Truly speaking, Dirt bikes and pit bikes are here to stay and will continue to rush adrenaline through the blood of all those who love adventure sitting on two wheels.

Pit Bikes - 6 Components That Enhance Their Safety

Many pit bikes are inherently unsafe. If you are considering buying a pit bike, the first thing you must insure is that the bike you purchase is safe in all respects. There are six key components that can compromise the safety of your pit bike, if not paid attention to. You can choose to ignore them at your own peril, literally.

1. Frame:

Many pit bikes in the market use single beam frames which break easily. This happens even if you use them off-road only occasionally. A frame that breaks while you are on the bike could cost you your life!

The solution is to use a pit bike equipped with a frame that has a twin beam design. Also, make sure that the frame has a cradle to support the engine from below and preferably made of Chrome Moly tubing which is stronger and lighter. Such a frame is more likely to stand up to the rigors of extreme off-roading.

2. Engine:

In a bid to keep costs down, many pit bike manufacturers experiment with engines that have not passed the reliability test, over a number of years of use. As a result, they have high failure rates, and could cost you a fortune in maintenance expenses. An engine that's prone to failure would also compromise your safety while on a busy road, or even while off-roading on rough terrain Lifan Motor Sport and YX Motosport engines have proved to be very reliable .The YX Motorsport engine is also easy to tune to extract more BHP out of the engine.

Avoid a bike with a cheap engine, which would prove costly to maintain or replace. Look for a pit bike which uses an engine that has proved the most reliable over many years, and has a proven low failure rate. Insure that the engine is fitted using superior quality bearings. Such a bike would not need much maintenance, and would start easily, even if you hadn't ridden it for a long time.

3. Wheels:

Many pit bike manufacturers do not equip their bikes with SDG wheels. Such bikes are prone to wheel failure, especially in the rear. The reason is that non SDG wheels have poorly constructed rims and hubs. This makes these wheels weak and fragile, causing them to fall apart. Another life-threatening situation, if you are on the saddle when that happens! Not to mention the cost involved in replacement.

Choose a pit bike that comes equipped with SDG wheels. You are not only assured of stronger rims and hubs, but also sturdier spokes. That will insure a maintenance-free pit bike that you can enjoy riding over a longer period of time. Make sure the manufacturer offers you a combination of sizes to choose from.

4. Chains:

Watch out for pit bikes that use cheap chains from China that stretch and break easily. This happens even on a bike that does not have a powerful engine. A chain breaking while you're riding the bike can not only damage the bike but also cause you physical harm.

Increase your bike's safety and yours by opting for a pit bike that has a KMC chain. These are not only better than cheap Chinese chains, they require less maintenance as well.

5. Tank:

Many pit bikes use cheap materials for fuel tanks. These are relatively cheap to buy, but prone to failure, with the attendant dangers to life and limbs.

Go for a pit bike which has a tougher polymer resin type of tank. They are much safer, though more expensive. But always remember that your life is priceless!

6. Throttle & Clutch Cables:

Many pit bike manufacturers compromise your safety by using a host of throttle & clutch cables sold on the market, manufactured by several nameless factories. They don't bother to check on the quality of the products nor on the reputation of their manufacturers. Most of these inferior cables are prone to snapping within minutes of use, taking you a step closer to your grave.

Buying a Used Dirt Bike

When buying a used dirt bike there are many things which you must look out for. Firstly, find out where the bike is coming from. Many competition bikes are never registered so therefore proving somebody is the owner can often be difficult. Ideally the current owner will have receipts for the bike but this is unlikely if you are purchasing an older bike.

Ask questions about the bike, see if the person selling it to you knows anything about it or whether he is just trying to shift a stolen bike. If you are sure that the bike you are buying is not stolen then give the bike a good check over.

Off road bikes obviously have to withstand a lot of hard use, whether they've been taken off huge jumps or ridden aggressively off road they are bound to have some wear and tear. There are many checks you can do to the bike in order to make sure you are buying a dream bike rather than a costly trip to the garage.

Obviously check the overall condition of the bike. What are the panels like? If they are cracked or marked badly then this could show signs of misuse. Check what oil the bike has been run on, if it is the cheaper oil then it is likely that the person you are buying the bike off doesn't care about the bike, or doesn't have a clue about them. Try to get as much information as you can about the current owner as this could give you a great insight as to how the bike has been treated and whether it is likely to continue running.

There are also a few other checks to perform before you jump into buying a used dirt bike. Check the main wear and tear spots. These are:

Forks - Check the movement of the front forks. Push them up and down to see if they move smoothly and do not jerk. Check for leaks on the forks, these could be indicators that the forks are on their way out which means money will need to be spent on them.

Head bearings - check the handlebars move smoothly and the wheel has no play when off the floor. These are indicators that head bearings could have had it.

Rear swing arm - Check for movement in the back wheel, if it can be moved around and is loose, then this is an indicator that it may need new bearings or a problem with the swing arm.

Rear shocks - push down on the back of the bike, if it does not come back up in a smooth and controlled manner then the bike has lost its dampening properties. Also check the condition of the shocks, you can tell if they look healthy or not by taking a good look. If they are not looking too good then you may have to shell out on new shocks, which can cost between £200-£400 depending on the type of shock you have. (Twin shocks are usually cheaper and you may find one at around £80.

Engine - Obviously the engine must be checked, make sure you test ride the bike to see if you think it is running well. Also make sure you get to try to start the bike, often signs of a tired bike are shown when starting. Also go through the gears and make sure the bike has a maintained engine rev to ensure the clutch is not slipping.

Exhaust - These are important, especially for two stroke bikes, check there are no dents or holes in them as this will greatly affect the bikes ride and performance.

Any other stuff such as paperwork if the bike is registered. In the UK if the bike is registered then you will need a V5 (registration document), and also an MOT certificate if the bike is to be ridden on the road.

What Dirt Bike Should I Buy For My Kid?

Are you thinking about buying a dirt bike for your kid but don't know which bike to choose or look for? Well, this will give you info about the name brand bikes for kids and help you make a decision. Choosing the right bike for your young rider can be very important, especially if they've never ridden before. Kids start riding as young as three years old, so basically once they are able to ride a bicycle without training wheels they should be capable of riding a dirt bike.

And please don't put training wheels on a little dirt bike, that just defeats the purpose. There are a few factors that come in to play when finding the right dirt bike for a kid. Age, experience, size, and where you are going to ride all come in to play when looking for a bike. There are 50, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 125, and 150cc four-stroke dirt bikes that are mostly meant for off-road and trail riding. For the smaller two-stroke dirt bikes, there are a couple different 50s, 65s, and 85cc bikes. These are used for motocross racing.
Off-Road Bikes

50cc

There are a few different 50cc dirt bikes, but the most common is the Honda CRF50F/XR50R. This is where dirt biking starts for every little kid that has never ridden before. These things are almost bullet proof if you maintain it properly. If you are looking for a first bike for a kid that is under 7 then this is probably the best choice, unless they are bigger/taller than the norm. There is also the Suzuki JR50, Kawasaki KDX50 and Yamaha PW50; all of which are oil-injected 2-strokes that are very light and perfect for the smallest of riders, and the Yamaha TTR-50 which is about the same as the CRF, so it just depends what color you like best.

70 & 80cc

Honda made the CRF/XR70 and 80cc bikes for kids that are just starting, but a little too big for a 50cc. The 70 has a taller seat height with a little more power than the 50, but the 80 has a clutch which is perfect for training the little ones without letting them ride on a fast bike.

100/110/125/150cc

Honda has been known for their XR/CRF100 which reaches to a variety of riders. It has a clutch and is just right for the older kids to learn on if they are too big for the CRF80F. The 100 is a great trail bike because it has just enough power, and it's also big enough for an adult, so this bike should be easy to find used, and cheap I might add. Kawasaki and Suzuki decided to make the ultimate pit bike for kids and adults. The KLX110/DRZ110 (Parts are interchangeable) has become popular because of how much power it has, or is able to put out, for its size. The 110 is an automatic, so it's great for smaller riders that want more power than a 70 without going to a clutch yet. Yamaha also has a bigger off-road bike for kids, the TTR-125.

The TTR-125 is a popular model for bigger kids just starting out. It has a clutch with enough power to haul riders around, young or old. Honda also has the CRF150F for riders that want more power and a taller ride height than the 100. Although the set-back for the 150 is that it weighs about as much as a full-size motocross bike. These mid-sized off-road bikes are popular for a reason, and this means that they have usually been ridden a lot and probably abused. So if you're looking at buying a used one then make sure it is clean, it has somewhat low hours, and has been well maintained.

Motocross Bikes

50cc

There are a couple different name-brand 50cc motocross bikes for kids, and they are both KTM two-strokes. KTM has the 50 SX Mini, which is for the smallest beginning racers. There is also the 50 SX which is bigger and suits a little taller beginning racer. These bikes both have a one-speed automatic transmission and are liquid-cooled. KTM 50s are expensive, but they are perfect race bikes for your little kids that are ready to tear up the tracks. There are also Chinese companies with 50cc motocross bikes, such as LEM, Cobra, and others.

65cc

KTM and Kawasaki are the only name brand companies that still make a 65cc two-stroke motocross bike. KTM has the 65 SX which is more expensive and usually the racers that are serious buy them. Right from the factory KTM puts aftermarket parts on their bikes, such as VForce reeds on the two-strokes, handlebars, and Brembo brakes. The Kawasaki KX65 is what riders that just want to race buy because they are so cheap. That does not mean that they aren't fast, they just aren't always as reliable and don't have a very high re-sale value. Both are great race bikes for intermediate younger riders in around the age 7-10 that have been riding for some time. These bikes are usually not used for trail riding because they are not as easy to ride and lug around as a four-stroke is.

85/105/150cc

85cc motocross bikes are the start for a young teen aged racer. They have more power than most any kid could use, which makes these bikes a blast for adults or adrenaline-junkies as well. KTM, Suzuki, Kawasaki, and Yamaha all make an 85cc two-stroke mx bike. Honda put a stop to their two-stroke inventory after 2007, but people still buy their late model bikes. Instead, Honda wanted to start a revolution for mini-bikes with their all new 150cc four-stroke motocross bike. It was well talked about, but once it came out it died slowly. They are powerful bikes and are easier to ride than an 85, but the weight and cost lost it for them. Usually these CRF150R's (Big and small wheel) were bought by racers with money because they also needed quite a bit of maintenance.

If you have money and your kid loves the easy ride-ability of a four-stroke then this would be a good race bike to buy. If you don't have a deep pocket, then an 85 or 100/105cc two-stroke stroke is a great choice. Your kid will love you for getting them one of these bikes; before they flip it at least once, that is. If you find someone selling a used 85 that hasn't been flipped, then you're either lucky or they're lying. 85s are pretty much race-only bikes. I've trail-ridden with one, and it was not very fun because of the lack of power down low. The Honda CR85R and Yamaha YZ85 hit harder and are more snappy than the others because they don't have a power valve. KTM's 85 SX comes with aftermarket goodies from the factory like all of their other bikes, so it's probably the fastest out of the lot.

Kawasaki's KX85 and Suzuki's RM85 are very similar and are used by many riders that are on a budget because of how cheap they can be. Honda and Suzuki both have a larger wheel 85, which helps those taller kids that quite aren't ready for a 125 or 250f. Kawasaki and KTM have a big-bore 85 to compete in the supermini class (86-112cc). Kawasaki's KX100 is a big wheel and has plenty of power for any young racer. KTM has a 105 SX which is one of the best power-to-weight ratio bikes you can buy, and also has larger wheels. When it comes down to choosing an 85,100/105, or a 150cc four-stroke motocross bike for your kid, it depends how big your pocketbook is, what fits your kid, and what color you like best. Thanks for reading, and good luck buying the right bike for your kid.