Best Dirt Bike Brands (Trail, Enduro, Motocross, Street-Legal, Vintage)

Are you looking for a dirt bike, or are you curious about which company makes the best? Here are the best dirt bike brands for trail riding, enduro, motocross, street legal, and more.

While picking the best depends on what you’re looking for, these are the most popular dirt bike brands out there.

Some (most good ones) are listed in more than one category. These are not duplicates. The dirt bike brands that are listed in multiple categories just so happen to produce one (or more) solid option. For example, I would say that Honda is the best brand of dirt bike because they’re in every category.

Most Popular Dirt Bike Brands

1970’s

In the 1970s, several dirt bike brands emerged as leaders in the industry. With the competition, these companies pushed the boundaries of performance, innovation, and design. Here are some of the best dirt bike brands during that influential era:

• Honda was a dominant force in the 1970s, revolutionizing the dirt bike market with their groundbreaking models. The Honda CR125 set new standards in performance, handling, and reliability. It was an awesome bike.
• Yamaha had a strong presence in the 1970s, making significant strides in motocross and off-road racing. The Yamaha YZ series, such as the Yamaha YZ250 and YZ360, were highly regarded for their power, suspension technology, and competitive performance.
• Husqvarna, a Swedish brand gained a loyal following during the 1970s. Their dirt bikes, including their 250cc, were renowned for their lightweight design, exceptional handling, and competitive performance.
• Kawasaki made a name for itself in the 1970s with its dirt bike offerings. The Kawasaki KX series was known for its powerful engines, sturdy construction, and competitive performance in motocross racing.
• Suzuki emerged as a strong contender in the dirt bike market during the 1970s. Their RM series (RM125 and RM370) were recognized for their performance, handling, and durability.
• Maico, a German brand, was highly regarded for its powerful and robust dirt bikes in the 1970s. Models like the Maico 250 and Maico 400 were known for their potent engines, solid construction, and competitive performance in motocross and off-road racing.

1980’s

In the 1980s, several dirt bike brands were at the forefront of the industry, offering innovative designs, powerful engines, and competitive performance. Here are some of the best dirt bike brands during that era:

• Honda was a dominant force in the 1980s, known for its technological advancements and overall excellence. Their CR series, including models like the Honda CR125, CR250, and CR500, were highly regarded for their performance, handling, and durability.
• Yamaha enjoyed significant success in the 1980s with their YZ series. Models like the Yamaha YZ125, YZ250, and YZ490 were well-regarded for their power, suspension technology, and competitive performance.
• Kawasaki had a strong presence in the motocross and off-road disciplines during the 1980s. Their KX series, such as the Kawasaki KX125, KX250, and KX500, were known for their potent engines, aggressive styling, and competitive performance.
• Suzuki made notable contributions to the dirt bike market in the 1980s. Their RM series, including models like the Suzuki RM125, RM250, and RM465, were recognized for their performance, handling, and durability.
• Husqvarna, a Swedish brand, had a devoted following in the off-road community during the 1980s. Their dirt bikes, including models like the Husqvarna WR125, WR250, and WR430, were renowned for their quality construction, handling, and performance.
• Maico, a German brand, made its mark in the 1980s with its powerful and robust dirt bikes. Models like the Maico 250 and Maico 490 were known for their potent engines, sturdy construction, and competitive performance.

1990’s

In the 1990s, several dirt bike brands were highly regarded for their performance, innovation, and success in the motocross and off-road disciplines. Here are some of the best dirt bike brands during that era:

• Honda was a dominant force in the dirt bike market during the 1990s. Their CR series, including models like the Honda CR125R, CR250R, and CR500R, were renowned for their power, handling, and reliability.
• Yamaha enjoyed considerable success in the 1990s with their YZ series. Models like the Yamaha YZ125, YZ250, and YZ400F were well-regarded for their performance, suspension technology, and durability.
• Kawasaki had a strong presence in the dirt bike scene during that decade. Their KX series, such as the Kawasaki KX125, KX250, and KX500, were known for their powerful engines, aggressive styling, and competitive performance.
• Suzuki was a prominent brand in the 1990s, with their RM series gaining popularity. The Suzuki RM125, RM250, and RM500 were recognized for their performance, handling, and robust construction.
• KTM, a brand known for its off-road prowess, made strides in the motocross and enduro disciplines during the 1990s. Their models like the KTM 125 SX, KTM 250 SX, and KTM 300 EXC offered strong performance, cutting-edge technology, and durability.
• Husqvarna, a Swedish brand, had a strong following in the off-road community during the 1990s. Their dirt bikes, including models like the Husqvarna WR125, WR250, and TE610, were renowned for their agility, performance, and quality.

Present (2023)

There are several dirt bike brands that are considered among the best in terms of overall performance, innovation, and market presence. What is the best dirt bike brand? While opinions may vary depending on personal preferences and specific riding disciplines, here are some of the top dirt bike brands that are highly regarded:

• KTM continues to be a dominant force in the dirt bike industry. Known for its cutting-edge technology, exceptional performance, and extensive lineup of models, KTM is favored by professional riders and enthusiasts across various disciplines.
• Husqvarna, a sister brand of KTM, has made significant strides in recent years. They are known for their premium build quality, innovative features, and outstanding performance in off-road riding, enduro, and motocross.
• Yamaha remains a respected brand in the dirt bike market. Their dirt bike lineup offers a wide range of options for riders of all skill levels, focusing on reliability, versatility, and solid performance.
• Honda’s reputation for producing reliable and user-friendly dirt bikes continues to hold strong. They offer a diverse range of models suitable for different riding styles, from motocross to trail riding and adventure riding.
• Beta, while a smaller brand compared to some others, has gained recognition for its off-road bikes, particularly in enduro and trials. They are known for their precise handling, performance, and attention to detail.
• GasGas has emerged as a prominent brand, especially in the off-road and enduro segments. Their dirt bikes offer great performance, durability, and competitive pricing.
• Sherco, a French brand, has made a name for itself in the enduro and trials disciplines. Their bikes are known for their high-quality components, advanced engineering, and competitive performance.

Best Dirt Bike Brands for Racing

Enduro

When it comes to enduro riding, which combines off-road capabilities with endurance and versatility, several dirt bike brands have established themselves as leaders. Here are some of the best enduro dirt bike brands:

• KTM is widely regarded as one of the top brands for enduro dirt bikes. Their models, such as the KTM EXC and KTM EXC-F series, are known for their exceptional performance, advanced technology, and durability in off-road environments.
• Husqvarna, a sister brand of KTM, has a strong presence in the enduro segment. Their dirt bikes, like the Husqvarna TE and Husqvarna FE series, offer power, handling, and reliability, making them popular among enduro riders.
• Beta has earned a solid reputation in the enduro discipline. Their models, such as the Beta RR and Beta Xtrainer series, are highly regarded for their precise handling, performance, and attention to detail.
• Sherco is a French brand that has gained recognition in the enduro and off-road scene. Their dirt bikes, including the Sherco SE and Sherco SEF series, are known for their quality construction, agility, and competitive performance.
• Yamaha offers a range of enduro bikes that cater to different skill levels and riding preferences. The Yamaha WR series, such as the Yamaha WR250F and Yamaha WR450F, are popular choices for enduro enthusiasts due to their versatility and reliability.
• GasGas, now part of the KTM group, has a strong presence in the enduro discipline. Their models, like the GasGas EC and GasGas EX series, offer a balance of performance, durability, and competitive pricing.

Motocross

When it comes to motocross, there are several top dirt bike brands that are well-regarded for their performance, reliability, and success in racing. Here are some of the best dirt bike brands for motocross:

• KTM is known for its dominance in motocross racing. Their bikes are widely recognized for their exceptional power, cutting-edge technology, and precision handling. The KTM SX-F series, such as the KTM 250 SX-F and KTM 450 SX-F, are popular choices among motocross riders.
• Yamaha has a strong presence in motocross with its YZ series. These bikes are renowned for their performance, durability, and versatility. The Yamaha YZ250F and Yamaha YZ450F are popular models among motocross enthusiasts.
• Honda has a long-standing reputation in motocross. Their CRF series, including the Honda CRF250R and Honda CRF450R, offer powerful and responsive engines, great handling, and the latest technology available. Honda dirtbikes are one of the most preferred by professional racers, as well as amateurs like you and me.
• Kawasaki has a rich history in motocross and offers a range of bikes suitable for different skill levels. The Kawasaki KX series, such as the Kawasaki KX250 and Kawasaki KX450, are known for their strong performance, robust build, and excellent suspension.
• Husqvarna, a sister brand of KTM, has made a name for itself in motocross. Their bikes are celebrated for their lightweight design, agility, and exceptional performance. The Husqvarna FC series, including the Husqvarna FC 250 and Husqvarna FC 450, are popular choices in motocross racing.
• Suzuki dirt bikes have a loyal following in motocross. The Suzuki RM series, such as the Suzuki RM-Z250 and Suzuki RM-Z450, are known for their powerful engines, responsive handling, and competitive performance. Although, if you want to figure out what dirt bike brand is the best for you, you should probably ride a few different ones.

Best Dirt Bike Brands for Beginners

Street Legal

Street-legal dirt bikes, also known as dual-sport motorcycles, are designed to be ridden both on and off-road. They offer the versatility of handling city streets as well as venturing onto dirt trails. Here are some of the best street-legal dirt bike brands:

• KTM offers an impressive lineup of street-legal dirt bikes that excel both on and off-road. Models like the 500 EXC-F and 690 Enduro R, combine power, agility, and street-legal features making them excellent dual-sports.
• Husqvarna, a sister brand of KTM, also produces street-legal dirt bikes that are highly regarded. The Husqvarna FE and TE series, like the FE 501 and TE 300i, are balanced for off-road and street.
• Yamaha has a strong presence in the dual-sport segment with its WR series. Models like the Yamaha WR250R and Yamaha WR450F provide a combination of off-road prowess and street-legal features. This brand is a very popular choice for many different riders.
• Honda offers a range of street-legal dirt bikes that cater to both beginners and experienced riders. The Honda CRF series includes models such as the Honda CRF250L and Honda CRF300L Rally. These models offer a blend of on-road comfort and off-road capabilities.
• Beta is known for its off-road bikes, but they also have street-legal dual-sport models. The Beta RR-S series, including the Beta 390 RR-S and Beta 500 RR-S, are renowned for their performance and versatility. Because of this, they allow riders to tackle various terrains.
• While Suzuki’s off-road lineup is more prominent, they have the Suzuki DR650S, a reliable and capable street-legal dirt bike. The DR650S combines a powerful engine with comfortable ergonomics, making it suitable for both on and off-road adventures.

Trail Bikes

The following trail dirt bike brands have a strong reputation for producing great bikes. These are the best dirt bike brands for trail riding:

• KTM (again) is known for its reliability and cutting-edge performance. Their dirtbikes are favored by professional riders and enthusiasts alike. The KTM XC and EXC models are specifically designed for off-road and trail riding.
• Yamaha is no stranger in the trail-riding market. The Yamaha YZ and WR series are popular choices, known for their durability, power, and versatility. Whether you go with a Yamaha WR250 or 450F, you should expect a solid dirt bike.
• Honda is known for being reliable and user-friendly. The Honda CRF series, such as the CRF250X and CRF450X, are specifically designed for off-road and trail riding, offering a balance of performance and comfort. (These are my personal favorites!)
• Husqvarna dirt bikes are renowned for their exceptional handling, power, and durability. The Husqvarna TE and FE series are popular choices among trail riders, with models designed for different skill levels and terrains.
• Kawasaki dirt bikes are known for their power and ruggedness. The Kawasaki KX and KLX series offer a range of options suitable for motocross and trail riding, with the KLX models focusing more on woods-riding. For example, a seasoned trail rider looking for a more aggressive dirtbike might choose a Kawasaki KX250X, while a beginner would be better off with a KLX 230R.
• Beta is highly regarded for its off-road bikes, but they are a lesser-known brand. For example, the Beta RR series is designed for enduro and trail riding and offers excellent performance and agility.