Questions You Should Know about Best Cheap Dirt Bike

If you're uncomfortable or a little unsure about buying a used dirt bike, know that you're not alone. It can be intimidating and scary, especially if you're not super mechanical (like us). To help you make the most educated decision, we've provided a list of questions, along with some additional tips, that we recommend asking when buying a used bike. You can also get more insights and listen to us talk through these questions in our YouTube video.

If you're buying a bike off the floor from a power sports store, you probably don't have too much to worry about. Chances are, they've already done a lot of work to ensure their bikes are sellable and in mint condition (if you find a rusted and crusted bike that doesn't start on a showroom floor, we recommend going to a different store). Just make sure you research prices, understand what you want, and don't let them up-sell you on things that aren't up-sell-worthy. 

On that note, you can usually find cheaper deals from sources like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or a friend of friend, but the bike will also come with more of a mysterious past. Here are the questions we recommend asking to get some important, additional details:

1. How long have you owned this bike? This gives you a good idea as to their knowledge of the history of the bike. If they're the only owner, they'll have a much better idea of what the bike has been through/how much work has been done than if they are the fourth or fifth owner.
2. Where/how has the bike been stored? Inside vs. outside. Covered vs. non-covered. If the bike has been sitting outside, uncovered, and exposed to the elements, it's at a much higher risk for erosion and deterioration which may cause some expensive problems for you down the line.
3. How many hours are on the bike? This information will help give you an idea of how much the bike has been ridden and what condition it's currently in. In general, the lower the amount of hours the better, but what is "acceptable" will also depend on the year of the bike and the skill level of the owner.
4. What work has been done to the bike? It's important to know what has been done to the bike so you have the full picture of what you're getting yourself into. Multiple rebuilds may be a sign that the bike is going to be extremely troublesome for you as well. 
5. Did you do the work yourself or take it to a shop? It's important to know whether a professional or garage mechanic did the work. This isn't to say that one is better than the other (we definitely know some superb garage mechanics!), but if they did the work themselves and their explanations seem vague, that raises some flags. If they got the work done by a professional, ask them for the name of the shop and look it up! If all the reviews are shitty, that also raises some flags.
6. Can I start the bike? You should always start the bike (unless they disclose beforehand that the bike won't start). Obviously it may take a few kicks to turn her over if the engine is cold, but it should start fairly easily. Listen to the sounds it's making as it starts, and then as it idles. Does it sound "normal" or does it sound like something may be wrong?
7. Can I test ride the bike? If you can, take the bike for a quick spin! Some people may be hesitant to let you do this for fear that you'll just ride away with it, but it's the best way to get a feel for how the bike runs... literally. 

There's no way to guarantee that the bike you're buying won't have any issues, or that the person selling it to you isn't lying about the condition of the bike and/or the work that has been done (hate to say it, but it's true). I bought my bike from a Craigslist ad and even though everything looked and sounded great before the purchase, the top end needed to be rebuilt after just one ride. Huge bummer.

The best things you can do:

1. Ask questions. Ask as many as you need to feel comfortable.
2. Trust your gut. If something feels fishy or doesn't seem right, move on! There are plenty more bikes for sale. 
3. Do your research. Compare prices for similar bikes (year/make/model) so you know if the asking price is reasonable; but keep in mind the number of hours, work done and any upgrades/added parts to the bike.
4. Take someone with you. If you're not super familiar with the mechanics of a bike then take someone with you who is. Let them ask questions and/or gauge the responses of the person you're buying it from and the sounds the bike is making. 

Let us know what other questions you like to ask, or any other tips you recommend in the comments below.

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Whether you’re an experienced rider or a dirt bike newbie, finding the right ride might be challenging. It’s a huge decision you’ll make as a rider, and it’s one you’ll want to stick with for as long as possible.

When you buy a bike, you’ll need to carefully consider a few different aspects of your prospective purchase. Read below to learn which questions we recommend asking in order to get the most out of your decision.

READ MORE: Tips For Winter Dirt Bike Riding

These Are the Top Questions You Should Ask When Picking Out a New Dirt Bike

What Type of Bike Do I Want?

Not all bikes serve the same purpose. The first decision you should make is which kind of bike you want. These are your options:

• Competition bike: These motocross-ready bikes are perfect for thrilling races and riders who like to go full-speed.

• Trail bike: These bikes are designed for off-road recreational riding. They’re durable and versatile for any type of terrain.

• Dual bike: These bikes combine the best of both worlds. They’re tough enough for any trail, and they’re perfect for racing and leisurely riding.

If you’re not sure which kind of bike you want, ask around to fellow riders, and learn which bikes are right for beginners.

What’s My Budget?

This might seem obvious, but for any significant purchase, you should determine what you can realistically afford. Dirt bikes aren’t quite as expensive as other vehicles, but the purchase is still significant enough to require careful consideration.

Something important to think about is the additional costs. Not only is the base price of the bike important, but you’ll also want think about things like:

• Maintenance to the bike (if it’s used)

• Future maintenance to the bike

• Fuel

• Extra parts

• Tools for winter storage

No matter how much you spend on your bike, it’s not a bad idea to keep some savings aside just in case you need to perform repairs on your bike.

How Much Experience or Skill Do I Have?

Your status as a rider – beginner, intermediate, or expert – is relevant to which bike you choose. As a beginner, choosing the right bike will help you thrive as you develop your skills. Otherwise, choosing a bike that’s out of your skill zone will overwhelm you and put you at risk for danger.

When buying, ask your retailer which bikes they recommend to someone with your experience level.

Do I Want a Two-Stroke Bike or a Four-Stroke Bike?

‘Stroke’ refers to the motion of the piston in the dirt bike’s engine. A bike will either have two motions or four in order to complete a full engine cycle.

What difference does this make? The number of strokes can dramatically affect your riding style.

Two-stroke bikes can accelerate faster but are often harder to control and offer less stability. Four-stroke bikes, meanwhile, have a higher top speed and run more smoothly.

More specifically, four-stroke bikes have a four-step process for their engine cycles: intake, compression, combustion and exhaust. Two-stroke bikes compress these four steps into two.

Am I Good With Maintenance?

No matter how hard you try to keep your bike in top condition, you’ll inevitably need to perform repairs at some point. The costs of these repairs can sneak up on you. For that reason, you should think about maintenance costs before you even acquire your bike.

If you trust your own abilities, you may choose to save money by performing your own repairs. However, this might violate warranty agreements in some cases. The retailer you get your bike from may also offer specific deals for repairs down the road.

Learn about these options as you make your purchase.

Have I Ridden This Kind of Bike Before?

One of the most exciting things about buying a new bike is challenging yourself. You may prefer to stick to what you’re familiar with, or you may choose to try a new brand or build. Understand, though, that if you’re going to try something new, you’ll have to follow the learning curve and give yourself time to master your new ride.

Am I Able to Try Out the Bike?

Some retailers may allow you to try a model bike to help illustrate what it’ll actually feel like on real dirt. Though this option won’t always be available, but it’s worth asking. After all, your retailer might surprise you with what options you have in advance of your purchase.

Beginner Dirt Bike Tips

Riding a dirt bike for the first time is a total blast. You’ll want to consider these tips, though, to make the most of your new hobby.

• It’s okay to be nervous – stay hydrated and warm up to calm nerves

• Learn the trail before you ride

• Ride with someone experienced

• Practice on uncomplicated trails

Conclusion

Buying a new dirt bike might require some complex decision-making, but it doesn’t have to be a hassle. Consider the questions we’ve proposed above, and we guarantee you’ll be happy with your purchase.