Imagine this. It’s Christmas morning and you’re going to check out what Santa’s left under the tree. Suddenly you see a new, shiny 80cc dirt bike with a big ribbon and your name on it. You’re wondering, just then, can life get any better?

Well, yes it can, because now, as soon as you can manage to get dressed, you get to go out and fire up your new ‘toy’. As a beginner, this is the perfect bike for you. It’s lightweight, easy to control and, when you sit on it, your feet actually reach the ground. But it’s no toy, really, and durable enough for even dad to have a go at it, if that’s allowed. You couldn’t have gotten a more perfect present.

Mom and dad will be glad that all the safety features are built right in. A strong suspension to ease the ride, good brakes to stop on a dime and an engine kill switch for times of trouble when you need to shut it down. There’s even a limiter for the throttle so you can’t make it go any faster than mom will allow. But that’s okay, you don’t have to reach top speed to have a blast on this thing. It’s so cool. Just like the big boys on the moto-cross circuit.

Choosing the right dirt bike for a particular rider can be a personal thing. If Santa does the choosing, we’ve got to trust his expertise. If you’re out to purchase one for yourself, the best advice may be to go to a retail outlet that’s got lots of models on display. If you’re a beginner, and not too large, start with the 50cc, 70cc and 80cc models. Sit on them, like you’re ready to ride, and see how it feels. Do your feet easily reach the floor? Do you feel comfortable? Is the price within your range?

Dirt bikes come two ways, with 2-stroke engines or with 4-stroke engines. The 2-strokes are high-pitched and whiny, like a chain saw. And they belch out smoke from the exhaust. That’s because oil is being burned with the gas in the cylinders. They’re less friendly to the environment than the 4-stroke versions, but they’re quicker off the line and faster to respond to a turn of the throttle.

There’s no additional oil added to a 4-stroke engine so they burn cleaner and are more eco-friendly. They’re also quieter for the most part. 2-stroke bikes have been made illegal in some places but they’re still sold and may be okay where you are. If so, the choice is yours.

Beginners might try looking into buying a used bike to start off. If you find out later that dirt biking just isn’t for you, your investment won’t be as much as if you buy new. Depreciation of a new motorcycle, like most things, is fairly steep at the beginning. For a used bike, look for something that’s been maintained well and not abused. If you’re serious about dirt bike riding, maintenance is something you’ll want to learn about.

Dirt bikes are a blast to ride. If you’ve never tried it, you’re in for a surprise. It’s really a rush. If you’re new to it, and you want to start off safe, slow and easy, an 80cc dirt bike is the perfect choice.

See a complete collection of 80cc dirt bikes from which to choose today! You can find the perfect 80cc dirt bike that will give you hours of fun and excitement fast and easy!