If you are considering purchasing a dirt bike, such as a 250 or 450, but are worried about whether or not you will fit on it, you don’t need to stress about it since we have you covered.
So, how do you choose a dirt bike? You need to consider dirt bike dimensions and specifications before buying a dirt bike. The most important characteristics that you need to take into consideration are the size of the engine and the dirt bike’s height and weight.
It is imperative that you are familiar with the various sizes of dirt bikes before you can make an educated decision. There are different sizes available for adults and children.
It is crucial to get the proper size because it is essential for total safety and it guarantees the best experience no matter what kind of offroad terrain you are on, whether it is open ground or technical.
Continue reading if you want to find out more!
Table of Contents
Dirt Bike Dimensions
You must first have an understanding of the various dirt bike sizes and dimensions before you can choose an appropriate size for an off-road motorcycle.
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What Is a Dirt Bike’s Size?
The length of a dirt bike, taken from the back of the bike to the front of the tip, is the first essential dimension to consider. The overall length accounts for the position of the front and back wheels, as well as the taillights and mudguards.
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The length of your offroad motorcycle can have an impact on the amount of physical strain and comfort that you feel when riding. The standard length of a dirt bike for children is approximately 56 inches, while the length for adults is approximately 85.7 inches.
The length of a dirt bike is what controls the distance between the seat and the handlebars on the motorcycle.
When you are trying to get a grip on the primary steering, you will feel a greater amount of strain if the handlebars are further away.
We suggest an optimal length that will enable you to readily access the primary steering, particularly on long off-road trips. This length will make the ride more pleasant for you.
You may also acquire an off-road motorcycle that is a little bit longer and then adjust the wheelbase so that there is enough room for you to sit comfortably between the handlebars and the seat.
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How High Should the Seat Be on a Dirt Bike?
The seat height of a dirt bike is what determines its overall height. Seat height is determined from the bottom of the rear wheel to the top of the seat, which is located underneath the rear fender.
The rider’s comfort and ease of mounting and dismounting the motorcycle are directly related to the bike’s seat height.
In most cases, the handling is affected by this dimension because of how it affects the combined center of gravity of the rider and the dirt bike. There is also the issue of ergonomics to think about.
The seat height of a dirt bike can range anywhere from 34 to 37.5 inches, based on the model. The height of your seat should be adjusted such that the ball of your foot and the tips of your toes can contact the ground.
The back of your heel, on the other hand, needs to be suspended in the air. If you are not used to riding bikes, you might find this to be an uncomfortable height. However, this is the complete package.
If you go for a dirt bike that gives you the ability to ride while standing flat-footed, there is a good probability that you will end up riding in a confined space, which will raise the risk of foot damage.
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What If I Am Not Tall Enough?
Being physically diminutive while also having a passion for trail riding can be a challenge. It goes without saying that a high seat height is required for a dirt bike with a large amount of suspension travel. This is a significant problem any time you want to halt and contact the earth.
Setup Advice
- Make the seat more comfortable by installing gel inserts and switching to a softer cushion
- Create huge holes in the foam of the seat so that it is more comfortable
- The link for the rear suspension was lowered, and the front forks were adjusted to match the new ride height
- Visit a suspension shop to have the adjustments made there
- Adjust the amount of sag in the rear suspension and slide the forks through the triple clamps until they are level
What Happens If I’m Too Tall?
The fact that an offroad motorcycle’s seat is intended to accommodate the dimensions of the typical rider is a significant challenge. If you are too short, you won’t be able to reach the ground, and if you are too tall, you won’t be able to fit on the bike without squeezing.
A rider of average height needs to crouch less than one who is taller than average in order to achieve the optimal default body position when standing.
This is far more taxing on the body. Additionally, it shifted the body weight more toward the back, which can influence the position of the center of gravity.
When seated, a rider who is of a greater height must take a position further back. When sliding forward to reach the proper position, one experiences cramping, which exposes one’s feet to danger.
The uncomfortable stance makes rising from a sitting position to a standing one a very taxing process. This is a difficult circumstance, especially when traveling across difficult terrain.
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Setup Advice
The following is a list of helpful configuration recommendations that can assist you in making the seat appear larger:
- Adjust your footpegs so that they are lower and further back
- Mount the bars in a forward position
- Invest in a gearshift lever with greater reach
- You should get a seat that is higher, as this will improve the bike’s seat height overall
How Wide Is a Dirt Bike?
The width of a kid’s dirt bike is typically about 25.7 inches, whereas the width of an adult’s dirt bike is often about 32.4 inches.
Your off-road motorcycle’s width can have an impact on both its aerodynamics and its overall bulkiness. The width, on the other hand, is up to the discretion of the individual.
While you might be attracted to a dirt bike that is bigger and more cumbersome, your friend might go for a machine that is more svelte in appearance.
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What Kind of an Impact Does the Wheelbase Have?
Typically, the distance between a dirt bike’s front wheel and rear wheel in contact with the ground is used to calculate the wheelbase.
The length of the wheelbase is one of the most important aspects that define a dirt bike.
It has an effect on how tightly an off-road motorcycle bends around curves, and how much the bike will pitch, and it also has an effect on the bike’s general stability and agility.
The length of your offroad motorcycle’s wheelbase is a primary factor in determining its directional stability.
This refers to the inclination of your bike to want to keep moving in the same direction that it is traveling in. So, a longer wheelbase makes the bike more directionally stable.
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The length of the wheelbase has a significant impact on the pitch of the bike. This is because the load is shifted from one wheel to the other when the vehicle is being driven in a forward or reverse direction.
Therefore, the load is transferred to the rear wheel when you accelerate, and it is transferred to the front wheel when you brake. This occurs because the rear wheel is more stable under acceleration than the front wheel.
Note: The amount of load that is transmitted is equal to the height of the center of gravity, and the wheelbase has an inverse proportional relationship to the amount of load that is transferred.
Therefore, the less weight that is transmitted while acceleration and braking, the longer the wheelbase of your vehicle is. When the wheelbase is reduced, the amount of load that may be transported also increases.
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Dirt Bike Displacement
When considering various dirt bike dimensions, displacement, which is measured in cc, is another significant component to take into consideration.
Pistons are a component of engines. You have most likely overheard someone refer to an eight-cylinder engine; this refers to a motor that has 8 pistons.
There are 4 pistons in a four-cylinder engine. A component with the shape of a cylinder that is designed to move vertically up and down within a tube known as the cylinder is called a piston.
In order to create power, it makes use of a carefully balanced mixture of fuel and air.
Therefore, the volume that is swept by a piston all the way from the top of a cylinder to the bottom is what is referred to as an engine’s displacement.
The measuring of the volume of the cylinders is denoted in “cubic centimeters,” which is indicated by the initials “cc.”
Note: Both the distance that a piston travels from the top of the cylinder to the bottom of the cylinder, which is referred to as the stroke, and the diameter of the cylinder that the piston is moving in together make up displacement (bore).
Increasing the displacement will increase the durability as well as all performance elements. To generate more torque and horsepower with the same amount of fuel consumption, the motorcycle does not have to work as hard as it normally would.
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How Much Does the Bike Weigh?
When searching for the ideal size dirt bike, weight, which is often measured in pounds, is another factor that is quite crucial to take into consideration.
The typical weight of an adult dirt bike runs from 200 to 250 pounds, but this number can shift significantly from one year to the next due to the fact that enhancements are frequently made.
The weight of kids’ dirt motorcycles can range anywhere from 130 to 150 pounds on average, though this number is subject to change with newer models.
Weight Both Wet and Dry
The weight of the gasoline tank and the 2T oil, as well as the weight of the braking fluid, radiator coolant, fork/rear shock oil, engine oil, tires, and battery, are included in the “wet” or “curb” weight.
In contrast, dry weight refers to the total mass of the motorcycle after all fluids and oils have been removed.
When compared to heavy bikes, lighter ones are more easily able to reach high speeds since they contain less weight overall. On the other hand, heavier bikes give greater stability and control across terrain with greater speed.
Dirt Bike Size Chart for Adults
| Height (Ft & In) | Recommended Seat Height (Inches) | Recommended Engine Displacement (cc) |
|---|---|---|
| 6’ | 37.5 | 450 |
| 5’10” | 35 – 39 | 250 |
| 5’8” | 34 – 38 | 125/150 |
| 5’6” | 34 – 37 | 140/150 |
| 5’4” | 33 – 36 | 140 |
| 5’2” | 31 – 35 | 125 |
Dirt Bike Size Chart for Kids
| Age (Years) | Recommended Seat Height (Inches) | Recommended Engine Displacement (cc) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 – 8 | 23 – 25 | 50 |
| 8 – 9 | 24 – 26 | 110 |
| 9 – 10 | 24 – 28 | 110 |
| 10 – 12 | 26 – 31 | 110/125 |
| 12 – 14 | 31 – 35 | 125 |
What Else Should I Take Into Account When Deciding?
The selection of the most appropriate size for the dirt bike is an expertise that you will get better at as the years go by. In addition to the topics that we have already covered, the following are some additional considerations that will aid you in making your choice:
Four-Stroke Or Two-Stroke
As a general rule of thumb, four-strokes are better suited for riders with less expertise. On the contrary, experienced trail riders are better able to control the power delivery of a two-stroke engine, and therefore like using two-strokes for enduro riding.
A four-stroke engine is typically the design of choice for longer, more open trails, while a two-stroke engine is best suited for shorter, more difficult courses.
Either Brand-New or Pre-Owned
A competent rider on an older model of dirt bike can beat an ordinary rider on the most recent version of the same bike.
In contrast to a used model, which could come with one or two issues and has no warranty, a new model almost never has any issues, and the guarantee that comes with it is rock solid.
Experience vs. Engine Size
The size of the engine is a topic of discussion among guys rather frequently. A good number of novice riders are interested in acquiring the most powerful engine available for maximum performance.
If you believe that a more powerful engine will set you apart on the route, then that is perfectly OK.
However, if you are committed to honing your talents while minimizing the risk of injuring yourself, you will be better off using a more manageable engine while you are still learning.
Rider Height
Riders who are shorter or taller than average typically want to know which type of dirt bike will be most suitable for them. No matter what kind of motorcycle you ride, you will have a wide variety of modification options.
Modifications to the rear subframe, suspension, and seat height are required for riders who are shorter. On the contrary, tall riders need to have their footpegs lowered, their rear subframes modified, their seats lifted, risers and/or high bend bars installed, and their bars moved forward.
FAQ
What Is the Height of a 125cc Dirt Bike?
Seat heights can range anywhere from 31 to 35 inches and 33 to 36 inches on a 125cc dirt bike, respectively.
When Should a Child First Start Riding a 125cc Dirt Bike?
For children aged 12 to 14, we recommend a 125cc motorcycle as the most appropriate option. This bike has enough power for a teenager to start trail riding without the risk of harming themselves in the process.
What Is the Minimum Height Need for a Rider to Be Able to Operate a 250cc Dirt Bike?
There is no minimum or maximum height requirement for riding a bike with a 250cc engine. However, you may determine whether or not it is the ideal option for you by sitting on it and checking to see whether or not the ball of your foot and your toe are able to make contact with the ground.
What Is the Most Appropriate Size of a Dirt Bike for a Woman?
If you are a woman of average size, you should look for a dirt bike with a seat height that ranges from 31 to 34 inches. This will provide you with more room to ride comfortably.
What’s The Top Speed of a 50cc Dirt Bike?
The majority of the 50cc versions are designed to achieve speeds ranging from 25 to 40 miles per hour. Kids between the ages of 5 and 7 are the optimum riders for the speed range offered by 50cc bikes.
Is It Too Much of a Challenge for a Newbie to Ride a 450cc Dirt Bike?
A model with 450cc is too much for someone who is just starting out. As you work toward becoming a trail riding expert, using a 125cc motorcycle will help you learn the trade faster.
The Crux of the Matter
As you can see, determining the best possible size for a dirt bike requires careful consideration of a wide variety of parameters.
Considerations such as length, width, seat height, wheelbase, engine displacement, and weight are all important aspects.
Before introducing the additional challenge of a clutch, a junior rider can get their start in trail riding with a 50cc motorcycle that is simple to handle during acceleration and deceleration.
If your child is a little older and wants to start learning how to ride a dirt bike, a 110cc is a fantastic first place for them. Adults, on the other hand, are permitted to begin with a 125cc and work their way up.
When determining the appropriate height of the bike seat, you should check that the ball of your foot as well as your toes are in contact with the ground. You will be less likely to have cramps and injuries if you do this.