Depending on the climate, certain times of year can prove to be better than others when looking to purchase a used dirt bike. In climates with all four seasons, winter is usually the best time to purchase used dirt bikes. This is one of the more significant tips I can give when purchasing used. Prices of a used bikes seem to climb right before spring and summer. Buying during the winter can be good not only because prices are generally lower, but it also gives time to look the bike over and get it ready for spring riding! Winter can also be a good time to purchase if looking at a flipping situation to make a little extra cash.
Here are four examples of dirt bikes I have personally purchased during the off season throughout the years, along with a few things to look for when buying used. These bikes were in prime condition for a used bike and significantly lower priced because of the time of year. If you are patient and can stand waiting out the off season, it can prove to be a good move in saving some cash and finding a good, reliable machine.
4 GOOD BUYS:
- 2006 CRF 250R
- 2008 TTR 50 -(2 identical bikes)
- 2008 CRF 100R
2006 CRF 250R
This bike was an awesome purchase. The seller needed to sell fast, it was priced low, and it didn’t need any significant work other than a carb cleaning from sitting for a while. This bike was probably my best purchase. Barely any wear, or use on it. I was actually surprised when I saw the bike in person and the shape it was in.
THINGS TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A USED BIKE:
Knowing what to look for can help determine an estimate of what it may take to get the bike up to riding condition if needed, but also may help in bargaining a bit on price if the repairs needed are significant.
- Normal wear and tear
- Rims and tires
- Fork seals
- Does it start and run good
- Chain and sprocket wear
- Condition of plastics
- Condition of radiator
- Tears on seat
- Regular maintenance
- Cable wear or breaks
- Oil leaks
- Brake pads
- Brake fluid levels
- Fresh oil and fluids
- Clean air filter -(very important)
- Controls movement -(throttle and clutch should be smooth)
- Control levers
When a dirt bike is priced lower than the value, usually it has something wrong with it or is in need of repairs. In some cases the seller needs the money and needs to get rid of the bike fast. If a dirt bike looks good in pictures and the seller needs a quick sell, I jump on it. In this case, the bike is usually in pretty good condition and may take very little to get it up to par. I always ask about maintenance they did on the bike to know how it was treated. The CRF 250R was clearly maintained and taken care of. That one was a no-brainer!
2008 TTR 50’s – 2 BIKES
These two dirt bikes were being advertised separately for sell. The seller offered a deal if both were sold together. I ended up purchasing these bikes basically at 2 for the price of 1. This was a good buy!
Both of the TTR’s were stored in a garage, only used a few times each season, and maintained. For the miles on them, they were practically new.
It’s not always commen to find 2 bikes for the price of 1, but it does happen. This is when you jump on the chance to see the dirt bikes and test them out.
Project bikes are fun, but finding a good buy is even better. Ready to go for a great price, hard to beat!
2008 CRF 100
This dirt bike is another no brainer. Any buyer could go home and take this bike out for a ride with no worries.
The price was low, the plastics checked out, the tires still have life on them, the engine ran strong, and there were no leaks.
Seat cover is in good shape, all the cables worked properly, and the dirt bike had regular oil changes. This was another good buy.
CONCLUSION
Another tip to tell if a used dirt bike is a good buy, is knowing the market on similar bikes first. It’s good to pay a fair price and be an honest buyer. Be reasonable on an offer if something doesn’t seem normal and be respectful of the seller. Talk over repairs that may be needed and be courteous if a seller refuses an offer. Learning a few things to look for and buying at the right time of year can hopefully help in making a good purchase on a good, reliable bike!
Good luck on your next purchase!
Thanks for joining us! If you would like follow our other adventures, please subscribe to my EMAIL and YouTube channel for more fun rides and projects.
Please like and share on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
If you have any questions, let me know. I would love to hear your comments.
Leave a Reply