In the exciting world of dirt biking, getting caught up in wanting the best bike with the most out-of-this-world specs is easy. And while the phrase, ‘bigger is better’ may ring true for many things in life, it certainly doesn’t when it comes to making the all-important decision of which bike to take along for the journey.
In this article, we will offer some key factors to consider when choosing your ideal ride!
Delving into the world of dirt riding can overwhelm any biker, let alone a novice. Even seasoned bikers sometimes prefer their trusty 200CC trail bikes to the colossal 650 big desert monsters. The reason for this is simple; a bike with less power is easier to control. In any case, a helpful argument here is the one for enjoyability.
When you’re out in the great outdoors, your bike ought to be your friend, not an enemy you can’t quite bring under your control – in which case; you’re just cruising for an off-road ordeal!
One should think practically instead. If you’re a beginner rider with little to no experience and are still honing those riding skills, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is to assume that a more powerful bike will put you ahead of the curve. You may find yourself between a rock and an unrelenting hill that you cannot conquer.
Instead, beginner bikers should understand that more power cannot compensate for lack of riding skill. Hence, it’s the smarter choice when you’re searching for your first (or second) ride. If you think about the size of the bike and what kind of terrain you’ll be traversing. Also, if you’re smaller, we don’t recommend something as hefty as a 450 bike. No doubt, you’ll be spending more time fighting this bucking stallion than taking in the scenery.
Considering this, a advancing bike rider may thrive outdoors on something as modest as a Rieju MR200, which is sleek and easy to ride but still maintains the allure of speed.
When buying a dirt bike, the size you choose should be complementary to your skill ability. It’s a bit of an overshoot for a beginner to intermediate biker to buy a larger motor size. At Bike Guys, we are fierce advocates of purpose-driven bike buying and ensuring that the bike you want fits the terrain you’ll be riding.
And while 450 engines may be fun, fast, and boast ample torque on the ground, the more skilled/technical a rider becomes in their riding, the less horsepower they’ll need.
Now on the flip side, if you’ve already honed those riding skills, you’re likely looking for something more balanced – think 300 two-stroke! The Rieju MR300 PRO is a melting pot of everything you’ll need for an unforgettable day on the trails.
Sound like you? This renowned bike offers the best capacity for fun on the trails while being subdued enough to take you up and down canyons with ease and pick back up into speed demon mode when terrain levels. Overall, the Rieju MR300 PRO has the added advantage of being lighter, easier to ride, and easier to maintain!
In the same breath, 200-250 two-stroke enduro trail bikes are relatively underrated. If you’re looking to change things up, these bikes offer a bit more rev than their 300-engine counterparts but still boast low RPM torque.
Motocross bikes are designed and built to run on tracks, as you can run the throttle and brake a lot harder. Naturally, this also makes them edgier and harder to ride on trails. With suspension designed to take big jumps, motocross bikes can be harder to ride on tight trails.
If you’re looking for the best of both worlds, however, an enduro bike may be your best bet – with capabilities for both motocross tracks and single-track mountain trails.
It’s important to remember that there is a difference between a trail bike and an enduro or motocross bike, with a trail bike both easier to ride and maintain but unable to ride at 110% throttle – rather just cruising. A great example of the ideal trail bike for a less aggressive rider is the GPX FSE or TSE or Rieju Ranger, which boasts an extensive range for your different terrain needs.
Frontrunner Rieju also has a Ranger model, which is tuned down from previous racing versions with softer suspension and a notably smaller frame for those smaller in stature.
Whether buying your first, second or third dirt bike, the process can be daunting. It’s essential to keep in mind that your choice of dirt or trail bike should match the purpose you have in mind. The wrong bike may be a sight to behold, but it will have you spinning tires and falling in a tailspin in no time. The best thing you can do is first consider the bike setting and scenario and make these your deciding factors. All the best in choosing your beloved ride or die, and remember – the idea is that you should be working with your bike, not against it, and vice versa!
We race and sell GPX, TM, SWM, Rieju and AJP motorcycles. Motorcycle parts, apparel, mechanic services.
