Why Are Dirt Bikes So Expensive? Get Exact Answer!

Although most people buy bikes for transportation purposes, dirt bikes are more into off-roading. Hence, dirt bikes are a source of adventure.

Now, apart from the adventure, to withstand the harsh ground, dirt bikes need to be super strong while being comfortable to ride.

But that’s where you’ll end up with a higher price range as compared to the regular bikes. So, why are dirt bikes so expensive?

Well, as they don’t use the regular components of a regular motorcycle like the headlights, brake lights, and mirrors, the prices don’t align with regular bikes. Plus, to confront tough landscapes, the bike frame needs to be extra strong, thus affecting the final price. 

To some people, riding a dirt bike is just too dangerous, to others, especially adrenaline junkies, it provides all the adventure they desire. Let’s get through all the reasons for dirt bikes being so expensive, yet desirable.

Why Are Dirt Bikes So Expensive?

Apart from lacking some normal motorcycle features like headlights, brake lights, and mirrors, dirt bikes are also made up of small engines, small gas tanks, and stiff suspension. Some even come in a small 50cc size for junior riders.

Dirt bikes don’t just bring adventure, they also provide a lot of advantages healthwise. These advantages include; increased heart rate, increased strength, brain stimulation, good posture, etc.

How expensive we’re talking about? The price of a good dirt bike usually ranges from $5,000 to a whopping $17,000.

The reasons for this high price have to do with the fact that most of the parts used in the assembling of these bikes are imported. The bikes are made in countries with high labor costs.

Some of the reasons why dirt bikes are expensive are listed below;

High production costs

Dirt bikes are very different from the normal types of motorcycles. The materials used for its production are sturdier as the dirt bike emphasizes strength. Also, most of the countries where dirt bikes are made have a very high cost of labor. This is one of the reasons why dirt bikes are expensive.

Costly materials

Another reason for the high cost of dirt bikes has to do with the materials used for their production. Most of these materials are imported from Japan and other European countries.

Low demand

Dirt bikes are illegal in some countries as it is deemed dangerous. For this reason, dirt bike companies experience low patronage. Hence, manufacturers need to sell dirt bikes at a high cost to cover up for losses.

Marketing

One of the major reasons why dirt bikes are expensive is due to the marketing strategies employed by manufacturers. Marketing expenditures like dealership costs, advertising costs, rider sponsorships, etc., are the major reasons why the price of dirt bikes is on the high side.

What Are The Parts That Make It So Expensive?

To answer the question, “why are dirt bikes so expensive?, You have to understand what some of the individual components are made of. Dirt bikes are very different from regular bikes. This is because they are much stronger, and can be used at any time and any season.

One of the reasons for their strength is the sturdy and expensive materials with which their parts are made. This in turn reflects on the general price of dirt bikes. These parts include;

Wheels

The wheels of dirt bikes are made to withstand tough landscapes. The tires are designed with strong, closely spaced, knobby treads to give it a strong grip on mountains and dirt. These tires also maintain temperature when they come in contact with different roads.

Engine

For motorcycles, the more the number of engine cylinders, the smoother the ride. Dirt bikes come with more engine cylinders than other regular motorcycles. They are designed with 4-6 cylinders and also with materials that make sure that this feature doesn’t increase its weight too much.

This is one of the reasons why they are so expensive. If you’re even getting a 250cc engine dirt bike, it’ll be even stronger than a regular 700cc bike because dirt bikes are made for extreme unforgiving terrain.

Brakes

Dirt bikes employ the use of disc brakes to reduce muscle tiredness, force and are also designed in such a way that they cause little addition to the weight of the motorcycle. These brakes also work very well in any weather and terrain.

Suspension

The dirt bikes employ a front and a rear suspension. The suspension helps to connect the front and rear wheels. It also helps to manage the shock systems and also helps the linkage between the front and the rear tires.

Frame

Frames of dirt bikes are usually made with strong materials like carbon fibers, titanium, etc. These help to protect the internal parts of the bikes. In some cases of accidents, dirt bikes usually come out with a few scratches and almost zero damage to internal components.

These strong materials are usually expensive to purchase and this is one of the reasons why dirt bikes are so expensive.

Front fork

The front fork controls the stability of the dirt bikes. It manages components such as lower legs, fork tubes, etc. It needs to be made with strong materials so that it can carry out its functions seamlessly.

The above-mentioned bike parts are the major reason why dirt bikes are expensive as they need to be made with impeccable materials for optimum performance.

How To Afford A Dirt Kike

Even though the price of an average dirt bike ranges from $5,000 to $17,000, they can also be gotten for a much cheaper price either by 1-time purchase or installment payments. There are different ways to make owning a dirt bike more affordable, and they are listed below;

• Buying from China; there are Chinese companies that make budget-friendly dirt bikes. It is important to mention that these bikes are not up to the standard of those made in Japan, and are also not as reliable.
• Buying used bikes; instead of buying a brand new bike, people can go for used dirt bikes on Craigslist, Gumtree, eBay, etc. Most of these used bikes are in excellent condition and can be gotten for up to 35% off the regular price. However, it is necessary to make investigations about the seller before purchasing as the bike may be stolen. Also, the bike should be taken to a mechanic’s workshop for check before purchase, to avoid buying a bad bike. Also, some dealerships have used bikes that need to be resold. These bikes can be gotten at a good bargain.
• Another way to get a bike for cheap is by going halves with a friend. Two friends can come together to buy one bike, each paying half the price.
• Dealerships sell stocks for cheap at end of year sales as they are looking to get rid of old stock to make room for new ones. Dirt bikes can be gotten for cheap at end of year sales.

Are Dirt Bikes Expensive To Maintain?

What dirt bikes need is utmost attention and care as routine checks rather than expensive maintenance. This is important to keep the bike in an outstanding shape. These checks include;

• Checking the air filter regularly
• Routine brake pads check
• Regular checking of the engine oil and change if necessary
• Check if the sprockets are wearing out
• Constantly checking the wheels and tire pressure

Constantly carrying out checks will keep your bike in great condition. Regular lubrication of moving parts and washing after every ride is very advantageous for dirt bikes. The fact is that a dirt bike that is regularly taken care of will not need to be repaired or maintained expensively.

Conclusion

As one must have noticed why are dirt bikes so expensive, you should now be clear about how they are worth the cost as well. Majorly has to do with the production and marketing costs.

Because dirt bikes are made from stronger materials than other regular bikes, they are more expensive to produce, hence the high price. Also, marketing expenditures such as sponsorship and advertisement costs affect the price of dirt bikes.