Dirt Bike FAQ

It needs to be a 4 stroke, not 4 cylinder. The turn signals need to be a certain distance from the centerline of the bike. You probably can not take it on divided highways, I think it's a 250cc minimum. The lighting kits can be quite expensive if it doesn't already have the necessary lights, especially the tail-light and license bracket. If it came with the correct lighting then it is probably already titled as a street legal bike. You will just need a safety inspection and insurance.

You dont want a mini moto mate, there chinese rubbish and break to much. either get a good brand of pitbike (terra-moto,thumpstar) or if its to rome the streets get a second hand chinese pitbike for around £200 (check your newspaper) my very first mini moto cost £175!!! which when i think now is a total rip off considering i got a genuine thumpstar for £250.

Good old XR650 very dependable great all around bike with lots of aftrer market goodies available and priced well.

The KTM 525/530 also a great bike.

The DRZ 400 Suzuki works well if you want a little more nimble bike they also have a 250

Depends if you want to trail ride get a 230 but if you want to race get a 125 2stroke.

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!

32:1 is a sort of "universal ratio" that works well for anything.

Any ratio between 32:1 and 40:1 is OK.

32:1,,,,That's 8oz of oil per gallon of gasoline (US)

Or in Liters,,

32 militers oil to 1 liter petrol

125ML Oil per 4L petrol

A 125 to 150 is not really for a child. It will be tough to get something for 500.00 that is a major brand. Remember a Honda, Yamaha Kawaski, Suzuki will hold some value especially the entry level bikes. It is hard to tell you what to look for since you did not mention his size, age, and skill level.

I dont think a dirtbike 50cc engine is small enought to fit in a pocket bike. if you hav the engine just measure it, or if you know someone who is selling one aske them to take some measurments for you. you can always check ebay for pocketbike engines.

Lube the cable also.

Look at a used Kawasaki KDX200. These are great for woods and trail. I am 260lbs and can stand mine up in a wheelie and jump just fine. Just don't do those things until your skills improve. You do not need a large cc bike. KDX's are very forgiving to a new rider as well. This is a 2 stroke. If you are looking at a 4 stroke, I would not suggest anything larger than 400cc. You can go a little larger on a 4 stroke than a 2stroke and be ok. Some of the 250cc size 4 strokes are smaller in size. The 250cc 2 strokes have alot of power, but would also be ok for your size. You would need to sit on them to see how they feel.
Definitely buy a used one for your first. This way when you lay it down, it won't get you as upset.