Dirt Bike FAQ

This is the Cycling section, not motorcycles

That is a really good bike but I would not suggest getting a brand new bike for your first one. I have been riding for a while and have learned there are two kinds of riders, the ones that have crashed and the ones that are going to. I would suggest getting one that is a few years old just because you will go down at least once and most likely the first time it is on your first bike.

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!

Place a for sale add on http://craigslist.org You will get more attention there.

HTH

- Shop around. Go to the cycle shops and check out what the latest models and last year's models are going for. Compare.

- Pick up Dirt Rider magazine. They always have a classifieds section and reviews of products and bikes, check out what they say are some good deals.

- Peruse your Sunday paper. People often sell second-hand dirtbikes in the paper, check that out. Make some calls and see what people have to offer.

- Hang out at your local track. People are ALWAYS bringing excess bikes to the track and setting them up with For Sale signs. Those guys know their stuff too so they will usually ask a fair price.

- Make sure you do your research. Talk to the gys at your local dealers and have them make suggestions for you. They can recommend bikes for the way you ride or tell you about features you might look for. That way when you DO find somehting for sale, you know what you're looking for and what to ask.

- Lastly, check out this website for tips, tricks and an online marketplace.
http://dirtbike.off-road.com/dirtbike/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=264387

Good luck!

It's a 1986 RM250.A basket case is a bike that needs to be put back together.It says it's in good shape but it needs a new crankshaft.In other words the engine needs to be re built.They want 300 dollars or best offer.Unless you know how to re build engines and assemble bikes it wouldn't be a good choice for you.

LOL i loved the it has a basket case answers Too funny!

There has never been a better time for someone with little funds to buy a dirt bike. With all the Chinese replica bikes the cost has come down to the prices the Japanese bike were in the late 70's early 80's. Look in craigslist and your local paper and the recycler and spread the word you are looking. You never know when someone knows of a cheap bike.
Do not get discouraged, a good deal is not found every day, but you have to look every day and be ready to strike when you find one. Remember you may see hundreds for sale, but you only need to find one.
If you live in the Long beach Ca. area email me and I will give you one that needs repair.
look at:
www.craigslist.org
www.recycler.com
good luck, be safe when you do get one.
remember following the laws is part of it your dad will appreciate, and bumps, scrapes, are part of it so your mom will be on you to be safe.

You should go to a bike dealership and try sitting on some of them. people are recommending 80's and 100's but i think they may be too small for you, not enough power. you should look into getting a 125, hondas are great bikes, ktm also makes a great bike. also keep in mind that you can lower the suspensions on some of them to fit your height, just ask the salesperson about it and they should be able to help you with it. is this the first time you will be dirtbiking?? you will LOVE IT!! i just started riding in dirt recently and it is so much fun! way better than riding on the road. good luck, be safe and have fun!

You were foolish to buy a vehicle without being able to immediately see the title to insure it was free and clear. This whole thing sounds bad because you still owe them. There is nothing to for you to sue them over. Either you pay them the remainder and hope they will provide the title or they can repo the bike from you if you don't pay.

Look on cycletrader.com