A dirt bike is a lightweight motor vehicle that is designed for riding on rough terrain, such as unpaved roads, tracks, or trails.

Though this may sound straightforward, there are many different kinds of dirt bikes available, and not all of them are created equal. Some dirt bikes are for adults and others are for kids, some are crazy powerful while others are designed for beginners, some are 2-stroke while others are 4-stroke, some are electric while others are engine-powered, and some are street legal while some are not…

With so many options out there, looking for a new dirt bike can quickly get confusing or overwhelming, so we put together this guide to help point you in the right direction. Read on to explore your options and discover some of the best dirt bikes on the market!

Choosing the Best Dirt Bike

When looking for the best dirt bike, there are many different factors to consider. Your riding experience, height, weight, budget, goals, and riding environment are a few of the key factors to keep in mind as you search. Your riding experience is the single most important deciding factor, as safety should be your top priority.

You’ll want to pay close attention to dirt bike seat heights and engine displacements. For adult dirt bikes, seat heights usually fall between 35 and 38 inches, and engine displacements range from 230cc to 450cc. When determining the right bike height for you, the goal is to be able to put one-third of your foot on the ground. Be careful not to go with a bike that is too tall for you or has too much power. Again, your safety and comfort are the most important things to prioritize!

Keep in mind that whatever type of dirt bike you end up choosing, you can maximize your safety, comfort, and style with great dirt bike gear, accessories, and parts.

Best Dirt Bike for Beginners

If you’re new to the world of dirt bikes, your safety is especially important. That’s why it’s recommended that you start with a less powerful bike that has a smaller engine displacement. Even if the bike is slightly small for your height and weight, it’s better to start there and work your way up to something larger. As a general rule for adults, go with a bike that has a displacement under 250 in order to get used to the feel of a dirt bike. Some of the top-rated dirt bikes for beginners are the Honda CRF230F and the slightly larger Honda CRF250X, which is a good option for a taller adult.

Best Trail Dirt Bike

When purchasing a new dirt bike, you’ll also want to think about how you plan to ride. Whether you’ll be riding on tracks, trails, roads, or a combination of all three will help determine your dirt bike needs. For example, most trail bikers tend to gear a little lower for better throttle control and less riding of the clutch over obstacles, yet still require a significant top speed for riding down cutlines or gravel roads. You can check out Dirt Bike Magazine’s 2021 Off Road Bike Buyer's Guide for some great trail dirt bike options.

Keep in mind, if you do plan to ride on trails, most state-run Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) riding areas require an annual pass or daily entry fee to use their trails.

Best Street Legal Dirt Bike

Dirt bike regulations vary by state, so whether or not you plan to ride on the road, be sure to look into your local laws. In most states, you are not required to have a license or insurance if you are riding purely off-road. That being said, some restrictions or regulations may apply; for example, some states require rider training certificates, have age restrictions, require spark arrestors, or enforce sound restrictions.

If you’re looking for a street-legal dirt bike that can go both on and off road, you’ll need a streetbike license, insurance, and a bike that is street legal. Dual sport motorcycles and adventure bikes are two great options. Alternatively, in some states, you can convert your dirt bike into a street legal bike by making adjustments and adding on required bike parts.

Overall, when in doubt about legalities, check with your DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) and DOT (Department of Transportation).

Best Electric Dirt Bike

Electric dirt bikes are a game-changer! They run with battery powered motors, so they are much quieter and more eco-friendly than other types of dirt bikes. Electric bikes are usually more expensive upfront, but they require way less maintenance; no need for oil changes, engine services, spark plugs, or coolant. Also, one of the main factors affecting on vs. off-road use is emissions, so electric dirt bikes can be easier to convert to street legal dirt bikes than other types of bikes. Two popular and highly-rated electric dirt bikes are the 250cc Hawk Dirt Bike and the 250cc Pro-Hawk.

Best 4 Stroke Dirt Bike

A stroke is a motion of a piston, or the travel of the piston between the top and bottom of the cylinder. In more simple terms, a stroke is one step in the process of getting the dirt bike engine up and running. There are both 2 stroke and 4 stroke dirt bikes to choose from, each with their own unique advantages. A 4 stroke engine requires four cycles of a piston, or two crankshaft revolutions. 4 stroke bikes are generally preferred for their consistency, higher top speed, and better fuel efficiency. On the negative side, they are heavier and don’t accelerate quite as quickly. A few of the top-rated 4 stroke dirt bikes available include Yamaha YZ250F, Suzuki RM-Z 250, and Kawasaki KX250.

Best 2 Stroke Dirt Bike

Compared to a 4 stroke dirt bike, a 2 stroke engine is less complicated. It requires only one complete crankshaft revolution to complete the four stages of combustion, so you get power with every single turn. 2 stroke dirt bikes can therefore accelerate faster, however they tend to be a bit more unstable and less consistent. 2 stroke parts are also generally cheaper than 4 strokes, but they require more regular maintenance. Some of the best 2 stroke bikes on the market include Honda CR250R, Kawasaki KX500, and KTM 250 SX, just to name a few.

Best Cheap Dirt Bike

By this point, you’re probably wondering how much one of these new dirt bikes is going to cost you. Generally speaking, new dirt bikes from popular companies tend to fall in the $8,000-$11,000 price range. If you’re looking for something cheaper, dirt bikes for beginners with lower torque tend to cost less. As a general rule: the more powerful the bike, the more it’s likely to cost.

Alternatively, you can save money by going with a used dirt bike over a brand new one. The quality and reliability of used dirt bikes goes up every year as technology advances. If you go with a used bike, be sure to do your due diligence and ask lots of questions, including:

• Why are they selling the bike?
• How many previous owners have there been?
• Is there any past damage?
• Can they provide maintenance records?
• Do they have the title to the bike?

You’ll then want to profile the seller and inspect the bike in person before making a purchase. Remember, you can always buy spare dirt bike parts and upgrade it to your liking.

Best Kids Dirt Bike

Safety is of utmost importance if you’re looking for a dirt bike for a child. For kids dirt bikes, seat height ranges from 18 to 34 inches, while engine displacement usually falls between 50cc and 150cc. For children between 4 and 6 years old, a bike like Yamaha TT-R50E might be appropriate. For older kids ages 6-8 years old, you can go with something slightly taller, such as the KTM 50 SX 2021. For kids bikes, it’s best to go with smaller tires for better control. You may also want to add on a throttle control to restrict their speed.

Complete the Setup With the Best Dirt Bike Gear

If you’re looking for more information or recommendations as you conduct your search, feel free to reach out to us anytime.

Then, once you’ve selected your new dirt bike, you can turn your focus to dirt bike accessories, upgrades, and riding gear. At ZMPerformance, we carry everything you might need to get you and your bike ready to hit the trails – from helmets to spare bike parts and everything in between. We’ll help get you out on your new bike safely and in style!