All types of dirt bikes…
If you are new to dirt biking, where do you start? There are so many brands and types of dirt bikes. Which bike is right for me? 4-stroke or 2-stroke? What size? Which displacement? What about kids’ bikes? What about bikes suited for ladies? (See our separate sections on some suggestions for kids and ladies who ride)
Our dealer sponsors are in the best position to advise you on what type of motorcycle is best for you. We will however provide you with some general information to build a base of knowledge about what might work for you.
Caution: You will not find much imagination in model nomenclature/model names and numbers. We have 26 letters in the alphabet. Surprisingly manufacturers like to use 2 or 3 letters in slightly different order to distinguish dozens of very different motorcycles. Do not be surprised if the order of the letters changes for the same model next year!
Also see Bikes options for Ladies and Options for Shorter Riders
Riding both on-road and off-road? Or just off-road?
This certainly is a key question. Many riders like to be able to ride to their favourite off-road riding area vs trailering or otherwise carrying their dirt bike down the highway. Some purists would say most of these “dual sport” bikes are like all season tires – compromises. This is somewhat true. Although you can certainly buy bikes with great off-road versatility that are road legal in which very little has been compromised. Remember you will need a motorcycle endorsement on your drivers’ license to ride on-road.
Recreational bikes
If you are new to dirt biking – this is where we suggest you start. These bikes are easy to learn on with a comfortable seat at (usually) a reasonable height. They may not have the power/torque and suspension of a more race-ready enduro or motocross bike. But they can still go anywhere a rider is capable of taking them. Don’t understimate the amount of fun you can have on these bikes and wher they can be taken. The bikes in this segment are also typically cheaper to purchase and maintain. Generally these bikes have 4 stroke air cooled engines and are highly reliable requiring little maintenance. Typical bikes (although not exclusively) in this class are the Honda CRF150F, CRF230F; Yamaha TTR-230, TTR125; Susuki DR-Z125 and Kawasaki KLX140. More info here.
Trail/Enduro bikes
This is a bit of a catch-all category, as there are many bikes that are tuned for specific uses within this category. Generally speaking, these bikes are high tech, liquid cooled, high compression, high performance, and competition ready (even if your are not). Seat height is higher to provide greater ground clearance and longer suspension travel. Most of the bikes owned by BMA members will be in this category. There are many many models from which to choose including (but not exclusively) the Honda CRF – X series, Husaberg TE & FE series, Husqvarna TE/TXC series, KTM XC-W series, and the Yamaha WR/YZ-X series. Read more here.
Motocross bikes![]()
As the name suggests, these are bikes specialized for motocross competition – very high performance, stiff suspension with power delivery and transmissions specifically for motocross. While they can be ridden in the woods, they are not as forgiving as the Trail and Recreation class of bikes. In stock form, they are not well suited to woods conditions as trail bikes unless you are a very experienced rider. Read more here.
Little people’s bikes
Even the vertically challenged and kids are not restricted from riding dirt bikes. Many of these smaller sized bikes are recreational in nature. Although there are some that are competitive machines. Didn’t we all start on a mini-bike? Also see Bike options for Kids
Dual Sport & Adventure
This is another broad category with many models, sizes and options available. These are street-legal bikes with varying degress of off and on-road capability. Some are essentially trail bikes made street legal with minimum modification (like the KTM EXC-F series). Others are street bikes with minor modifications to market them as “dual-sport” with very little off-road capability. Some are relatively small in displacement, whereas the adventure bikes can be quite large (900-1200cc). See Bikes for on /off-road adventures (Often referred to as “Dual-Sport”) for more details.