Dirt Bike FAQ

If your first qualification is used, that will depend on the bikes available for sale in your area. Couple of general points, though. At 5-11 you will need a bike with a full size frame. Tiny won't cut it, 125-250cc, but check it first, even at those displacements have seen 3/4 size frames .(kind for kids). Have you ever ridden before? If no, lightest bike you can find, you'll be picking it up a lot. Can't even tell you the number of times I've fallen! Check where you will be riding. Some sites have specific equipment rules. Don't spend everything you have, you will need some equipment. Minimum: Helmet, Gloves, Boots. Ever caught a lace in the foot peg in 5th gear so you could not shift? (not a lot of fun) Worry about weight, not displacement. You always have one piece of equipment that will keep you from getting in trouble by going too fast. (Hint, it's the place between your ears.) On Bike condition: does chain shift a lot side to side? Do tires show "age cracks"? Shake steering head, do top of forks rattle back and forth? On rear sprocket, are holes even or"dished" on side? All signs of wear, going to be medium to very expensive. If the bike won't start when you goto look at it, something is very(!) wrong. Get a mechanical friend to go with you to look at bikes to begin with. Ask what he is looking for, so you can do the same later. Best wishes, dirt down and sky up!