Top 13 Fastest Dirt Bikes in 2023 | Specs, Pros & Cons

With so many dirt bikes available, choosing one can take time and effort. Most dirt bikes come with a base of the same parts and specs, but some will have better and new technology to enable features others can’t. When it comes to speed, dirt bikes have varying speeds as per their specifications and features. So, now the question is, what is the fastest dirt bike in the world? Here to answer your question, here is a compiled list of the quickest dirt bikes to date in 2022. 

Our Selection of the Top 13 Fastest Dirt Bikes in 2023

Before picking and choosing a dirt bike, it is essential t to understand its specs and how it operates. Can we ride this dirt bike? Is it a good choice for me? You would want to get your money’s worth after paying so much for such a vehicle. 

The list below tells you each dirt bike’s top speed, performance, and pros and cons. 

1. Yamaha WR250F

The Yamaha WR250F is the latest dirt bike available in the market, and Yamaha has cleverly combined this little beast with an enduro setup. An enduro setup means these dirt bikes are explicitly tailored with long-distance travel in mind. It aims for endurance rather than speed and is more comfortable to ride.

The upgraded gear includes a revised high-compression cylinder head, forged piston, new cam profiles, new intake port, and more. All of this combined gives the Yamaha WR250F a much smoother and more durable performance.

Pros of Yamaha WR250F

• New engine 
• Electric start
• Yamaha power tuner for smartphone
• Light clutch
• Soft suspension
• Improved front forks
• Excellent handling

Cons of Yamaha WR250F

• Less torque
• Tall seat makes it difficult for short riders
• The long wheelbase makes it hard to maneuver sharp trail turns quickly
• Expensive to replace or repair broken parts

Specifications of Yamaha WR250F

• Top Speed: 85 miles per hour
• Weight: 254 lb
• Horsepower: 36 HP
• Torque: 17.9 Nm
• Frame Material: Aluminium 
• Ground Clearance: 320mm 
• Seat Height: 37.6 in
• Price: Starting at $8,899 

2. Zero FX

The Zero FX is an all-new electric dirt bike. This dirt bike is a dual sport dirt bike, meaning it can be used on dirt and pavement. It has an eye-catching design and looks very attractive. It offers an adjustable Showa fork and suspension that can increase your ground clearance. It has a powerful 450cc engine, and Bosch brakes offer superb braking.

There are two modes available on the Zero FX: eco and sports modes. Both come pre-programmed, and the Zero motorcycle app lets you customize the bike’s performance and show you detailed rider stats. 

Because it is an electric dirt bike, the exhaust sound and noise gets fully eliminated. The noise and vibration cancellation lets you entirely focus on riding and gives you peace of mind.

Pros of Zero FX

• Lightweight
• Fast charging (30 minutes)
• Swappable batteries
• Perfect for off-road and on-road use
• Air-cooled motor

Cons of Zero FX

• Somewhat heavy

Specifications of Zero FX

• Top Speed: 85 miles per hour
• Weight: 289 lb
• Horsepower: 27-26 HP
• Torque: 78 pound-feet
• Frame Material: Aircraft-grade aluminum
• Ground Clearance: N/A
• Seat Height: 34.7 inches
• Price: £13,435

3. Honda CFR450RL

The Honda CRF450RL is a legend among motocross dirt bikes. Honda has constantly been improving and upgrading the CRF since 2019. They have worked hard to fine-tune their mechanics and have finally come out with the Honda CRF450RL. It is the fifth member of the CRF dual-sport series and comes with a heavy-duty suspension that expertly cushions over bumps. It has been modified to include a specific crankshaft that adds inertia and enhances low RPM torque and 3-piston rings to increase durability.

Pros of Honda CRF450RL

• Lightweight
• Agile
• Responsive
• Affordable

Cons of Honda CRF450RL

• Only 2.1 US gallon tank
• Higher maintenance

Specifications of Honda CRF450RL

• Top Speed: 87 miles per hour
• Weight: 291 lb
• Horsepower: 41.7 HP
• Torque: 48 pound-feet
• Frame Material: Twin-spar aluminum
• Ground Clearance: 12.6 in
• Seat Height: 37.2 in
• Price: $9,999

4. Kawasaki KX450X

The Kawasaki KX450X is a popular model among dirt bikes. Their dirt bikes have a good reputation and never disappoint. 

The Kawasaki KX450X gets sophisticated technology that makes the dirt bike fun and thrilling. This dirt bike is perfect for enduro racing, green lane, and trail riding. The updated model comes with all sorts of upgrades, and this new version is easy and smooth to handle and ups its predecessors.

The KX450X comes with hard, soft, and standard options. You can pick which one best suits the path you are riding on before you venture out. 

It has an impressive 4-stroke engine and suspension that handles tough landings well. 

Pros of Kawasaki KX450X

• Good for any terrain
• Slim ergonomics
• Light and noble handling
• Kickstand
• Electric starter
• Adjustability

Cons of Kawasaki KX450X

• Small fuel tank
• No handguards

Specifications of KawasakiKX450X

• Top Speed: 89 miles per hour
• Weight: 246 lb
• Horsepower: 53 HP
• Torque: 33 pound-feet
• Frame Material: Aluminium perimeter frame
• Ground Clearance: 340 mm
• Seat Height: 37.9 in
• Price: $9,799

5. Kawasaki KLR 650

The Kawasaki KLR has undergone many changes since its inception in the 1980s, and it has progressively been getting better and better over time, making it a bike that can beat all the odds. 

The Kawasaki KLR 650 is a dual-sports dirt bike that can overcome terrain. Some of the latest changes to this bike include a fuel injection, a more narrow exhaust port, more oversized handlebars, foot pegs, and a new seat that allows for cushioning and comfort.

Pros of Kawasaki KLR 650

• Responsive engine
• Affordable
• Sharp bodywork
• Rubber-mounted bars to reduce vibration
• Fuel injection 

Cons of Kawasaki KLR 650

• Slightly heavy
• No sixth gear
• No tachometer

Specifications of Kawasaki KLR 650

• Top Speed: 88-90 miles per hour
• Weight: 432 lb
• Horsepower: 36.5 HP
• Torque: 35.2 pound-feet
• Frame Material: Round-section high-tensile steel
• Ground Clearance: 8.3 inches
• Seat Height: 34.3 in
• Price: $6,699-$6,999

6. Husqvarna FE501S

The Husqvarna FE501S is one of the most refined models from the Husqvarna collection and has a powerful engine. The dirt bike has a counterbalance system that keeps vibration to a minimum so you can enjoy a smooth, noiseless ride. It is a dirt bike that all off-road riders will love and appreciate. 

The Husqvarna FE501S features an electric starter with traction control settings. It comes with a 6-speed wide ratio gearbox that makes it easy for beginners and experts alike to use. The body of the bike showcases striking graphics, highlighting dark blue and yellow.

Pros of Husqvarna FE501S

• Lightweight
• Street legal
• Plush suspension
• More traction
• Extra fuel capacity
• Impressive engine power

Cons of Husqvarna FE501S

• Not DOT approved

Specifications of Husqvarna FE501S

• Top Speed: 100 miles per hour
• Weight: 68.8 lb
• Horsepower: 44.5 HP
• Torque: 32 pound-feet
• Frame Material: Chromium-molybdenum
• Ground Clearance: 360mm
• Seat Height: 950mm
• Price: $11,999

7. Beta 500 RR-S

Beta 599 RR-S has improved upon its RR lineup and given us this wonder. These are street-legal off-road dirt bikes. It is relatively light and does not make much noise. The front fork gets a small valving change and a clutch that the diaphragm is new; this provides a lighter pull and more control. The rear shock has a new compression damping system that allows that power to come down. 

Pros of Beta 500 RR-S

• Easy to ride
• Four different electronic configurations 

Cons of Beta 500 RR-S

• Expensive

Specifications of Beta 500 RR-S

Top Speed: 110 miles per hour

• Weight: 243 lb
• Horsepower: 47 HP
• Torque: 32.6 pound-feet
• Frame Material: Molybdenum steel /double cradle
• Ground Clearance: 320 mm
• Seat Height: 37 inches
• Price: $11,299

8. MuZ Baghira 660cc

It is another dirt bike with dual purposes and premium build quality. The MuZ Baghira 660cc has a high seat, one of its unique features which allows for good ground clearance. You can also ride this dirt bike standing up without any problems because of the wide foot pegs and handlebars provided.

It has a unique engine that allows it to cruise at high speeds easily. It includes an electric starter and a water-cooling feature. The rear wheel is supplied with a hydraulic brake, while the front one gets equipped with a hydraulic disc. 

It has a great suspension system that can easily cushion hard jumps, rocks, and stumps. It is also suitable for two passengers. 

Pros of MuZ Baghira 660cc

• Good for exploring mountainsides
• Strong suspensions
• Engine with counterbalance

Cons of MuZ Baghira 660cc

• Old model
• Have to purchase through resale
• Very heavy

Specifications of Muz Baghira 660cc

• Top Speed: 102 miles per hour
• Weight: 355 lb
• Horsepower: 50 HP
• Torque: 42 pound-feet
• Frame Material: Steel/single cradle 
• Ground Clearance: N/A
• Seat Height: 36.6 inches
• Price: Resale price will vary

9. Honda XR 650cc

This dirt bike has been powered right through since its launch in 1993, and surprisingly, it has had almost no changes made to it since then. The Honda Cr 650cc is capable of a lot, is a reliable dirt bike, and has a high reputation within the market. 

The suspension is still the same as from 1993 and works like a dream. You can get excellent ground clearance, and you have suitable off-road tires that are great for trail rides. Although it still has old parts and components, it works fine on today’s roads. 

Pros of Honda XR 650cc

• Street legal
• Simple and reliable
• Adjustable suspension
• Electric start

Cons of Honda XR 650cc

• Not suitable for trail riding with a full tank
• No kickstart as backup
• Needs good maintenance 

Specifications of Honda XR 650cc

• Top Speed: 110 miles per hour
• Weight: 346 lb
• Horsepower: 40 HP
• Torque: 47.2 pound-feet
• Frame Material: Steel frame
• Ground Clearance: N/A
• Seat Height: 13 inches
• Price: $6,999

10. Husqvarna TX 300cc

The Husqvarna TX 300 cc is another dirt bike with off-road capabilities. It has an engine shaft organized and designed to centralize oscillating mass, reducing the vibration.

The dirt bike has an electric starter as a backup, and it includes Li-ion batteries, which are lighter and more compact at 2.2 pounds. A 6-speed wide gear ratio allows for smooth changing and goes well with the bike’s design. It features a 38mm Mikuni TMX Carburetor that gives you smooth acceleration over the entire RPM range. 

This Husqvarna TX 300 cc is more suited for off-road competitions and serious racing. 

Pros of Husqvarna TX 300 cc

• Light
• Modern
• Faster
• More motor power
• Good breaks and clutch

Cons of Husqvarna TX 300 cc

• Flawed jetting
• Aggressive power delivery
• Push-button gas cap

Specifications of Husqvarna TX 300 cc

• Top Speed: 112 miles per hour
• Weight: 100.3 kg
• Horsepower: N/A
• Torque: 25.4pound-feet
• Frame Material: Chromium-molybdenum
• Ground Clearance: 354mm
• Seat Height: 37.8 inches
• Price: $11,999

11. Aprilia RXV 5.5 549cc

The Aprilia RXV 5.5 549cc is an Italian model. This dirt bike can expertly handle any rough terrain and is suitable for wooded and public roads, and it is a street-legal dirt bike. 

This dirt bike also has significant improvements from its previous twin. The updates are high-performance components, better suspension settings, bigger and larger fuel tanks, and more. 

Pros of Aprilia RXV 5.5 549cc

• Durable
• Ergonomic
• Reliable
• Improved stability

Cons of Aprilia RXV 5.5 549cc

• Very expensive
• Short service intervals of the competition-derived engine

Specifications of Aprilia RXV 5.5 549cc

• Top Speed: 150 kilometers per hour
• Weight: 113 kg
• Horsepower: 69.34
• Torque: 5.1 pound-feet
• Frame Material: Steel perimeter frame with alloy vertical members
• Ground Clearance: 318mm
• Seat Height: 19.8
• Price: $9,299

12. Suzuki DR-Z 400cc

The Suzuki DR-Z 400cc is a more on-road dirt bike than an off-road one. This dirt bike is also a supermoto module of the Suzuki DR-Z lineup. However, if you change the tires to off-road ones, you will get a decent performance from this diet bike. 

The Suzuki DR-Z’s prime feature is its light body and frame. It is slim, and this provides durability. It has a 398cc liquid-cooled engine, which uses the DOHC system to actuate its four-valve heads. 

This bike can accelerate from 0-60 in no less than 4.54 seconds. 

Pros of Suzuki DR-Z 400cc

• Lightweight chassis
• Large intake valves
• Durable builder quality
• Powerful torque

Cons of Suzuki DR-Z 400cc

• Poor handling
• Not so much for off-road use
• Sudden braking
• Tall seat

Specifications of Suzuki DR-Z 400cc

• Top Speed: 95 miles per hour
• Weight: 319 lb
• Horsepower: 33.4
• Torque: 25.6 pound-feet
• Frame Material: Diamond block
• Ground Clearance: 300 mm
• Seat Height: 36.8
• Price: $6,999

13. KTM 450 SX-F

The KTM 450 SX-F is a well-known dirt bike for sending Ryan Dungey to motocross championships. This model is loaded with professional technologies that will give you a bang for your buck. 

The Keihin system enables an electric fuel injection and has a 44mm throttle body. The engine is very responsive on the road and comes with a good ranking system and advanced control for traction, which will help you if you ride on wet and slippery roads. 

Pros of KTM 450 SX-F

• Powerful engine
• The fastest dirt bike
• Impressive ground clearance
• Smooth handling

Cons of KTM 450 SX-F

• Not legal for street use
• Battery needs time to start in cold weather
• Expensive

Specifications of KTM 450 SX-F

• Top Speed: 123 miles per hour
• Weight: 102.6 kg
• Horsepower: 54.4 
• Torque: 34.3 pound-feet
• Frame Material: Alloy frame cradling
• Ground Clearance: 370mm
• Seat Height: 37.6
• Price: $10,899

Which is the Fastest Dirt Bike in the World?

KTM 450 SX-F is the fastest dirt bike in the world, and it has a powerful 450cc engine and can reach speeds up to 123 miles per hour. The engineering of this dirt bike is top-class, and you will have no regrets if you are pursuing this bad boy for yourself.

The KTM 450 SX-F is a fantastic choice for a racing dirt bike and remains one of the fastest. It is the king of racing. 

4-Stroke vs. 2-Stroke Engines: Which One is Faster?

A 2-stroke engine is faster than a 4-stroke one; it has a better acceleration rate and can reach the top speed much faster. A 4-stroke will be a little bit slower for the pick-up. 

Which Bikes have the Best Components, Features, and Tech?

With so many brands in the market and the competitive advertising techniques they use to lure you into buying their product, you have to pause and take a step back. Doing thorough research and knowing your facts from fiction is important. 

The top 3 best dirt bikes of 2022 are the Husqvarna FC450, KTM 450SX-F, and the Kawasaki KX 450. All of these are the 2022 model version. 

These are reliable brands because they have been around longer. They make reliable dirt bikes and don’t compromise on the build quality. 

Here are some features of dirt bikes you have to look out for.

Who Has the Best Clutch? 

The Husqvarna TX 300 has a great clutch system. The exceptional reliability of the Brembo Hydraulic clutch provides excellent modulation in all types of conditions, which means it remains identical in every condition (cold or hot).

Who Has the Best Brakes? 

The KTM 450 SX-F has the best brakes available for dirt bikes. The Brembo stoppers that both ends. It allows for instant braking and can stop even at high speeds. It is due to the front disc brake, which is 260mm, and the rear disc brake, which is 220mm. Also, the front-rear disc is semi-floating and features a new polyamide composite front disc protector that gives you more protection.

Which Bike is the Lightest? 

The Kawasaki KX100 or the Honda CRF150R are some of today’s lightest dirt bikes. KawasakiKX100 is 77kg and Honda CRF150R is 83.91kg.

Which One Makes the Most Power? 

KTM and Kawasaki make the best and most potent dirt bikes available in the modern age. The KTM 250 SX-F is one of the most powerful bikes out there. The Kawasaki KLR 650 is also another outstanding dirt bike. It has a great build and comfort, allowing you to ride with any issues. 

Which Bike Handles Best? 

Any 4-stroke dirt bike will handle well and much better than a 2-stroke. The Suzuki RM-250, Kawasaki KX250, and Honda CRF250 are 3 of the best and most affordable 4-stroke dirt bikes in the market. 

Who has the Best Suspension? 

Yamaha and Kawasaki have the best-inbuilt suspensions for a dirt bike. In this, the Yamaha YZ250F has the KYB Speed Sensitive System (SSS), the best shock suspension. Kawasaki KLR 140. They use Uni-track rear suspension, which gives you a superior suspension. 

Which Bike is the Cheapest? 

The three cheapest dirt bikes you can buy are the Yamaha XT350, Honda CRF450L, and Husqvarna XC300. 

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