Guide to buy a Second-Hand Dirt Bike

Are you looking to get your hands on a second-hand dirt bike? If you have never owned a motorcycle before, but would love to try riding one out sometime soon then you can definitely go for a second-hand dirt bike. So then comes the question ‘ What should I look for in a good second-hand dirt bike? ‘.

Dirt bikes are great fun to ride, but they also require some maintenance. If you want to enjoy riding them without spending too much time fixing things, then you’ll need to make sure that you get a second-hand Dirt Bike that is in a good condition. Here’s a guide to buying a second-hand dirt bike, from choosing the right model to finding a mechanic who knows how to fix them.

Tips to buy a second-hand Dirt Bike.

Choose your budget-

A budget has to be chosen for your second-hand dirt bike purchase. This will depend on what you’re willing to spend and whether you have any money left over after other purchases. It might seem like a good idea to go for something really cheap, but if you don’t know how to maintain it or can’t find a reliable mechanic, you could end up with an expensive piece of scrap metal that won’t last very long.

Ask around-

If you live near a large town or city center, there may be a local garage which sells used motorbikes. You could ask your local bike shop for recommendations. They might even be able to recommend a dealer nearby. Alternatively, check online forums such as eBay Motors to see if anyone is selling their old bike.

Research-

Before you start shopping, make sure you do some research into the different models available. There are many factors to consider when choosing a bike, including:

Frame size – The frame determines how big or small the bike is. Smaller frames are easier to handle, but larger ones offer more stability.

Engine type – Some bikes use two engines (such as V twins) while others only have one (like single cylinder). A multi-cylinder engine gives better performance than a single-cylinder engine.

Suspension system – Different suspension systems suit different types of terrain. For example, a hardtail bike offers less comfort, but is ideal for off-road riding. However, a full suspension bike is better suited to rough roads and trails.

Decide on features-

Once you’ve decided on a particular bike, think about what additional features you would like. These include:

Brakes – Do you prefer disc brakes or drum brakes? Discs offer more stopping power, but are harder to repair. Drum brakes are cheaper to replace, but aren’t as powerful.

Gearbox – How many gears does the bike come with? More gears mean you can climb steeper hills, but fewer means you’ll struggle going uphill.

Lights – Are you planning to ride at night? Lighted gear indicators help riders keep track of where they are in the gears. Front and rear lights are useful for safety reasons.

Determine the type of rider you are-

If you’ve ridden motorcycles before, then you probably already know which style is best suited to you. You may prefer a sporty bike that you can race around town, while others may prefer a more relaxed cruiser that they can use as their daily driver.

Consider the terrain where you live-

If you live somewhere hilly or mountainous, then you’ll need a motorbike that is capable of handling these conditions. A lot of dirt bikes are designed for off-road racing, so they tend to be heavier than road bikes. They may not be suitable for city driving unless you invest in a set of pneumatic tires.

Think about safety features-

You’ll need to consider the level of safety equipment available on the second-hand dirt bike you choose. Some models come with crash bars, footpegs, and even helmets. Others only come with basic handlebars and no protection at all. Make sure you check this when you’re shopping around.

Ask friends and family for recommendations-

Friends and family members often have experience with second-hand dirt bikes and can give you advice on what to look for. They may also recommend specific brands that they think you’d be interested in.

Check online reviews –

Online reviews are another way to get information about the pre-loved dirt bikes. There are plenty of websites out there that allow people to review products and services, including those that sell used dirt bikes. These sites can help you narrow down your search and find out what other customers thought of different models.

Research dealerships-

When you’re ready to start looking for a pre-loved dirt bike in person, you should visit local dealerships and talk to sales staff. They should be able to tell you everything you need to know about the different models available and inform you about any warranties that apply.

Compare prices-

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential second-hand dirt bikes, you should compare prices. If you want to save some cash, you can always try buying from private sellers instead of going through a dealership. However, you do need to be careful here and ensure that the seller isn’t trying to rip you off.

Test ride the model you want-

The final step before making a purchase is to test ride the model you’re considering. Take it out for a spin and see how easy it is to control and whether it feels comfortable to sit on. This will help you determine whether it’s worth paying extra money for extras like cruise controls and heated grips.

Buy the right size-

If you’re planning on riding the second-hand dirt bike regularly, you’ll probably want to buy one that fits properly. It’s best to measure yourself against a similar-sized bike to avoid having to buy a new size after you’ve ridden it.

Get expert advice-

Buying a second-hand dirt bike is an exciting time but it’s also a big decision. To make sure you get the right product for your needs, take the time to speak to someone who knows about the industry. A friend or relative might not have all the answers but they can point you towards someone who does.

Make sure you read the manual-

It goes without saying that you should check the owner’s manual when purchasing a second-hand dirt bike. You’ll learn everything from how to maintain the machine to which parts are included in the warranty.

Choose a reputable dealer-

A good dealer will provide you with helpful advice and won’t pressure you into buying something you aren’t happy with. They should also offer a wide range of products and support if you run into problems.

Be wary of scams-

A lot of scammers use online forums to trick unsuspecting buyers. Don’t fall victim to these tricks by agreeing to meet up at a certain place or pay for shipping via Western Union.

Check the serial number-

You can find this information on the underside of the frame near the bottom bracket. The numbers should be stamped in black ink.

Look for signs of wear and tear-

The condition of the second hand dirt bike will vary depending on its age. Older models may have scratches and dents while newer ones could look brand new.

Consider accessories-

Finally, once you’ve made all the decisions, think about what extras you’d like to add to your new bike. Extras include:

Tires – Tires are important because they determine how fast the bike goes. If you choose tires with low pressure, the bike will be slower. High pressure tires give faster acceleration, but are harder to change.

Rims – Rim width affects how much grip the tire has. Wide rims provide more traction, but narrow ones allow you to fit bigger tires.

Choose the right price-

The final decision comes down to how much you want to pay for your bike. Remember that buying a second-hand bike isn’t just about saving money. Buying from a reputable seller also ensures that you get a quality product.

Buy!

When you’ve found the perfect bike, contact the seller and arrange payment. Once you’ve paid, take delivery of the bike and enjoy!

Conclusion

Buying a second-hand dirt bike doesn’t need to be expensive. In fact, it’s often possible to save money by purchasing an older model. But don’t forget to check out our guide to buying a new dirt bike first before you decide to sell your current bike.

Check out our post on ‘Top 10 best dirt bikes of 2022’.