There is nothing more exhilarating than riding a dirt bike on a sunny afternoon! If you are interested in buying one of these bikes, especially if it is your first, you will need some information to help you choose the right one for you. Hopefully this short guide will prove useful.

Dirt bikes come in a wide variety of brands, sizes, colours and styles.They have gained in popularity enormously over the last few years so manufacturers have begun to produce them with a great many options.

A two stroke or four stroke dirt bike?
The first thing to consider is the engine. They usually come in two choices, two stroke or four stroke engines. While two stroke engines tend to be easier to handle and are lighter and more powerful they do have some disadvantages. Two stroke engines are less efficient than four stroke engines as far as fuel is concerned and tend to have a shorter life. However for a beginner a two stroke engine is a good choice and you will find it easier to ride and get used to. If you find you love dirt bike riding (as we are sure you will!) then you could progress to a four stroke when you feel more comfortable.

What about engine size?
A modest level of power is a good idea when you are starting out as a beginner will find more power harder to handle. You don’t want to end your bike riding the first day by crashing your new bike! For a beginner an engine capacity of between 200 and 300 cc is the best choice. You can progress to a more powerful bike when you are more experienced.

Shocks and suspension
Once you’ve decided on the type and size of the engine for your new bike you will need to make sure the shocks and suspension are high quality. After all, these bikes are not ridden on nice smooth highways but over bumpier ground and shocks and suspension will take a hammering. You will want to make sure they can stand up to this level of abuse.

Test driving the bike that you intend to purchase is a good idea. You can get a feel for how it handles and how it fits with your body weight and shape.

The last consideration, although many people will mistakenly put this first, is the look of the bike. This comes down to individual preference of course, but, provided you have taken into consideration all the above points feel free to choose the bike that takes your fancy.

Conclusion
There are many things to consider when buying your new bike so don’t rush into it. Take your time, do your homework and make sure you buy the perfect bike for your level of expertise. Dirt bike riding is great fun so selecting the right bike is important in your quest for a safe, exhilarating riding experience.

By Janet Ashby

Share and Enjoy :

Buying a road bike can be quite confusing really. The question is whether you should but a new one or first buy a used road bike, going in for a new one later. There are some points to keep in mind when looking for second hand bikes.

First decide on the type of road bike that you need, meaning do you need an entry level or a mid-level road bike. The pricing is another significant factor. You will have to ensure that you will get a good bike for the amount you are paying. Typically you go in for a second hand road bike when you are either tight for cash or you want to get used to cycling before you settle for a new one.

One of the problems of buying a used bike is that you may not be able to fully understand the condition of the bike. In spite of the fact that the bike looks good to your eyes there may be certain things that go unnoticed which may create trouble later on. Inspect the different parts of the bike very carefully to find out the amount of wear and tear especially on the frame.

Do not forget to look at the size of the bike you are planning to buy. You have to understand that the fit of the bike is extremely important; it should be neither too big nor too small.

Before you go looking for a used bike look at some of the models in the new bikes to decide what are the features that you would like, and look for used bikes with similar features. Browse the internet for used bike or try walking into used bike stores to give you an idea of what you can get and what the general cost of such bikes are.

Ensure that tires are in good condition and that the paint has no rust. Take the bike out for a ride to ensure that you are comfortable on it, and see that the speed gears shift smoothly. Test the brakes and the wheels ascertaining that the bike stops instantly. If the seller has no hang ups take the bike to a mechanic for a check up and an estimate of repair costs if any.

By Reshma Rangaswamy

Share and Enjoy :