In order to end up with the off road motorcycle best suited to your needs, you have to clearly understand what you are looking for and what options are available to you. This is done by researching in two areas.
Firstly, you research the market to find out what kinds of off road motorcycles are available, familiarizing yourself with the different features, styles and price ranges etc. Secondly, you examine your own unique requirements in an off road motorcycle.
Research the market: Off-Road Motorcycle essentials
Off-road motorcycles have technical jargon all of their own. Inverted forks capable of dealing with challenging terrain, long travel damping and pre-adjustable shock absorbers and don't forget the floating type large diameter disc brakes.
The first part of the research step is to investigate just what's available in the off road motorcycle market. The range of options can seem daunting, but you can make a good start by understanding the following major features:
Types: Off-road motorcycles are designed for a whole range of uses; moto-cross, enduro, trailing and adventure touring all require different designs. They all have high clearance to avoid grounding over rough terrain but seat position, handlebar style and suspension systems will vary.
Frame design: Frame designs will place the centre of gravity of the off-road motorcycle in the optimum position for each style of use. Frames also have to be as light and, at the same time, as rugged as possible. This is a fine balancing act!
Engine and gearbox: The engine and gearbox combination in an off-road motorcycle will be designed to provide the most appropriate power band and appropriate gearbox ratios for low speed, high speed or cruising power.
Cost: The cost of an off road motorcycle depends largely on the engine size. An 85cc motocross off-road motorcycle can be less than half the price of its 449cc big brother.
Research your needs: Questions to ask yourself
Now it's time to determine what your requirements are in a off road motorcycle. For example, will you use the off road motorcycle only for plugging through the mud or will it have to serve as transport on the roads as well?
You can start this process by considering the following questions - as well as any others you think of yourself - and recording your answers.
| Have I used an off road motorcycle before? |
| | If you have used an off road motorcycle, work out what you did or didn't like about the motorcycle. You may be looking for one exactly like it, hoping to upgrade, or even trying to avoid any particular features that you found inconvenient. |
| How will I use an off-road motorcycle? |
| | It could be your intention to use your motorcycle for off-road and on-road activities. Perhaps you need a light off-roader that you can use at speed across country or will you be travelling for long distances on rough tracks and also on tarmac. You might use your off-road motorcycle exclusively as a mud-plugger. |
| Should you consider a used off-road motorcycle? |
| | Perhaps you have a limited budget. Think about whether you will get more for your money if you buy second hand. You will need to consider how an off-roader will have been treated in its short life. |
| How much do I want to pay? |
| | Off-road motorcycle prices vary, so it makes sense to set a budget. |
Understanding your needs is the key to a successful purchase and you can revisit your list of needs at any time during the buying process.
Once you complete this Research step, having informed yourself about the essentials of off road motorcycles and identified your needs, you are ready to move on to the next step: Evaluation.
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