Your dirt bike takes you on thrilling off-road adventures, but how much do you really know about it? Dirt bikes have an interesting history which diverges from that of their on-road motorcycle cousins. We’ve assembled some interesting and fun trivia facts about dirt bikes below to help you learn more about your favorite ride.

Where Did Dirt Bikes Originate? 

Contrary to what you may believe, motocross and its associated bikes actually originated in the United Kingdom, with the off-road motorcycles built by the Birmingham Small Arms Company Limited (BSA). Only after these bikes proliferated throughout the UK did they finally make their way over to the USA.

When Did Dirt Bike Races Begin?

The first motocross-type event took place over a century ago, in 1909! The United Kingdom’s 1909 Auto Cycle quarterly trial event was the frontrunner for the dirt bike races that would soon become more commonplace in the 1920s. It wasn’t until the 1950s that the United States began to hold dirt bike races as well, with the first stadium race being held in the Los Angeles Coliseum in 1972.

What Country Manufactures the Most Dirt Bikes?

Even though the United Kingdom originated dirt bike manufacturing, Japan has long since taken the lead in this arena. Since the 1970s, leading Japanese dirt bike brands like Yamaha®, Honda®, Suzuki®, and Kawasaki® have had a tight hold on the market.

How Powerful Are Dirt Bike Engines?

Surprisingly, your average chainsaw probably has a more powerful engine than your dirt bike. Low-powered engines are used more in dirt-bikes than in their on-road counterparts, since you don’t need the kind of power for going 60 miles an hour down the highway. Dirt bike engine capacities typically fall between 50 and 500 cc.

How Heavy Are Dirt Bikes?

Well, not very. Your average dirt bike probably weighs less than 200 pounds, in fact! Dirt bikes are specifically designed to be lightweight, with advanced materials used in their construction. Aluminum is an especially popular material for dirt bike parts, since it’s so light. Plastic is also common.

Is Riding a Dirt Bike Good Exercise?

Yes, it certainly can be! Riding a dirt bike requires you to use a lot of different muscles to keep the bike upright and moving, so they’re a great workout for your arms and your core in particular. You can also improve your posture while riding a dirt bike.

Time to buy a new bike? Come on down to our dealership near Beaumont, TX, to take a look at our wide stock of new and used dirt bikes for sale. You can discuss your financing options with our sales team as well. Cowboy Powersports is happy to serve our Lone Star State customers in the cities of Lake Charles and Pasadena, TX.