A dirt bike is a motorbike that is used for offroad biking. They are used for sport, in motocross racing and for fun offroad adventures. Designed to handle rough terrain, a dirt bike has better suspension to handle bumps, and a higher clearance. On most dirt bikes the rider will sit in a more upright position for better bike handling. A 50cc dirt bike is considered an entry level dirt bike, ideal for beginners and younger riders.
50cc refers to the size of the engine of the bike, and a 50cc would be about the smallest size engine you can find. This does not mean that the bike has no power, although it certainly won’t compete with 2125cc or bigger bikes. The smaller engine does make it a lighter bike, which is why it is considered ideal for children interested in getting into dirt biking. It is also great for women beginners who will appreciate the lighter weight and easy handling of a 50cc dirt bike.
Some 50cc dirt bikes are suitable for children from the age of 6 years, but if you are buying for a young child you may want to look for a bike with an auto electric start to help them get started easier, and have a kill switch fitted for safety purposes. Because the 50cc has less power, it is considered safer for young riders, but don’t be fooled into complacency – a 50cc dirt bike can still reach speeds of 45 to 50 miles per hour.
Dirt bikes have chunkier tyres than road bikes, much like the difference between a 4 x 4 car tyre and a sedan tyre. You may find yourself faced with a choice between a four stroke and a two stroke engine. A four stroke engine is more fuel efficient and creates fewer emissions than a two stroke engine, but more importantly, has more torque, but less get-up-and-go power. For a young rider, a four stroke engine is ideal. Two stroke engines are more popular with the competitive dirt bike riders as they have great pull-off power, and are lighter than a two stroke. A beginner may be better off with the lightly less powerful four stroke engine until they get used to dirt bike riding.
When buying a 50cc dirt bike, look for good suspension, as this will improve handling, and good ground clearance. A bike that is too low cannot cope with uneven terrain and will result in an accident. Front and rear disc brakes are preferable too.
Remember that a dirt bike has no headlight or indicators, no speedometer, and often no tachometer or any of the other measuring devices that road bikes are equipped with. It is therefore illegal to drive them on a normal road. This means that you will need a trailer to transport the bike to an offroad area where you can ride it away from normal traffic.
Most of the well known motorbike manufacturers have a few models of dirt bikes in their stable. There are many new names entering the market, often offering better prices for similar specifications. Before buying a foreign or relatively unknown make, check that you will be able to get the bike properly serviced, and that spare parts will be readily available.
A 50cc dirt bike can provide hours of adventure and fun for the whole family. Be aware that many nature reserves do not allow dirt bikes on their trails, and you may need a permit or at least the landowner’s permission before you set out into the wild blue yonder.
