Last Updated on 2 years by Honest Bikerz
When you are thinking of buying a Used Dirt Bike, or any other transport, there you should follow guidelines from Experts because you don’t know what you are buying.
You can not apprehend the seller whether the used bike is rebuilt. You are uncouth about the previous riding or what they have done to the bike, maybe they could not rebuild it correctly.
Even though not everyone lies when they sell dirt bikes, Isn’t it necessary to check out your things that you are buying now?
So that is why we share 10 secrets that you should know.
Yes, it is your job as a buyer to buy the best one. And when it is about something which someone already used, at this time you should care for a more flat understanding, since you are going to buy from the old user. You may also print off/bookmark this complete used dirt bike buying checklist in 2021 so that you can keep it with you whenever you try to purchase a used bike you can read again and you will be able to remember what to look for when Buying a Used Dirt Bike.
What to look for when buying a used dirt bike?
The first thing you should do is inspect the motorbike. Even though it is a simple thing, it will disclose more details than you may think.
You should not only look at the motorcycle over, but you also have to look over other surroundings. Because this will help you to generate an overview idea about the seller and how they took care of the bike based on the condition of other belongings like weather, environment, and the road.
You should view the obvious things like broken plastic, a torn seat cover, curved handle bars, worn tires, broken clutches and brake levers, and a worn chain and sprockets.
Also, you need to be ensured for the chassis number is not damaged. Because if you see this on your bike then this shows a stolen bike. Scrutinize the (wheel) rim for cracks and turning. Inspect the frame/chassis – look for cracks, fractures, and old repair work.
How do discs (brakes) wear out? If there are noticeable grooves that touch the pads -then you can assume that the bike is well used.
You must check all the frames so that you can understand there are no cracks, fractures, and old repair chores. You need to know about the disc (brakes) and how they are working. However, these 5 things you must check before buying.
- Hours on the bike. Hours come with less risk in a two-stroke bike. You may also want to know what a 2-stroke bike is? It contains a small amount of oil mixed with the 2-stroke engine fuel. This is called “quadratic” because the piston’s unit moves up and down – both times complete full intake, compression and combustion cycles, and exhaust. Two strokes can last three hours longer than four-stokes. But, in two strokes there has a caution on significant engine damages which requires expensive repairs. But, in a four-stroke dirt bike, things are not the same. Because it requires an upscale rehabilitation about every 50 hours. If not, the piston can wear out and may need to suffer expensive damage. You should ask the owner whether or not the bike is rebuilt, also, you could search online for appropriate rebuild intervals.
- You should ask the owner about engine oils and maintenance practice. How did they maintain the bike? How they changed oil on four strokes As off-road bikes only contain about one quart of oil, most owners change oil frequently.
- The most important step when buying a used dirt bike is checking the rear suspension, swing arm, and linkage. Press the seat tightly. They should rebound the bike in a controlled way, not like a pogo stick. Ride the bike and bounce on the seat to make sure it offers controlled damping. You have to See the rear shock for oil leaks by pointing for oil and dirt buildup at its bottom. If the oil in the shock leaks and collects, the dirt will stick to it. Rear-shock reconstruction costs at least 100, so keep this in mind if you notice problems. Riders usually cannot rebuild a rear shock on their own because they do not have access to pressurized nitrogen or the equipment. Check the swingarm for extra play, which holds the wheel behind the frame. Also, contact the linkage that connects the shock. Ask someone to lift an inch or two off the back of the bike. Try to pull the rear tire from side to side to test the side movement. Any movement shows bad bearing or bushing.
- Check the front suspension whether or not adjusted. You can watch this video to know more about the adjust-
- Watch the engine and change gears.
A Useful Buying plan for Used Dirt Bikes
So, How do you want to pick out the perfect dirt bikes while you are thinking secondhand? Or should you purchase the new one?
Yes, It is a typical question for a new rider that is asked by everyone.
Going for a user is an extraordinary method to get a DB in great condition and you will be able to save aside some cash simultaneously, particularly if you’re new to the game and uncertain whether it’ll be a drawn out long-term thing. Yet, as used vehicles, you have no clue about how much somebody’s rummage has been gotten through a lot of hardship. This is obvious with deal by-proprietor with no guaranteed used stamp from a vendor to ease your danger. In case you’re not on your game when looking for a ride, you can just take it for yourself instead.
But we are here not to remorse you. The perfect and superior way to dodge a buyer’s regret is to fortify yourself to the mask with proper information that will help you to decide the smart choice. We like to use a strategy that breaks everything down into three major areas:
- Rider’s Profile ( Experience and Skill level ).
- Budget.
- Try Before you buy.
Rider’s profile (Experience & Skill level)
– This may seem obvious to you, but you should take into consideration who will be the primary rider. If it is you, a 6’5″ enduro fan with a decade of expertise on the trail? Or is it just a little lad, a teen who has become infatuated with off-road but does not know the clasp from a gearwheel?
These are long overdue to get it in the right details.
Dirt Bike Style & Bike power
You don’t know that compared to street bikes, dirt bikes are different monsters. It is great if you can ride a cruiser around city streets, but you’ll be amazed to see how different a dirt bike feels and rides.
There are various categories of Dirt bikes and these are- Dual, Trail, Motocross, freestyle etc. But each of these has different uses.
The key here is suitable for the purpose. Gear ratios and engines are set up separately for each region of the sport. You probably think that motocross bikes are the latest in the dirt-biking world. However, if you take someone back to the country, you are going to regret your decision even more with each successive stall out.
Just debug and not sure which way to go? Overall speaking, trail or dual-sport bikes are great choices to judge for the first-timers. They are more flexible and simpler to go up than other options.
They base the way they ride the bike on several variables, including a “stroke”. This refers to the movement of the piston during the combustion cycle of the engine. You’ll see it when your buyer travels, so allow us to expand.
The bikes you shop for are 2-stroke or 4-stroke. The 2-stroke model is more explosive, which is why it is usually linked with motocross sports with 4-stroke, despite the ineffective noise and smoke, up-front investment and repair costs are lower.
On the flip side, 4-stroke bikes are bulky because they are not built for track-style racing. Although more expensive and maintenance-heavy than a 2-stroke, their engines have more rotational forces at the bottom end, smoother transfer of horsepower, and longer longevity. This makes them an attractive alternative for non-competitive riders and rookies.
Is weight an important scale for a person to use a DB? And engine size?
It should make sure you feel relaxed and comfortable in the seat, and at least cozy as possible depending on the bike model. You could touch the handlebars easily, and also, your feet should contact the ground with legs extended.
Yes, weight is an important comparative to a person who plans to use the bike. For example, a 250cc single-engine bike should be enough for mature beginners aged 150lbs or older. Think of something in the 250-450cc range above that margin. How you look at the suspension system can have a weight effect.
Although many experts recommend that for the first bike and under 180Ibs, stay in the 125cc to 200cc range.
With youngsters, growth flows and skill squirts are as unstable as they are unavoidable. You should try your best to pick a bike that won’t be overgrown too quickly. You should stay with a model your little one is easy with until he or she has got enough endurance to take things up an indentation in terms of size and power.
Budget
Now, you know how much you are ready to spend on a dirt bike. Still, if not, then you should figure it out. The best dirt bikes from popular companies cost an average of about $8,000-$9,000. They sell used bikes at a depreciation price of about $1000 per year for their age; For example, depending on how much the previous owner cared for the bike, a survey in 2016 dirt bikes with a new price was $8,000, now costs around $4,000.
We would suggest 2-stroke Sherco SE 300 Racing or if you are thinking of 4 strokes, then Yamaha YZ250F.
The bike itself is part of the equation. It is also a good idea to account for repairs, replacements, or upgrades you need to repair or need to go on your journey.
If your offspring is just entering the exciting world of two-wheeled glass, you need to adopt all the right gear for you and the younger members of the family based on your riding style. This may include things like chest guards, goggles, helmets, gloves, and elbow and knee pads.
Local Bike Dealers
In the case of bike operation, mechanics or maintenance, it is perfectly fine to start with a nominal IQ. We all have to begin from some place.
If in doubt about the correct model, talk to your nearest DB specialists. These guys can help a ton in different ways. Discuss your dirt-bike riding interests and place them honestly at your experience level so they can make the right recommendations for you and your relatives. keep in mind, you will not not just buy a bike, you’ll also spend on future parts and services, so build those connections early.
Looking for bikes for sale has got a lot of options these days. Great place to start with dealerships that offer used dirt bikes. You can interact with a trusted merchant and be able to browse multiple bikes at once. Some even offer a limited warranty. Although you may not be able to pay the price on the ground floor, there is minimal risk through established business.
Dealing directly with private vendors in the dirt-bike market is quite common. Local track and riding clubs also rank high above the reliability meter as members are more likely to take care of each other. If these are not options for you, then DB forums can be a useful site. And Then there is always Craigslist for you.
Try before you buy
Okay, you are now understanding and becoming the fountain of DB knowledge and what you are looking for. You, sir/mam are now ready to start negotiations with the sellers. Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be a painful process as long as you follow a few best practices while hunting.
To be more clear, It is not screening for you; it is for them the sellers. Yes, know who and what you will deal with before appearing at someone’s garage.
Inquire about the bike history. You should remember it’s all about your money. So, it is fair to ask some important questions.
You could start with:
- How long do they have the bike?
- Did they buy it as new or used?
- Have there been any problems or had accidents?
- Any part replaced or upgraded?
- How many miles, or how many races has it been in?
- Have they any records of maintenance?
- Why are they selling?
- Was the bike licensed?
Bike Inspection
It is important to check the condition of different parts of the bike, especially if it is more expensive to replace. Some things like oil and air filter the way you want to switch them, but by looking at their condition before you buy you can understand how the previous owner took responsibility for the bike from nose to tail.
Keep in the following parts on your checklist:
Frame: check for any cracks, which might be serious damage.
Wheels: Give them a spin and look for unwanted dabs. Loose spokes, cracked hubs, and worn-out walks are the things you should address with the owner.
Engine: This is the brain of a bike. You can also buy a new one if you end up needing to replace it. Let it be lazy for a while and listen to the rattles and clamps that may show curtained cranks, valves, or other elements.
Radiator: Check it out before you start the bike. Fluids should be clean (and full) and there should be no obstruction to airflow.
Fork Seals: Fork seals are cheap and fairly easy to replace with the right equipment. However, it can be and replacing stores is quite expensive. If they have just jumped, you can only clean them and getaway.
Oil: Intelligent sellers have recently changed the oil. If it is dark and coarse, it is often a stark sign that the person is not taking very good care of his toys. The buyer should be careful.
Engine Noises: Start the engine and idle for at least one minute. Listen for any scattering or ticking. If it’s a 4-stroke and it ticks with the engine’s RPM, it’s probably a worn time discipline or tensioner. Fairly easy to fix on most bikes. If a rattle is noticeably quiet after the engine has fully warmed up, it could be a piston rattle, which will need to be rebuilt.
Carburetor: You probably won’t be able to inspect the carb internally, but you can get a good idea of how dirty it can be after trying to get started and while driving. If the bike is hard to start and/or has any bog when speeding up, it needs to be cleaned. This often happens when the dirt bike has been sitting for several months (or weeks).
Exhaust: Look at the head pipe for dents or bending. If there is any major damage, repair or replace it. A crushed pipe will lack energy.
Also, listen to the extraction notes. You can usually tell when there is a little muffler packing because it is loud and descriptive. A freshly packed silencer will be relatively cool (depending on the specific silencer) and will look great and crisp. Packing is quite cheap, but it is not very fun to replace.
How many hours is a lot for a used dirt bike?
The average hour per year for the average rider will be considered 75 – 100 hours per year. But for 2 stroke DB 40 to 60 hours is a lot of riding. However, 2-stroke engines are banned from the market due to not satisfying steadily tightening EPA standards for vehicle exhaust emissions.
How many days do you need to learn to ride a bike?
Yes, learning DB, riding a dirt bike is difficult and takes months and times to be a master, however, many first-time riders are insulted for some inconvenient injury that thanks to many mistakes, if avoided the learning process is a little less back-breaking and the fun of riding. As a new rider you should figure out the throttle and how to roll and when to let up and also, same about clutch. If you already know how to ride a bicycle, then you are almost ready to understand motorcycle balance.
Balance comes into play here but where to position your body when cornering, jumping or hitting the berms to lose control of the bike and reduce fatigue. The wrong position on your bike is a recipe for getting rid of dirt. If you’ve been looking at motocross for a season, you may notice that sometimes the rider and the bike are almost parallel to the ground with sharp turns without leaning in any direction. It takes practice.
It will take two weeks to learn to ride the Dirt bike but to become an expert it will need months to months.
Which is faster, a 2 stroke or a 4 stroke?
When it comes about the best stroke as far as efficiency goes, then the 4 stroke will definitely win. Four-stroke engines are heavy; Wards weigh over 50% more than comparable 2-stroke engines
Typically, a 2-stroke engine produces more torque at a higher RPM, while a 4-stroke engine produces a higher torque at a lower RPM.
2 strokes much louder, but 4 strokes are quieter. You even will not want to hear the 2 strokes “buzzing” sound.
However, What’s a better 2 stroke or 4 stroke dirt bike?
For dirt bike lovers, it is a common question. Which is better? 2 stroke , or 4 stroke for db? But when you are going to consider a two-stroke vs four-stroke, you should evaluate how you plan to ride the dirt bike.
2 stroke parts are notably cheaper than four strokes. A two stroke 125cc is the same as a four-stroke 250cc engine. They are lighter and faster. But two strokes does not have the lifespan compared to a four stroke engine.
For riding hills, climbing two strokes is perfectly choice-able. But you will get a four stroke dirt bike very few.
Which lubrication system is used in bikes?
Parts such as crankshaft and camshaft bearings are sprayed with jets. After spraying the oil comes back down to the oil pan and the entire process starts again. This is the basic design and operation of a wet sump lubrication system, which is the most extensive type in motorcycles.
Is dirt biking expensive?
Riding a dirt bike can be your hobby. Yes, some DBs cost as much as cars even though they are too expensive to maintain. It may cost you almost $2,000 to $20,000+ to race motocross. However, a used bike is not so expensive.
What is the best cheap dirt bike?
The best cheap dirt bikes are a superb choice for mediocre people. If you don’t have an extensive amount and don’t want to sleep your dream off, then you could try for the best cheap dirt bikes.
The top 3 cheap dirt bikes are-
- Yamaha YZ125 – Best Beginner Dirt Bike.
- Yamaha TTR-50 – Kids Beginner Dirt Bike.
- Kawasaki KLX110 – Best Youngsters Beginner Dirt Bike.
CRF250X vs CRF250R – Which Dirt Bike Should You Buy?
Which one CRF250X or CRF250R is best and which one should you buy the red dirt bike? If you are a keen rider and have a thought about getting a new bike then these are two main examples of very popular bikes.
Although, these are similar platforms and certain differences between the design. 250R has a larger stroke and a little higher compression, a close ratio transmission, and EFI starting in 2010 and On the other hand, 250x basic design and less radical cam makes it more trail amiable.
However, for a beginner CRF250R is the best motocross bike and if you are a beginner then you don’t need to look any further.
Final Words
And finally, now you can identify and explore dirt bikes. These are all the steps that you must follow when buying a Used Dirt Bike. Although there are many rookie-friendly new bikes, namely Yamaha YZ250F, TT-R125LF, Honda CRG125LF, or the venerable Suzuki DR200S, one of the best novices can purchase dual sports.
Also, don’t be afraid to walk away from the bike. Everyone will say that they have the best and fastest bike, but if you want a clean and reliable dirt bike, it’s better to wait than to waste your hard-earned cash dollars in a junk pile sitting in the garage’s corner after your first ride.