The Best Dirt Bikes For Adults That Are Cheap & Reliable (2023)

FAQs

Which dirt bikes are most reliable? ›

Yamaha dirt bikes, in 2023, remains a leading choice for reliable and affordable dirt bikes, particularly for beginners.

A 125cc dirt bike will normally cost between 3,000 and 8,000 dollars. This motor size is suitable for teenagers or adults who are just starting out this hobby.

Generally, a 125cc two-stroke or a 250cc four-stroke dirt bike will suit a beginning rider better than something with more (unnecessary) power. Avoid the biggest motor 450 Motocross bike, because these will be too powerful for a beginner.

With proper care, a dirt bike can last anywhere from 5 to 20 years. If a bike is not well-maintained or used excessively, its lifespan can be significantly reduced. A bike used for racing or extreme riding will likely have a shorter lifespan compared to one used for casual or trail riding.

Generally speaking, 250cc bikes can reach speeds of 60-80mph. One of the fastest 250cc dirt bikes on the market is the Yamaha WR250F which allows you to switch between racing and standard modes to reach a top speed of 85mph.

The highest speed for 125cc dirt bikes ever recorded is 100 MPH. Nevertheless, do not expect such a huge number of regular riders; very few have mastered dirt riding skills! As a result, the top speed on most 125cc models fluctuates from 55 to 60 MPH (about 57,5 MPH on average).

The average 125cc bike will likely have a top speed of around 70mph, and should be able to cruise along at 50 to 60mph quite comfortably.

A 250cc dirt bike is good for an adult beginner. They weigh less than the 450cc models so can be easier to control on the track. Among a few other reasons why a 250cc dirt bike might be better for you as a beginner into dirt biking.

How fast does a 150cc dirt bike go? ›

How Fast Are They? Dirt bikes are known for their lightweight design and well-constructed engines. The top speed of a 150cc dirt bike can vary, but the average top speed of a 150cc dirt bike is about 50 to 60 mph.

The short answer is no, a 250cc dirt bike is not too big for a beginner. In fact, many professional riders started on bikes with larger engines, and some still do. 250cc bikes offer plenty of power for most riders, especially beginners. They're also relatively lightweight and easy to maneuver.

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.

New dirt bikes can cost anywhere from $2000 upwards depending on the quality of bike you're looking for. The best bikes on the market cost between $7000 and $8000. Most bikes in the $2000 to $3000 range will be perfect for all types of riders and you shouldn't pay much more than that for your first bike.

Perhaps the most common type of dirt bike is the motocross bike. A motocross bike is designed primarily for off-road racing; these dirt bikes are built to be fast and robust without adding too much to the bike's overall weight.

Winter tends to be a good time to buy a motorcycle, especially if you're in a place with cold winters. Of course, this has the considerable downside that you may not be able to ride your new baby more than a handful of times before spring—but hey, that's why the deals are so good.

Are Dirt Bikes High Maintenance? Many aspiring dirt bike riders, especially those who come from the world of street bikes, worry that dirt bikes are high maintenance. Despite being a pretty widespread belief, they are not extremely difficult to maintain. They just require basic maintenance more often.

Most dirt bikes that are frequently ridden have a higher likelihood of having their mechanical parts worn out over time. If you're riding your bike five times a week, every week, naturally, the components are working extra hard and can be prone to damages.

Which is the number one best bike? ›

Motocross bikes can go at speeds of up to 100 miles an hour and more. Although they can match the speed of an on-road vehicle, motocross bikes are rarely driven at their top speed due to the rough and dangerous terrain they are built to ride on at more average speeds.

125cc 4 Stroke – 60mph

A 125cc 4-stroke dirt bike can go very fast. It is capable of going up to 60 miles per hour and has a horsepower of about 9.

You'll likely find all sorts of opinions on the matter from searching online, but often 250cc models win the spot of recommended motorcycles for beginners. So is a 250 a good starter bike, or should you consider something else? We agree with that consensus that 250cc motorcycles are the way to go for beginners.

With a 1000cc engine producing upwards of 170 hp, this bike can reach a top speed of 185 mph and complete its 0-60 mph in just under three seconds.

A 200cc four-stroke engine will typically have a top speed of around 40-45 mph, while a 200cc two-stroke engine can reach speeds of up to 55 mph or more.

The law in California states that any motorcycle with 150cc displacement or more is legal to ride with a motorcycle license endorsement on the freeways.

A 50cc engine is smaller in size and has a lower engine capacity compared to a 125cc engine. This means that a 50cc e-scooter will typically have a lower top speed and less power compared to a 125cc e-scooter.

Is 250cc enough for highway? ›

Yes. Most places allow you to travel through highway traffic with a 250cc motorcycle. As long as you obey speed restrictions and ride carefully, 250cc bikes are perfect for long-distance travel thanks to their outstanding fuel consumption efficiency, mid-range power, and stability.

They can do big obstacles right out of turns, the power stretches far and can do huge combos etc. So yes 450s are clearly too much.

While 4-stroke engines perform well and generally last longer than 2-stroke engines, 2-stroke engines are lighter and faster than 4-stroke engines.

Some 1000cc dirt bikes can reach speeds of 188 mph (303 km/h). This speed varies with the brand. But the average speed for a 1000cc dirt bike is 140mph (225 km/h).

When setting up a bike during pre-production testing, manufacturers have a target weight range for potential consumers. ON a 450cc motocross bike, that is 175 to 185 pounds.

Adult dirt bikes are typically in the 230cc to 450cc range while younger adults or children might ride anything from 50cc to 150cc. The greater the cubic capacity (cc) the faster the bike, but the heavier the load, the slower the bike performs. Here are some average speeds for 50-450 cc bikes.

A 125cc two-stroke or a 250cc four-stroke is great for a beginner; riders who weigh less than 150 pounds can handle bikes under 250cc, while larger riders will need the suspension found in 250cc models.

If you are in good health and shape, then you can learn motocross at any age. There are Motocross racing classes for older ages including 30+, 40+, 50+, and 60+ year old riders. Many racers started Motocross during their 40s & 50s and are doing great. Age is not as big a deal as it's purported to be to learn motocross.

Do you need good credit to buy a dirt bike? ›

In most cases you'll need a FICO score in the good range to qualify for a reasonable dirt bike loan. Most lenders consider a good FICO score between 670 to 739. While it's possible to qualify with a lower score, the requirements may be strict and rates high.

You can easily begin motocross and dirt bike riding as early as age three if you have all the necessary equipment. There's also no such thing as being too old to begin motocross, as this is a sport for everyone.

CC in bikes stands for Cylinder capacity or the cubic centimeters capacity of the combustion cylinder, which is an integral part of the engine whose prominent role is to supply the power to the driver. If a bike has more CC, then it will have a bigger cylinder which can digest more air and more fuel.

If you're interested in road cycling, I suggest spending around $1000 on your first road bike. With this budget, you can get a decent entry-level bike that will be a great starting point. How much should you spend on your first gravel bike? If you're looking for a gravel bike, I recommend spending around $1000-1500.

One of the biggest is the materials that are used to construct them. They will need to use sturdy metals and plastic. After all, you don't want your bike to fall apart as you are riding it. Another important factor is the costs of building the bikes.

4 stroke engines are generally more reliable and longer-lasting than 2 stroke engines, which can be an advantage for riders who plan on doing a lot of miles or who need a motorcycle they can rely on in the long term.

Honda has always been known to have some of the best and most reliable trail motorcycles for beginners and casual riders. Their trail bike lineup has changed quite a few times over the years, but the quality and durability is still just about as good.

According to the table, Dirt Bikes' best performing product is the Enduro 550 while its worst performing product is the Moto 450.

Are Dirt Bikes High Maintenance? Many aspiring dirt bike riders, especially those who come from the world of street bikes, worry that dirt bikes are high maintenance. Despite being a pretty widespread belief, they are not extremely difficult to maintain. They just require basic maintenance more often.

The 250 exhausts you quicker both physically and mentally, but if you can swing it, a ride on the 250 2-stroke prior to a showdown on the 450f can actually make you a better rider and more competitive on the track.

Do 2-strokes or 4 strokes last longer? ›

Both engine types have their pros and cons, and the one that will work best for you depends on the needs of your application. While 4-stroke engines perform well and generally last longer than 2-stroke engines, 2-stroke engines are lighter and faster than 4-stroke engines.

Most Reliable Dirt Bike Brand

Honda and Yamaha have the most trail bikes that are reliable, and their motocross bike have generally been good, so they are usually among the most reliable dirt bike brands. With that said, a dirt bike is only as reliable as it's maintained.

Compared to dirt bikes, ATVs offer greater utility. You can use them to haul firewood or plow snow if you find your vehicle stuck after a winter ride. Dirt bikes take the lead when comparing ATVs vs. dirt bikes for trail riding.

How Many Miles Can a Honda Motorcycle Last? A well-maintained Honda bike can last for well over 100,000 miles, the average being 150,000 miles. Touring models like the Gold Wing can last even longer — 300,000 miles in some cases.

For our money, the Yamaha WR250 is the best beginner dirt bike you can buy used today. For starters it's dependable and maintenance-free, with a 25,000-mile service interval that's unrivaled by any other bike.

A 125cc two-stroke or a 250cc four-stroke is great for a beginner; riders who weigh less than 150 pounds can handle bikes under 250cc, while larger riders will need the suspension found in 250cc models.

If you're a dirt bike enthusiast who casually drives the motorcycle from time to time, 100 hours is considered high hours. But, of course, this still depends on many factors like maintenance and use. On the other hand, for professional motocross racers, the high hours could vary from 15 hours to 25 hours.

Generally speaking, 250cc bikes can reach speeds of 60-80mph. One of the fastest 250cc dirt bikes on the market is the Yamaha WR250F which allows you to switch between racing and standard modes to reach a top speed of 85mph.