Best Dirt Bikes for Beginners

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Last Updated on September 11, 2024 by Paul Clayton

Best Dirt Bikes for Beginners

Want to purchase a dirt bike but don’t know what you’re looking for?

Researching independently can be a little overwhelming, especially given the variety of models available. You need to put in a lot of thought and look at various features before purchasing a dirt bike.

This may seem like a daunting task, but fear not. I’m here to help!

Key Takeaways:

• • Top Beginner Dirt Bike Models: Honda CRF250RX, Yamaha TTR-50, Kawasaki KLX110R, Suzuki DR-Z125L, and Yamaha YZ125 are the most recommended beginner-friendly dirt bikes. Each offers unique features like electric starts, adjustable throttle limiters, and different wheel sizes to suit various skill levels.
  • Customization and Upgrades: Several models, like the Kawasaki KLX110R and Yamaha YZ125, are highly customizable, allowing for upgrades as skills improve. This flexibility can also boost the bike’s resale value.
  • Four-Stroke Engines: Most recommended beginner bikes have four-stroke engines, which offer better control, power consistency, and easier handling. Maintenance might require professional help.
  • Size and Fit: Ensuring the bike fits your height and weight is crucial for safety and performance. A proper size ensures easier balance and control, with size charts available for adults and children.
  • New vs. Used Bikes: New bikes are less likely to require repairs, but good deals on used bikes are available if you’re on a budget. Testing a used bike before purchase is advised.

In this post, I’ll review some of the best dirt bikes for beginners and discuss the pros and cons of each product.

In addition, I’ve also included a general buying guide to help you understand the importance of specific features.

Without further delay, let’s begin.

Best Dirt Bikes for Beginners Review

Just because you’re learning how to ride a dirt bike does not mean you compromise on quality. At the same time, it does not mean you begin with the biggest, pro dirt bike either. The idea is to find a balance, and that’s what I’ll be helping you find.

Let’s look at the industry’s best dirt bikes for beginners.

Honda CRF250RX

The CRF250RX allows you to enjoy a smooth and hassle-free ride. Unlike some bikes with a kickstart, this Honda bike has an electric start button on the handle.

All you need to do is pull the clutch, turn on the start button on the handlebar, and you’ll be zooming off in no time.

The CRF250RX has an 18-inch rear wheel and a 21-inch front wheel. Its wheelbase has high ground clearance, so it can easily conquer uneven terrain.

Thanks to the strong frame and wheel package, you can enjoy high speed while maintaining balance.

Equipped with a four-stroke engine, the CRF250RX has a broader powerband and provides amateur riders with more control. This 250cc engine delivers consistent power and a lot of torque.

The CRF250RX is more straightforward to maneuver because it weighs only 254 lbs and has a lower center of gravity. The latter is also because the fuel tank and motor are in the middle of the frame.

The best part about getting the CRF250RX is that Honda is a popular brand, which means you can customize your bike with aftermarket parts. You can start learning with the CRF250RX, but as your skill level increases, you can also add upgrades to your bike.

Pros

• Smooth and hassle-free electric start button
• The wheelbase has a high ground clearance
• 250cc four-stroke engine with consistent power
• Easy to maneuver due to the low center of gravity
• Easy to customize with aftermarket products

Cons

• Valves wear out
• Hand brakes are grabby and a bit difficult to get used to

Yamaha TTR-50

If you’re looking for a dirt bike for young riders, the Yamaha TTR-50 is a good option. This bike is a great first step for younger riders, as they don’t need to fret over balancing and controlling power.

It is easy to teach a beginner to control this bike’s throttle, brake, and balance. Besides, the four-stroke engine equipped with three gears and no clutch can withstand mishandling by beginners.

This doesn’t mean you purposely trash the bike, but as mentioned, it holds better than most other models.

This bike is a great model because you can attach training wheels. For beginners, sitting flat-footed on the bike can be challenging while maintaining balance.

Training wheels make this task more manageable. They give amateur riders more control and are great confidence boosters.

If you’re having difficulty handling all the speed that comes with the TTR-50, don’t worry. You can easily limit this speed by screwing in a throttle limiter. The screw limits the amount of throttle and controls the speed.

Once you are more comfortable testing higher speeds, you can remove the throttle limiter.

Another feature that makes this bike ideal for beginners is the electric button start. You don’t have to struggle to kickstart the bike. A simple flip of a switch is enough to get the engine roaring.

Pros

• Four-stroke engine equipped with three gears and no clutch
• You can attach training wheels
• You can screw in a throttle limiter

Cons

• Shift lever may bend
• The throttle is has lag

Kawasaki KLX110R

If you’ve researched the best dirt bikes for beginners, you’ve probably encountered the Kawasaki KLX110R. This model is quite well-known by beginners and pros alike for being one of the most customizable bikes in the market.

From motor modification to graphics and fancy bolts, you can upgrade this model in any way you like. Your changes can also increase the resale value, making this bike a worthy investment.

While this bike is a bit heavy, you won’t complain once you see the performance of the four-stroke engine.

This model is ideal for beginners. Its engine has four gears and no clutch, giving it plenty of speed and control.

The KLX110R has a 12-inch rear wheel and a 14-inch front wheel, making it easier to maintain balance.

Another great thing about this bike is that regardless of your age, you’ll be able to ride this bike with ease.

Pros

• One of the most customizable bikes in the market
• Modifications increase the resale value
• The four-stroke engine has four gears and no clutch
• Great for riders of all age

Con

• A bit heavy

Suzuki DR-Z125L

Cons

• Only a 6-month limited warranty

Yamaha YZ125

The Yamaha YZ125 is a great beginner bike if you plan on going pro. It was first introduced in the late 1970s and is still being produced, meaning it has undergone several upgrades.

Yamaha continuously works to improve the model, so you know this will be a reliable bike.

Another great thing about this bike is that it is super lightweight. Even with the gas tank in place, it weighs only 207 lbs. You’re unlikely to find a dirt bike as light as this one.

Plus, it has a low center of gravity, making it easy to maneuver the bike.

As mentioned earlier, the YZ125 is perfect for going pro. Once comfortable riding it, you can easily upgrade the engine by adding new pistons, gaskets, and rings.

While most companies no longer sell 125cc bikes, Yamaha’s YZ125 is the best. You’ll have no trouble zooming through the track on this classic dirt bike.

It has top-notch suspension, meaning the ride isn’t harsh, even on rough tracks.

Pros

• Super light, weighing only 207 lbs
• It’s a great beginner bike if you’re planning to go pro
• Top-notch suspension
• Easy to upgrade motor

Cons

• Requires you to mix gas or get premix gas
• You may need to change valves depending on your weight and riding style

Buying Guide for Best Dirt Bikes for Beginners

Stroke

Stroke refers to the type of engine your bike is equipped with. Knowing the difference between the stroke types is super useful.

There are two types of strokes:

• Two-Stroke Engines

These will give you great acceleration and are super easy to repair. Two-stroke engines usually use a mixture of oil and gas, which means their emissions are quite harmful to the environment.

• Four-Stroke Engines

These engines provide riders with higher speeds. Their engine structures are a bit complicated, so if you run into any issues, it’s best to get a professional to look at them.

A good thing about four-stroke engines is that their emissions are cleaner than two-stroke engine emissions.

The type of stroke on your dirt bike can give you a good idea of the costs and the amount of maintenance required.

Skill

You must assess your skill level before purchasing a dirt bike. Basic mechanical knowledge and hand-eye coordination are essential for learning to ride one.

Here are some questions you can ask yourself to determine your skill level:

• Can I ride a normal bike?
• Do I know how to work a clutch?
• How much speed am I comfortable with?

Size

Another crucial thing to remember when getting a dirt bike is to ensure the bike’s size is correct for your height and weight.

If you’re too short, you may have difficulty controlling the bike. Alternatively, if you’re too heavy, you will put unnecessary pressure on the bike, which can be dangerous.

The bike isn’t the correct size if you can sit on the bike but can’t put your feet on the ground. A good way to determine the bike’s size is to check if the balls of your feet and your toes can lie flat on the ground.

Here’s a general size chart that adults can refer to:

Your Height	Bike Seat Height
6-foot or 182 cm	37.5-inches
5-foot 10-inches or 178 cm	35-inches to 39-inches
5-foot 8-inches or 172 cm	34-inches to 38-inches
5-foot 6-inches or 167 cm	34-inches to 37-inches
5-foot 4-inches or 162 cm	33-inches to 36-inches
5-foot 2-inches or 157 cm	3-inches to 35-inches

Here’s a general size chart for kids:

Kid’s Age	Bike Seat Height
10 to 12 years	26-inches to 31-inches
8 to 9 years	24-inches to 28-inches
3 to 6 years	Electric or 50cc dirt bike

Should I get an Old or a New Bike?

If you’re on a tight budget, you can still find some fantastic used bikes at a great price. I suggest checking out different motor communities and even asking around at your local mechanic.

It’s a good idea to test the bike yourself before purchasing it. Especially with online resellers, it’s best to do thorough research and testing before you wire the payment.

If you have a tight budget, I suggest you purchase a new one but step down from the latest model. Not only will it be unused and new, but you’ll also be able to save some money as it’s not the newest version.

Investing in a brand-new bike saves you additional repair costs that may be needed if you purchase a used model.

In the end, it depends on your preferences and requirements.

Related Questions from Our Readers

Dirt Bike Vs Motorcycle: Which Is Right for You?

Dirt bikes and motorcycles are designed for different terrains. Dirt bikes can run easily on dirty roads, while motorbikes are easy to ride on urban roads. They also differ in size, design, material, style, and construction.

Are Dirt Bike Shift Levers Universal?

The answer to this question is not as straightforward as it appears. Hundreds of dirt bike models are released yearly, and as people develop a better taste for the sport, experts expect the statistics to rise further.

How Fast Can a Dirt Bike Go?

• Honda CRF 450R Top speed: 87 mph
• Yamaha WR 250R Top speed: 89 mph  
• Suzuki DR-Z400SM Top speed: 94 mph
• Honda XR650L Top speed: 98 mph
• Kawasaki KLR650 Top speed: 98 mph
• Husqvarna FE 501 S Top speed: 101.5 mph
• MuZ Baghira Top speed: 102 mph
• BMW G650 XChallenge Top speed: 104 mph
• ATK Intimidator Top speed: 110 mph
• Beta 450RS Top speed: 110.9 mph
• Aprilia RXV 5.5 Top speed: 113 mph
• KTM 450 SX-F Top speed: 123 mph

Do You Need A Special License To Ride A Dirt Bike?

First, you must know whether your state allows dirt bikes on public streets. This may be an easy answer if no laws prohibit it, but some states have restrictions that complicate the decision.

For example, Wisconsin and New Jersey laws prohibit riding motorcycles without a license. Yet other states, such as California, allow riders of any age to ride them without needing a motorcycle endorsement.

Will a Dirt Bike Fit in a Short Bed?

Yes, most, if not all, dirt bikes will fit into a short-bed truck. Loading a dirt bike in a truck bed may seem easy, but it has challenges. You cannot lift it and put it inside the truck bed like any other item. Remember, the typical dirt bike weighs at least 200 pounds. So yeah, some assistance is needed.

Conclusion

Starting with the right dirt bike is vital to building confidence and skill for any beginner. Models like the Honda CRF250RX and Yamaha YZ125 provide easy handling and growth potential. Most manufacturers have multiple-size dirt bikes for each age group in the models above.

Whether you’re a younger rider or aiming to go pro, considering engine type, bike size, and customization options ensures a smoother and more enjoyable learning experience.

Investing in a reliable, well-fitting bike—new or used—will set the foundation for off-road adventures.

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