Holiday Gift Guide: Dirt Bikes for Adults
- on October 06, 2023
- Categories: Articles
If you want to get into the holiday spirit, nothing says “You’re special” like shopping for dirt bikes for adults. When picking out the perfect gift bike for yourself or your partner, there are several things to consider to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride. Here’s how to narrow down your options for a dirt bike.
Key Factors To Consider With Dirt Bikes for Adults
When buying an adult dirt bike, things like your height, weight and riding experience should be taken into consideration. Riding experience guides your engine choice, as the key difference between engine sizes is how much power the bike produces. Your weight and height will help you figure out a comfortable and supportive seat height and bike frame.
Seat Height
A dirt bike for adults will generally have taller seat sizes, often ranging from 35 inches to 38 inches in height. In comparison, a kid’s bike has a seat between 18 inches to 34 inches in height. As the seats get taller, the engine output increases. Adult bikes have an engine displacement ranging between 230cc to 450cc, while kids' bikes have lower displacement between 50cc to 150cc.
Though these are general guidelines for seat height, smaller individuals may feel more comfortable riding a child-sized bike. Bikes with too much power or that are too tall are dangerous to the rider as they can be harder to control. However, a bike that is too small may not have the power necessary to propel the ride, or it could make for cramped or uncomfortable riding conditions. Your toes or one-third of your foot should easily reach the ground.
Experience Level
Experience is another important factor when choosing between dirt bikes for adults. Bike options for beginners are those with lower cc motors and easy-to-operate transmission systems. First-time riders may want to keep the engine output under 250cc until they get more comfortable with the feel of the bike, while more advanced riders will likely enjoy the speed and power of bikes with 450cc engine displacement.
Weight
The amount of suspension needed to support your frame is another important factor when buying a bike. Although it’s easier to learn how to ride and maneuver with a smaller bike, your weight can affect the suspension and safety of the ride if the bike is too small. If your weight is under 150 pounds, a 250cc engine displacement can help you get used to the weight and height of the bike.
Riders who need more suspension or who have larger frames should choose a bike between 250cc to 450cc. While a larger engine with a 450cc output could be too strong for a beginning rider, a 250cc is a great starting point. Remember to consider all three factors when looking for the right adult dirt bike.
Manufacturers Impact on Your Dirt Bike Selection
There are dozens of dirt bike brands across the globe, some with more longevity in the industry than others. Manufacturers that specialize in dirt bikes and power sport vehicles understand the needs of the consumer and produce high-quality bikes that are rider-friendly.
The leading concerns with dirt bikes for adults that you should avoid include:
- Poor quality materials that lead to cracked components
- Nuts and bolts lacking threading locking compounds
- Seizing or hydro-locking of the engine with high temperatures or continued high revving
- Poor workmanship and assembly
- Improperly functioning clutch
The reputation of the manufacturer should play a part in your decision-making for the right bike. Some brands specialize in true off-road dirt bike adventures, while others lean toward a more motocross feel. There is also a difference between a bike that is street-legal and one purely for entertainment and sport. Depending on where you plan to ride, you should factor those needs into your choice.
Ideal Options for an Adult Dirt Bike
Motobuys carries a range of dirt bikes for beginners to skilled riders. Two of the leading brands with stellar reputations are Trailmaster and Ricky Power Sports.
Trailmaster
If you're looking for a bike that delivers reliability and quality when two-wheeling over dirt or grassy trails, Trailmaster offers bikes ideal for a number of terrains or uses, including both street-legal and off-road bikes. Another benefit of purchasing a Trailmaster is the industry’s longest warranty of six months or 6,000 miles.
Many Trailmaster dirt bikes also have a ground clearance of 13 inches, giving riders minimal restrictions over obstacles. Here are three top options from Trailmaster’s dirt bikes for adults.
Trailmaster TM29 Dirt Bike
This dirt bike gives riders a longer frame and extended suspension to better handle the rough riding along rutted terrain. One of the original dirt bike lines from Trailmaster, it contains design features often found in higher-priced models from competitors. This 125cc bike is a great starting point for those looking to get into power sports, with the electric start feature making it a breeze to start the unit.
It sports twin spar frames with disc brakes on the front and rear. Although the seat height is 33.5 inches, there is full suspension support from the mono-shock rear end and double inverted front forks. The excellent balance between the win-spar motor mounts and tough welded steel frame makes the bike easy to control.
Trailmaster TM31
This is a great full-sized dirt bike for adults. It has plenty of power with the 250cc engine, and the 34-inch seat height makes it comfortable for a range of rider sizes and experience levels. With both an electric, digital CDI electric start and kick start, riders can get the full experience of riding a more throaty, oversized engine, and achieve speeds up to 55 mph on this bike.
The five-speed manual transmission comes with both front and rear disc brakes. The frame is lightweight, with steel tubing and an inverted front shock. There is a motocross feel with the ergonomic design of the bike with a 19-inch front and 16-inch rear wheel and race suspension. The bike is available in red, green and orange and all versions sport a headlight.
Trailmaster TM33
Another great option in dirt bikes for adults for both beginner and experienced riders is the TM33 with a 223cc engine output. With a seat height of 37 inches, the frame is large enough to support taller riders. The engine is easily started with either the CDI electric start or kick start. It has great acceleration with a durable 5-speed clutch for maximum control and great fuel efficiency.
The bike has a 21-inch front wheel and tall inverted front forks to produce 11 inches of ground clearance. No trail is too tough for this bike, as the front and rear hydraulic disc brakes provide excellent control and a powerful stopping force. Use the LED headlights for visibility on nighttime rides.
Ricky Power Sports
RPS manufactures motorcycles, ATVs and dirt bikes for a range of ages and experience levels. RPS is known for releasing products that are extremely reliable and low maintenance, with riders getting great mpg across the engine sizes. RPS products promise maneuverability, durable components and performance at affordable prices.
RPS Full Size MX Viper
This off-road-only 150cc four-stroke bike is just right for the beginning rider, but it still delivers enough power to keep a more seasoned rider entertained. In addition to having lower engine output in the category of dirt bikes for adults, the seat height is also shorter. The height of 32 inches makes this bike accessible to smaller adults, but the 9-inch ground clearance still makes it entertaining on the trails.
This model features 19-inch and 16-inch wheels, a five-speed transmission and rugged suspension and swingarm. The CDI electric ignition system is maintenance-free and reliable. A custom exhaust system makes for a quiet but exciting ride.
RPS Hawk-X
A leading benefit of the Hawk-X is its street-legal rating. It has DOT and EPA compliance, making it a multi-purpose option for trail riding, commuting or enjoying rugged terrain. It has a durable, rugged frame with an ergonomic seat that sits 35 inches high. The five-speed manual transmission and chain drive allows for consistent power transfer to the back wheel.
The Hawk-X has a fuel capacity of 2.1 gallons and top speeds near 70 miles per hour. For its street use, it has turn signals as a taillight and headlight. Riders easily turn on the bike with a CDI ignition and control their stops and moves around curves with front and rear disc brakes.
Accessories for Dirt Bike Riders
When shopping for dirt bikes, don’t forget about accessorizing with safety gear. Purchase a DOT-rated safety helmet, as well as goggles if the helmet doesn’t have a face shield. Invest in leather gloves to protect the hands, and riding boots for your feet.
