I wondered if my dirt bike would hold its value after I spent time replacing worn-out parts and later wanted to sell it. I was surprised while trying to answer this question.
The average dirt bike loses $449 in value per year. The brand and model of the dirt bike affect the loss in value ranging from $250 to $636 per year. The overall condition and after-market parts will increase the value of the dirt bike. The closer it is to floor room condition will yield the highest value.
While this information is valuable, the rest of the picture needs to be filled out so you know what to expect if you are restoring an old dirt bike or looking to purchase one.
Source of info. Kelly Blue Book Dirt– Limited in years, but at least a starting point, FB Market Place, Traderonline ( didn’t see to be very good.), Craiglist
Dirt Bikes That Hold Their Value
Many factors influence whether a dirt bike holds its value. One of the biggest factors is the brand.
In the same way that Cadillacs, BMWs, and Lexus hold their values, the same can be said for dirt bikes as well. For instance, what comes to mind when I say KTM or Husqvarna?
If you’re like me, your mouth probably hits the floor at the price of a new dirt bike. The price of a new KTM 250 EXC, one of their most popular motorcycles, averaged $9400 (at the time of this writing.) The price of a new Honda CRF250L, a trail dirt bike, is $4699.
We can argue the price difference reflects a huge quality difference or the fact one is a 2-stroke and one is a 4-stroke. You would be correct, but both bikes are geared towards trail riding. In the end, the conversation turns out to be the same as comparing a Chevy to a Lexus.
When looking at Japanese brands, there is always an argument about who is best. Brand loyalty runs deep here. What we can say is that Suzuki is similar to Chrysler, while Honda and Yamaha constantly fight for the top spot like Ford and Chevy.
Dirt Bike Models Influence Their Value
Moving beyond the manufacture, the specific model heavily influences the value of a dirt bike.
Ever heard of a CR500? Yeah, I want to. Or perhaps the KX500, or Harley MT500 (that runs $26,000)?
These dirt bikes pull a premium in the marketplace because of the desirability of the model. Perhaps we could state it is the rare nature of the model. In either case, be prepared to pay more for these models.
One of the ways to cut the cost of these dirt bikes is by buying a basket case (a motorcycle in pieces.) You’ll have some work to do, but you’ll know the motorcycle inside and out.
How Much Do Dirt Bike Depreciate?
The average dirt bike depreciates $449 per year. The rate of depreciation reflects the marketplace demand for the brand, model, and size of the dirt bike. The overall condition of the dirt bike also plays a factor in how quickly it deprecates.
Here is a graph of a few popular dirt bikes and their depreciation, according to Kelly Blue Book Dirt.
Note a few things about the graph.
- The age of the dirt bike affects the value. This should not be a surprise.
- The data reflects nationwide trends for dirt bike prices. The price you might find locally could differ greatly.
I should note an important aspect of Kelly Blue Book Dirt.
The data was not as consistent as I would have liked. There were missing prices on a few models over the years and the data only goes back to the early 2000s.
If you’re like me and prefer the old 2-stroke, or generally older machines, your best bet is to get a consensus from Facebook Marketplace, TraderOnline, or Craigslist.
Make sure you watch the ads closely as some people will pull the ad and relist the dirt bike frequently. Use this as a red flag and know the machine should have a lower price.
What Is My Used Dirt Bike Worth?
We reviewed the categories that influence the value of a dirt bike. We even talked about a few things to spot if you are buying a dirt bike.
Now let’s talk about how to keep the value high of your dirt bike.
As a whole, the best way to make your dirt bike more valuable is by regularly maintaining it and keep it clean. Use the service manual for service intervals on larger items and do not put your machine away dirt. A clean air filter and chain will help keep the engine in operating order and prevent excessive wear on your sprockets. Keep your plastics clean to keep the like-new look.
These are the simplest ways to preserve the value of your dirt bike.
How much should I Pay For A Used Dirt Bike?
As a general rule, you should pay $1500 or more for a used dirt bike. Anything below this amount reflects the low overall condition, will likely require an $800 or more investment, and need lots of mechanical work. Expect to pay $2500 or more for dirt bikes that do not need mechanical work.
How do I know these amounts? I paid $1200 for a used dirt bike so I would have something to ride with my daughter. While I knew it was a used bike, I didn’t pay close attention to the condition of many key parts.
The machine ended up gobbling up way more than the $800 mentioned above because I was transforming the bike to be more trail-focused. I could have gotten away with putting $800 into the machine to put around with my daughter.
The biggest surprise was the skill set needed to work on the dirt bike I bought. While I had completed many of the same tasks 25 years earlier, my skills were less than impressive and it took me forever to figure some things out.
If you’re new to dirt bikes or just now getting back into them, it may be worth spending more upfront to save time working on your machine. I know I would have looked at another machine if I knew this much time was going to be spent upfront working in it.