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Used Dirt Bikes - Don't end up with a lemon!
So it's time for a new set of wheels, used dirt bikes are a viable option when you haven't
got a lazy 10 grand to spend on a brand new bike. That's all fine and good but there are
certainly a lot of things to keep in mind when searching for a cheap dirt bike.
First up you need to decide exactly what your budget is, this will help you to narrow
your search, if you're after a cheap dirt bike this may limit your options somewhat. If you have a particular bike or bikes in mind do a little research, back
issues of bike magazines may have a review of the model you are looking at when it was
released, find out if the bike had any maintenance and reliability issues etc. this is
all handy info when you actually go to look at a bike.
There are plenty of used dirt bikes being sold by private sellers and you certainly
have a better chance of picking up a bargain cheap dirt bike as opposed to buying from
a bike dealer
but you need to be very wary of stolen bikes. If the bike looks like the chassis numbers
have been altered or are missing all together then the bike is almost certainly stolen.
Leave immediately and pass on the info to the police, if the seller has a legitimate
reason then they can explain it to the cops. We need to do everything we can to stop these
scumbags that steal bikes.
Scour the local papers, here in Australia
Just Bikes Magazine
has a large range of used dirt
bikes and the
Trading Post
is another good place to start. Dealers advertise in these
publications as well as private sellers and there are all types of dirt bikes advertised,
enduro, motocross as well as trail bikes. Just remember though, if you find a cheap dirt
bike that
seems too good to be true, particularly with private sellers, it probably is.
Once you've found some prospects that seem promising, it's time to take a look. Don't be
suprised if the seller doesn't want you to go to their house to look at the bike, people
that steal bikes read the classifieds for used dirt bikes too and if you were selling a
bike you wouldn't want a stranger seeing all your goodies in your shed or garage.
Have a good look at the bike, does it seem well maintained? Remember that the seller will
have probably dressed the bike up before selling it, new chain and sprockets etc. this
doesn't mean that the bike has been well looked after. Has it been raced? Only trailridden?
They will tell you whatever you want to hear but with a close inspection you should have
a fair idea of what work the bike's done.
If you're not overly confident inspecting used dirt bikes, take along someone who has a
reasonable mechanical knowledge. Take note of any repairs the bike needs or obvious faults
that need fixing, you can use this info when negotiating a price. If the bike is not
what you're after then just tell the seller that and leave, selling a bike can be
frustrating enough so don't waste anyone's time.
Take the bike for a ride, if the seller won't let you then it's time to leave, there's
plenty more used dirt bikes around. You're probably not going to be able to take it too
far, unfortunately some individuals have scored a very cheap dirt bike by taking it for
a test ride around the corner and never coming back.
Make sure the gearbox and clutch feel OK, the bike steers alright and there
aren't any horrific rattles coming from the motor.
Click here for a list of mechanical checks when buying used dirt bikes.
If the bike seems like a good deal then it's time to negotiate a price, it's rare that the
seller won't move at all on what they will accept. If the bike needs work politely point
that out and ask that the price be adjusted accordingly, if you can do the work yourself then you can end up with a genuinely cheap dirt bike. If everyone is in agreeance,
then fork out the cash and make the arrangements to pick up your new pride and joy!
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