If you’re a newcomer to the world of dirt bikes, you might be overwhelmed by the sheer number of options at your fingertips. Do you go for a motocross bike, or try out the environmentally-friendly electric bike? Do you want a lightweight dirt bike or something that’s more sturdy?
In this article, we’ll break down all the types of dirt bikes you can purchase and give some suggestions on the best rides in each category.
Trail Bikes: Best for Off-Road Riding
Trail bikes allow riders to conquer rough terrains with ease, and strike a balance between affordability and performance. Trail bikes, as the name suggests, are best for off-road scenarios. Unlike adventure models, they’re not suited for riding on paved roads or in the city, as many trail bikes are not street-legal.
Trail bikes are the ideal bike for beginners because:
- Lower seat height allows for more dynamic bike movement on rough trails and compensates for height difference, which is particularly helpful for short riders.
- A smaller fuel tank reduces the bike’s overall weight, making it easier for beginners to handle.
- A basic suspension system aids in improving control and traction on challenging terrains.
- Trail bikes are available in 125-150cc (which usually equates to speeds of between 55-70 mph), which is a good engine size for inexperienced riders.
Best Trail Bike Models
The Honda CRF250F, with its 250cc air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke engine, is a perfect companion for trail biking if you already have some experience riding. On the other hand, the Yamaha TT-R230 is known for its reliability and durability, ensuring easier trail riding over obstacles. Other top-rated models include the following:
Kawasaki KLX 140R L, Image Courtesy of kawasaki.com
Dual Sport Bikes: Best for Asphalt and Dirt Terrain
These types of dirt bikes are ideal for both on-road and off-road riding. These versatile motorcycles are street-legal dirt bikes, allowing you to transition seamlessly between asphalt and dirt terrains.
To be considered road-legal, a dual sport bike needs to have:
- DOT-certified tires
- At least one rearview mirror
- A headlight
- A tail light and turn signals
Furthermore, a motorcycle endorsement is required if riding on highways.
Dual sport bikes are ideal for riders who need both an off-road machine and a motorcycle for their morning commute. Granted, riding long distances on a dual sport dirt bike probably won’t be as comfortable as a cruising motorcycle, but you’ll get from A to B.
Best Dual Sport Bike Models
Models like the Kawasaki KLX250 and Suzuki DR-Z400S come highly recommended for beginners. These bikes offer manageable power and ease of handling, making them a great starting point for new riders venturing into the world of off-road biking. When shopping for dual sport bike models, consider these:
Honda CRF300L Rally, Image Courtesy of powersports.honda.com
Motocross Bikes
Motocross bikes, also known as MX bikes, are designed specifically for the race track. These types of dirt bikes come equipped with high-quality parts and tires, lightweight construction, and user-friendly controls and ergonomics, making them perfect for off-road racing.
These bikes offer powerful engines and stiff suspensions, ensuring they can handle the tough terrain and stressors of pro-riding. They also boast special features tailored for racing, like high-grip tires and a louder sound. More than any other dirt bike type, these bikes are designed to meet racing standards, especially with their fuel-injected models.
Best Motorcross Bike Models
If motocross racing is your passion, consider top models like the KTM 250 SX-F and Yamaha YZ250F. The KTM 250 SX-F is known for its powerful engine and improved rider triangle for better knee contact, while the Yamaha YZ250F is loved for its impressive bottom-end pulling power and competitive peak horsepower and torque.
When it comes to motocross bikes, you’d be hard-pressed to find models better than these:
Suzuki RM-Z450, Image Courtesy of suzukicycles.com
Enduro Bikes: Best for Rough Terrain
Enduro bikes epitomize the ruggedness of off-road biking. They are designed for extended off-road races, offering high-performance features and robust construction. Some key features of enduro bikes include:
- Large fuel tanks for long distances
- Softer suspension compared to motocross bikes
- Strong and durable frame
- Knobby tires for better traction on rough terrain
- Powerful engine for quick acceleration and climbing steep hills
Though both enduro and motocross bikes are designed with off-road racing in mind, they cater to distinct off-road experiences. Enduro bikes have longer suspension travel, giving them the edge when handling rough terrains. In contrast, motocross bikes are designed for aerodynamics and stunts, making them perfect for race tracks.
Best Enduro Bike Models
The Husqvarna TE 300i is one of the leading Enduro bikes. The Husqvarna TE 300i offers a flat seat profile for unrestricted movement, a high grip cover for firm grips during hard acceleration, and a powerful 300cc 2-stroke engine.
Other top Enduro models include:
Husqvarna TE 300i, Image Courtesy of husqvarna-motorcycles.com
Adventure Bikes
Adventure bikes skillfully merge the characteristics of dirt bikes and sport bikes. They are designed for long-distance street rides and occasional off-road adventures, offering the best of both worlds.
Ideal for long-distance travel and lightweight camping, adventure bikes boast the following features:
- Dual-purpose tires
- Integrated riding modes (seated and standing)
- Electronic control suspension
- LED lighting
Their heavier weight provides stability in crosswinds, contributing to the bike’s superior handling characteristics.
Best Adventure Bike Models
The base model Honda Africa Twin is one of the leading adventure bikes. It’s equipped with a 1084cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine, providing 101 horsepower and 77.4 lb-ft of torque. Buying older, used bikes is also an option, as new adventure models are expensive.
Other top models include:
Honda Africa Twin, Image Courtesy of powersports.honda.com
Electric Dirt Bikes: The Future of Off-Road Riding
Electric dirt bikes usher in the future of off-road riding. Significant improvements in electric motor technology, battery systems, and charging infrastructure have made electric dirt bikes viable contenders with their gas-powered counterparts.
The reduced environmental impact stands as one of the primary benefits of electric dirt bikes. These bikes produce zero tailpipe emissions, which is better for your riding environment. Plus, they are much quieter and lighter than traditional dirt bikes.
Most manufacturers of e-dirt bikes are niche, but bigger manufacturers are also moving toward electrification. Yamaha is working on refining the TY-E model, an electric trail bike, and Honda is also planning electric models.
Best Electric Dirt Bike Models
If you’re considering going electric, models like the KTM Freeride E-XC and Zero FX are good choices. The KTM Freeride E-XC is known for its rapid acceleration and lightweight body, while the Zero FX comes with a curb weight of 247 lbs and engines with 3.6 kWh or 7.2 kWh capacity, providing power ranging from 27 hp to 46 hp.
When shopping for an electric dirt bike, consider these models:
KTM Freeride E-XC, Image Courtesy of ktm.com
Supermoto Bikes: Beyond the Traditional
Supermoto bikes aren’t technically defined as off-road motorcycles. These kinds of bikes are designed specifically for riding on well-maintained courses and tracks. They’re the racecars of the dirt bike world, so they aren’t ideal for casual trail riding.
Supermoto biking has only been around since the 1990s, but demand surged when the first Nordwest model hit the market. Since then, Supermoto has become a popular sport, with multiple races around the world.
Supermoto bikes offer a nimble riding experience, thanks to their smaller 17-inch front and rear wheels, which set them apart from traditional dirt bikes. Plus, their tires are largely smooth, giving them less traction for uneven terrain. They are racing bikes, after all.
Best Supermoto Dirt Bike Models
Husqvarna, Suzuki, and Kawasaki produce many of the best Supermoto bikes–but there’s still a lot of room for growth with Supermoto bikes. When it comes to the best the market has to offer, check out the KLX 300SM, which has a 292-cc engine, and the Husqvarna 70, equipped with a 693-cc engine.
Kawasaki KLX 300SM, Image Courtesy of kawasaki.com
Where to Park and Store Your Dirt Bike
No matter what kind of dirt bike you end up with, it’s important to store it properly. Even though these machines are rugged and designed for ripping along muddy trails, they can still sustain mechanical or cosmetic damage from the elements.
Leaving your dirt bike out in the sun, rain, or snow can damage it and decrease its lifespan. To properly store your dirt bike, you should first make sure it’s free of dirt, road salt, or other grime. Then, you need to find a place that’s temperature-controlled and out of the elements.
Most people store their dirt bikes in their garage or shed–given that they’re relatively smaller than ATVs or side-by-sides. But, if you lack the space at your house, check out Neighbor.com, a peer-to-peer storage marketplace known for its affordable storage options. Whether you only need a 5’x10’ unit or room to store a fleet of dirt bikes, there’s a storage solution for you.
