What Is High Mileage For Used Dirt Bike?

What is high mileage for used dirt bike? Let us dig into the answer to this question in this post!

There is no denying that dirt bikes are the epitome of adventure on wheels. However, not everyone can buy a brand new dirt bike. Apart from being a nuisance and a difficult task, dirt bikes can cost a pretty penny.

But that doesn’t mean you have to kiss your dirt-biking dreams goodbye. If you cannot afford a brand new dirt bike, you can always go for a used one. Usually, when I’m on the lookout for a used dirt bike, there are several factors I keep in mind. And out of all the factors, mileage on a bike is the most important one to consider.

High mileage on a dirt bike is anything above 20,000 miles on its odometer. Here’s a simple tip to calculate the average miles. Most dirt bikes run an average of 3000 miles per year. So accordingly, multiply the number of years it has been used by 3000, and you’ll get your average!

If you have found the perfect dirt bike to take home, then speed ahead!

There are multiple ways to gauge the condition of your chosen pick. And whether it is worth your purchase. Mileages and hours are the first two things to consider.

Also read: How long do dirt bikes last?

What Is A High Mileage For Your Dirt Bike?

Before proceeding, let’s all establish one basic fact. High mileage for a dirt bike has a range that exceeds 20,000 miles.

This is true for small ones. If you’re picking a beast out of many, 50,000 miles are the benchmark for high mileage.

Also read: Best budget touring bikes

Mileages — How Important Are They?

Mileages are important in their own right. Yes, I would prefer 10,000 miles over a dirt bike that’s been ridden 30,000 miles.

But, consider this: Would you still feel the same way if the former one has been vigorously used over rocky terrain and the latter one on sand?

Perhaps not. And that is why the circumstance and how the previous owner has used the dirt bike is important.

We’ve been programmed to think that high mileage equals wear and tear, but this doesn’t apply to all vehicles.

Even if the mileage is high, the condition of a second-hand dirt bike is next to pristine, so go ahead with the purchase.

It shows that the bike was used with love and care rather than neglected.

True mileage does give some account of how the bike has been priorly used or abused. Which, perhaps, may cause a drop in the price when compared to a low mileage dirt bike.

However, this method may not be a surefire way of determining the worth and condition.

If the dirt bike does not have an odometer, then there is another way to work out its condition. The hours the bike has been ridden and used will determine what condition the bike is in.

Also read: Best dirt bikes for adults

How Many Hours Are One Too Many?

As with the mileage, hours cannot determine how much work your second-hand dirt bike will need once purchased.

Somewhere along the road (quite literally), you’ll need maintenance and repairs. How sooner or later you encounter this situation depends on various factors.

We cannot quantify the condition of the dirt bike by comparing hours only. But, it’s best to keep in mind this one simple fact:

A dirt bike rider will spend an average of 50-200 hours per year riding their bike. The number of hours and time spent on a bike will show how much it has been used.

But it still won’t be an accurate indicator of how well the bike is doing. Or how well it will serve its purpose once you buy it.

Also read: Best cheap dirt bikes

Now, this brings us to the following question;

How Can We Assess The Condition Of A Used Dirt Bike?

Previous Owners

If a bike has been passed around between many owners, the dirt bike has likely lost its charm.

Similarly, owner habits should be kept in mind as well. Older riders tend to ride more carefully, and young riders have an overzealous personality that usually leaves a mark or two on their bike.

Maintenance Log

Throughout the lifespan of a bike, riders may have a kept log of maintenance done on it. A full record might be problematic.

But, it’s best to inspect the content and nature of repairs. Does it include routine oil changes and maintenance? Or does it include a lengthy list of replaced parts?

Generally, a maintenance log will indicate responsibility and good ownership on the previous owner’s part.

Engine

Typically a dirt bike’s engine lasts 1 to 5 years on average. If it was properly cared for and tended to, good maintenance habits can extend the lifespan further.

It’s best to tally these numbers and the condition of the dirt bike before finalizing your purchase. A banged-up engine will do you no good, and you’ll end up hauling it to the repair shop ever so often.

Check And Inspect

You might want to check the exterior of the dirt bike to gauge the condition visually. Here are some things to specifically look out for:

– Check for any oil stains on the engine
– Check for leaks and dents on the body
– Look around for cracks on the exhaust pipe
– Check for signs of worn-out tires
– Check out the wheels for any noticeable bends
– Inspect the frame from the rear for any cracks or bents
– Inspect the frame welds
– Do a squeeze test on each spoke of the wheels

Inspecting the air filter is super crucial. A dirty one indicates poor maintenance habits.

Also read: Best dirt bikes for kids

Apart from mileages and hours, you must check out the overall health of the bike. While mileage is important in its own right, you may want to perform other types of “tests and inspections” before shaking your hands on a done deal.

Also read: Which Vehicles Can Fit A Dirt Bike?