If you prefer to stray from the beaten path, a dirt bike could be the perfect fit for you. When you’re more excited by the thought of challenging dirt paths than evenly paved streets, it’s time to check out some off-road motorcycles.

Barnes Bros. Motorcycles & Off-Road has prepared this dirt bike buying guide to get you started. Swing by our dealership to start browsing! We’re located in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania.

Choosing the Right Bike

Whenever you’re shopping for a bike, it’s important to keep your needs in mind so you can choose the right option. Off-road motorcycles are built for easy handling, speed, and the unpredictable nature of off-road terrain. You’ll want to take some time to break down these categories more specifically so you can tailor them to your individual needs.

A good place to start is with the engine. The smaller it is, the lighter your bike will be. When it comes to this type of motorcycle, you’ll usually be choosing between a two-stroke and a four-stroke engine. The two-stroke option is lighter, which makes handling easier but they can be harder to control. Four-stroke engines, on the other hand, put extra weight on your bike. However, they’re easier to rein in when you’re getting up to speed.

Think about what type of terrain you’ll be frequenting. Many off-road motorcycles are built to handle compact materials, such as dirt paths. When it comes to looser material, like sand, you’ll need a specific set of features to prevent you from getting bogged down. Mud riding presents similar challenges that can also be solved by more specialized parts. You can choose a special model that offers these features, or you can look into aftermarket parts later on. These are the types of differences that are important to have in mind as you’re browsing models.

The Off-Road Motorcycles

Next, you’ll want to learn how the models differ. For example, there are some off-road motorcycles that are built for the average rider and span a wider range of features. The idea is to provide users with a bit of everything, like trail bikes and recreational models. This is great for beginners who need a perfect mix of speed and control.

Racing is a popular way to enjoy these types of motorcycles, which is why there are many models designed for just that. One example is the motocross bike. You can also explore models that are built to handle both dirt roads and paved streets. This allows you to use your motorcycle in more settings.

As you can see, there are many options to sift through. We hope our dirt bike buying guide has helped you narrow it down. Make a list of your priorities before you head in to browse the inventory at Barnes Bros. Motorcycles & Off-Road. We’re located in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, and we also serve those in Pittsburgh and Washington. Our staff looks forward to helping you find the perfect motorcycle for your needs!