Find the best off-road motorcycle: an in-depth buyers' guide to the bikes, tracks, trails and gear

Riding an off-road motorbike is a brilliant past time. Whether you are looking to build new skills, explore new areas, or when it gets damp and chilly on the race track and you need some winter saddle time, the countryside is calling and it’s the perfect time to go riding in the dirt.

Best of all, there’s a huge variety of off-roader bikes to suit all riders, budgets and ages, from automatic kids bikes through to novice-friendly trail and enduros up to full-blown motocross machines. This begs the question: what sort of off-road bike should I buy?

In order to answer that question we need to first ask what is it about off-roading that appeals to you?

• Is it following trails to pick up long forgotten green roads or BOATS around the country? Traversing to new heights, and scenes that have long been forgotten?
• Or does the sound of hitting that perfect berm on track, finding grip where others couldn’t, fighting for the lead, more your cup of tea?
• Is it staring at obstacles that one shouldn’t even dare think to point a motorbike at, the hard route, the challenge, perhaps that excites you about off-roading?

Having an idea of what you want to experience will help determine the best off-road motorcycle for you.

• Related: Get the latest adventure bike gear here.

‘Horses for courses’ springs to mind and a plethora of bikes are available, each boasting great specs for their intended purpose. Lighter weight, more power, better suspension, differing gear ratios, 2-stroke or 4-stroke… It’s enough to confuse the best of us.

Drawing upon MCN’s vast experience we have created a guide to off-roading and a round up of Best Off-Road bikes for 2024. Covering all avenues of off-roading, explaining the different types of riding, including help on what to buy, and the riders’ specific requirements.

We’ve even laid out our pick of some used bikes to keep an eye out for.

All this should help you decide how to put your best and first muddy boot forward.

What are the different types of off-road motorcycle riding?

• Adventure
• Dual Sport
• Enduro
• Hard Enduro
• Motocross
• Trials
• For the Shorter Riders
• Kids
• Electric
• GOAT – Greatest Of All Time

Now you have decided on what to ride, what’s next?

• Where to ride
• Top tips for buying used off-road bikes

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Adventure Bike

We could wax lyrically about adventure bikes and their explosion in popularity over the last few years. For those new to the potential of the ‘do-it-all’ adventure bike, these are machines with various specifications and abilities that aim to tackle tourer terrain than a regular touring motorbike.

You could argue their popularity came from an intrepid Jedi and his friends: Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman took their BMW R1150GS Adventures around the world, the long way, round, down and most recently back up but this time using more eco-friendly electric bikes.

It was this type of adventure, travelling tarmac, dirt, mud sand and any road in between which then became popular. Spawning the need for a bike that could do the distance, tackle the terrain and carry your life’s worth. As time has moved on, the market changed, and more capable and lighter machines were in demand – ‘light is the new right’ – bringing with them more technical ability.

Below we have listed our favourite more dirt-orientated adventure bikes :

2024-on Yamaha Tenere 700 Extreme

• Highlights: Fully-adjustable, longer-travel suspension from the World Raid / Dirt-ready footpegs, chain guide and radiator guard / Whopping 910mm seat height
• Specs: Engine Size: 689cc Power: 72bhp Weight: 205kg Seat height: 910mm
• Price: £10,906 (new)
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert review of the Yamaha T7 Extreme here.

2023-on KTM 890 Adventure R

• Highlights: New, more aggressive KTM 450 Rally-inspired appearance / Reworked, fully adjustable WP XPLOR suspension and more off-road biased rubber / Enhanced tech, with a new ‘DEMO’ mode
• Specs: Engine Size: 889cc Power: 104bhp Weight: 196kg Seat Height: 880mm
• Price: £11,000 (used) – £13,299 (new)
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert review of the KTM 890 Adventure R here

2024-on Ducati Desert X Rally

• Highlights: Longer travel, uprated suspension / Lighter, stronger wheels / More off-road biased stance
• Specs: Engine Size: 937cc Power: 110bhp Weight: 224kg Seat Height: 910mm
• Price: £18,995 (new)
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert review of the Ducati Desert X here
• Check out the Desert X as it comes out on top as our choice for 2023 Adventure bike:

2022-on Aprilia Tuareg 660

• Highlights: Full electronic suite with optional rider modes / Impressively dynamic and agile on the road / Engine platform shared with Tuono and RS 660
• Specs: Engine: 937cc Power: 79bhp Weight: 204kg Seat Height: 860mm
• Price: £7,500 (used) – £10,600 (new)
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert review of the Aprilia Tueareg 660 here
• Or, for a more detailed 1st hand owners review, read MCN Reporter Saffron Wilson’s experience with the Aprilia Tuerag 660 during their time together as part of her long term test bike

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Dual Sport

The concept of Dual Sport was simply that: dual purpose, a bike that was both suited to being on-road as it would be off it.

The ‘unicorn’ of bikes is the term that gets thrown about. A motorcycle you could take on the trails but also sit comfortably on the roads as you head from one trail to the next. Most are lighter than the slightly more long-distance-oriented adventure bikes.

Dual Sports have skills so when the going gets tough, you can easily rescue the bike from its unplanned dirt nap. Being lighter, and more commonly a single-cylinder engine, dual sport bikes are easier to pick up, ride, and simpler in their maintenance requirements.

2019-on KTM 690 Enduro R

• Highlights: Manic enduro bike / A real hooligan’s ride / Capable on most terrains
• Spec: Engine size: 693cc Power: 72bhp Weight: 146kg Seat height: 910mm
• Price: £8500 (used) – £9599 (new)
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert review of the KTM 690 Enduro R / GAS GAS ES700 / Husqvarna 701 Enduro here
• Buying Advice: The 690 R has been around in various forms since 2007 the GasGas and Husqvarna version were later editions as the Pierer Mobility AG (KTM Owners) acquired them. All models are very similar models in terms of specifications. Look out for any obvious crash damage and hard off road life. Owners have also reported issues with the clutch slave cylinder, some engine issues with the counter shaft and electrical gremlins. Best to search for evidence that these have been rectified or covered in any service history

2021-on Honda CRF300L & CRF300 Rally

• Highlights: Bigger capacity 286cc motor with 18% more torque than its predecessor CRF250L & Rally / Improved off-road focus / Updated styling and dash
• Specs: Engine Size: 286cc Power: 27 bhp Weight: 153 kg Seat height: 885mm
• Price: £5,799 (new for the ‘L’) / £5,400 (used) – £6,039 (new for the ‘Rally’)
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert review of the Honda CRF300L or the Honda CRF300 Rally here
• Buying Advice: Holding their value and building a cult following, when you do find a deal check for damage that is beyond what to be expected of a light off roader. Checking round the subframe mount areas for any cracking. Lots of bikes are sold with aftermarket kit bundled in, if possible always get the original parts included as well

2019 – 2020 AJP PR7 650 Adventure

• Highlights: Lightweight bike with serious off-road potential / Proven 600cc single engine / Surprisingly well equipped
• Specs: Engine size: 600cc Power: 58bhp Weight: 165kg Seat height: 920mm
• Price: £5000 (used) – £8,500 (new)
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert review of the AJP PR7 650 Adventure here
• Buying Advice: Some owners have reported throttle irregularities but this can be smoothed out with the aftermarket ‘full power’ kit. Pre 2019 versions didn’t come with Brembo brake assemblies so are a little lacking in stopping power and feel

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Enduro

Typically a bike used for off-road racing, long-distance cross-country, following trails and pre-determined routes. A competitor races against the clock and are timed to determine a winner.

As specialist that may sound, enduro bikes can be road homologated, which allows them to be ridden on road and not just at private events. With tax, mot, insurance, lights and mirrors, these bikes can be a viable off-road trail weapon.

However, the compromises that most have when weighing up an enduro as an option are: will it be suitable for road use? Is comfort required? And what about the bike’s service intervals? The servicing on a race or competition bike can be more frequent and the bikes use is recorded in hours rather than miles.

To give you an idea of how short those intervals can be. This should be something to consider when making your bike choice.

2024 KTM EXC-F 350

OR similar sister bikes the Husqvarna FE 350 and GasGas EC 350 F.

• Highlights: New engine positioned within frame to centralise mass / New WP XACT Suspension / overall one of the most versatile enduros.
• Specs: Engine size: 349.7cc Power: 32.4 bhp Weight: 109.4kg (Without Fuel) Seat height: 952mm
• Price: £10,649 (new) Previous generations of the bike can be found in a decent used state from £3000 upwards.
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert review of the KTM EXCF 350 / Husqvarna FE 350 / GasGas EC350F here
• Buying Advice: Red, White, or Orange, take your pick, there is no disputing the success these bikes have had in off road motorsports of late. That being said, when looking to buy older versions, evidence of regular servicing and maintenance will be beneficial

2024 Sherco 450 SEF

• Highlights: Host of upgrades for 2024, new exhaust header and Akrapovič silencer / KYB front suspension and rear KYB shock absorber / Brembo brake system.
• Spec: Engine size: 449.4cc Weight: 106.5kg Seat height: 950mm
• Price: £10,299 (new) Relatively new to the market, deals can be found for its more recent years predecessor.
• Buying Advice: A new bike for arguably more experienced riders, a lot of enduro bike for the money with the latest tech. With competition fierce in the field of enduros, power figures are not freely advertised and are probably subject to a dealer conversation.

2024 Kove FSE 450R – The Rally Option

• Highlights: Rally ready / light weight with all terrain suspension aiding its power and agility / long range fuel tanks.
• Specs: Engine size: 448.9cc Power: 51bhp Weight: 145kg (dry) Seat height: 965mm
• Price: £8500 (new standard version) £13,500 (new pro version) So new to the market, used examples are rarely seen.
• Buying Advice: New to the market as the desire for a purpose built rally come light weight adventure bike increases. Kove have attempted to deliver it in one package. Early owners report a high build quality as proven by Kove’s race results at the Dakar impressing many with their first offering into the sport. Could this be the ultimate do it all? The unicorn of off-road bikes?

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Hard enduro

Spawned from enduro, an evolution of the race with more course complexity and obstacles. Riders will frequently throw themselves and their machines at the countryside, up hills, traverse gullies and scale waterfalls to win a hard enduro competition.

Again, similar to enduro bikes they can be homologated for the road. With the right skills and a bike like the ones mentioned below, any summit, vista, or tree filled route can be conquered. Albeit, any road work in between will definitely not feel as victorious.

2024 KTM 300 XC-W

OR similar sister bikes the Husqvarna TE300 and GasGas TXT 300

• Highlights: New frame for 2024 / lots of low-down torque / perfect for challenging terrain
• Spec: Engine size: 300cc (2 stroke) Power: 49 bhp Weight: 111kg Seat height: 963mm
• Price: £11,449 (new)
• Buying Advice: KTM’s latest offering for tackling challenging terrain, again, KTM lead the way with their ‘ready to race’ bikes. However, you can get an older version or similar bike to it buy looking at KTM’s sister companies Husqvarna and GasGas

2024 Beta 300RR

• Highlights: New dual spark plug engine / New frame / Upgraded race components
• Spec: Engine size: 293.1cc (2 stroke) Weight: 103.5kg (dry) Seat height: 930mm
• Price: £9195 (new) Previous generations of the bike can be found in a decent used state from £7000 upwards
• Buying Advice: Beta’s flagship racing bike! A championship winning motorcycle, ridden by Steve Holcombe and Brad Freeman. New to the market fro 2024, so there is little by way of reported problems and issues to be aware of. Being a bike in a competitive space, confirmed power specifications are closely guarded knowledge. Online discussions suggest it rivals and is close to KTM’s model the KTM 300 XC-W Going by Beta’s racing credentials you shouldn’t need to worry about quality, just check for decent servicing and maintenance records or any obvious signs of neglect if purchasing second hand.

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Motocross

A closed-course race usually held on a man-made off-road track. With high berm corners, hills, jumps and bumps galore. It is a true test of speed and off-road ability.

Adrenaline fuelled as you race side by side with your peers battling for that all important first place. Like the other competition bikes, motocrossers aren’t usually homologated for the road. Shedding the extra weight of mirrors and lights and the like to remain lighter and a more purposeful machine.

In the UK, retro-fitting homologation parts are available so your bike can have the appropriate certificates and tests carried out to register it for road use. However, the common understanding is that where a motocross bike is so specific for what it has to achieve, being fast, light, and handle well off road. All-road requirements and desirable attributes from the bike are not present. It is usually the census from the off-roading fraternity that other bikes a better suited for road and mixed adventuring.

2024 Triumph TF 250-X

• Highlights: All new ground up design / Class leading power-to-weight ratio / Top level race spec componentry
• Spec: Engine size: 249.5cc Seat height: 960mm seat height
• Price: £9,795 (new)
• Read MCN’s write up of the Triumph TF 250-X news here
• Buyers Advice: Being such a newly developed bike and only just coming to the market overall power and weight statistics are not freely advertised on the web and you can expect that these details will play the crucial part of any dealer enquiry encouraging riders to jump onboard with Triumph

2025 KTM 250 SX-F

• Highlights: Major frame updates / Increased power to mid range and top end / Optional KTM connect app for a wide range of adjustability options
• Spec: Engine size: 249.9 cc Power: 47 bhp Weight: 101kg Seat height: 958mm
• Price: £9999 (new) Previous generations of the bike can be found in a decent used state from £3000 upwards. Being such a staple of the motocross world, be sure to read our top tips below on what to look for when buying second hand.

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Trials

One of the longer standing off road sporting events, where most of the faster off road races evolved from trials. Skills acquired from trials can benefit all off-road events, with riders concentrating on the precision of riding through obstacles, either man-made in an arena or around the countryside.

An observer awards penalties to riders who place their feet on the floor as they work their way around the course. Trials bikes can be homologated for road use and there are even Long Distance Trials events to take part in most famously the Scottish 6 Day Trial which takes the small, seat lacking, very technically capable machines across a variety of obstacles and countryside.

2024 Sherco 250 ST-F FACTORY

• Highlights: New air filter design for a better seal / dual spark for engine optimization / improved power delivery with progressive mapping
• Spec: Engine size: 250cc Seat height: 704mm
• Price: £7699 (new)
• Buying Advice: Boasting great technical stats and upgrades for the year. The power and weight details are not freely advertised and likely to form part of any dealer enquiry. Lots of second hand bikes and predecessors to this 2024 model can be sought out and provide a great cheaper avenue into off road riding

2024 Montesa Cota 4rt 301rr

• Highlights: Their most race focused trials motorcycle to date / built from years of championship winning knowledge / New engine breather and ignition map
• Spec: Engine size: 298cc Weight: 78kg Seat height: 677mm
• Price: £6999 (new) Second hand buyers wouldn’t go far wrong purchasing a well cared for older model with predecessor versions ranging from £3000 upwards.
• Buying Advice: Honda owned Montesa have a renowned history in the world of trials riding. With several championships under their belt. Power figures are not freely given on the site, but you can be sure it would be very competitive and worthy of a conversation with a dealer if you wanted to find out more.

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For shorter riders

One commonality across all off-road bikes? The require you to renact that dreaded sports day hurdle technique in order to get your leg over them. They are tall, and some, very tall. There is no getting around that fact, the height is needed for the ground clearance to not hit every bit of debris you may encounter off road. There are a few with slightly lower than your average seat height. Great for those that might be a little shorter in the leg or want that added confidence of getting more of their foot on the ground.

2003-2018 Beta Alp 4.0 350

• Highlights: manoeuvrability and agility of a trials bike / range and durability for day-long excursions / using Suzuki’s old air-cooled DR350
• Spec: Engine size: 349cc Power: 27bhp Weight: 133kg Seat height: 863mm
• Price: £1700 (used) – £4895 (new)
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert review of the Bike review: Beta Alp 4.0 here
• Buying Advice: Italian off-road specialists Beta effectively invented the part trail/part trial ‘leisure bike’, when it came out with the first Alp in 2003. It’s rugged, easy to ride and good value. Being light and with an extremely low seat it’s one of the least intimidating off-roaders out there, too. Despite its long life the Alp was always a niche bike so used examples are relatively rare. The Suzuki engine is simple and tough and the rest of the bike unfussy and rugged but older examples especially will be expected to have some scars and possible signs of neglect

2016-on Montesa 4Ride

• Highlights: Trials size with bigger seat and tank / sophisticated chassis / perfect for day long adventures
• Spec: Engine size: 258.9cc Weight: 81kg Seat height: 885mm
• Price: £3750 (used) – £5699 (new)
• Buying Advice: Honda-owned Montesa would have you believe they invented an all-new off-road category when the Spanish trials legends introduced the 4Ride in 2016 but effectively it’s similar to Beta’s Alp in being a trials bike with a seat and bigger tank. But if you fancy the agility and off road fun of a trials bike but in a more comfortable, day-long package, not much comes close. Although never a big seller compared to more conventional trail or endure bikes, there are plenty out there. Durability and reliability is good but with bikes like these condition and the absence of crash damage is paramount so inspect carefully

2022 Beta XTrainer 300

• Highlights: the bike between the leisure models and specialised bikes in Beta’s range / Lower saddle / Smooth power delivery
• Spec: Engine: 300cc (2 stroke) Weight: 98kg (dry) Seat height: 910mm
• Price: £ 3100 (used) – £6595 (new)
• Buying Advice: Owners report corrosion around the ECU plugs and oil pump failing due to corroded electrical connections. But most sing its praises with some owners opting to use the Xtrainer in Long Distance Trial events

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For the kids

From all sizes, to all ages. There are many offerings for any newly addicted half-pint petrolhead allowing them to get an early start on their riding career. With any bike that isn’t road registered, private land and permission from the owner is required before the kids can be let loose in the dirt. Check out these mighty mini machines:

1980-on Yamaha PW50

• Highlights: Definitive ‘first-time’ mini-bike for under-5s / Light, low and with ‘twist ‘n’ go’ operation / enclosed shaft drive for safety and an adjustable throttle
• Spec: Engine size: 49cc Weight: 39kg Seat height: 485mm
• Price: £500 (used) – £1599 (new)
• Buying Advice: Popularity and sheer life span of the bike as it came into production in the 1980s means there’s loads to choose from – which is just as well as, by their very nature, although rugged, simple and easy to maintain, the can get abused and neglected as well. Inspect carefully and be prepared to haggle and/or walk away

2016-on Oset 12.5 R Racing

• Highlights: UK firm / A conventional throttle and simple twist ‘n’ go operation / Battery life is good for two to three hours / There are no ‘hot’ parts and there’s a full coverage chain guard
• Spec: Drive: Engine: Electric Power: 600w 24v equivalent to 0.8bhp Weight: 26.4kg Seat height: 390mm
• Price: £870 (used) – £1149 (new)
• Buying Advice: The 12.5R was updated in 2019 but it’s been out a couple of years now so there’s quite a few available. Quality is good, they tend to be looked after and there’s not much to go wrong so as long as cosmetics are good you should have few concerns. Quality is good, too, with alloy wheels, hubs, bars and pegs, plus high-grade adjustable suspension

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Electric off-road motorcycles

These are great if you are in need of something different, want less maintenance, or are concerned about your carbon footprint. Perhaps an electric equivalent could fit the bill?

Boasting big distance ranges as technology advances, hitting the trails and riding a loop for a day is even more achievable. These are something to consider if you are aiming for day trips to the trails. Unfortunately, from a competition point of view these are not cross compatible so if you wanted to ride an event it would be advisable to check the permitted bike requirements on upcoming events before splashing the cash on the bike.

2017-on KTM Freeride E-XC

• Highlights: First mainstream credible electric offering / Lots of torque / swappable battery
• Spec: Engine: Electric Power: 24.5bhp Weight: 95kg Seat height: 910mm seat height
• Price: £5750 (used) – £9999 (new)
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert review of the KTM Freeride E-XC here
• Buying Advice: The used electric bike market remains in its infancy and there are still questions about battery durability and so on. That said, the KTM’s been around longer than most, is a premium product that tends to get looked after and residual values of the few used examples out there remain healthy so, as long as external condition is good, you should have little to fear.
• Check out the Freeride in action as we take it for a spin:

2024 EM Escape XR

• Highlights: Increased power / More torque / All new suspension / Electric bike with a clutch
• Spec: Engine: Electric equivalent to a 125cc Nominal Power: 6kW (the power a motor can readily produce) Peak Power: 12kW (the power that the same motor can produce for short durations, anything longer could result in motor failure) Torque: 530 ftlb Weight: 88 kg Seat height: 850mm
• Price: £ 11,495 (new)
• Buying Advice: Spawning from the world of trials bikes where electric bikes have been making an impact. The new to market first extreme enduro bike with a clutch with a two and a half hour charging time with 530 ftlb on tap at 88kg overall it is definitely a bike to take note of and to find your local dealer for a demo.

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The Greatest Of All Time, shout out to the GOATs of off-roading

Legends and honourable mentions of bikes from years gone by. These bikes can still be found on the market but their availability is dropping and models are now starting to get a bit long in the tooth.
That being said, there is something about the older technology, a carb, a choke, no electronic aids, a rawness with the ability to fix the bike when you are stuck out in the sticks.

Owners tend to hang on to these bikes, racking up many an adventure and story book of miles, but here are MCN’s cheery picked couple of bikes to look out for when getting into off-roading:

2003 – 2012 KTM 990 Adventure

• Highlights: One of the original adventure bikes to come onto the market, the 950 being the lighter compared to the GS and Tiger of the time. With more off road pedigree as well. Still a formidable piece of kit. You also can’t help to wonder what would have been should KTM have committed to providing these bikes for the Long Way Round.
• Spec: Engine size: 942cc Power: 97 bhp Weight: 198 kg Seat height: 860mm
• Price: £3,500 – £5,500 (used)
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert review of the KTM 990 Adventure here
• Buying Advice: Getting slightly long in the tooth now, look out for all the obvious signs of neglect, paint flaking and rust. A well maintained bike will undoubtedly still have some cosmetic wear but aim for one that has been treated with care, has decent service history. Along with any paperwork to back upgraded parts which could have failed. The fuel pump is none to fail starving the engine, and potential ECU issues, along with water pump leaks. Read more here fro MCN’s owners reviews on the KTM 990

2001-2008 Suzuki DRZ400S

• Highlights: Ample power without being intimidating / Easy manners / rugged and reliable mechanicals.
• Spec: Engine size: 398cc Power: 39bhp Weight: 133kg Seat height: 935mm seat height
• Price: £2600-4300 (used)
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert review of the Suzuki DRZ400S review on MCN here
• Buying Advice: Suzuki set the benchmark for the simple, effective dual-purpose, road legal off-roader with its air-cooled DR350 from 1992-1999 and the liquid-cooled DRZ400S proved an able successor. Although deleted after 2008, plenty of decent used examples are still around and in demand for their easy manners, rugged and reliable mechanicals and all-round versatility. Now aging and likely to be showing its years, the DR-Z is tough, durable, simple to service and spares are cheap and plentiful – there’s still a few models out there, too. By now some bikes will suffer with electrical gremlins, be that regulator rectifier issues. Which should be updated with a better performing mosfet replacement. Or coupled with multiple previous owners wiring additions which can at times, be painful to diagnose. A great all-rounder and a worry-free used buy however good examples are demanding a high price

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Where to ride

Green lane riding and the TRF

Lovers of all things off road and trail riding, the Trail Riders Fellowship (TRF) promotes responsible and sustainable motorcycling on the Green Road Network. The network is made up of road classifications such as Byways Open to All Traffic (BOAT), Unclassified Country Roads, (UCRs), White Roads – the list goes on but equates to 6000 miles of trails and unsealed roads available to the public.

The TRF work with DEFRA, DfT, other user and access groups like the BHS, Cycling UK, the Open Spaces Society, Land Access and Recreation Association and the Green Lane Association in protecting public access and co-ordinating management projects.

The TRF membership continues to grow and is ever welcoming of new members looking to get into off-roading on public roads and helping to support the correct and continued use of the Green Road Networ. The TRF is formed of local communities grouped by location in the UK with each group planning many events and outings for people to join to discover their local areas.

The TRF is a perfect intro into trail riding and off-roading that isn’t centred around track or competitive off road riding.

 Top tips for buying used off-road bikes

• Engine and frame numbers: check they match up to the V5 (vehicle logbook) if the bike’s intended for the road.
• Chain and sprockets: check them for wear, its a good indication of whether the bike has been well cared for.
• Fluid levels: will give you a good idea of service life, fresh oil as opposed to dirty black, and the correct level in the oil sight glass, check the coolant looks fresh as well.
• Air box and a clean filter: is a sign of a well maintained bike. It should be an oiled air filter with little to no dirt ingress. A secure sealing air filter will reassure you that any debris or dirt has entered the engine.
• Frame and chassis: check the frame for dents and cracks around the headtube, if the bike has had a hard life, these areas maybe prone to damage.
• Electrical gremlins: and aftermarket items, check the wiring loom where possible, if any aftermarket parts have been added; heated grips, or additional lights etc look for tidy wiring and neat connections. Its very easy to overlook the loom and then run into problems after you have bought the bike. You then have to unpick the birds nest of cabling carried out by the previous owner, making it difficult to diagnose any issues.
• Engine: an obvious one, is it running? Check that the engine starts and runs from cold and hot, making sure it doesn’t have any horrible noises or rattles. If the seller allows it, take it for a test ride and make sure you can select through the gearbox smoothly.
• Bearings: different to road bikes, bearings tend to wear quickly with the ingress of dirt and water. Check the wheels for any play and and if there is any slack of notch like feelings in the steering. You will soon discover that bearings can quickly make the day to day consumable list when running an off road bike.
• Mileage and or hours: if the bike has low service hours it should look new, similarly if it has low miles, it shouldn’t look like its been through a war. Be weary of dash and clock changes which mask a bikes true mileage or hours.

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