Many families enjoy motorized recreation. It can be quite costly, so many of us seek out ways to save money when outfitting the entire family with machines and safety gear. There are smart ways to save money, and there are ways that are not so wise. Here are some ways to effectively save money without compromising the safety and enjoyment of your family.
Machines
The biggest investment will be the machines you choose for yourself and your family members. Adult machines have a wide availability on the pre-owned market, but youth sized units are few and far between. Long before the child has outgrown his or her youth sized dirt bike or ATV, it is quite often spoken for—either by the next child in line or by family and friends who would like that machine for their own child.
A mistake many parents make is putting their child into a machine far too powerful or large to save money. This is a potentially deadly situation, as the child may struggle to handle the unit and lose control. This factor is something to consider when purchasing a new youth sized unit. They absolutely hold their value.
For example, a small Honda CRF50 retails for around $1800, but will have a resale value between $1250 and $1350 no matter its age. The same goes for youth sized ATVs and snowmobiles.
Some new machines come with warranty, but most certainly they come with peace of mind, as you know you have a machine that is strong in mechanical integrity.
In the attempt to save dollars I opted for off-shore brands for my kids when they were small. We spent many a ride tinkering with minor issues until, frustrated, we parked them, cursing our choice to save a dollar. Parts availability is slim to none for the off-shore brands, so be aware of this before purchasing. We had many a memory and it fit our budget at the time, but if given a choice we’d always opt for one of the major manufacturer's units for our children.
Often buying machines at the end of the season or cross season sparks unreal savings. This rings true with all units, for most people are looking ahead into the season and are willing to dump their unit at a significant loss to get into something new.
Be sure to have a mechanic check out any pre-owned unit for peace of mind, making sure you’re not buying someone else’s headache.
Gear
There are some items you do not want to purchase used. Body armor and helmets are both big no-nos. Helmets can deteriorate over time and have an estimated four to five year lifespan. There is no way to tell if a helmet has been in an impact related incident. Even if the shell is all shiny, the protective inner layers could be compromised. You want to have it fit perfectly, and in the situation of youth helmets, to be suited for the rider. Adult helmets are too heavy for children, putting undue stress and strain on neck, shoulders and spine. Choose a youth helmet to ensure protection.
Mother and rider Zoe McGovern said, "When I purchased my daughter’s motorbike helmet at Main Jet Motorsports in Nelson, B.C., it was the first time I had bought a youth sized helmet for any sport. Trish Drinkle and her daughter Brook did a very patient and thorough sizing and fitting. We discussed how important it was to always buy a new helmet, as nothing replaces the value of protecting your child. I appreciated being able to compare weights and prices and the pros and cons of different models.
"Last summer my daughter crashed head-on into a tree. She sustained a fractured eye socket. My husband and I are all too aware that it could have been far worse. It was comforting to know that we had done everything in our ability to protect our daughter. It made me shudder to think what the outcome may have been had we purchased a used or ill-fitting helmet. My husband and I will never discuss buying anything but new by way of protection again."
Protective gear such as boots form to the foot shape of the rider, so buy new boots to ensure comfort and protection. No one wants to wear a boot that is uncomfortable, and if kids opt out of the appropriate footwear there can be disastrous consequences. Buying new gear at the end of the season can be a way to mitigate expense.
Gear such as motocross style gloves, pants and jerseys can all be recycled. Let’s face it, kids grow like weeds, so it is nice if you can find a family-type gear swap to outfit your entire family. Goggles are another item that can be purchased pre-owned, and often only need new lenses to make them fully functional.
Maintenance
A well maintained machine lasts a lifetime. Service your machine regularly, and winterize or summerize to ensure off-season protection. Keep your unit clean, washing and inspecting it after every ride to ensure mechanical integrity.
Some families like ours choose powersports during our holiday time rather than vacation destinations such as Disneyland. My husband and I rarely eat out. Instead we put our dollars into the gas tanks of our machines to enjoy awesome family fun.
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