The Best Dirt Bikes of 2024 Are the Most Fun You Can Have on Two Wheels

Good times are guaranteed with any two-wheeled vehicle, be it the best motorcycles or UTVs, but no machine is quite as thrilling as the best dirt bikes. You’ll find no posted speed limits or police to enforce them. Wheelies are not only expected but encouraged, and the same rules apply to sliding around corners and turning every random boulder into an impromptu ramp.

Dirt bikes are truly the final frontier of two-wheeled freedom, but getting on the right bike makes all the difference. A newer rider will struggle to enjoy the high-strung engines and sky-high suspension of a dedicated motocross bike, while more experienced race junkies will have little use for recreational two-wheelers.

Below we’ll break down the best dirt bikes of the year in each of the major categories, whether you’re looking for a fire-breathing race bike or an affordable toy to enjoy with family. Our best overall pick is KTM 300XC-W. It combines a new engine, new chassis, and new parts with better throttle response and suspension compared to last's years ripper.

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Best Overall Dirt Bike: KTM 300XC-W

In the world of serious enduro riding, two-stroke engines remain supreme. If you’ve got any doubt about that, look no further than this year’s FIM Hard Enduro World Championship, which saw two-stroke machinery claim the contest’s top-five finishes. The bike you see here took top honors overall under KTM pro rider Manuel Lettenbichler, making it the clear choice for discerning enduro junkies everywhere.

KTM 300XC-W Dirt Bike is an entirely new bike for 2024, benefitting from a completely new engine, chassis, and approximately 95 percent new parts overall. The single most significant update is a much crisper throttle response from KTM’s new and improved TBI (throttle body injection) system, which was notably missing from the 2023 models much to the disappointment of KTM’s ravenous fanbase.

The other major improvement found on the 2024 model is the switch to a closed-cartridge oil-and-spring fork, which KTM says solves the previous model’s inconsistent front-end feel. Out back the shock has been improved as well, but the 300 retains its enduro-focused linkage-free setup for simplicity and maximum ground clearance.

• Engine: 293cc liquid-cooled two-stroke

• Weight: 230 pounds (without fuel)

• Seat Height: 37.9 inches

• Suspension Travel: 11.8 inches

Best Trail Dirt Bike: Yamaha WR250F

Trail bikes can be a tough category to nail down. Some folks want a hardcore closed-course woods racer, while others want a general-use two-wheeler for performance-minded recreation. With that in mind, we’d recommend Yamaha WR250F as the best all-around option, as it wears both hats better than anything without sacrificing all-around capability.

Our favorite part about WR250F is both its engine and chassis are highly adjustable. The motor benefits from two separate fuel maps that can be swapped on the go from the handlebar controls, but owners can also easily custom-tune the output using Yamaha’s wireless Power Tuner app just like its flagship motocrossers. As for the suspension, Yamaha WR250F Dirt Bike comes equipped with high-quality KYB units, front and rear, which can be softened for casual trail use or cranked extra firm for woods racing or even track duty.

We also appreciate that Yamaha is considerably easier to own than your typical high-performance off-road bike, and most of the owners we know happily report going well over 80 hours in between top ends. Considering many manufacturers recommend a piston change as often as every 15 hours, Yamaha WR250F achieves a rare pairing of outstanding performance and above-average affordability.

• Engine: 250cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke

• Weight: 254 pounds (wet)

• Seat Height: 37.6 inches

• Suspension Travel: 12.2 inches

Best Budget Dirt Bike: Honda CRF250F

While high-performance, highly tuned dirt bikes have their place, power always comes at a premium both in terms of monetary cost and added upkeep. If you’re just looking for a traditional dirt bike to enjoy recreationally, Honda CRF250F delivers full-sized fun at half the cost, and also happens to be much more forgiving and user-friendly for your average rider.

Because CRF isn’t beholden to the high standards of competition, Honda is free to design it around the things most riders can actually use and enjoy. The air-cooled engine is a great example, combining low-down torque and bulletproof reliability with the added convenience of fuel injection and an electric starter.

For your money you’re also getting front and rear disk brakes, a proper 18- and 21-inch set of wheels, and well-tuned Showa suspension that’s better suited to recreation than the rock-solid setups found on race bikes. We also appreciate that Honda equips CRF250F with a more approachable 34.8-inch seat height, so while the bike is clearly a full-sized motorcycle for adults, it’s still about 3 inches shorter than your typical sky-high motocrosser.

• Engine: 250cc air-cooled four-stroke

• Weight: 265 pounds (wet)

• Seat Height: 34.8 inches

• Suspension Travel: 8.5 inches

• MSRP: $4,999

Best Dual-Sport Dirt Bike: Suzuki DR650

Reliable, versatile, simple, and capable: These are the hallmarks of a good dual-sport motorcycle, and Suzuki’s DR650 provides them in spades. Yes, there are much lighter, more powerful, and more technologically advanced options out there like Husqvarna 701, KTM 500 EXC-F, and Honda CRF450RL, but they all add unnecessary cost and complexity to a pure form of riding.

DR650 is simply bulletproof, easy to maintain, and endlessly adaptable. It’s got a few shortcomings, most notably its squishy suspension and uncomfortable seat, but with a few inexpensive upgrades from the folks at Procycle, this bike is easily transformed into a turn-key dual sport that’s ready to ride any distance over any terrain. It’s a travel bike, a trail bike, a commuter, and a damn good time on a twisty road—and one that will deliver problem-free service for many years of use and abuse.

• Engine: 644cc air-cooled four-stroke

• Weight: 366 pounds (wet)

• Seat Height: 34.8 inches

• Suspension Travel: 10.2 inches

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Best Lightweight Dual-Sport Dirt Bike: Kawasaki KLX 300

While Suzuki’s big 650 has thoroughly proven its worth over the last three decades, more dirt-focused riders will likely prefer a lighter, more agile machine, especially if they’re interested in the more technical side of dual sport and adventure riding. Kawasaki’s new and improved KLX 300 is our favorite tool for the job because it retains the simplicity and easygoing character we love in a dual sport, but brings 30 years of technological advancements along for the ride as well.

We’ve been riding the KLX for the last few weeks, and overall we’re impressed with it as a versatile all-rounder. Its adjustable suspension works great straight off the showroom floor, and packs enough travel and damping for more aggressive riding and even the odd jump or two. We’re also big fans of its 292cc engine, which delivers solid low-down grunt for technical off-road work while still maintaining some excitement at the top end thanks to the wonders of liquid cooling.

Most importantly, KLX weighs in a full 60 pounds less than the old-school DR, which gives it a more sprightly feel on trails and twisty backroads alike. Despite its modern refinement and improved suspension, Kawasaki still manages to undercut DR by a few hundred dollars on price, leaving you with enough cash left over for mandatory upgrades like aftermarket bars and foot pegs.

• Engine: 292cc liquid-cooled four-stroke

• Weight: 302 pounds

• Seat Height: 35.2 inches

• Suspension Travel: 9.1 inches

Best Play Dirt Bike: Yamaha TW200

Tall, aggressive dirt bikes aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. Sometimes you just want a laid-back machine. Enter Yamaha’s TW200. Fat tires, drum brakes, and an engine that feels like it was pulled straight out of your riding mower, TW200 may lack performance on paper, but it more than makes up for it with oodles of charm and a go-anywhere attitude.

It may not get you anywhere fast, but TW’s torquey little motor is all but impossible to stall and its massive balloon tires simply plow over slick mud, steep hills, and deep sand alike. Yamaha has been building this bike essentially unchanged since it was first introduced in the 1980s, and over the decades the little TW has proven to be both as reliable as an anvil and as useful as a good pocket knife.

It also happens to be dirt cheap to buy, easy to maintain, and it’s even street-legal, so you can quite literally ride it anywhere and everywhere your heart desires year-round. Take it moto camping on the weekends. Take it to the gas station for beer runs. Take it to all your buddy's houses and teach them how to ride. The beloved TW200 deserves a space in every garage.

• Engine: 196cc air-cooled four-stroke

• Weight: 278 pounds (wet)

• Seat Height: 31.1 inches

• Suspension Travel: 5.9 inches

More Dirt Bikes We Love

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What to Consider Before Buying a Dirt Bike

When picking the right dirt bike for you, consider the following factors:

Intended Use

Determine how you plan to use the dirt bike. Are you primarily interested in motocross racing, trail riding, or a mix of both on- and off-road riding?

Experience Level

Consider your riding experience and skill level. Motocross bikes are more suitable for experienced riders, while trail and dual-sport bikes are suitable for beginners and intermediate riders.

Size and Weight

Ensure the dirt bike's size and weight are suitable for your body type and riding preferences. Motocross bikes tend to be lighter and more compact, while trail and dual sport bikes offer a more relaxed riding position and larger frame.

Maintenance

Consider the maintenance requirements of the dirt bike, including regular servicing, parts availability, and ease of repairs. Dual sport bikes may require less maintenance compared to high-performance motocross bikes.

Budget

Set a budget for purchasing the dirt bike, including initial costs, insurance, gear, and maintenance expenses. Compare prices and features to find the best value for your money.

What Type of Dirt Bike Is Best for You?

Off-road motorcycles come in various types, each designed for specific purposes and riding conditions. Here's an overview of the three major styles to inform your decision.

Motocross

• Designed for racing on closed dirt circuits with big and small jumps, jarring whoops, and tight corners

• Boast lightweight frames, high-performance engines, and beefed-up suspensions for advanced, aggressive riding

• Feature pared-down bodywork, knobby tires, and jacked-up ground clearance to soak up bumps, jumps, and rough terrain

• Prioritize agility, speed, and maneuverability for competitive MX racing

Enduro/Trail

• Made to ride on a variety of off-road trails, from smooth dirt paths to challenging mountain trails

• Feature a balance between performance and comfort, with more relaxed ergonomics

• Have softer suspension settings, electric starters, and smoother power delivery for extended rides over varied terrain

• Sometimes come equipped, or can be upgraded, with headlights and taillights to make them adept at night riding or become street legal in some areas

Dual Sport

• Designed for both on- and off-road riding

• Street-legal and can handle a wide range of terrain, from paved roads to dirt trails

• Have features from street and dirt bikes, including moderate suspension travel, lighter-weight construction, and a balanced power delivery

• Equipped with essentials for legal road use like headlights, taillights, turn signals, mirrors, and speedometers

The right dirt bike for you depends on your individual preferences, riding style, and intended use. Take the time to research and test ride different models to find the perfect fit for your needs.

Why You Should Trust Me

When I’m not writing about motorcycles, I’m either riding them or wrenching on them, and have been for two decades now. When it comes to dirt bikes, I found my love for riding off-road in the deserts of Southern California, but nowadays I ride enduro and dual-sport bikes back home in the mountains around North Georgia. I’ve gone without a car a few times in my life, but I’ve always had at least one bike in the garage. There aren’t many lifelong addictions I can recommend in good conscience, but life as a two-wheeled speed junkie certainly has its perks. As a wise man once said, being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube.