The Pros and Cons of Buying a New Dirt Bike: What to Consider Before Making the Investment

Riding is a great way to unwind after a long week and explore rural areas. However, you will have to buy a bike before you can start ripping up the trails. Like any vehicle, one of the first decisions you will have to make is whether to buy a new or used and each way has its pros and cons.

This article will break down the pros and cons of each choice to help you decide—should I buy a new dirt bike?

Riders who plan to use the bike a lot or competitively may want to buy a new bike. However, first-time riders or those who do not plan to use the bike a lot may save themselves a lot of money by buying a used bike.

Continue reading to learn about the pros and cons of buying a new dirt bike and whether buying a new one is a good idea for you.

How Much Does a New Dirt Bike Cost?

The price of a new dirt bike will vary depending on what type of bike you are buying, the size of the bike, and where you buy the bike. However, the average shopper will spend between $4,000 and $9,000 on a new dirt bike.

Below you can find a list of some of the most popular bikes on the market today along with their prices.

Bike	Price
GASGAS MC50	$4,299
GASGAS MC250 TWO-STROKE	$7,899
HONDA CRF450RWE	$12,399
HONDA CRF50F	$1,649
HONDA CRF250F	$4,749
KAWASAKI KX250	$8,499
KAWASAKI KLR650	$6,699

Source: Dirtbikemagazine

How Much Does a Used Dirt Bike Cost?

While it is a bit harder to pinpoint the average price of a used dirt bike, we can say that most bikes depreciate around $1000 a year. So, if you were looking for a bike that was around two or three years old, you would expect to spend between $1,000 and $6,000. However, this depends on how well the bike was maintained as well, as a three-year-old bike that was only driven a handful of times will cost much more than a three-year-old bike that was used in competitive sports.

The list below contains prices of actual used dirt bikes for sale online (2022). Additionally, we looked up the price of each one in 2022.

Bike Model	Year (Used)	Used Price	Current New Price
Honda CRF50	2002	$1,495	BASE MSRP: $1,649
Honda CRF450	2018	$7,999	BASE MSRP: $9,599
KAWASAKI KX250	2021	$7,999	BASE MSRP: $8,299
KAWASAKI KX450	2019	$5,495	BASE MSRP: $9,599
Kayo K2 230	2021	$2,195	BASE MSRP: $2,399
Gasgas MC250F	2021	$8,999	BASE MSRP: $8,499
Gasgas ENDURO	2011	$3,500	BASE MSRP: $10,199

Sources: Cycletrader and Manufacturer Websites

Why Are Some Used Dirt Bikes So Expensive?

The Covid pandemic has caused many changes in the world, but one of the weirdest side effects is how it has affected vehicle sales. Because of glitches in the supply chain, and the fact that many manufacturers were contracted to make other supplies, newer model vehicles are in short supply.

However, demand is still high, which has led many people to buy used products, which has caused sellers to raise their prices significantly. For this reason, buying a used dirt bike might cost you almost as much as buying a new one, so it is important to do your research before buying a used to ensure you are not getting a lesser-value vehicle for the same amount of money.

Pros and Cons of Buying a New Dirt Bike

Pros

• Clean Slate: Buying a brand-new bike gives riders the mental relief of knowing that they will have a while before any significant problems pop up. Whereas when you buy used, you could end up needing to make a major repair tomorrow.
• Build: When you buy a new bike, you are in control. You get to choose which options, add-ons, and features you would like to add to the bike. While this will cost you more, it can be a terrific way to build the bike of your dreams.
• Warranty: Most new bikes will be covered under some time of manufacturer or dealer warranty. However, most warranties are only valid for the original owner and therefore, even if you buy a used bike while it is technically still within the warranty period, it may be void because you are not the original owner.

Cons

• Expense: As with anything, you will pay more for a brand-new bike. However, with the recent pandemic skyrocketing the price of used vehicles, this may not be as close to the truth as it once was. In fact, there are several bikes listed on Cycletrader right now that are priced higher than they retail for brand new. Still, on average, riders can save a few thousand dollars buying a used vehicle.
• Supply: Speaking of inflation, the reason that used prices have risen so dramatically in the past couple of years is due to the supply of newer vehicles being slim. If you have your heart set on a specific model, it may be hard to find that model new.
• Damage: If you are just learning to ride, or just want something to beat around, buying used might not be a smart choice. New riders are bound to fall, which means they are bound to scratch, scuff, dent, or otherwise damage their bike. Although you will likely have a warranty, it may not cover damage caused by wear and tear.

Should I Buy a New Dirt Bike?

At the end of the day, the decision to buy a new or used bike will depend on you and your needs.

Who Should Buy New?

• People who have the money to invest in a new machine or have been saving up to build the bike they have always wanted.
• People who can afford to make payments each month.
• Experienced riders who have been riding long enough to know the best way to care for a machine.
• People who can afford, and will remember, to maintain the bike according to schedule.
• People who plan to ride competitively and need a good reliable bike.

Who Should Buy Used?

• People who do not really care about the make and model of the bike and just want something that runs.
• People living on a budget who cannot afford the price tag that comes in a brand-new bike.
• People who do not want to get into a payment plan and would rather buy something outright.
• People who are just learning to ride and may potentially damage the vehicle while learning.
• People who want a certain make or model and cannot find it in stock.

Sum Up

Buying a dirt bike can be a great investment for those who enjoy off-road riding, but it is important to carefully evaluate your needs and options before making a purchase. With the right research and preparation, you can find a dirt bike that is safe, reliable, and fun to ride.

• Evaluate your riding experience level and skillset to determine if a new dirt bike is right for you.
• Consider your budget and financing options, as dirt bikes can be expensive.
• Research the different types of dirt bikes available, including motocross, trail, and dual-sport.
• Determine the size and engine displacement that will best suit your needs and preferences.
• Test ride multiple dirt bikes before making a final purchase decision.
• Consider the maintenance and repair costs associated with owning a dirt bike.
• Take safety precautions seriously and invest in proper gear, such as a helmet, boots, and protective clothing.
• Understand the laws and regulations regarding dirt bike usage in your area.
• If you are a beginner, consider taking a dirt bike training course to improve your skills and gain confidence.
• Consider purchasing a used dirt bike to save money, but ensure that it is in good condition before making the purchase.

About the Author

John Cunningham is a Red Seal Qualified automotive technician with over twenty-five years experience working on all types of equipment, ATVs, Dirt bikes, grass machinery, cars, and trucks. When not writing how-to articles, he may be found in his happy place – Restoring classic machinery.

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