Guest article by Gavin Wallace of MagicBike.net
Getting your ride on: Beginners gems from a dirt bike connoisseur
You have decided to take up dirt bike riding and you want to know where to start from. You want the thrill and adventure but you still want to be safe and comfortable. The beginning point is choosing the right bike. Whether you enjoy your riding experience and even become a seasoned rider has a lot to do with the first bike you start with as a beginner.
There are a few factors that should guide you on what bike to use if you are just starting out:
Rider Size
Your size matters when it comes to picking your first dirt bike. For safety and comfort, get on the bike of preference and note if your feet touch the ground. When riding, you will encounter a bump, a rock or obstacle. At the point that you do, you will need to be able to use your feet (Put them down) to control the bike.
When testing, one-third of your foot should be in contact with the ground as a flat foot on the ground is an indication that the bike is too small and if you happen to be on tip toes when testing, then the bike is undoubtedly too big for you.
Rider Weight
Your weight will determine the power of the bike you choose. If you are the heavier, rider you definitely need a bike that has beefier suspension to comfortably carry you around. If you are light (below 150 pounds), you should consider a bike that is under 250 cc. For someone heavier, one should consider buying a bike between 250cc and 450cc. This way, you will be able to ride a bike with enough suspension.
Two-stroke or four-stroke
The functionality of a two-stroke engine makes it lightweight in comparison to other bikes. It is also simplistic in running although its maintenance cost is quite high. You can however easily and cheaply get two-stroke parts. These ones are lighter and faster but at the same time difficult to control.
On the other hand, four-stroke engines are a bit more complex. However, their functionality provides steadier and more predictable power delivery. This type of engine requires less maintenance.
The four-stroke engine is much heavier due to the additional moving parts.
Type of Riding (Track, Trail or Dual Sport)
If you are planning to ride tracks, you should consider a bike with lighter suspension; race bikes such as a 125cc (two-stroke) or a 250F (four-stroke).
When your intention is to trail ride, consider a four-stroke because of its power levels. The bike should have hand guards, a skid plate, a headlight and an electric start. All these features work toward safety when trail riding.
Mechanical Skills
You need to consider your mechanical expertise when buying a bike. If you have no mechanical skills, you should consider saving up for a newer bike. If you have your mechanical skills on point, you can consider buying a project bike in case you cannot afford a newer bike.
As a beginner, buy a dependable brand name; that way, the availability of parts is guaranteed.
Time
Will it be a one-time activity or a full-course? If the latter, it is important to invest in a good machine. You would rather save rather than settle. If riding will be occasional, it might not be wise to invest heavily in a fancy machine.
Your budget
You will also need to consider the amount of money you are willing to spend on a bike and whether you will be paying in cash or financing it. Work with your budget and do not overstretch it all. Whatever you do, never ever compromise on quality. There are several high quality dirt bikes that sell for around $900-$1400. If you’re looking for a more high-end dirt bike, expect to pay around $7000-8000.
Support from the Dealer
It is important to consider the dealers around you. You will need to be able to access technical assistance when you need it. Shipping parts is very expensive, even if you get a good deal. Not to mention that it takes time for stuff to be hauled from whatever part of the world to your doorstep. You simply need people with experience and expertise to maintain your bike. And they need to be close by.
Some good beginner bikes
In considering the factors above, below are some bikes that are good to begin your experience with. However, you can always get advice from your dealer.
- Kawasaki KLX110L
- Honda CRF150, CRF230, CRF250X, CRF250R
- Honda XR100R
- Suzuki DR-Z125
- Yamaha TT-R110, TT-R125, TT-R250, WR250, YZ250F
- KTM 150 XC and 200 XC- W (two-stroke)
All in all, a thrilling experience awaits you in dirt biking. Be sure to keep safe with a helmet, gloves, jacket, boots and pants. In most cases, the lower body is most likely to get wrecked in an accident, so be wary of that.
