If you enjoy off-roading and want to take your adventures to the next level, dirt biking is the way to do it. Dirt bikes pack all the fun and excitement of off-roading on an ATV or four-wheeler–but deliver more speed, power, and adrenaline-rushing thrills.
When buying a dirt bike–whether for yourself or your little one who is interested in dirt biking as a sport–you’ll first have to know which dirt bike brands are the most popular and reputable. After all, when barrelling at speeds of up to 60 mph, you won’t want you (or your child) riding just any bike. You’ll want the most trusted bike in the industry.
Key Takeaway
- When it comes to brands, bigger doesn’t always mean better. While the biggest names in the industry rally the support of the dirt bike community, a lack of popularity isn’t always a reflection of the company’s commitment to product quality and innovation.
A Guide to Top Dirt Bike Manufacturers
As with any other motorized vehicle, brand matters when you’re buying a dirt bike. Some brands, such as Honda and Yamaha, have been around for years and have built a reputation for producing high-quality, reliable dirt bikes.
Other brands, such as GasGas and Sherco, are much newer and less popular, but that doesn’t mean they don’t produce dependable dirt bikes. Understanding each brand and the different models they offer will help you make an informed purchase.
Honda Powersports
While Honda is best known for producing some of the most reliable and durable cars in the automotive industry, the brand has also earned a glowing reputation in the dirt bike industry. Like its vehicles, Honda specializes in durability and longevity, and its dirt bikes can last upwards of 20 years.
While Honda is more well-known for producing professional-grade dirt bikes, the brand also sells a selection of beginner-friendly models. Regardless of which Honda dirt bike you purchase, however, it’s sure to be comfortable, and reliable.
Top Models from Honda Powersports
Here are some of their top dirt bike models:
- Honda CRF 450-R – best overall Honda dirt bike
- Honda CRF 50F – best bike for beginners
- Honda XR 650L – best for speed and off-roading
KTM
If you’re looking for the underdog of the dirt bike industry, KTM is one dirt bike brand that doesn’t get nearly enough attention from the general public. While KTM is less popular with non-dirt bike enthusiasts, those in the dirt bike world immediately know a KTM bike when they see it.
KTM is based in Austria and is one of the only European dirt bike makers to grace our best-of list. In addition to being known for their trademark orange dirt bikes, KTM is famous for having some of the world’s best racing, off-road, and cross-country dirt bikes. Some of their bikes can hit 123 mph!
Top Models from KTM
Here are their top models:
- KTM 250 XC-F – best overall KTM dirt bike
- KTM 350 EXC-F – best off and on-road dual-purpose bike
- KTM 450 SX-F – best for speed and racing
Yamaha
Yamaha is another top Japanese brand that has been making dirt bikes for more than 50 years. While they’re famous for being one of the top motorcycle manufacturers in the world, they’re also extremely popular in the dirt biking realm.
Because Yamaha dirt bikes are known to be some of the fastest and most durable in the industry, they’re a popular choice for professional racers. However, Yamaha also makes beginner-friendly trail bikes if you’re a novice looking for a high-quality dirt bike. Here are some of their best-selling models (whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider).
Popular Models from Yamaha
- Yamaha YZ-125 – best for beginners
- Yamaha YZ-450F – best overall Yamaha dirt bike
- Yamaha WR 250-F– best for street and road use
Suzuki
For more than half a century, Suzuki has been one of the world’s top producers of dirt bikes. They’re best known for making some of the industry’s most reliable, long-lasting, and dependable dirt bikes.
While Suzuki is best known for their racing and jumping dirt bikes (more specifically, their motocross-ready RM series), they also produce bikes for road use. Here are some of the top Suzuki models to choose from:
- Suzuki RM-Z 250 – best overall Suzuki dirtbike
- Suzuki DR 650S – best for road and dirt use
- Suzuki DR-Z 400 – best for motocross sports
Kawasaki
The final Japanese company on our list of best dirt bike brands is Kawasaki–a name that’s synonymous with motorized sports, as they produce some of the best four-wheelers, ATVs, jet skis, and more. They’re also famous for being the first non-American company to produce dirt bikes within the US.
Where the brand KTM is known for orange bikes, Kawasaki is famous for their trademark lime green color. They’re also famous for offering a versatile and diverse range of dirt bikes, all of which are durable, reliable, and powerful. Here are some of their top options:
- Kawasaki KX 450SR – best overall Kawasaki dirt bike
- Kawasaki KLX110-R – best for road use and beginners
- Kawasaki KLR650 – best for off-roading and rough terrain
Husqvarna
As with Honda and Yamaha, dirt bikes usually aren’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Husqvarna. Instead, the European brand is most famous for producing small engine tools, such as weed-eaters, lawnmowers, and leaf blowers.
However, they’ve also been producing top-notch dirt bikes since the 1960s, and have staked their claim in the dirt biking world. They make a wide range of motocross, racing, and enduro bikes and pride themselves on having something for everyone.
Top Models from Husqvarna
Here are their top models:
- Husqvarna TC50 – best for beginners
- Husqvarna Norden 901 – best for off-road and on-road dual use
- Husqvarna 701 Enduro – best overall Husqvarna dirt bike
Zero Motorcycles
If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional gas-powered dirt bikes, consider Zero Motorcycles. Zero is a California-based brand that attempts to bring all-electric dirt bikes to the mainstream market.
While they’re one of the newest brands on the market, they’re quickly growing in popularity due to their high-quality and eco-friendly motocross and enduro machines. In addition to saving the environment, their bikes are lightweight, durable, and capable of reaching 80 mph. Who said eco-friendliness had to come at the cost of speed?
Note that they currently only make two all-terrain models for off-road use, the FX and FXE.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning on some off-road riding or a cruise down the highway, a dirt bike opens the door to both possibilities. Once you’ve signed off on your new dirt bike, you’ll need somewhere to store it.
While more affordable than motorcycles, dirt bikes are a sizable investment—and one that’s worth protecting. If you don’t have room in your home garage, consider using Neighbor, a peer-to-peer vehicle storage marketplace, to find safe, affordable vehicle storage near you.
Storing your dirt bike with Neighbor will protect it from ice, snow, and other weather elements that can cause significant damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Dirt Bike Brand Is the Best?
There are many dirt bike brands to choose from. Yamaha, Kawasaki, or KTM are often considered the best, but they’re far from the only brands on the market.
What’s the Best Beginner Dirt Bike?
All of the dirt bike brands featured on the list have excellent beginner models to choose from. The Yamaha YZ-125 and Honda CRF 50-F are two of the best, but Suzuki and KTM also make good beginner bikes.
What Is the Best 4-Stroke Dirt Bike Brand?
Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha qualify as the best four-stroke dirt bike brands.
What Manufacturer Sells the Most Dirt Bikes?
Honda is the leading manufacturer in the dirt bike industry, with a market share of over 20% and sales exceeding 250,000 units worldwide in 2021.
What Makes a Good Dirt Bike Brand?
The best dirt bike brands have a reputation for producing reliable, durable, and easy-to-use products. Speed, power, and innovation are also important, but not as much as reliability.
