Buying The Perfect Dirt Bike For You
Whether you’re competing or just enjoy fast-paced adventures in the great outdoors, a dirt bike is an excellent choice. These special variations on the average motorcycle are designed to handle rugged off-road terrain. A dirt bike can handle mud, turf, dirt paths, and more. But even this specific vehicle comes in many shapes and sizes. How do you know which one is right for you? Easy! Just follow these simple steps.
We here at Altus Motorsports want to make sure you find a bike that meets your needs, so we’ve put together a few tips for narrowing down your search. If you have questions we don’t answer below, or you just want to see the dirt bikes we have for sale for yourself, stop by our location in Altus, Oklahoma! Our friendly and experienced staff will work with you to find what you need at the prices you want.
Budgeting
As you probably already know, setting a budget is a vital first step in any large purchase, and dirt bikes don’t come cheap. It’s important to crunch a few numbers and find a figure that you can reasonably afford to spend, but that doesn’t overly restrict your options. Remember that the sticker price isn’t the entire cost of the machine—you need to factor in accessories and riding gear, fuel, and regular maintenance costs.
Pre-owned dirt bikes are a great way to shave a few digits off an asking price. Vehicles like this don’t retain their value once bought, so a model that’s only been ridden a few times can be significantly cheaper than a brand new version. If you’re still struggling to find a way to make it work, talk to our financing department. We’re confident that we can find a way to stretch your budget and get the bike you want!
How Will You Ride?
Once you know what you can spend, it’s time to start looking at bikes. The best way to start is by asking yourself how you intend to use it. If you’re newer to the dirt bike game, you’ll want to focus on a bike with a little less power so you can get a handle on how to control and ride the bike. A lightweight frame will likewise be easier to handle. More experienced riders will probably want more power and weight, which can add to the bike’s stability and make more difficult rides easier.
If you’re racing or looking to get into racing, focus on models with high speeds and more aerodynamic frames to give you an edge against the competition. Agility will also be useful for taking turns faster and more precisely. Either way, no matter your experience level, think about how long you’ll be using the bike at a time. Factor that into the comfort of the models you look at—just because it’s a sport doesn’t mean it has to make you sore!
Finally, if you plan on driving your bike on any paved roads as well as terrain, you’ll want to look into dual-sport models. These are able to handle both natural terrain and asphalt. You’ll also want to make sure the model has any and all features necessary to make it street legal.
Location, Location, Location
Always keep in mind where you’ll be riding your dirt bike. Some models are designed for specific environments, like hard-packed dirt paths. You’ll need a specialized model to handle looser terrain like mud or sand, or at least specialized tires capable of handling in those conditions. If you’re certain you’ll use your bike in only one specific type of terrain, you can buy one designed for that from the get-go. Otherwise, there are plenty of aftermarket accessories that can modify your bike for different locations.
Ideal Engine Type
Dirt bike engines come in two varieties: two-stroke or four-stroke engines. Two-stroke engines are more compact, lighter in weight, and easier to handle. Four-stroke engines provide more power, better stability, and more weight. Remember to match the power level of your bike to your experience as a rider to avoid getting overwhelmed.
Looking for a place where you can see these options rather than just read about them? Look no further than Altus Motorsports! We have a wide selection of dirt bikes on sale right now, and our parts, service, and finance departments can make sure you get the best deal you can on a bike that’ll last. We proudly serve the people of Amarillo, Texas, and Altus, Oklahoma—let us serve you today!