If you’re looking at dirt bike prices in 2024, then there’s something you should know. “How much is a dirt bike?” isn’t the right question to start with.
If you’re a beginner wanting to break into dirt biking and motocross, then consider this tip from the pros: dirt bike prices only tell part of the story. The cost of ownership involves taking a look at the much bigger picture.
Our pricing and costs guide accounts for the expenses that often go overlooked, including gear and maintenance costs. (We’ll even supply you with practical advice on how to navigate these costs effectively).
Key Takeaways
- Dirt bike prices vary based on engine size, brand reputation, and features, with initial costs ranging from $349 for a used 50cc bike up to $10,199+ for a 450cc model, and additional expenses for safety gear and maintenance.
- Used dirt bikes offer savings and are an option for beginners or those on a budget
Exploring Dirt Bike Costs in 2024
While it’s important to consider the upfront cost of buying a dirt bike, the true cost of dirt biking extends beyond the initial purchase. The overall cost of the sport includes:
Safety gear: $500-$1000+
Safety gear is non-negotiable when participating in high-risk activities. And make no mistake, dirt biking – whether you’re running enduros, trail riding, or motocross – is a high-risk sport. You’ll need:
- High-impact helmets,
- Goggles
- Shin protectors
- Gloves
And that’s just a basic beginners’ safety gear list. As you progress, you may decide to add chest protection to the list. Whatever the case, don’t forget to keep a first aid kit close to hand.
Accessories: $500-$2,200
Depending on the type of riding you plan, you may need some accessories.
If you’re going on long trails, then choosing a vest that has a camel pack and additional pockets for those refueling snack breaks is a good idea. A good helmet camera is a great way to document the adventures ahead.
You can also put upgrades on your bike to make it safer and run better, like hand guards, windshields, and other crash protection.
Operational Needs: $800+
Obviously, you’ll need to pay for gas any time you go out, but something else you’ll need before you get moving is a way of transporting your bikes. This could be a truck bed or a trailer.
If you’re doing motocross, getting on the track is where a lot of your expenses begin to add up. You’ve got:
- Gate Fees: $
- Practice Fees: $
- Membership Fees: $
And if you’re doing that every weekend, it starts to add up…
You’ll also want to carry insurance on your bike, which can range anywhere from $66 to $16/month.
Maintenance: $1450
Just like any motorized machine, your bike needs routine maintenance after every ride, including the following:
- Oil changes
- Routine tire pressure checks
- Applying anti-seize on your chain
- Cleaning and greasing the bearings
These maintenance tasks only take about 10-15 minutes after you’re done for the day, and they’ll keep your bike running smoothly.
When it comes time to service your bike, expect to pay anywhere from $100-$750, depending on what kind of bike you have.
Storage: $30-$120/month
One of the best places to store your bike is in your home garage–locked up and safeguarded from theft. Storing in a home garage also keeps your bike out of the cold temperatures, which can damage the battery and other components.
That being said, not everyone has a safe place in their garage or room in their house, so you may need to find a place to store it. Ideally, you want the place to be nearby, locked up, and affordable.
That’s where Neighbor can help.
Neighbor.com is a peer-to-peer storage marketplace. With Neighbor, you’ll find hosts in your area with extra storage for rent.
Pro Tip: If you’re storing your bike for an extended period, make sure you a) evacuate the gas to prevent corrosion in your engine and b) remove the tires to prevent cracking in the rubber.
Factors that Impact Dirt Bike Prices
The cost of dirt bikes in 2024 varies based on the size of the engine, the brand’s reputation, and the bike’s features.
As the Engine Size Goes Up…
The cost of a dirt bike is significantly influenced by the engine size. As you may have guessed, the rule of thumb is that larger engines equate to higher prices; larger engines provide more power and speed – and everyone wants more power and more speed.
Pro Tip: It’s okay to start small. Buy a used 50cc to learn the ropes, and then sell it and reinvest in a more powerful bike.
Type of Dirt Bikes for Different Riding Styles
Different riding styles require different dirt bikes with different shock absorbance systems. Whether you’re into trail riding or the high-speed thrills of motocross, there’s a bike that’s right for you.
We’ll examine how different dirt bikes are designed to suit various riding styles.
Trail riding and off-roading require bikes that can handle rough terrains/conditions like rain or snow. The grip and stability offered by these bikes’ tires greatly enhance their performance on muddy or hard-packed surfaces.
For enhanced performance on off-road trails, dirt bikes come equipped with features like:
- A softer suspensions
- Trail tires
- Hand-guards
- Larger fuel tank
- Lower toque
- Lights for night riding
The Yamaha TTR50E and Cobra CX50 are good trail bikes for beginners to learn on. Once you’ve learned what you’re doing, the Honda CRF250RX is a great upgrade.
Photo courtesy of hondanews.com. Model pictured: CRF250RX
The cost for these bikes can range from $1,749 to $8,599, depending on specifications.
For those drawn to the excitement of competitive racing, motocross bikes are the go-to choice. These bikes are designed for performance, with strong engines, top-quality parts, and a weight-saving design that boosts their agility and speed on the track.
Brands like Honda, Yamaha, KTM, Kawasaki, and Suzuki are renowned for their high-performance motocross bikes. The Kawasaki KX450F and Husqvarna FC450 are two stand-out options. Honda CRF450R had a great season last year and is one of the best, if not the best. These bikes cost between $9,699 and $11,199.
Photo courtesy of kawasaki.com (Pictured above: The Kawasaki KX450F)
In addition to a higher price range, these bikes have higher maintenance demands to keep them operating at peak performance.
The Price of a Good Name
Perhaps more so than in other sports, the cost of a dirt bike is greatly affected by the brand’s performance.
Popular and well-known brands often command higher prices, as there are sponsored athletes, vouching for the quality and reliability of the brand’s products.
The brand also influences the bike’s resale value. If you’re looking for an appealing investment and know you’re going to sell your dirtbike in a few years, choose from a reputable brand.
In the motocross scene, popular bike brands include:
- Honda
- Husqvarna
- KTM
- Kawasaki
- Suzuki
- Yamaha
New vs. Used: Which Is Right for You?
When it comes to buying your first dirt bike, do yourself a favor and buy it used. Whenever you try something new, you’re bound to make mistakes. Take our word for it: it’s better to slip up on a used, $300-$500 bike than on a brand-new, $7,000 bike.
If you test out a used dirt bike before buying a brand-new one, you’ll be able to get a feel for what you like and what you don’t like about that cheap bike. That way, when it comes time to buy your long-term bike, you’ll better appreciate the premium features.
The exception to this test-on-used rule is if you’ve had previous experience either borrowing your buddy’s bike or renting a bike. In this case, you’ve already gone through the training wheels phase of learning how to ride and discovering your likes and dislikes. By this stage, it’s more than likely that you’re ready to buy.
Advantages of Buying New
Buying a new dirt bike comes with several benefits. You’re getting a bike with no wear and tear, so you can rely on it to start without breaking down or requiring repairs. Additionally, a new bike will often come with the latest technology and features, enhancing the overall riding experience.
These benefits, of course, come at a cost. New dirt bikes are more expensive than their used counterparts.
Savings with Used Bikes
Opting for a used bike can save you a lot of money. Used bikes offer great value, but you need to research each model to see how they perform and how long they typically last. Then, ask the former owner about how they cared for the bike. It’s crucial to check for wear and tear and ensure the bike has been well-maintained.
Summary
Well, you’ve gone through all the numbers, but we haven’t added them up yet, so here we go!
(Understand these are rough estimates as the final dirt bike price depends heavily on what type of bike you choose, how you outfit it, and what extra accessories you choose.)
| New Dirt Bike (Initial Purchase Price) | $1,749-$10,000+ |
| Safety Gear | $500-$1000 |
| Accessories | $500-$2,200 |
| Operational Needs | $800+ |
| Maintenance | $1,550-$1,850 |
| Storage | $360-$1,200 |
| TOTAL | $5,459-$17,050 |
Hey, that’s not too bad for a year’s worth of fun and adrenaline rushes. So go check out that dirt bike and hit the trail with your buddies!
