The Best Dirt Bikes for Trail Riding [TOP MODELS REVIEWED]

With various models to choose from, purchasing the best dirt bikes for trail riding is never simple. It requires extensive research and a good comprehension of the top models with excellent features. So what are the best bikes for trail riding?

The KTM 250 SX-F, Yamaha YZ125, Honda CRF450RX, Kawasaki KX450XC, and Honda CRF250F are the top dirt bikes for trail riding that hardly disappoint. The five models boast excellent endurance, power, performance, durability, and reliability. In addition, they are stylishly-designed and well-balanced machines for trail riding.

If you are looking for a trail bike that will enable you to explore the outdoors with lots of ecstasies, then you should read this article to the end.

Table of Contents

Features Of The Dirt Bikes For Trail Riding

To ensure that you do not purchase the wrong dirt bike, you should familiarize yourself with some of the features that define a perfect dirt bike for trail riding.

The Suspension

The suspension of a dirt bike for trail riding needs to have the capacity to take up the abuse of big jumps and cornering at high speed. When riding on the rough terrain, you do not expect a smooth ride, and you ought to ensure that your suspension is designed to handle any situation that might come your way.

Protection

Your safety should always come first whenever you are out for a trail riding. Therefore, before purchasing your dirt bike, you need to look into full protection skid plates, radiator guards, and quality gloves to protect your controls and hands.

A Larger Fuel Tank

Having a larger fuel tank is convenient as it ensures that you have a long ride time without stopping to refill your tank.

Other trail dirt bikes' main features include;

A lower torque
Soft suspension
Wider gear ratios to handle more varied riding conditions
Quality lights for nighttime riding
Reliability and durability

250cc Trail Bike

Is a 250cc trail bike suitable for beginners? If it is your first time getting into dirt bike riding, it is prudent to consider facts such as your skills, height, experience, and weight before getting your first bike. A 250cc trail bike is not pretty advanced and can be an excellent option for you. However, there are more factors that you should consider when shopping for a trail bike.

What Is The Best Dirt Bike For Trail Riding?

This is the common question that many people ask themselves whenever they think of investing their money in a dirt bike for trail riding.

The overall best dirt bike for trail riding is the Honda CRF250F. The Honda product is an all air-cooled with a dual-camshaft design. Interestingly, it does not have a pesky carburetor to deal with because the EFI auto is designed to compensate for it.

Other reasons that make the Honda CRF250F an excellent bike for trail riding include:

Excellent reliability
Availability of Plenty of mods
Low seat height hence a low center of gravity
Smooth power curve with incredible torque

Best Trail Dirt Bike

If you are a real off-road enthusiast, you will not fancy settling on the first dirt bike model that you come across. Here is a list of the best trail dirt bikes that you can closely examine before choosing one for your off-road adventures.

The Yamaha YZ125

If you are looking for a light, nimble, and quick bike, then the Yamaha YZ125 is your bike. Most riders who have had an experience with Yamaha YZ125 said that it is a perfect bike for gathering new skills and experience. Additionally, it is fun to ride as it offers more control and excellent handling.

Features and Benefits

Two-stroke power – While it is only 125cc, it is fast and unpredictable, making it enjoyable even for experienced riders. Its engine produces excellent acceleration and enhanced mid-to-high-rpm power.
Lightweight Frame – The Yamaha YZ125 boasts an aluminum semi-double-cradle frame to provide the needed strength and flexibility for perfect stability and cornering performance.
Highly quality Braking System – Trail riding demands that your bike have a quality braking system for safety. The Yamaha YZ125's unique braking system has excellent power while reducing the unsprung weight.
Rider-friendly Chassis – With a rider-friendly chassis, you are assured of agile handling, excellent control, and less fatigue when riding the dirt bike. It is indeed a perfect platform for furthering riding skills and gaining confidence.

The KTM 250 SX-F

The KTM 250 SX-F is possibly the fastest dirt bike in its category. With its excellent balance and agility, you get the confidence to push yourself to limits. In addition, the Brembo hydraulic clutch and brakes are exceptional when it comes to fostering your safety on rough, unforgiving terrains.

Features and Benefits

The KTM 250 SX-F suspension – The dirt bike boasts a WP Xact air and Xact shock for comfort. The air fork is lighter and easy to adjust, and it also costs less. If you are an aggressive rider, the suspension settings on the KTM are just perfect for you.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance – The KTM 250 SX-F produces excellent horsepower powered by a liquid-cooled, DOHC 250cc four-stroke engine. Further, the bike is best known for its low-end power performance and rpm recovery traits.
Handling – The proven chassis and its lightweight make it easy to maneuver. It offers excellent stability, effortless cornering, and an enjoyable speed. The narrow bodywork is another characteristic that makes the bike more exciting to many riding enthusiasts.
Brakes – The KTM 250 SX-F has an excellent system. Its quality braking system makes it easy to bring the machine to a quick stop.
Fuel economy and real-world MPG – One essential feature that sets the KTM 250 SX-F apart is its fuel-economy characteristics.
Ergonomics – The KTM 250 SX-F has a large and roomy cockpit for comfort and utility. Additionally, it has comfortable seats and exceptional ODI lock-on grips.
General quality – The KTM 250 SX-F is a highly reliable four-stroke dirt bike with an excellent engine, suspension, and chassis and sells at a reasonable price for its features.

Honda CRF250F

For most riders, the Honda CRF250F combines old-school sturdiness and modern designs. It is excellent for both beginners and experienced riders who desire to get the most out of trail riding adventure without worrying about an empty fuel tank. Further, the Honda CRF250F does not require excessive effort to start and control the bike.

Features and Benefits

The single-cylinder engine is light, simple, and fuel-efficient, with plenty of power and torque in all areas, making it ideal for a varied rider experience.
Clear-running engine –With its fuel injection, it meets California's stringent CARB emission, which is good news if California is your riding destination.
Handling – Strong, lightweight frame for reliability
Comfortable seat position
Features a counterbalanced engine

Kawasaki KX450XC

The Kawasaki KX450XC is powered by the technology of champions and designed to handle the most challenging terrain. It is one of the best machines that you can get for excellent riding.

Features and Benefits

Engine Performance – The fuel-injected 449cc four-stroke engine delivers a hard-hitting power and flat torque for quick acceleration. Further, the electric start makes the engine start fast.
Chassis Performance – The legendary chassis is lean and lightweight for the agile handling of the bike—the aluminum perimeter assists in keeping the overall weight down while at the same time promoting slim ergonomics.
Cross-country capabilities – The Kawasaki KX450XC is designed to provide you with excellent capabilities to handle rugged trails with less rider fatigue.
Ergonomics – Trail riding is supposed to be enjoyable, and this is precisely why the Kawasaki KX450XC has a narrow frame and minimalist bodywork to facilitate a perfect fit.

Honda CRF450RX

The Honda CRF450RX engine has excellent midrange power, exceptional for rugged terrains. Honda CRF450RX's peak is perfect in almost every situation. If you are looking for a quality dirt bike for cruising trails, then this is the bike that you should get.

Features and Benefits

Latest-generation chassis is lighter, slimmer, and more stable
Engine 450cc
The transmission speed of a 6-speed
Seat height 37 inch
Tank capacity 2,1 gallons (8 L)

Also read: Best Dirt Bike Training Wheels Reviewed [TOP MODELS]

Conclusion

The above list of the best dirt bikes for trail riding is a mention of a few. Having a wide range of dirt bikes makes it easy for you to settle on the best to meet your requirements. The Honda CRF250F is our recommendation for a great and memorable trail riding experience as it boasts numerous exciting features.