Buying A Dirt Bike: An Overview

Suppose you are in the market for a dirt bike. In that case, you can expect to be bombarded with a ton of information on various bikes with different power capacities, capabilities, and special features that offer a unique riding experience. So which one should you choose, and how big of a hole is it going to burn in your wallet? To answer this, we are going to look at a series of bikes across different engine capacities that you can choose from as follows:

• 125cc Dirt Bikes (Beginner)
• 250cc Dirt Bikes (intermediate)
• 450cc Dirt Bikes (Advanced)

Before riding, wear all the required safety gear, including your helmet, gloves, elbow and knee guards, goggles, and leathers. Always follow road rules and never ride under the influence of alcohol.

125cc Dirt Bikes (Beginner)

125cc dirt bikes are popular amongst beginner-level riders, as they are lightweight and easy to control. Even though they come with a small engine displacement, these bikes are incredibly agile, thus making them a blast to rip through off-road trails. Check out the list of the best 125cc dirt bikes below.

Honda CRF125 – If you want a dirt bike known to be exceptional in terms of reliability, look no further than a Honda. The CRF125 comes with a capable 124.9cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that is guaranteed to get the adrenaline running through your veins. What’s more, the bike is available in two trims, the standard and the big wheel model that comes with a larger wheel diameter, longer swingarm, and taller saddle height. The retail price for this bike is around $3,199.

Yamaha TT-R125LE – Number two on this list is another Japanese legend that you may know as Yamaha. The TT-R125LE is a lightweight machine just like its counterpart mentioned above, but with a few additional features that include an automatic cam chain tensioner, a tool-free air filter, and a lightweight exhaust that has received its stamp of approval from the U.S Forestry Service. If you want to pick up one of these mean machines, you should expect to pay around $3,349.

Suzuki DR-Z125SL – Although Suzuki might not be the most popular brand on this list, do not be misled. The DR-Z125SL is a speedy bike, equipped with a 124cc single-cylinder engine paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox, large-diameter wheels, and a front disc brake. This bike is a great all-rounder that will cost you somewhere between the $3,100 and $3,000 range.

250cc Dirt Bikes (Intermediate)

The 250cc category is a force to be reckoned with. If you are a beginner in the world of dirt bikes, you might want to start with something a little smaller as you get started. However, this category is considered one of the most popular, as these bikes offer the perfect power to weight ratio. Below are the top picks in this category:

Kawasaki KX250 – If you have heard anything about motocross racing, then you have probably heard a story about a green hue that leads the pack. That green hue is the iconic brand image of Kawasaki. The KX250 has legendary low-end power and weighs a mere 221 lb. The main focus here is that it is lightweight, making it an absolute dream to ride on challenging tracks. You can acquire one today for around $8,300.

KTM 250XC – Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM has recently gained a little attention in the motocross scene due to their highly capable and iconic signature orange dirt bikes. At $9,799, the 250XC offers you a dirt bike with an ungraded frame that results in exceptional handling and straight-line stability. These motorcycles are also equipped with an air boot and airbox that protect them from soiling.

2017 Beta 250 RR – For a touch of Italian craftsmanship, you could opt for the Beta 250 RR. The known advantage of Beta is its capability to produce high-quality dirt bikes, and the 250RR is no exception. For around $8,500, you can find yourself ripping down the track in one of these.

450cc Dirt Bikes (Advanced)

If you are a veteran rider looking for some serious power, the 450cc class is the way to go. These hunky machines are built for one thing and one thing only: speed. These dirtbikes can reach up to 90 mph, which is mind-boggling considering the terrain they are designed to perform in. These are some of the best bikes in the 450cc category.

Kawasaki KX450 – The KX450 is essentially the identical twin of the KX250 featured on this list, except it packs a lot more power. This outstanding model is equipped with a chassis, made of a completely new front brake master cylinder, coupled with a rear brake rotor, and increased in size from 240 mm to 250 mm. In addition, a 4-stroke engine powers it. The bike is made partly of cast aluminum, making it stable and easier to steer. It’s also fitted with an adjustable peg and handlebar mounts. In turn, this bike is undoubtedly only for serious riders, and with a price tag of $9,399, you are looking at a serious investment.

Yamaha YZ450F – This model by Yamaha comes fitted with a stiffer front axle for maximum control and traction when cornering. The bike is powered by a 4-stroke engine and features an electric start system, which is helpful to get up and to run in a flash if it stalls on the track. For $9,299, you can find yourself tearing up the track with one of these bikes.

GasGas MC450F – The 2021 MC450F is the first bike to inherit the GasGas name, which is very well-respected in the motocross community. Sure, the bike contains many parts from KTM, but the MC450F has traits of its own that include better suspension, a vital factor when purchasing a dirt bike. The GasGas MC450F retails at around $9,399, which is much cheaper than its KTM counterpart.

Summary

When it comes to the cost of a motocross bike, the options vary greatly. However, if you are looking at a starter 125cc bike, these can be purchased for just over $3,000 brand-new. The 250cc bikes will cost you a bit more, with prices ranging between $8,000 – $10,000. The Big Boy 450cc bikes are more expensive, starting at around $9,000 and going well above $10,000.