Dirt bikes are a different breed of motorcycle than those seen on the streets. Dirt bikes are designed to be ridden on rough terrain and they are sturdy enough to withstand the jumps over the hills and other objects which happen to get in the way.

Dirt bikes usually have greater suspension than street bikes and they offer higher ground clearance. The engine is usually smaller and the bike does not contain any frills. The seating is usually just your basic banana type seat which contains little in the way of padding and the gas tanks are usually light weight plastic. The frame is also built from lightweight materials. The tires are not smooth like the street bike tires since they are designed to dig in and allow you more control on the rough terrain.

Most dirt bikes are not street legal and most are not safe to ride at night. There are some dual sport models that can be ridden on the street or on the trail but these do not handle as good on the trail as the regular dirt bike. Dirt bikes are built to handle the rough mountain terrain as well as the hills and valleys of the local farm. They tend to have smaller fuel capacity because they try to keep the weight down to a minimum.

Dirt bikes can be used in a variety of ways. Motocross is a race where the bikes jump over a series of obstacles. Enduro is long distance and often goes through heavily wooded areas. Rallies are long distance races but usually involve bikes with greater fuel capacities. Trials are a form of racing that relies on balance and precision rather than high speed.

Whatever the purpose you have in mind, you will find that dirt bike riding can be a fun and enjoyable sport for everybody who loves to be out in nature.

If your kid has grown out of his 50cc dirt bike it might be time to look at getting him the 80cc dirt bike. This allows him to advance to a bigger bike while still remaining at a level which he can manage and enjoy.

80cc dirt bikes are great bikes for riders who tend to be smaller in stature because they weight about 100 pounds less than the bigger models. The steering and the brakes are easy to operate and they are usually built close enough to the ground for younger riders to be able to easily put their foot down. These bikes are usually best for kids ages 12 through 16.

You should take a look at the two stroke versus the four stroke 80cc engines before you make your purchase. The four stroke have a lot of power but they deliver that power smoothly. The two strokes deliver the power faster and tend to be harder to control than the four stroke. For the more advanced rider they will probably prefer the two stoke because of the faster delivery of power. This should be something you take into consideration when you are going to purchase one for your child. You need to know the maturity of your child and you need to know if you can trust that child to act responsibly when operating the bike.

Another consideration is the maintenance requirements. Two stroke engines require you to pre-mix your gas and oil while your four stroke engines run on regular fuel. If you go with the four stroke then you will have to periodically change the oil in order to keep it running smoothly.

Often it will be recommended for women to choose the 80cc engine if they are into dirt bike racing. The rationale here is because the 80cc engine seems to be geared toward a smaller size person. This is not necessarily true. Most 80cc engines are more appropriate for younger people who are aggressive in their riding.

If you are not quite ready to move up to the larger 250cc dirt bikes you might find the 125cc is the right match. It offers easy starting, a quieter engine, and also is lighter weight than the larger bikes.

Yamaha offers a YZ125 which will consistently deliver the power you need. The motor is lighter and Yamaha has also added a gear. This 125cc dirt bike seems to be a popular bike and pleasurable to ride. Their KTM 125 SX offers even more power and can run right in there with the 250cc big dogs. The KTM handles great on flat surfaces but really shines on the rugged terrains which are usually present on the longer trails. It is considered to be one of the best engines in its class and has a history of longevity.

The Suzuki RM125 claims to be the best 125 cc motor built but tends of attract the more aggressive racers because of the need for continual shifting. This bike tends to be built for lighter riders and offers precise handling along with feeling super light.

Kawasaki offers the KX125 which proclaims it is easy to ride and offers plenty of torque. It claims to respond well to gear change and have enough power to hold its own against any bike in the same class. It offers a great riding position for the smaller riders and takes the turns effortlessly.

Many people seem to think the 125cc dirt bike is about to become a thing of the past. There are many reasons why the 125cc dirt bike can be the best choice for certain riders. There are many riders who are not yet ready for the big 2250cc engine. They need more time and experience on the 125cc engine before they graduate to the bigger model. There is such a thing as biting off more than you can chew. Staying with the 125cc until you are sure you are ready to step up is a wise choice.

Now that you have bought that dirt bike you will be interested in knowing about all the dirt bike accessories that are available to go with it. When performing routine maintenance on your bike you will find that bleeding air from the fork can be a major hassle. Since this is something that keeps your suspension in good shape it is important to do it regularly. You can purchase a bleeder which allows you to bleed out the air by simply pushing a button. You must first check to see if your bike has enough clearance to install the bleeder but if it does this can save you a lot of time and trouble.

Cordless impact drivers can spoil you when you are doing your maintenance since they work like a dream and take out most of the work of removing those hard screws and nuts. Most of the drivers have enough power to remove anything which is attached to your bike.

Lift stands make it much easier when working on your bike. Many of these stands have a 500 pound weight capacity and can raise your dirt bike up to the level you need to comfortably work on it.

When riding your dirt bike you might find the need for a pair of goggles to be one dirt bike accessory you need to help keep the sand and dust out of your eyes. You can find goggles which fit snugly and have foam padding which will keep the sweat from dripping into your eyes. Most of the goggles fit comfortably under your helmet.

If there is a chance you will get caught out after dark you might want to think about some type of lighting. Since most dirt bikes don’t have head lights you could be facing a dangerous situation. Helmet lights are now available that attach to the top of the helmet and are powered by batteries. They will not put out as much light as a head light but they will provide you with some visibility and they will make you visible to others.

These are only a few of the dirt bike accessories which are available to you. If you search the Internet you will find that there are too many accessories to name. You just need to pick the ones you want then get ready to have some fun.

Kids today are playing with expensive toys and dirt bikes are at the top of their list. Dirt bike riding can be expensive enough without the rising prices at the gas pump. Somebody has to figure out a cheaper way to play. Fortunately, they now make some pretty good electric dirt bikes that still allow the child to enjoy the ride without filling the gas tank everyday.

A lot of work and research had to go into making a bike that could compare with the gasoline models but over time changes have been made to allow for the difference in electric power versus gasoline power. Another very noticeable plus for the electric powered bike is the quietness of the ride. There is a lot of objection from people who do not want to listen to the deafening sound of dirt bikes riding the trails. With the electric powered bike this does not pose a problem.

An electric dirt bike is a great gift for kids because it provides them with a safer ride than the bigger bikes. It also gives them experience riding which can be valuable when they are big enough to tackle the bigger dirt bikes. The electric dirt bikes are easy to operate, all you do is turn them on and you are set to go.

You can also get electric dirt bikes for the older kids who are 12 and up. Many of these bikes will run up to ten miles on a fully charged battery. They come with a battery charger which can be plugged in when you are taking a break. Some of the more advanced chargers will recharge the battery in as little as thirty minutes. The bikes are built to carry up to 220 pounds of weight and are environmentally friendly since the electric power does not produce harmful fumes.

Razor bikes are fast becoming one of the most popular toys available to kids of all ages. They offer a Razor Dirt Rocket Minature which allows you to clock up to 10 miles without having to recharge the battery. Many of these bikes can reach a speed of 17 mph while their knobby tires are made to grip the surface of the off-road trails. Many models are rated for a 220 pound weight capacity. They offer hand operated brakes, folding metal foot pegs, and lightweight construction of about 100 pounds. Usuable charge time on the battery can be up to eight hours. This allows for a long day of trail riding without the hassel of the gasoline powered engine.

Razor dirt bikes are smaller versions of regular dirt bikes but they are made to run on electric power instead of gasoline. Their motors offer high torque for variable speeds, quiet chain-driven engines, and hand controlled acceleration. The Razor is one of the most popular dirt bikes available for kids.

Dirt bike riding is one of the most popular sports for kids because of the daring escapades they can perform on the trail. There are many clubs which have been formed that feature the young rider. These clubs usually concentrate on teaching safety since dirt bike riding can be such a dangerous sport. The Razor dirt bikes are popular for the young rider because they have a limited speed while also sporting many of the big bike features. They offer suspension which will stand up to the rugged trails without causing damage to the bike.

The Razor dirt bike is a wise choice for the beginning rider because of their limited speed and electric power. These features allow your child to learn how to safely operate the bike while also enjoying the thrill of the trails. These bikes are a good choice for the child who aspires to one day ride a bigger, more traditional dirt bike.

Suzuki dirt bikes are one of the most popular name brands available. Their latest models have some popular features such as a plush, comfortable seats, easy to use starters, and easy clutch action. They have also virtually eliminated the vibration which many Suzuki bikes were known for.

Easy kick starting along with the plush seating makes for a comfortable ride, especially if you are riding for a long time. Suzuki has made some great strides in improvements in the last few years especially in the area of suspension.

Suzuki was originally founded in 1909 as the Suzuki Loom Company and produced weaving looms which were sold to clothing manufacturers in Japan. Owner Michio Suzuki felt the need to diversify his assets so he began to look at automobile production. After World War II, Suzuki saw the need for economical transportation. Their first attempt turned out to be a motorized bicycle. This turned out to be such a success that Suzuki was granted financial aid to continue research on two wheel bikes. This was the birth of the Suzuki Motor Corporation. By 1953 Suzuki was winning races with their two wheel bikes. By 1954 Suzuki was building over 6,000 motorcycles each month. The name was soon changed to Suzuki Motor Company. Since that time Suzuki has been a leader in the development of cruisers as well as off road dirt bikes. Their quality and performance is constantly being improved.

Suzuki builds an affordable dirt bike which offers many different quality features. Their dirt bike options begin with $1,000 price tag and go up to almost $10,000 for their professional racing dirt bikes. Suzuki dirt bikes are always listed in the top five desirable bikes to own. They are also always found on the list of winners at practically all of the more prominent races. If you want affordable quality, the Suzuki dirt bike has a lot to offer.

If you have a young child who wants a dirt bike the 50cc dirt bike is a great starter bike. Most are built just like the bigger dirt bikes only on a smaller scale for smaller riders. Sometime called pocket bikes, these small versions of dirt bikes are built with the pint size rider in mind.

The 50cc dirt bikes can be a powerful bike for a youngster. Most of them will reach speeds of 35 mph which is plenty fast for the younger set. Most feature no premixing of oil and gas so it is easier for your child to operate. Front and rear suspension allows the rider to operate the bike on a wide number of rough terrains. Large tires grip the surface to allow for stable handling.

When shopping for your 50cc dirt bike there are several features available to you. Above all, you need to check the available safety features. The bike should be lightweight to allow your child to operate it safely. The steering should be easy for your child to handle and the seating should be comfortable. You can purchase 50cc bikes that will hold up to 200 pounds. If you purchase a good quality bike it should serve your child well for several years. The 50cc engine has adequate power for the beginning rider and will allow the rider to learn function and safety before moving up to a larger engine.

There is no set age for beginning riders and only you know your child and their maturity level. It is not recommended for a child under the age of six to be allowed on a bike with a 50cc engine. Your child should also be supervised at all times by a responsible adult. With the proper equipment and supervision you can teach your child the safety procedures that will be needed for responsible riding. This way your child can graduate to a larger and more powerful engine as he gains experience.

If dirt bike riding is a sport which you enjoy then you need to know about dirt bike gear and the various safety features which are offered. Dirt bike riding is a sport that carries a high risk of a crash. Fortunately, most crashes are minor and the rider gets up and walks away. In many cases your risk of injury will depend on the quality and type of dirt bike gear you are wearing.

Breast plates, or deflectors, can be worn under a tee shirt and still provide excellent protection for the chest area. Most are made of lightweight materials which are comfortable yet sturdy enough to offer cushioning protection in the case of a crash. Venting offers cooling air flow without compromising safety.

Knee guards offer protection to the knee and shin area. These guards come with a cushioned lining which allows for protection to the knee cap and the sensitive shin bone area. They usually offer perforation which allows air flow and comfort. Knee guards usually come with elastic straps which allow the guards to fit a large majority of people. These straps also hold the guards snugly in place.

Elbow guards are designed the same as the knee guards. They offer cushioned protection to the elbow area in case of a crash. Elbow guards can prevent serious injury on impact as well as preventing scrapes and abrasions. Anyone who has ever experienced “road rash” can attest to the need for proper safety gear and equipment.

Dirt bike gear is almost as important as the proper helmet. Certain fabrics are designed to withstand the effects of a crash while protecting the surface of the skin. The proper gear will also protect you from flying objects which are common on the riding trail. If you are going to enjoy dirt bike riding as a sport you will find that quality dirt bike gear will give you the needed safety protection you need to enjoy the ride.

When you get ready to purchase a dirt bike most people will put in a lot of time shopping and researching to check out what features they want. You should also put in a lot of time and consideration before you purchase a dirt bike helmet. A helmet is the number one piece of safety equipment you will own. Wearing a helmet can literally save your life or prevent serious brain damage in case of a crash.

Dirt bike riding is a high risk sport so any safety precautions that are available should be taken advantage of. Dirt bike helmets should always be worn when riding, even the casual ride around the yard.

When choosing a dirt bike helmet you should only choose a helmet that is DOT or Snell certified. These are the only two that are proven to provide maximum safety and security. There are a lot of cool looking imitations out there but they should not even be a consideration. The safety of the rider is far more important than a cool looking helmet.

You can purchase helmets with or without vents. This is a personal preference since venting does not take away anything from the safety and function of the helmet. Some people prefer to wear the vented helmets because they offer a certain degree of coolness. It is important to remember that your head is going to sweat regardless of what type helmet you wear. Your better helmets offer a removable lining which can be removed and washed. This is usually a wise choice and worth the small amount of difference in price.

Always get your helmet to fit snug so it will not blow around while you are riding. A snug fit also means the helmet is less likely to come off in a crash. If you have a crash where your helmet takes a hit, it is time to replace the helmet. Typically helmets are designed to provide the most protection on the first crash only. Even though you may not be aware, each crash contributes to the break-down of the inner components of the helmet.

Dirt bike riding can be a lot of fun if you always observe safety first. Wearing a certified helmet can save your life and give you years of riding entertainment.