If you’re looking for outdoor thrills, dirt biking might just be the thing for you. Not only is it an extremely fun past time, but it’s also a great way to get yourself out there. Just grab a dirt bike and go from there. 

Now, for complete beginners who don’t know where to start, we have your back. Read on to know the basics of dirt bikes and dirt biking, and find the best dirt bikes for novices. 

What’s a dirt bike?

First, let’s get the record straight. Dirt bikes are non-street legal motorcycles designed for off-road riding. These motorcycles aren’t street-safe because they don’t have features such as headlights, brake lights, and mirrors.  

Dirt bikes are designed specifically soaring through trails while lessening impact on the rider’s spine and bones. These motorcycles are equipped with a small gas tank, small engine, a flatter and narrower seat, and dirt knob tyres. The style of the dirt bike’s chassis and frame are also noticeably different compared to the typical street motorcycle. 

What is dirt biking and where can I ride? 

There are different types of dirt bike riding: trail riding and motocross. Knowing which one you fall into will help you decide on the right dirt bike for you. 

Trail riding is similar to off-road riding where you ride a chosen path and face whatever type of terrain you encounter. It’s great for adventurers who want to explore the great outdoors and see where different routes take them.  

The dirt bikes for trail riding have more features for comfort as they are intended for long drives. They have a push start engine. The tyres have more rubber giving them extra height and bulk so riders have more ground clearance to manage big obstacles in their path.  

Motocross track riding, on the other hand, is more focused on racing laps around an outdoor track on different types of terrain. Most people know it as a competitive sport. This is great for thrill seekers who want to try out different motocross circuits with jumps, corners, and dirt obstacles.  

Dirt bikes for motocross are lighter and have easier handling so riders can finish a track faster. They’re equipped with smaller gas tanks, more powerful engines, large narrow tyres, and has a kick-start engine. 

There’s no rule that you can’t use a motocross dirt bike for trail riding or vice versa, but it's better if you don’t. For the best results and a better dirt biking experience, get a bike that fits your needs. 

What are the types of dirt bikes? 

Speaking of finding the right dirt bike, there are different types of dirt bikes you should be aware of. Each type serving a specific purpose and designed specifically for a style of riding. 

  • Trail dirt bike – Made for medium to long distances and great for dodging trees and hopping on rocks. 
  • Motocross bike – Built for performance, jumps, and corners.  
  • Enduro bike – Designed for distance, speed, and tough terrains like water, rocks, and wooded areas. 
  • Dual sport bike – A dirt bike you can take on the street equipped with road safety features, but is capable of off-road riding. 
  • Trials dirt bike – As the name suggests, this bike is designed to test the rider’s skill and ability. It has no seat and a lighter frame for expert manoeuvrability.  
  • Supermoto bike – Great for racing on motocross tracks and flat surfaces. 
  • Hill-climb bike – It has an extended swing arm for uphill riding with large knobbed back tires for better traction. The frame is also light for easier manoeuvring 
  • Flat-track dirt bike – Made for speed and racing typically equipped with performance-enhancing parts. 

Keep these categories in mind when you’re shopping for your first dirt bike. 

What are the major dirt bike brands? 

Similar to cars, dirt bikes also have different brands with some better than others. KTM one of the most well-known and manufactures incredible dirt bikes constantly improving their models. Other top brands include Honda and Yamaha known for their bikes’ performance and reliability. 

Some of the most popular dirt bike brands out there include: 

  • KTM 
  • Honda 
  • Yamaha 
  • Kawasaki 
  • Suzuki 
  • Husqvarna 
  • GasGas 
  • Beta 
  • TM 
  • Sherco 

Look at the different models these brands offer to learn more about what type of dirt bikes are out there. 

What are the best dirt bikes for beginners? 

As a beginner, you don’t need a dirt bike with all the flashy features and newest technologies that a high-end bike offers. What you need is a machine that allows you to get the feel of gravel roads or muddy tracks, while gaining the mastery of dirt biking. 

We recommend these awesome dirt bikes for those who are just starting out: 

Honda CRF250F 

Estimated price: $4,899 

A great versatile dirt bike, the Honda CRF250F is user friendly with its 250cc air-cooled, single-cylinder, four-stroke engine, and handlebar-mounted low-fuel and “key on” indicator lights. The engine is powerful and built to last. You can drive on almost any terrain without issue. 

This Honda dirt bike is lightweight and promises a smooth ride with its spring pre-load adjustability. It is perfectly sized for beginners who are still learning the ins and outs of dirt biking. 

Not only does it work great, but it also looks awesome too with its CRF MX-inspired muffler and CRF MX-inspired bodywork and graphics. 

Suzuki DR-Z400SM 

Estimated price: $5,990 

The 2023 SuperMoto DR-Z400SM is the new and improved version of the DR-Z400. It has a strong low-rpm torque with its 398cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke engine. It also has a crisp throttle response. The inverted fork improved handling which is ideal for beginners. 

This dirt bike is great for beginners who want to try for speed on the motocross track or the unpredictable terrain of trail biking. It can speed down a twisty forest road and make quick tight turns around canyon corners. You can also go on the street and go into commuter traffic if you want. This dirt bike is great if you’re still deciding on what type of dirt biking you like best.  

Kawasaki KLX110 

Estimated price: $4,038 

This is a nice “friendly” bike for beginners. It has an easy-to-maneuver compact chassis that’s versatile enough for any rider starting out. The seat is at an optimal height of 680 mm so beginners won’t have trouble planting their feet on the ground as they learn the basics of dirt bike riding. The keyless electric start also means not going through all the trouble of learning how to kickstart an engine. 

The Kawasaki KLX110 has a 112cc air-cooled, four-stroke engine with a sporty race-inspired design. You can learn how to dirt bike while looking cool doing it. Maximise your fun and have a great off-road experience with this incredible lightweight dirt bike. 

KTM 250 SX-F 

Estimated price: $13,918 

Do you have a need for speed? Then, the KTM 250 SX-F is the ideal starter bike for you. It’s one of the most competitive 250cc four-stroke class dirt bikes out there. It’s very lightweight at a little over 26kg and delivers a payload of 47 explosive horsepower. This dirt bike’s engine was specifically designed and tuned for the best performance and handling. 

This KTM dirt bike offers excellent performance straight out of the box—no additional modifications needed (unless you really want to, of course)! What makes the 250 SX-F over the top is its engineering. Created to provide the ultimate user-friendly experience this can help any struggling beginner find their footing.  

Yamaha YZ125 

Estimated price: $ 11,599.00 

The Yamaha YZ125 is a reliable dirt bike with good handling and top-notch specs. It has a powerful, liquid-cooled 125cc two-stroke engine that lets riders accelerate with ease, from mid-rpm to high-rpm power. The KYB suspension performance is unmatched in terms of control, capability, and comfort. It’s built for great suspension and has amazing handling characteristics. 

What makes the YZ125 great for beginners is the rider-friendly chassis. It’s lightweight and finely tuned which makes it easy to handle and gives riders more control. That means less rider fatigue and can help encourage novice riders to gain more skill and confidence. This Yamaha dirt bike is also set up with high-performance braking system, carefully designed ergonomics, and aggressive YZ styling. 

How to choose the right dirt bike for you 

Here are a few tips on how you can find the perfect dirt bike for you: 

  • Know what you want to use it for. There are so many different types, brands, and models of dirt bikes out there. To find the perfect one, you need to know what you want to use it for first. 

  • Consider the bike's weight, size, and height. As a beginner, you need a bike that you can easily control while being resilient and reliable. Find a bike that fits your body dimensions perfectly in terms of weight and height. Ideally, you want something that’s light enough so you can maneuver it with ease while tall enough to give you proper balance. 

  • Think about the merits of buying new versus used. New bikes are a great investment especially if you’re serious about dirt bike riding. However, if you’re still on the fence and just want to try it out, buying a used dirt bike could be a better choice. Many used dirt bikes on the market today still work like a new one but are less expensive. Once you’ve mastered the skill, then you can upgrade to a new bike with the best features that you can now manage. 

  • Do a test drive. The best way to figure out if a dirt bike is right for you is by taking it out for a ride. Get the feel of the dirt bike and see whether it’s a good fit. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the dirt bike too. The more you know, the better when it comes to purchasing a dirt bike. 

By following the points above, you can find your ideal dirt bike as quickly as possible. 

Get good safety gear and equipment 

Before we get ahead of ourselves, remember that there is a certain danger to dirt bike riding and you should always come prepared with the right safety gear and equipment. Here's a quick list of the safety equipment you may need: 

  • Full face helmet 
  • Chest protector
  • Jersey 
  • Pants 
  • Gloves 
  • Knee pads or knee guards 
  • Elbow pads or elbow guards 
  • Motocross goggles 
  • Kidney belt
  • Neck brace 
  • Back protector 
  • Wrist braces 

Plus, a gear bag to put all of your safety gear into. It may seem like a lot but they’re important aspects of dirt bike riding you should consider especially for a beginner.  

Dirt Bike Loan with Aussie 

Whether you want to be a motocross champion or the best trail rider, the first step is buying your first dirk bike. Finance your dirt bike with Aussie and start your adventure now!  

Contact us today for more information on dirt bike loans or get a quick quote here. 

FAQs

What is a dirt bike?

A dirt bike is a motorcycle made for rough terrain and off-roading. These motorcycles are not street-safe and they’re not legal to drive on the road. Dirt bikes are specialised for recreation like motocross and trail riding.

What age can kids start riding dirt bikes?

Kids as young as three or four years old can ride a dirt bike. Just make sure to get the right child-friendly dirt bike for them like a small bike with a 50cc engine.

What size dirt bike should a beginner ride?

For beginners, it’s better to start with smaller and less powerful dirt bikes for easy handling. A dirt bike that’s a 125cc two-stroke or 250cc four-stroke would be ideal. Also, make sure the bike matches the rider’s physique for better maneuverability.

Do I need a licence to ride a dirt bike?

Typically, you don’t need to a motorcycle licence to ride a recreational dirt bike. However, it’s always best to check with your local road administration to see the rules and guidelines in your area.

What safety gear should I wear when riding a dirt bike?

Keep yourself safe while riding your dirt bike with the following safety equipment:

  • Full face helmet 
  • Chest protector
  • Jersey 
  • Pants 
  • Gloves 
  • Knee pads or knee guards 
  • Elbow pads or elbow guards 
  • Motocross goggles 
  • Kidney belt
  • Neck brace 
  • Back protector 
  • Wrist braces 

Can I teach myself how to ride a dirt bike?

If you’re already familiar with motorcycle riding, it’s feasible to teach yourself how to ride a dirt bike. However, for those who are new to dirt bike riding, getting a few lessons from a verified instructor would be best. You can learn all the basics of riding a dirt bike in just a few sessions and go from there.

How fast do dirt bikes go?

Some dirt bikes can go as fast as 100 kilometres an hour depending on the make and model. Most dirt bikes can go up to 70 kilometres an hour.

How often should I maintain my dirt bike?

It depends on how often you use your dirt bike. The general rule is to have your dirt bike serviced every 100 hours of use. You should also do routine maintenance like checking and adjusting tyre pressure, replacing air filters, and oiling the chain before every ride.