Buying a Used Dirt Bike: 7-Step Guide

Buying a secondhand dirt bike can be a gamble. You can end up scoring a bargain, but if the bike is not checked thoroughly, you may end up with a lemon. When buying a used dirt bike, make sure you don’t get swayed by new plastics, graphics and other shiney bolt-on accessories. Ensure that, before you hand the seller your hard earned cash, that you’ve inspected the vitals of the dirt bike, have given it a short test ride to make sure everything works. Also, don’t be shy to ask any questions you may have about the motorcycle to the seller.

Here are some quick tips that will guide you in the purchase of your secondhand dirt bike:

1. Set a Budget

Before you spend on a secondhand dirt bike, you have to estimate the money you intend to spend. Check the current market value of brand new dirt bikes and compare the used dirt bikes for sale. There should be a significant difference.

Since you’re buying a used dirt bike, prepare for repairs and upgrades too. Make sure you have enough money to cover those, or you’ll have a used dirt bike stashed in the garage waiting to be fixed.

Other expenses could include: registration and insurance.

2. Research

When looking for the right dirt bike, always do the research. There are so many aspects to consider, and a dirt bike is not a small expense. You’ll want to get it right the first time.

Some questions to consider:

What brands and models are you eyeing?
Are they within your budget?
Do they suit your level of expertise?
Is the size right for you?
Is it the right dirt bike for the kind of riding that you want?

The best resource is your fellow riders. Check online forums for authentic reviews. From their first-hand experience, you’ll find valuable information, concerns and issues to watch out for, tips and tricks and even places to find the best deals.

3. Look for Listings

Aside from online forums, you can also check local tracks and clubs for advertisements. This would be a good time to get connected with other riders too—you’ll find out who’s selling their motorbikes in no time.

When you find one that you like, don’t seal the deal right away. We understand that this might be a very exciting moment for you, but patience is a must. Rushing out to buy the first ideal secondhand dirt bike that you’ll see could cause you to lose out on better alternatives.

There’s no need to rush the purchase since there are plenty of used dirt bikes in the market with various makes and models. Wait and you’ll find more bikes to your liking. Hear out what people have to say about them and take your time selecting.

4. Check the seller

So you’ve found great options, now’s the time to scrutinise. Before we get to the inspection of the bike, first check if the seller is legitimate. If the seller’s a friend, then great. If not, then it’s best to be cautious to avoid being scammed.

Before a meetup, engage in a phone call first. It’s a good time to clarify anything about the bike and other concerns you might have. Maybe you’d like to ask about maintenance and upgrades, or maybe about service receipts. If there are things that you don’t like, then you won’t be wasting your time on a meetup.

With that phone call, you can better assess if the transaction is legitimate and proceed with scheduling a meeting. A public place is always a good idea. And if you’re not confident going on your own, you can bring a friend. In fact, if you have a friend who’s a mechanic, he can help you inspect the dirt bike more thoroughly.

5. Inspect the surroundings

It’s time to meet the seller and see the dirt bike—what should you check? If you’re going to their garage where the dirt bike is, there are plenty of clues to check.

Take note of the following:

Where is the bike placed?
How was it placed there?
Is the surrounding (garage) clean?
How do the seller’s other vehicles look?

If the place looks clean and the other vehicles look well taken care of, then chances are the bike is too. But this shouldn’t be the only determinant factor.

6. Inspect the bike thoroughly

You may have already taken a good look at the bike, but actually inspecting the bike thoroughly can reveal more insight than you think. Inspect the conditions of the frame, wheels, tyres, air filter, engine oil, chain, sprockets, clutch and brake, exhaust, bearings and the engine itself. Listen for any odd noises when the bike is running. Take a short test ride, run it through the gears and ensure everything runs and operates smoothly.

It’s also a good idea to make a mental checklist of everything you need to inspect when looking at a used bike, or you can save the checklist we have for you here.

Inspecting also includes asking the seller important questions, such as:

Why did you decide to sell the bike?
Have you experienced any major issues with this bike?
How long have you had the bike?
What kind of maintenance and repair have you done to the bike? Are there records?

7. Arrange the documents

Be sure that you know state regulations. What paperwork do you need? If registered, get signed rego papers from the seller and always get a receipt that indicates full payment. This helps protect you from possible fraud.

Conclusion

We understand that this may be overwhelming, especially for first-time buyers of used dirt bikes — but you’ll get the hang of it. It will also be helpful if you approach a knowledgeable person to help you out.

Don’t be afraid to have many options when choosing the right secondhand dirt bike for you. It’s better to wait and see all the options you have, than waste your hard-earned cash on a dud that’s just going to end up sitting in your garage in need of repairs.

If you think you’ve found the ideal dirt bike for you, make sure you take note of the parts you have to double-check before you purchase it. We made a simple guide for buyers here.