Types Of Dirt Bikes – Typically Its About Rider Intent
Dirt bikes come in a variety of engine sizes and chassis dimensions covering a wide range of intended usage. From Dual Propose bike for the recreational rider to the latest Trail Bike derived for cross-country and let’s not forget the Motocross machines, common traits are long-travel suspension and knobby tires. Navigating rough terrain, be it woods, desert, or mountain single-track to high-flying motocross action – these lightweight bikes rule the dirt bike market.
The most popular off-road/motocross bike manufacturers are Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Suzuki, and Yamaha. In the end, it’s all about the suitability, for new dirt bikers and seasoned ones as well. Choosing one dirt bike over another typically is about rider intent, and there is no clear choice. It comes down to what bike is better suited to a particular task.
Experienced riders are well aware of what they require to suit their needs, but it’s much more difficult for new riders because they have no experience to form an opinion from. New riders will try to imagine how they will use a bike, but in my experience, imagination is not as accurate as real experience.
This article is intended to help newer riders make an inform decision on the dirt bike that will suit their particular need. The types of dirt bikes that are generally considered are Dual Purpose, Trails/Woods, and Motocross, that’s it. Let us take a look these two-wheel super machines.
Dual Purpose
I want to start with the Dual Purpose dirt bike because it’s a great starter bike for newer riders. Why? Newer riders need to learn to ride first, so staying on open riding trails and streets are the most sensible places to ride for new riders. Thus, the Dual purpose bikes are designed to be operated on both dirt and pavement. In most cases, a dual purpose bike would rate as a “play bike” in the dirt. They are street-legal versions of some competitive trail bikes, but these are not truly “dual purpose” bikes, they are street-legal dirt bikes.
Dual-sport motorcycles live in a land of compromise. The jack-of-all-trades of the motorcycle world. Dual-sport bikes can really do it all. With one in your garage, you’ll be able to cruise the street, hit the trail, and return home without worry.
If you’re new to motorcycling or have never ridden off-road, I advise starting with a smaller bike to learn the basics, develop your reflexes, and fine-tune your off-road “spider-like sense.” Controlling a motorcycle off the pavement calls for more strength and finesse than street riding. If you start too large, it can result in a lousy first experience, potentially prompting you to give up — which is a shame because you’ll miss out on some of the most rewarding, exhilarating, and challenging experiences possible on two wheels.
My recommendation for a Dual Spot Dirt Bike: Say hello to an old-timer the Yamaha XT 250, its been around longer than me. Okay, maybe not that long ago, but it has been since 1980 and I’ll bet a lot of you reading this weren’t born yet. With a wide-ratio five-speed and an air-cooled 250 cc engine, the XT250 is a proper little dual-sport dirt bike and with a little more attention to off-road riding than you might expect in an off-road-capable bike.
Why choose the XT250? As I mentioned, this bike has been in production for over 25 years. And their’s a reason, it’s a great starter bike for those individuals new to bikes and to off-road. Brand new the Yamaha XT250 list for $5200. And a used XT250 goes for around $2500. Because this bike has been around for over 25 you’ll have no problem finding a great use XT250. This makes a great his and hers dirt bike. The aftermarket loves this bike, you’ll be able to make this bike your own with all the bolt-ons available. See a full review.
What is their not to like about the XT250? It’s the lack of highway speed. The bike does well at speeds under 60 MPH, but much more, and you’re really working the XT250’s little engine. So If you plan on extended highway use then look at 400cc models. Just remember, there are trade-offs, the bigger 400cc models or a bit heavy when you’re riding trails.
What other Dual Sport bikes would I consider? Right off the top of my head, I want to look at the CRF250L from Honda, but it seems more road oriented, being a bigger, heavier bike. Instead, I’d go with the DR200S from Suzuki. It’s a proper little dual sport with an air-cooled engine. That’s it. These are the only bikes I recommend to newer riders. As you gain experience and improve your riding, you start to gravitate to a particular make and model, don’t rush it, enjoy the XT250.
Motocross Bike
A motocross bike is a race-ready machine, suited for long periods of high-resolution output and high-speed maneuverability. These bikes require more maintenance than other dirt bikes as a rule, but in the right hands, there is nothing they can’t do. They have roughly the same power-to-weight ratio as a Formula 1 race car.
First thing first, let me address the old argument two-stroke vs. four-stroke. In general terms, two-stroke bikes are cheaper to buy, run and maintain. They are simple to work on and they sound very cool. It is often said that two-stroke machines are more fun to ride. However, a two-stroke bike will need servicing more frequently and will also be more difficult to learn to ride fast.
Four-stroke bikes, on the other hand, are easier to ride due to their smooth power delivery and are more competitive in race situations. But four-strokes are more expensive to maintain, a lot heavier and harder to kick-start if you don’t have the luxury of an electric starter
I recommend the KTM 250SX-F. Why? The 250 SX-F is competitive straight from the dealer, lots of power, easy to ride fast. If you’re looking to jump straight onto the start line, the KTM 250 SX-F is your best bet.
This bike is regarded by many as the most competitive 250 four strokes on the market. KTM have claimed eight of the last nine MX2 world championship titles with this machine – and you just can’t argue with those numbers! With a boatload of smooth and usable power, the KTM 250 SX-F is very easy to ride fast. Its the ideal dirt bike for the newer MX’s has great reliability and has enough power to test the skills of any rider. See a full review.
What other motocross bikes would I consider? The YZ125 is a two-stroke machine perfect for those just getting started in the sport. This bike is known to be insanely reliable. The YZ125 boasts arguably the best standard suspension setup and power of any motocross bike. If you are looking for outright power, the Honda CRF450R may be the bike for you. Honda’s are famed for their build quality and reliability, and without doubt, the CRF450R lives up to those standards.
These choices may cause a bit of controversy in the MX ranks. Arguably there are some great motocross dirt bikes on the market that are better fitted for the more experienced rider. My choices are for the newer motocross rider, that wants a great starter bike. The 250 SX-F dirt bike is more suitable for those individuals and has plenty of power for those experienced riders.
Trail/Woods Bikes
What exactly is the difference between a motocross bike and a trail bike?
The short answer is nothing! Well, once you dig a little bit the differences between the two bikes becomes increasingly evident. Primarily, you’ll ride a softer suspension and more engine torque with less top end power in a trail bike.
These are bikes specifically designed to deal with tough off-road conditions. They are rock climbers, river riders, mudslingers and tree dodgers. Most are based on a motocross bike, but the engine is designed to produce more torque, and the gearing is lowered and widened. The purpose of de-tuning and re-gearing the engine is to make it more manageable to ride in tight and low-speed situations.
Overall, it’s much easier to turn a motocross bike into a trail weapon as opposed to transforming a trail bike into a machine that rips on the track. A true trail bike is underpowered, geared too short and equipped with really soft suspension.
I recommend the KTM 350 XCF-W was built with the serious off-road enthusiast in mind. The 350 XCF-W was designed to be taken straight off the showroom floor and right into the elements. The XCF-W is the single-track trail race bike version, with a chassis package designed to work at the highest levels of enduro racing and perform just as well as trail riding.
The 350 XCF-W has logged countless victories in the GNCC, National Enduro, and Hare Scramble; they’ve blown the competition away at hard enduros like the Erzberg Rodeo and Red Bull Romaniacs. As the company’s tagline promises, “ready to race” right off the showroom floor. See a full review!
What other trails/woods dirt bike would I consider? If you’re like me and love your two-strokes, then the KTM 300 XC-W is the bike for you. If you want torque by the bucket loads, a top-end to die for and a lightweight chassis ready to rise to any occasion, give the 300cc lightning bolt a go. For trail/wood dirt bike it comes down to a 4-stroke or 2-stroke KTM. Yes, you can pick from one of the other manufacturers or some other model, but why?
Dirt bikes will fall into one of these categories. The intent is the first question you should ask, then look at that specific category based on make and model preferences. Don’t get all caught up with my recommendations, their just my preferred choices. There are other great Manufactures and models to choose from. Just make a choice, and go ride.
Need more information on riding gear, see my riding gear must-haves.
