If you are just starting out on the dirt bike scene, you should look for a used bike rather than a brand new one to buy. If you want to be able to enjoy off-road biking at a price that is more affordable for you, a great alternative to consider is purchasing a secondhand dirt bike.
You can purchase the right parts for the bike, replace them with the saved money, and modify the bike according to your needs.
If you are interested in purchasing a used dirt bike, then the following is a checklist of the twenty most crucial things you should know before making your purchase. You should not overlook any of these.
As a buyer, you must inspect the bike to avoid complications later. You need mechanical expertise or a bike-buying expert acquaintance for this.
How to Create a Checklist for Buying a Used Dirt Bike
I’ll start by listing a few essential items that should be on the checklist.
Set a Budget
The first duty is to create a budget for how much you want to spend on the bike if you are a newbie who has just recently started riding and now wants to buy a used dirt bike.
Determine the market price and contrast it with the valuation price. If the price of the bike is too high for your budget, the last option is to buy a used bike.
Before buying a used bike, budget for maintenance and repairs; some dirt bike parts may also need to be changed.
Estimate the additional costs that are included. Remember to include sales tax when calculating the overall cost of the purchase since it may be charged in some states.
The cost of title transfer and registration at the local DMV can come to a few hundred dollars. After you buy the dirt bike, you should also get insurance for it.
Do your research
A secondhand dirt bike purchase requires extensive research. Choose which brand and model of bike to buy based on your budget, size, level of experience, and how you like to ride.
To make it simpler for you to purchase a bike, please make thoughtful decisions about your alternatives.
The forums provide a wealth of information about this. You may read evaluations of every model as well as consumer reviews. This knowledge is quite helpful before purchasing a used bike.
Examine the cost structures in the neighborhood. On websites like Craigslist, you will see average pricing, which is recommended.
Keep up with all of this information and use it to bargain for a lower bike price.
List of 20 Crucial Considerations When Purchasing A Used Dirt Bike:
1. The Outer Surrounding Area
It is not just for the bike; also take note of how clean the garage is, where the bike is located, and how it is positioned when you visit.
What design does the seller’s other dirt bike have? Even though cleanliness and upkeep are important when purchasing a used dirt bike, they are not the only considerations.
2. Frames
A dirt bike’s subframe and frame will show signs of previous collisions if there are a lot of them. At the weld site or where two sections connect, look for odd bends and cracks.
It will be clear from the bike’s backside if the subframe is bent.
Typically, it causes the frame to flex to one side. If so, haggle over the price because a used subframe won’t be available for less than $50-200.
3. Tires
What quality is the tire? This is something you must witness. If not, you’ll need to get new tires. The edges should be crisp. Tire grip on the ground is maintained by sharp edges.
Since tires are somewhat expensive, try to work out a deal with the owner if you need to replace them.
4. Fuel tank
A dirt bike’s stomach is its fuel tank. Avoid purchasing the bike without first inspecting the fuel tank, since it will operate poorly if there is rust inside.
Take a flashlight and shine it into every nook and cranny of the fuel tank to check the fuel level. This will give you a clear picture of the fuel tank.
With the aid of your fingers, if possible, feel inside the fuel tank. An accurate sensation of rust will be provided. A fuel tank’s fuel filters are a great indicator as well.
5. Suspension
When the front suspension is squeezed and returns to its position without making a loud noise while the front brake is applied and the bike is moving, the suspension is in good condition.
Make sure there are no loud noises coming from the suspension. Additionally, the suspension must be spotless, bright, and consistent.
Additionally, make sure there is no oil on the fork seal; otherwise, you will need to buy a new one.
Sit on top of the seat to jump the bike. Check to see if the rear suspension returns to its normal position without jumping up and down.
6. Air Filter
Examining the air filter is essential. If the bike’s maintenance was performed when it should have been, it will know whether it was or not.
Make sure you have the necessary equipment on hand so you can remove the seat and inspect the air filters.
Check for any dirt or dust. A well-maintained air filter should be neat and clean and have a slightly greasy appearance.
7. Coolant
To check if the coolant is filled to the ideal amount, remove the radiator. The correct coolant has a sweet-smelling aroma and is a neon green color.
Check by removing the coolant cap. It ought to be a shade of green.
If the coolant is brown, this indicates that engine oil and dust have gotten hold of it. You could have to spend a lot of money repairing the bike in this circumstance. As a result, perform this test before purchasing a dirt bike.
8. Radiators
Because you cannot remove the radiator cap once the bike has warmed up, check the radiator before taking it for a test drive. On the radiator, look for dents and damaged fins.
Verify that the water pipes are in good shape and are not leaking. Avoid buying the bike without haggling if the radiator is bad or needs repair.
9. Swing Arm
Additionally, check the swing arm’s condition and confirm that the wheel is in the middle. This makes it possible to spot dents and damage with ease.
Additionally, this has to be fixed. Swing up and down to make sure.
If the right swing arm can move freely, it will show itself; if not, a new one must be purchased.
10. Bearings
Grease is necessary for a dirt bike’s bearing to operate more smoothly.
Rotate the tire to inspect the bearing. In order to avoid having to replace the bearing, there should be no scrap in the middle.
The handlebars also have bearings, so make sure those are in good working order as well.
11. Clutch And Brake Lever
It’s simple to bend and break the clutch and brake. If there had only been one to replace, the cost would not have been as high. A broken gear change or rear brake pedal is also possible.
The shifter ought to be just barely snug. The splines are probably damaged and need to be replaced if it is crooked.
Examine the wear indicator to inspect the disc brakes. The brake pads must be replaced if they are worn out, and they are not particularly expensive.
Check the drum brakes as well as the brake fluid in the cylinder very soon. The used oil has to be changed.
12. Handlebars
As soon as the bike flips over or is damaged, it becomes twisted very quickly.
Only when you’ve seen it will you be aware of it. But after a test ride, you’ll be able to tell whether the handlebar is in good shape or not.
13. Seat
Is the seat intact in all areas, and was it put in place in the correct manner?
Dirt bike ought to have a stunning appearance, even though this has absolutely no bearing on how well it performs.
14. Engine Condition
This is a fundamental component of a bicycle, and if it is defective in any way, none of the other components will be of any use.
Therefore, give it a very close look. Check the level of the engine oil, which should be at its lowest point.
It is an indication of engine damage if there is no oil in it, which is the reason why the engine would have seized up in the first place. Therefore, before getting on the bike, give it a complete inspection.
15. Engine Sound
After starting the engine and letting it run at idle for at least a minute, listen for any unusual noises such as grinding, knocking, or other noises.
If it is a 4-stroke engine and ticks along with the RPM of the engine, the problem is probably a worn chain or tensioner, which on most bikes is a rather straightforward fix.
If the driver develops a rattle after it has been thoroughly heated, it is possible that it is a piston rattle, in which case the driver will need to be rebuilt.
16. Exhaust
Examine the head pipe for any dents or bends in the pipe. If there is severe damage to it, you will need to get it repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
Power will not be able to pass through a pipe that has been smashed.
Additionally, make sure you pay attention to the endnote.
When there is little to no packing in the muffler, the exhaust will become loud and raspy. This is an easy indicator to look for.
The silence produced by a brand new silencer that has not been used and is still sealed in its original packaging is of very high quality and remarkably clear.
The cost of packaging is really low; however, repacking is not an enjoyable activity.
17. Oil Leakage
Take a look at the oil leaks, paying particular attention to the front fork seal and the bottom of the engine.
It is important to keep an eye on this particular area because there is a risk of oil leaking at the spot where the dirt would stick more.
The majority of the time, the seller will clean the bike before you arrive at the transaction.
Therefore, immediately after the demo ride, you need to examine the bike to see whether any oil has leaked out.
18. Carburettor
Internal examination of the carburetor is impossible, but when you ride the motorcycle, you may get a sense of how dusty and damaged it is.
If it takes a longer amount of time to start the bike or if it is having difficulties starting, this is a symptom that the carburetor needs to be cleaned or fixed.
And this is what happens when the bike is left unused for extended periods of time (weeks to months).
19. Chain
If they are maintained properly, the bike chains will continue to function for a very long period.
Second, if the chain is just cleaned and lubricated infrequently or never, it can wear out significantly more quickly than the front end of a motocross bike.
Check for kinks in the cable and determine how far it is from the adjuster.
If there is no room left in the adjustment, the chain has been overstretched and will need to be replaced.
If there is a significant amount of rust and the chain skips, then the chain is unusable.
20. Sprockets
In most cases, the chain will wear on the top of the sprocket.
In most cases, you will receive a rear sprocket in addition to two front gears.
You also need to make sure that it does not have any worn, broken, or sharp edges.
FAQ : Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Should I Look For When Buying A Used Dirt Bike?
These are the main points you should be aware of before purchasing a used dirt bike:
- Size of the bike
- Check the oil in the engine
- Listen to the sound of the engine.
- Check the gear by shifting it.
- Check the time of the bike ride.
- Check the wheels and tires.
- Visual Inspection
2. How Much Should I Pay For A Used Dirt Bike?
To begin, you need to have an idea of how much a brand-new dirt bike costs, which ranges from about $8,000 to $10,000.
If you are interested in purchasing a model from 2018, the price will be closer to $4,000. It also relies on a number of other factors.
3. What Is The Best Used Dirt Bike To Buy?
- There are several bikes which you should look for:
- Suzuki RM250, 2003–2008.
- Yamaha YZ125, 2005 & higher.
- Honda CR250R, 2002-2007.
- KTM 250, 2004 and higher.
- KTM 300, 2004 & Higher.
- HONDA CR250R, 2000, 2001.
- YAMAHA YZ250, 2005 & Higher.
Conclusion
You have read a checklist that outlines the steps to take before purchasing a used dirt bike.
Our recommendation would be for you to purchase a new dirt bike if you are in possession of a financial plan that is adequate enough to allow you to do so.
After making the investment in a brand-new dirt bike, you won’t have to worry about any issues, and the associated maintenance costs will be significantly reduced.
Before you buy a dirt bike, make sure it’s been through a thorough inspection, you’ve taken it for a test ride, and you’ve read all the necessary paperwork.