Dirt bikes have different engines and horsepowers according to different body weights.
For the engine to work at its optimal functionality it needs a weight that is not more than the engine itself because a higher weight on the dirtbike will depress the engine, the tires, and the body of the bike which will slow its speed down.
If you are wondering what size dirt bike for 200 pound man then here is you answer. The 2-stroke engine will have to be 210 – 250 cc while the 4-stroke engine bike has to be 400 cc at least for a 200-pound man. The operator’s weight should complement that of the dirt bike rather than burden it.
In this article, I’ll discuss how different engines work under different weights and how you can choose the correct size of bike for yourself depending on your weight, height, and even age.
Operators Weight And A Dirt Bike
Dirt bikes are one of the most powerful bikes ever manufactured, and the reason they are so popular is because they are for everyone. There is no discrimination against women, men, tall, short, or even weight-wise.
It’s not that the person will not be able to ride the bike, but the bike’s efficiency will be lowered because the weight of the body is not complementing the size.
If an operator weighs around 320 pounds, even he or she can ride the dirt bike, but here are a few things to consider.
The most common rule used for selecting a bike is the 1 + 1, which means if your body weight is equal to or lower than the cc of the engine, then it is the correct bike for you.
If your weight is more than that of the engine, you will probably feel the hindrance.
- This rule is used for the 2-stroke engine or the twin parallel engine, for which 1=1. But if you have a bike with 4 stroke engine, then the formula of 1+ 1 cannot be used.
- For a 4-stroke engine 1=2, you will have to get a bike twice as heavy as you.
- Two-stroke engines are a variety for all bikes, resulting in quicker ignition and acceleration. But when it comes to tracks, it is better on loose tracks. Such as highways or a descending trail.
- If you are a heavy rider, it is suggested to select a dirt bike that has a four-stroke engine.
Make sure you keep these points in mind while selecting your dirt bike. The checklist provided above helps in calculating the weight of a bike and will also help you select the type of engine.
Which Dirt Bike Is Right For You?
Dirt bikes are available in many sizes, and to select a bike for yourself, you need the correct height and weight of the rider. These two things are never directly proportional. That is why they are calculated separately.
Selecting Guidelines
To select a bike, you need to have a seat size which is calculated with your height. The adult size chart will have taller seats from 35 inches to 38 inches with a calculated engine displacement of 230cc to 240cc.
However, these numbers are just guidelines for helping in making a well-informed decision. It is your experience that helps figure out the correct dirt bike according to your weight and height.
- The easy way to go about it is to stand by the seat and see if it is above or below your torso when it comes to height.
- If it seems the right size, hop on it and try to see if it is comfortable and can you put your feet on the ground.
- If you sit on the bike and your feet are flat on the ground, the bike is a little smaller, so you can run the suspension when you hit a bump.
- Similarly, if you barely put your toes on the ground while sitting on the bike, it is too large.
- If you are a beginner and weigh about 150 pounds or 200 pounds, you do not want a bike that is smaller in seat size or in cc because it can damage the suspension systems with your height and weight altogether.
- If you are a heavy rider who wants to ride a dirt bike, experience says the bike should be at least 240cc to 450cc and that would be a smarter choice. Because it can support the weight and the height issue will also be covered.
- But directly selecting a 450cc bike will be too powerful for a first-timer or someone who doesn’t go on hilly trails because it will be hard to maneuver it with 200 pounds. It is better to stick with a bike that is 210 to 250cc.
The above-explained points are from the experience of dirt bike riders who believe it takes experience to select the right bike for you.
The main goal of a dirt bike selection is to have a comfortable ride. If your dirt bike does not offer you that, it is not correctly selected.
3. Factors That Contribute To Dirt Bike And Weight Selection
When selecting a dirt bike, you should already know your weight and height. If you want to have maximum fun the bike can pull through, it is better to make a calculated decision.
Here are three basic things that need to be considered before selecting your dirt bike:
1. Cubic Centimeters
Every pound of your weight takes up about 200 cubic centimeters of space on a bike to move you through the hills and trails.
If you are going for a 2 stroke dirt bike and are weighing about 200 pounds, your bike should be 210cc or 250cc.
Similarly, if you are looking at 4- a stroke engine with almost half the power of 2 stroke, you should double the cubic centimeters, which will be 400cc for a 200 pounds person.
2. Bike Weight And Frame
Apart from the cubic centimeters, the frame and bike weight is also contributing factor if it will support a 200 pounds man. The usual bike weights are about 240 pounds, but the frame also makes a huge difference.
The usual use of metal in bike frames is steel and aluminum because the heavier the bike, the more weight it will support.
If you are a heavy rider, it is suggested to pick a bike with a steel frame that is heavier than aluminum and won’t give you any frame problems at the end of the trail.
3. Engine To Choose
No matter the trail or the terrain for the cruise, if you are a heavy rider, you should select a 4-stroke engine as it is heavier and supports a heavy weight on top of it.
The leverage with 4 stroke engine is that it can be easily maneuvered on hilly and gritty terrains.
Two-Stroke Engine
As mentioned above, the easy-to-remember formula for a two-stroke engine is 1cc for each point.
This means if you are an adult who weighs about 150 pounds, you should buy a bike of at least 150cc or more. But if the rider weighs around 200 pounds, their bike should weigh 200cc or more.
But a 15-25% allowance of weight should always be given because on longer routes, you have cargo as well, and when it is cold, you have layers covering yourself, which adds up the pounds to more than what you actually weigh.
So if you are a man who weighs around 200 pounds, then you should go for a dirt bike that weighs 240 pounds or more.
Four Stroke Engine
As discussed before, the 1 + 1 formula is a good calculation for a two-stroke engine dirk bike.
But when it comes to a four-stroke engine, the formula fails because a 4-stroke engine requires almost twice the power as a 2-stroke engine. Which simply doubles the formula to 1 pound = 2cc.
This puts it together really easily. If you are a 200-pound man, then while selecting a four-stroke engine dirt bike, the weight of the bike should be 400cc.
But this is only if you are a heavy rider. For beginners and normal to low BMI, these high capacity bikes are not a good idea.
The provided three contributing factors are important for selecting any dirk bike for any body weight. If you follow these three factors, you will always select a bike that will be perfect for your weight.
Conclusion
Dirt bikes are the more powerful bikes manufactured for all bike lovers. There is no eligibility or requirement for them. These are the bikes that all genders and all ages enjoy equally.
But when it comes to riders that are heavier for a certain dirt bike, then there are a few things that need to be calculated before selecting a bike.
The first thing about selecting a dirt bike is to give your weight an allowance of 25% so you can easily carry any cargo or winter clothes along.
So what size dirt bike for 200 pound man? The answer is simple, a 200-pound rider will be considered a heavy rider, and a four-stroke engine will be suggested, which means the size of the dirt bike will be 400cc or more.
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