What dirt bike is best for trail riding

motocross biker

If you’re looking for a dirt bike that can handle anything the trails throw at you, you’ve come to the right place. 

We’ll explore some of the best dirt bikes for trail riding, including the Yamaha YZ125X (2 stroke), Honda CRF450RX 2023, KTM 250 SX-F and Yamaha TTR230. 

Each of these bikes offer something special, so take a look and see which one stands out to you. 

With features like 2cc 2-stroke engines, 8” (960 mm) wheels and 228 lb (103.4 kg) no fuel weights, these bikes are built for the trails. 

So get ready for an adventure – let’s find your perfect trail riding dirt bike!

Yamaha YZ125X (2-stroke)

Powersports Radar’s Grade: Intermediate

2023_YZ125X

The Yamaha YZ125X is the perfect two stroke option for those looking to take their trail riding to the next level. 

This light and nimble dirt bike is perfectly equipped to handle the fast-paced trails and play racing you’ll encounter. 

With its snappy engine, lightweight composition and superior handling, the YZ125X is ideal for both beginners and experienced riders alike. 

So if you’re looking for a dirt bike that can keep up with your wildest rides, then you’ve come to the right place with the Yamaha YZ125X.

Also check out this article about its 4 stroke twin here: Is Yamaha YZ125 A Good Beginner Bike and find out if a 125cc bike is big enough for you.

Husqvarna TE

Powersports Radar’s Grade: Advanced

HQV-23-TE-300

If you’re looking for a reliable and powerful dirt bike for trail riding, then the Husqvarna TE is an excellent choice. 

This bike is powered by a 449cc single cylinder engine, making it one of the most powerful dirt bikes on the market. 

It has a six-speed transmission and a lightweight aluminum frame. 

The suspension has been tuned specifically for trail riding, so you can feel confident taking it off-road. 

The Husqvarna TE has an impressive list of features that make it perfect for trail riding, including a low seat height, wide handlebars, and adjustable foot pegs. 

The Husqvarna TE is sure to provide an enjoyable ride for the more experienced riders, simply due to its brute force on the trail which might be a bit much for a beginner.

Honda CRF450RX 2023

Powersports Radar’s Grade: Advanced

Honda CRF250RX

The Honda CRF450RX 2023 is the perfect off-road race bike for those who want the power and precision of a factory motocrosser, with the added bonus of fine tuning. 

Recently tested at Chocolate Mountain Ranch and Honda Valley, all riders agreed that this machine has been given the magic touches that make it the ideal enduro ride. 

It’s light, fast and can take a beating and keep on competing, so you’ll feel like you’re cutting through the competition with ease. 

So if you want a bike that can go from trail to track with ease, then the CRF450RX 2023 is the bike for you.

KTM 250 SX-F

Powersports Radar’s Grade: Intermediate

250-sxf

The KTM 250 SX-F is an ideal choice for riders dedicated to racing and high-speed, aggressive trail riding. 

It is a lightweight, well-rounded bike powered by a 1-cylinder, 4-stroke engine with front and rear disc brakes for surer stops. 

It is comparable to its 450cc big brother, the KTM 450 SX-F, and takes the traditional 2-stroke motocross style to an all-new, gnarlier level. 

With its exceptional power and precision, this bike will give you the confidence you need to conquer the most demanding terrain.

Yamaha TTR230

Powersports Radar’s Grade: Beginner

TTR-230

The Yamaha TTR230 is a great option for those who are looking for an accessible trail bike that’s suitable for a wide range of riders. 

With its air-cooled, four-stroke engine and competition-style flat seat/tank junction, this bike provides good rider mobility and is perfect for tackling everything from flat dirt to stony hikes. 

From kids to adults, the TTR230 has been designed to ride with you through and beyond being a beginner, making it an excellent choice for those who are just getting into dirt biking. 

With proper maintenance, this reliable machine will provide you with hours of fun on the trails.

Yamaha YZ250F

Powersports Radar’s Grade: Intermediate

2023_YZ250F

The Yamaha YZ250F is the perfect choice for experienced trail riders looking for a reliable and powerful two-stroke machine. 

This bike has been a favorite of riders for years due to its excellent engine performance and lightweight build that make it great for tight, technical trails. 

It also features an easy-to-adjust suspension system with adjustable damping and preload settings, allowing you to customize your ride to your specific terrain. 

Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled ride or a smooth and comfortable experience, the Yamaha YZ250F is sure to deliver.

Suzuki RM-Z450

Powersports Radar’s Grade: Advanced

RM-Z450

The Suzuki RM-Z450 has certainly made its mark in the motocross world with its sleek, race-ready appearance, strong engine, and nimble chassis. 

This bike is definitely a champion’s choice! 

With three programmable couplers that can be tuned via Suzuki’s MX Tuner 2.0 system, you can make sure your ride is always tailored to your preferences. 

Plus, the fuel-injected engine is based on Suzuki’s winning open-class motocrosser and comes with all the trail-ready features you need to stay in control. 

So if you’re looking for a reliable dirt bike to help you conquer the trails, the RM-Z450 should be at the top of your list.

Kawasaki KX450F

Powersports Radar’s Grade: Advanced

KX450

If you’re looking for a powerful, championship-winning motocross bike, then the Kawasaki KX450F is definitely worth considering. 

It’s built with mid- to expert-level riders in mind and has a 449cc engine that produces around 55 horsepower. 

It also has championship-proven technology and is designed for cross-country competition, making it the perfect choice for veteran or senior riders. 

Unlike the Yamaha YZ125X, Husqvarna TE, or Honda CRF450RX 2023, this bike offers superior power and acceleration. 

If you want to take your motocross game to the next level, the KX450F might just be the perfect choice for you.

Honda CRF250RX

Powersports Radar’s Grade: Intermediate

CRF450RX

The Honda CRF250RX is an ideal bike for trail riding. 

It offers easy, reliable performance and is packed with features that make it perfect for both new beginners and experienced riders. 

The new, more forgiving chassis of the ’22 model makes it even more capable on the trail, offering sharp handling and a light feel. 

Plus, with its customizable options, you can tailor your CRF250RX to your own needs and preferences. 

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, the Honda CRF250RX is the perfect bike for all your trail riding adventures.

Conclusion

There are so many great dirt bikes on the market right now, it can be difficult to decide which one is best for trail riding. 

Each model has its own unique set of features and specifications that can make it the perfect fit for you. 

The Yamaha YZ125X, Husqvarna TE, Honda CRF450RX 2023, KTM 250 SX-F, Yamaha TTR230, Yamaha YZ250F, Suzuki RM-Z450 and Kawasaki KX450F are all great options for trail riding, considering your current skill level. 

Each bike provides excellent handling and performance, so it’s important to consider your own riding style and preferences before making a final decision. 

My best advice is to visit your local dealer and take a few of these models for a spin.

This way you will feel the bike in real life and will be able to make an informed decision.

Getting a new dirt bike is always super exciting, and I wish you the very best on this journey!

P.S. If you’re a beginner, you might want to start out with something like the Honda CRF230F – it has a comfortable seat and soft suspension to help you navigate rough terrain with ease (I haven’t included this bike here as “trail bike” but it can provide the perfect introduction to trail riding).