Is Dirt Biking an Expensive Hobby?

Dirt biking is one of the most exciting sports in the world. However, some people are concerned about the costs involved. So, how much will you need to pay to start riding? 

There are a few core items to purchase to start dirt biking. First, you’ll need the bike itself. This can cost between $7,000 to $10,000 new. If you get a used one, you can expect to pay between $1,000 to $3,000. Then, you’ll need to get the safety equipment and gear required to transport the bike. This will cost around $1,200. 

The costs of dirt biking might start to mount. But, if you know what to look for, it should be possible to get started on a budget. Keep reading to learn more about the financial realities of dirt biking.

Is it Expensive to Start Dirt Biking?

To figure out how much you need to spend on a dirt bike, it’s important to think about the equipment that will be involved. While a beginner won’t need a lot, there are a few key pieces of gear that you will require. These include:

Palm protectors and handguards. This is especially important if you are a beginner. The palm protectors can be worn inside your gloves for added blister protection and vibration minimization.

Bike stand. This is a place for you to rest the bike when you aren’t using it. A good stand, like our ATS stand, will also hold the bike in place while you are working on it. 

A system to transport the bike. While you can use some ratchet ties, it’s best to get a dirt bike transport system. This ensures that it will be secure no matter how bumpy the ride. 

Some of these things, like tools, you might be able to borrow from other riders. But eventually, you will need to buy them for yourself. But how much is that going to cost?  

The safety gear you will often need to purchase yourself. This is one area where you don’t want to try and save money. After all, if something goes wrong, your safety gear is the only thing that will be keeping you from getting seriously hurt. A typical minimum spend will be around $675. Though if you want to head to the most expensive end of the market, you might end up spending $3,750. 

The next thing that you’ll need is a good bike stand. You might be able to get a second-hand stand. Another great option is to sign up for our newsletter as we have scratch & dent sales and other monthly deals. If you are willing to buy new, then check our Risk Racing RR1 Ride-on lift stand.  This is one of the most convenient design styles, making it easy to lift the bike up onto the stand. It will cost around $169. 

Next, you will need to find a way of getting your bike to the track. The easiest way of doing this is using a Lock-n-Load Pro. This mounts in the back of your truck. Then, all you need to do is roll the bike in and clamp the rubberized jaws down into place on the bike’s footpegs. It will hold it safely in place during the journey. This will cost $299.99. While this might seem like a lot, it’s cheaper than replacing a bike after it falls out of the back of a truck. 

Now we can add these costs together. Assuming that you are on a budget and you can watch for a good deal on a stand, you will need to pay around $1,200 to get the basic gear you need to start riding. You might need to leave a few dollars in the budget. This will allow you to get a membership for a local bike club, so you have a place to ride. 

How Much Should I Spend on a Dirt Bike?

The biggest expense you will face, though, is purchasing a dirt bike. How much this will cost will depend on the type of bike that you want to get. There are a few key factors to consider:

• How powerful you want the dirt bike to be
• Whether you want to get a new or used bike
• If you are getting a four-stroke or a two-stroke
• The accessories that will be included

With that said, if you want to get a new bike, you will often need to be prepared to spend $8,000 to $10,000. This will get you something that has plenty of power. With a budget like this, you will be able to have your pick from dozens of dirt bikes. Though, as we’ll discuss later, there are some ways to get a less expensive dirt bike. 

Why Are Dirt Bikes so Expensive?

After seeing the prices of dirt bikes, it’s not uncommon for people to be shocked. After all, a dirt bike doesn’t look like it should be costly. But there are a few reasons why they are so expensive. One of the biggest is the materials that are used to construct them. They will need to use sturdy metals and plastic. After all, you don’t want your bike to fall apart as you are riding it. 

Another important factor is the costs of building the bikes. Many of these are built over in countries like Japan and Austria. Because of this, there are costs associated with importing the vehicles. A lot of the time they get shipped over unassembled to a plant in the US where they get built. Once they are finished, they can be shipped to their final destination here state-side. All of these costs will be factored into the final price. 

Finally, there are incidental costs.  These are things like the marketing costs and sales taxes. These will be factored into the final costs of the bikes.

How Can I Get a Cheap Dirt Bike?

If you are planning on getting a new dirt bike, you can go to a store and buy a new one. But if you don’t have the budget, you will need to try and get a cheaper bike. In this case, you will need to get a second-hand bike. These can cost between $1,000 to $3,000 depending on how well they were originally taken care of. There are a few things that you should be looking for.

First, you want to assess the condition of the bike. Look at the grips and the handlebars. They shouldn’t be bent out of shape. It’s also important to look at the frame. It shouldn’t be bent or cracked. If it is, it’s a sign that the bike hasn’t been cared for. Often, this is a sign that will be other problems. 

Another good tip is to bring along a mechanic or someone who knows dirt bikes. They will be able to ask technical questions. They will also be able to tell you a lot about the bike by listening to it and taking it for a test ride. While a bike might look like an amazing deal, it can come with a lot of expensive problems. 

Finally, you want to be prepared to negotiate with the seller. This will ensure that you are getting the best possible deal. Your more experienced friend will be able to give you an indication of what a fair price will be.

Final Thoughts

Dirt biking has earned a reputation as an expensive hobby. And you will need to have a budget of around $4,000 to get a second-hand bike and the basic equipment you need to get started. However, it’s best to think about this as an investment. Though it can seem like a lot to spend upfront, a good dirt bike will provide hours and hours of good outdoor fun.