It is not surprising to hear that dirt biking is one of the most popular pastime activities in the country. It is extremely exciting, very adventurous, and can be a lot of fun. It is also an activity that you can share with the kids and the rest of the family.
Before you can give dirt biking a try, however, there is one important task to tackle: choosing a trail bike. There is no shortage of options on the market, but you do have to take into account some important factors before making a decision. Here are the most important things to consider when choosing a dirt bike.
Your Experience Level
You can’t just go out and pick up the most powerful motorcycle when you have no dirt biking experience. Bigger power means more finesse is needed to keep that extra power in check. You are also limiting yourself by going for more power; not all trails are designed for bigger, more powerful bikes.
For those who are just getting started, stay within the 110cc-150cc range. There are plenty of options to choose from. You can always upgrade your bike once you are more skilled.
Experience level is also the reason why most dirt bikes for children have smaller, air-cooled engines. The most popular model is the CRF 50F from Honda Powersports, a small dirt bike designed from the ground up to suit younger riders.
Your Height
Your height matters too. Getting the height of your dirt bike just right is an important thing to do. It helps with balance and maneuvering when you’re on a trail. Modern motorcycles come in different heights, which means you should easily be able to find one that suits you perfectly.
You don’t have to get the height of the bike precisely correct, especially when you’re buying a common make and model. You also have the option to fine-tune your motorcycle’s suspension so that you hit a nice balance between weight distribution, center of gravity, and the height of the saddle.
Your Weight
The weight of the rider also plays an important part in determining the riding experience on a dirt trail. Dirt bike suspensions are designed to be more forgiving, which means heavier riders need to make the correct adjustments for a sturdier, firmer ride.
On the other hand, riders that are too thin aren’t putting enough weight to get the center of gravity correct. As a result, the motorcycle may be more bouncy or even unstable when used to explore rougher terrains.
Your Budget
Naturally, you want your first bike to be affordable. As mentioned before, the options are plenty and you can always find the perfect dirt bike to pick up regardless of your budget. The Honda CRF 50F we talked about earlier, for example, is available for less than $1,500, making it the perfect first bike for children.
Take these factors into consideration and you will end up with a bike that delivers the best riding experience. Your journey into the world of dirt biking will be much more enjoyable when you have the right motorcycle under you.