Dirt bikes always have been a charm for adventure seekers. Riding down the hilly terrain or the rough, muddy surfaces with bumps provides a different pleasure for many thrill rides.
But riding on such surfaces requires different skills and specially designed motocross bikes suiting such riding styles. The dirt bikes entail a particular suspension, motor size, and different settings to offer the rider an extraordinary experience.
Riders have an array of options when choosing dirt bikes from among 2-strokes and 4-strokes models. At the same time, selecting a dirt bike, the rider also needs to consider his/her experience level, budget, brand preference, and many other factors.
Key Highlights
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Displacement449.9 cc
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Mileage—
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Top Speed123 MPH
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Curb Weight226.19 lb
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Fuel Capacity (approx)1.90 Gallon
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Seat Height37.4 in
The sleek dirt bike, KTM 450 SX-F, suffice the need of any thrill-seeker rider. Being focussed on performance and durability, the bike does not compromise on the lightweight.
The presence of the bike in the 4-stroke segment makes it one of the best with the latest electronic injection system. The rider gets perfect control over the bike with smooth and powerful acceleration and an excellent braking system.
The 2022 model of the bike features improved mass-centralization for easier handling, thus adding to excellence in performance.
The new map select switch takes care of launch control, engine mapping, and Quickshifter and activates the traction control on the go. So, with launch control, the rider can get to full speed as quickly as possible with lesser kick-start effort. The traction control makes the ride easy and smooth over rough terrains.
The bike is the fastest in the segment, enhanced with agile power. The sponsor logos and graphic design elements provide a full-racing look to the bike.
Pros and Cons of KTM 450 SX-F
Pros
- Powerful Engine
- Advanced Suspension System
- Advanced electronics
- Redesigned Frame and Chassis
- Adjustable Handlebars and Redesigned Seat
Cons
- High Price Tag
- Requires Regular Maintenance
- Difficult for Inexperienced Riders
- Less Fuel-Efficient
- Lower Gas Mileage
Key Highlights
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Displacement450 cc
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Mileage—
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Top Speed87 MPH
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Curb Weight245 pounds (Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel)
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Fuel Capacity (approx)1.7 gallons
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Seat Height38 inches
Get set and go over the off-road with the powerful dirt bike of Honda—Honda CRF450R. The engine package of the bike makes it perfect for riding over dirt and rough terrains, and the tremendous and instant power offered makes you thrill-ready.
With certain changes in the bike, the Japanese company ensured that the bike stands tough against the competitors in the 450 segment.
The bike’s level of refinement to the dirt ride can be experienced in the first ride. The chassis and the premium Showa suspension work to provide better handling even on the most challenging surfaces.
The bike specs are enough to suffice your riding needs while you rail through the corners, and the eight-plate clutch provides a better grip on the track.
The extra slim body framework makes the bike easy to move, thus maximizing riding freedom. The looks of the bikes stay longer, and the durable graphics stays after repeated track sessions.
A switch on the handlebar allows the rider to command the three-level of traction control and map preferences.
Pros and Cons of Honda CRF450R
Pros
- Flexible Chassis
- Smooth Suspension
- Better Engine
Cons
- Have to Adjust Valves Too Frequently.
- Weak Frame
- Occasional Throttle Issues
Key Highlights
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Displacement449 cc
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Mileage58.80 MPG
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Top Speed111 MPH
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Curb Weight247 lb
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Fuel Capacity (approx)1.7 US gal
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Seat Height37.8 in
Here is another bike suiting the dirt conditions—Suzuki RM-Z450 with a bigger engine and high spec-performance.
The sleek, race-ready aesthetics embraced by a strong engine and nimble chassis makes the bike preferred by many dirt riders.
The bike gets an excellent low-end torque and delivers peak power and fast throttle response, perfect for adventure-seekers and competition use.
Focussing on comfort, safety, and response, the company has not compromised on the power delivery, cornering, and braking performance. The evolved traction management system aids in hook up.
The perfect riding position and the new Showa suspension let the rider enjoy a smoother ride despite the rough surface. The aggressive styling blend with the Suzuki factor.
Suzuki RM-Z450 incorporates two couplers for quick fuel adjustments to meet the riding conditions—one is for a richer-than-stock, and the second for a leaner-than-stock fuel setting.
Pros and Cons of Suzuki RM-Z450
Pros
- Three-Map Coupler System
- Absorbent Ride
- Agile Handling
- Durable and Reliable Ergonomics
- Competitive Torque Curve
- Controlled Braking System
Cons
- No New Features
- Stiff Ride Quality
- Lacks An E-Start Feature
- Transmission System Lags
- Battery is Cumbersome
- Small Fuel Tank
- No Abs
4. Kawasaki KLX 300
![Best Dirt Bike in [year] 8 Kawasaki KLX 300](https://www.ridersrally.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Kawasaki-KLX-300-2.jpg)
Key Highlights
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Displacement292 cc
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Mileage40 MPG
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Top Speed75 mph
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Curb Weight302.1 lbs approximately
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Fuel Capacity (approx)2.0 gal
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Seat Height895 mm
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Horsepower26 HP approximately
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Torque21 lb.ft approximately
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Ground Clearance274 mm
To make you overwhelm and add more while you ride over the rough terrains, Kawasaki KLX300 will not let you down. The bike offers a smoother ride with adjustable long-travel suspension at the front and rear.
The fully fueled bike with lightweight and agile handling provides better control to the rider. So, it is best suited for new riders or those looking for a slimmer bike. The new riders can take time to get adjusted to the light steering.
The dual-sport bike is lightweight, easy to handle over muddy surfaces, and provides better cornering. The sharp front cowl and the headlight design give the bike an aggressive sports look.
The rider-friendly ergonomics offer a comfortable, upright, and relaxed riding position, and the thick padded seat is excellent for longer rides.
Pros and Cons Of Kawasaki KLX300
Pros
- Smooth engine
- Front and rear adjustable suspension
- Rider- friendly
Cons
- Seat height may not suit short riders.
Key Highlights
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Displacement250 cc
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Mileage—
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Top Speed80 MPH
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Curb Weight219.58 lb
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Fuel Capacity (approx)1.90 gallon
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Seat Height37 in
To stand up by the dirt, rough surfaces, and hilly terrain—the new Husqvarna TC 250 comes with premium features. The aggressive and advanced ergonomics, superior power curves, and clutch strength make the bike more appealing to dirt riders.
The latest 2-stroke motocross technology works to stay tuned in the performance and quality. With the premium components and equipment, the rider gets excellent comfort and complete control over the bike regardless of the riding surface.
The 2-stroke engine works to give a perfect ratio of power and lightweight construction. The low-maintenance cost of the bike makes it a preference for many dirt riders.
The 2022 model upgraded the hydraulic clutch to a new high-performance Brembo system to provide perfect modulation.
Pros and Cons of Husqvarna TC 250
Pros
- Powerful Engine
- Comfortable Ergonomics
- Strong Build
- Lightweight
- Outstanding Suspension
Cons
- Not So Budget Friendly
- Not Street Legal
- High Maintenance Cost
Key Highlights
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Displacement249 cc
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Mileage—
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Top Speed87 MPH
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Curb Weight238 pounds (Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel) OTHER
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Fuel Capacity (approx)2.1 gallons
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Seat Height38.0 inches
Honda CRF250RX takes you down the trail as per your wish. With better control over the bike, the rider can ride the bike more comfortably.
The 2022 version of the bike gets new updates and features that will enhance the rider’s performance over different trails. The chassis and suspension are specially designed for dirt riding, and the bike is easy to handle over the bumps and corners.
The nine-plate design works to improve the durability and hookup. The clutch pull is lighter and provides an improved engagement feel.
The handlebar-mounted button lets the rider dial the engine power delivery character with just a press. The rider can choose among the Standard, Smooth and Aggressive—one best suited for the course of riding.
Pros and Cons of Honda CRF250RX
Pros
- A Lightweight Frame With A DOHC Engine
- Advanced Suspension System
- Powerful Engine
- Large Fuel Tank
Cons
- Expensive
- It May be Too Powerful For Some Riders.
- Limited Availability
7. KTM 250 SX-F
![Best Dirt Bike in [year] 9 KTM 250 SX F](https://www.ridersrally.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/KTM-250-SX-F-2-896x506.jpg)
Key Highlights
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Displacement249.9 cc
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MileageN/A
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Top Speed73 mph
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Curb Weight218.25 lbs approximately
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Fuel Capacity (approx)1.9 gal
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Seat Height950 mm
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Horsepower47 HP approximately
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TorqueN/A
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Ground Clearance343 mm
One of the fastest dirt bikes in the 250 segment is the KTM250 SX-F. The bike’s features make it perfect for riding in rough and muddy terrain.
The 2022 model of the bike comes with an orange frame, blue seat cover, and inlaid graphics highlights in blue. This change in the bike gives a new and much better look when compared to the previous version.
The 250 four-stroke engine serves as a topping over the ice cream with class-leading horsepower, torque, and speed. Thus, the bike aids the rider to go even more master. The bike’s weight—one of the lightest in the segment, offers the riders an excellent balance over the rough terrains.
The careful design of the major components and shaft arrangement makes the bike a complete package of performance, handling, and comfortability.
The full-factory racing look and the graphic design elements are ready to make heads turn.
Pros and Cons Of KTM 250 SX-F
Pros
- Attractive looks
- Lightweight
- Excellent brakes
Cons
- Over-geared
- Plastic preload adjuster
8. KTM 150 SX
![Best Dirt Bike in [year] 10 KTM 150 SX 1 1 2](https://www.ridersrally.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/KTM-150-SX-1-1-2-896x506.jpg)
Key Highlights
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Displacement143.6 cc
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MileageN/A
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Top Speed73 MPH
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Curb Weight192 lbs approximately
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Fuel Capacity (approx)2.11 gal
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Seat Height950 mm
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Horsepower44 HP approximately
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TorqueN/A
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Ground Clearance390 mm
To enhance your off-road riding, here is the KTM 150 SX—another yet appealing bike for many dirt riding enthusiasts.
The lightweight chassis is best suited for the smaller rider, and the bike’s power-to-weight ratio sets a bar for many competitors. The bike entails maximum power that the weight of the bike can bear. The compact and lightweight bike offers everything that the dirt bike needs.
The performance of the 2-stroke engine is superior and agile in its class. The engine offers super-fast acceleration with top-class torque and power. Many riders fall in love with KTM 150 SX because of its least weight, low maintenance costs, and smoother and linear power delivery.
Pros and Cons Of KTM 150 SX
Pros
- Lightweight and agile
- Durable
- Smoother ride
Cons
- Quite expensive
Key Highlights
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Displacement125cc
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Mileage16-17 Mpl
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Top Speed60 mph
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Curb Weight209 lb
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Fuel Capacity (approx)1.8 gal
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Seat Height38.6 in
The racing induced Yamaha YZ125, 2022 model entails the capability of producing better acceleration and mid to high power. The powerful 2-stroke engine works to provide a better riding experience over rough trails.
The stunning looks and the top-class performance of the bike make it lie among the best dirt bikes in 2022.
The features incorporated in the bike come with the amalgamation of performance, reliability, and usability—making it race-proven. The lightweight, agile nature, excellent stability balance, and cornering performance of the bike make it charming for most of the adrenaline.
The highly developed aluminum semi-double-cradle frame provides a precise amount of strength and flexibility for stability.
The 2022 version gets a new high-performance braking system that offers better halts. And the inclusion of rider-friendly chassis offers nimble handling, so the rider has more control and less fatigue—thus adding confidence while riding.The adjustable footpegs and clip-on handlebars allow riders to match the riding position as per their convenience. It is a good bike for beginners.
Pros and Cons of Yamaha YZ125
Pros
- Great Handling
- Enhanced Ergonomics
- Lightweight
Cons
- Shorter Parts Durability
Key Highlights
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Displacement124.8 cc
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Mileage—
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Top Speed70 MPH
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Curb Weight203 lb
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Fuel Capacity (approx)1.90 gallon
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Seat Height37 in
With one of the best agility and control, Husqvarna TC125, 2022 model offers features best suited for dirt riding. Though the bike entails a lesser capacity, the specs of the bike provide better comfort and handling while riding.
The 2-stroke technology used in the bike leads to more power and torque, and thus it gives fierce competition to many bikes of the same class.
The high-class components of the bike make it a perfect fit for both experienced riders and newcomers. The new high-performance Brembo system is for excellent modulation at all times. And the striking new dark blue and white graphics add a more modern look to the bike, thus appealing to many riders.
Pros and Cons of Husqvarna TC 125
Pros
- Lightweight and Agile
- Powerful Two-Stroke Engine
- Improved Handling
- Low Center of Gravity
- Variety of Colors and Graphics
Cons
- Challenging for Beginners
- On Pricey Side
How to choose the best dirt bike?
With ample options available in the market, it can be very confusing to buy a dirt bike suiting your need. However, there are certain things that a rider needs to consider before opting for any dirt bike
1. Consider your experience level: Experience is something that is of utmost importance. If you are a beginner, you will have to consider some entry-level bikes to have better control over the bike while riding on bumpy surfaces.
If you buy a dirt bike for your kid under 10 years of age, bikes under 110 cc are good. But if you are an inexperienced adult, you can pick any around the 250 cc range. The smaller displacement bikes have less power so that the rider can handle the bike more comfortably.
2. Consider your height and weight: Size truly matters, especially for dirt bikes. A too big or too small bike can create a hindrance in riding. You can measure your height and estimate which bike height will suit you to provide a comfortable ride.
While sitting on the bike, your foot should not rest flat on the ground; this can exert weight on suspension; thus increasing the chances of hitting the bumps on the trail. However, if you can touch the ground with one foot, you can easily handle the bike.
When it comes to weight, the heavier built need more suspension. For the ones weighing 150 pounds or less, the 250 cc bike is good to go. However, the heavier riders should prefer 250cc to 450cc.
3. Two-stroke or four-stroke: The strokes determine the way the engine works. 4-stroke entails smoothie power delivery. In contrast, 2-stroke have abrupt poser delivery.
Though both the strokes need low maintenance, the four-stroke is capable of running on regular pump gas but requires the engine oil needs to be changed more often than a two-stroke and the oil filter needs to get changed regularly. But all of these depend on your riding frequency and how hard you ride.
4. Consider the time factor: Before opting to buy a dirt bike, you must be very clear about the purpose of buying. If you are going to ride the bike occasionally, a dirt bike under 250 cc can meet your need. However, if you will be spending sufficient time while riding, you should go for 250-450cc.
FAQs
What are dirt bikes?
Dirt bikes are specifically designed for off-road riding over rough terrain, and these bikes lack road safety equipment.
Do you need a license to drive a dirt bike?
Generally, there’s no need for a license to drive a dirt bike. However, some states may impose age restrictions.
What classifies a dirt bike?
Dirt bikes are lightweight with rugged tires and suspension to meet the off-road riding requirements. The dirt bikes do not have road safety equipment.
What is the difference between a dirt bike and a motorcycle?
Dirt bikes are designed for off-road conditions and are lightweights because of the plastic construction.
The motorcycles are made to suit the on-road riding condition and are heavier because of the metal used in construction.
Are Dirt bikes street legal?
No, as the bikes don’t entail road safety equipment, they are not street legal.
What age is a dirt bike for?
A 3-year-old can start riding a dirt bike, but those are specifically designed for kids.
Are dirt bikes high maintenance?
No, the dirt bikes do not require high maintenance