Picking out a dirt bike can be tricky for a number of reasons. One of the key reasons is that they come in different sizes. They’re also available for a wide range of people, from children to adults alike. Another concern is the price point, since bikes don’t come cheap and you have to be a hundred percent sure before purchasing. Needless to say, it’s also crucial to take safety into account.
Dirt Bike Sizing Is Key
It’s important to have working knowledge in terms of a dirt bike’s sizing. The worst-case scenario is that you will end up feeling rushed as you enter a dealership. Or you will have to rely on the dealers’ knowledge as you pick out a dirt bike. The latter is particularly dangerous since at most, they can only make a best guess as to what will fit your needs exactly. In some cases, you might have to deal with a dealer that’s more eager to make a sale than they are to actually help.
Things to consider when it comes to a dirt bike’s correct size include:
- Age of the person who will be riding/using it
- Dirt bike powerplant’s size
- Height
- Rider’s experience level
- Rider’s fit on the dirt bike
- Weight
Taking every single one of those factors into consideration is ideal for proper control of the dirt bike and a lowered risk of injuries overall.
Dirt Bike Sizing: Measurements
The seat height, or the dirt bike’s physical size, is the most important metric to figuring out whether a dirt bike is ideally matched to a body. Alongside that is another crucial metric: the engine size, Cubic Centimeters (or “CC”). A bigger CC number denotes a bike that has more power.
Even if two dirt bikes have the same seat height, whichever has the higher CC will be superior in terms of power.
With that in mind comes a common misconception. Many believe that the highest CC engines are the only choices tall people should make. Since CC has zero involvement in terms of height, that’s essentially false. Many bikes made for shorter people carry engines with high CCs. On the flip side, “mean”-looking bikes can have smaller CC engines as well. The latter is usually meant for teens who need less power and more aesthetic appeal.
Figure out whether a dirt bike is sized right by physically “trying” it out. Straddle the dirt bike with your feet touching the ground. Make sure only your toes and the balls of your feet are touching the ground. If that’s the fit, that means the seat height of that particular dirt bike is already ideal.
New riders will take on extra precautions by taking on a dirt bike that allows both feet to be firmly on the ground. Stability is key for beginners in dirt bike riding.
Conclusion
Dirt bikes come in a number of sizes for people of varying ages. Make sure to pick one out in the appropriate size. To do that, consider seat height and engine size or Cubic Centimeters. Be sure to also do a physical “sit test” on a bike to ensure you’ll be comfortable riding it. Now that you have basic information on dirt bike sizing, it’s time to buy that bike!
Trying to find dirt bike loans for the perfect ride? Reach out to Canada Powersports Financing today! We’ve got the financial power to get you moving, financing dirt bikes, jet skis, boats, snowmobiles, and more.