Our Selection of Top 10 Best Dirt Bikes in 2023

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 and motor size and have 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. 

Our selection of top dirt bikes in 2023

To make your task easy, we have compiled a list of some of the top dirt bikes in 2023. So, you need not do the hard work and wander to find out the best dirt bike suiting your need. Let’s get into them one by one.

1. KTM 450 SX- F

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 also 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.

Specifications of KTM 450 SX-F

Top Speed	104 mph
Transmission	5-Speed
Engine Type	1 cylinder, 4-stroke
Weight	228.18 lb/103.5 kg (empty)
Power	63hp
Frame Material	hydro-formed laser cut steel
Groud Clearance	13.5 inch/343 mm
Seat Height	37.72 inch/958 mm
Suspense Travel (Front)	12.20 inch/310 mm
Suspense Travel (Rear)	11.81 inch/300 mm
Price	$11,699.00

2. Honda CRF450R

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 by the bike 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 specs of the bike 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.

Specification of Honda CRF450R

Top Speed	87mph
Transmission	Close-ratio five-speed
Engine Type	449 cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Weight	244 pounds/ 110.6 kg (Includes all standard equipment, required fluids, and full fuel tank—ready to ride.)
Power	53.8 hp
Frame Material	aluminum
Groud Clearance	13.2 inch/335 mm
Seat Height	38 inch/ 965.2 mm
Suspense Travel (Front)	12.2 inch/ 309.8 mm
Suspense Travel (Rear)	12.4 inch/ 315 mm
Price	$ 9,599.00

3. Suzuki RM Z450

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 one is for leaner than stock fuel setting.

Specifications of Suzuki RM-Z450

Transmission	5-speed constant mesh
Engine Type	449cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, DOHC
Weight	247 lb/112 kg
Power	50.3 hp
Frame Material	aluminum alloy twin-spar
Groud Clearance	13 inch/330 mm
Seat Height	37.8 inch/960 mm
Suspense Travel (Front)	Showa 49mm coil-spring fork, compression and rebound damping adjustable; 12.0 in. travel
Suspense Travel (Rear)	Showa Balance Free Rear Cushion (BFRC) shock, spring preload, compression damping, and rebound damping adjustable; 12.3 in. travel
Price	$ 8,999.00

4. Kawasaki KLX 300

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 and easy to handle over muddy surfaces and provides better cornering. The sharp front cowl and the headlight design are enough to give an aggressive sports look to the bike.

The rider-friendly ergonomics offer a comfortable, upright, and relaxed riding position, and the thick padded seat is excellent for longer rides.

Specifications of Kawasaki KLX300

Top Speed	87mph
Transmission	6-speed, return shift with wet multi-disc manual clutch
Engine Type	4-stroke single, DOHC, liquid-cooled
Weight	302.1 lb/ 137 kg
Power	23.4 hp
Frame Material	high-tensile steel
Groud Clearance	13.2 inch/ 335 mm
Seat Height	35.2 inch/894 mm
Suspense Travel (Front)	43mm Kayaba USD fork, compression damping adjustable; 10.0 in. travel
Suspense Travel (Rear)	Uni-Trak® gas-charged shock with piggyback reservoir with adjustable rebound damping and spring preload/9.1 in
Price	$ 5,799.00-5,999.00

5. Husqvarna TC 250

To stand up by the dirt, rough surfaces, and the hilly terrain—the new Husqvarna TC 250 comes with premium features. The aggressive and advanced ergonomics accompanied by superior power curves and clutch strength makes the bike more appealing to dirt riders.

The latest 2-stroke motocross technology works to stay tuned in the performance and quality. The rider gets excellent comfort and complete control over the bike regardless of the riding surface with the premium components and equipment.

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. 
In the 2022 model, the hydraulic clutch is upgraded to a new high-performance Brembo system to provide perfect modulation.

Specifications of Husqvarna TC 250

Top Speed	72 mph
Transmission	5-speed
Engine Type	1 cylinder, 2-stroke
Weight	96 kg/ 211.6 lb
Power	around 40 hp
Frame Material	Chromium-molybdenum
Groud Clearance	14.76 in/375 mm
Seat Height	37.01 in/940 mm
Suspense Travel (Front)	11.81 inch/300 mm
Suspense Travel (Rear)	11.81 inch/300 mm
Price	$8,899.00

6. Honda CRF250RX

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 the 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. 

Specifications of Honda CRF250RX

Top Speed	around 87mph
Transmission	5-speed
Engine Type	249cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Weight	238 pounds/ 107.9 kg (Includes all standard equipment, required fluids, and a full tank to ride)
Power	39 hp
Frame Material	aluminum
Groud Clearance	13.2 inch/ 335 mm
Seat Height	38 inch/ 965 mm
Suspense Travel (Front)	49mm fully adjustable leading-axle inverted telescopic Showa coil-spring fork; 12.2 inches of travel
Suspense Travel (Rear)	Pro-Link® system; fully adjustable Showa single shock; 12.3 inches of travel
Price	$ 8,499.00

7. KTM 250 SX-F

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. 

Specifications of KTM 250 SX-F

Top Speed	78mph
Transmission	5-speed
Engine Type	1 cylinder, 4-stroke
Weight	224.65 lb/101.9 kg (Empty)
Power	63hp
Frame Material	hydroformed laser-cut steel
Groud Clearance	13.5 inch/343 mm
Seat Height	37.72 inch/958 mm
Suspense Travel (Front)	12.20 inch/310 mm
Suspense Travel (Rear)	11.81 inch/300 mm
Price	$10,599.00

8. KTM 150 SX

To add enhancement to 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. 

Specifications of KTM 150 SX

Top Speed	73mph
Transmission	5-speed
Engine Type	1 cylinder, 2-stroke
Weight	192.90 lb/ 87.5 kg
Power	57hp
Frame Material	hydro-formed chromium-molybdenum frame
Groud Clearance	14.76 in/375 mm
Seat Height	37.4 inch/950 mm
Suspense Travel (Front)	12.20 inch/310 mm
Suspense Travel (Rear)	11.81 inch/300 mm
Price	$ 7,999.0

9. Yamaha YZ125

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.

Specifications of Yamaha YZ125

Top Speed	70mph
Engine Type	liquid-cooled 2-stroke; reed-valve inducted
Weight	209 lb/94.80 kg
Power	33.53 hp
Frame Material	aluminum semi-double-cradle
Groud Clearance	14.4 inch/ 366.3 mm
Seat Height	38.6 inch/ 980.4 mm
Suspense Travel (Front)	11.8 inch/ 299.7 mm
Suspense Travel (Rear)	12.4 inch/ 315 mm
Price	$ 6,899.00

10. Husqvarna TC 125

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.

Specificastions of Husqvarna TC125

Top Speed	70 mph
Transmission	6-speed
Engine Type	1-cylinder, 2-stroke engine
Weight	192.9 lb/87.5 kg (empty)
Power	40 hp
Frame Material	chrome-molybdenum steel
Groud Clearance	14.76 inch /375 mm
Seat Height	37 inches/940 mm
Suspense Travel (Front)	11.81 inch/300 mm
Suspense Travel (Rear)	11.81 inch/300 mm
Price	$ 7,599.00

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. 

FAQ’S