100 million Americans motorcycle each year, but most do it far less often than they’d like to. One of the reasons for that is traffic and dangers of riding a motorbike and sharing the roads with cars. Now you can search for empty roads or you can eliminate traffic altogether. One way to get around road madness and dangers is to look into dirt bikes. Not only are they cheaper, but by taking them off road, there are no other vehicles to worry about so you can enjoy them to the max. Whether you are an adult looking to reclaim your childhood or are looking for the ideal gift for your child, a dirt bike could be the perfect investment. However, when looking to get started in a new hobby, you will some information on how to pick the right first bike for you.
Keep the CCs Down
It should go without saying, but powerful machines are best left to experts. Many people think that they won’t have fun without enough engine capacity, but in truth the physical force of something you can’t control will leave you either severely injured or scared. Start off with something 250cc or less to get a feel for the bike.
When selecting the right off road motorbike, consider the experience of the rider. If you have driven motorcycles or mopeds before, then you should be fairly comfortable on a 250cc. If the rider is a younger person with absolutely no experience, then don’t feel bad investing in a 50cc bike. Consider this a training bike which help you to build up the experience for something more exciting.
Matching to Your Size and Weight
The easiest way to work out if a bike is right for you is to get on it and give it a bit of a test ride. The bike shouldn’t be too tall or heavy, so make sure you match it to your size and weight. As you sit forward on the bike, you should be able to comfortably touch the floor, without being flat footed. If you are straining to touch the ground then you will have no control over the bike when stationary. If flat footed, you’ll be putting too much strain on the suspension, so get the balance right.
Riders under 150 pounds will struggle to maintain control over a bike that is more powerful than 250cc. If you are a larger person, however, then a larger bike is likely to have more suitable suspension and won’t feel out of your control. However, if you are a complete beginner, always stay under 450cc and as close to 250cc as you feel comfortable. A more expensive and newer bike is also likely to be easier to control, with the bike doing most of the work, but a cheaper bike will make you into a better rider in the long run.
Dirt bikes are a lot of fun and surprisingly easy to control. Make it easy on yourself by selecting the right vehicle. Go for lower power and match the bike to your size and weight to give you maximum comfort and control.