In my and many others’ opinions, riding dirt bikes is one of the most fun and satisfying hobbies to take up in your spare time. And with the new year off to an exciting start, there’s a lot in store if you’re seeking the best dirt bike for beginners – with some of these bikes even being viable for you A and B class riders. In 2024, we have more brands to choose from, more models to choose from, and even the choice of going electric versus sticking with the tried and true gasoline-powered engines. This top 10 list will give you the best options, whether you’ll primarily be riding trails or hitting jumps and berms – you will even see a few E-bikes in the mix too!
- 2024 Honda CRF150R
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Base MSRP: $5,399
Honda The Honda CRF150R is a premier choice if you’ve grown out of your 65cc as well as a great option if you’re an adult looking to get into dirt bikes. On top of this, the CRF150R is also well-equipped for experienced riders who want a play bike/pit bike. The CRF150R comes in two submodels, the R and the RB – which are small wheel and big wheel versions, respectively.
Engine 149.7cc water-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke Valve Train Unicam®, four-valve; 26mm intake, steel; 22.5mm exhaust, steel Transmission Close-ratio 5-speed manual Seat Height 32.8 in. (R), 34.1 in. (RB) Wheel Size 17″ front & 14″ rear (R), 19″ front & 16″ rear (RB) Fuel Type Gasoline Unlike the Honda CRF150F, the CRF150R features a liquid-cooled engine while also utilizing higher compression – making it feel like a smaller version of the CRF250R. On top of this, full motocross suspension comes on the 150R right off of the showroom floor – making it a direct competitor with 85cc two-stroke motocross bikes. All of this combined equates to a dirt bike that is manageable for beginners, but also powerful enough for seasoned racers without the need for additional modifications.
- Sur-ron Light Bee
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New MSRP: $4,400
Sur-Ron, over the recent years, has emerged as one of the biggest names in terms of electric dirt bikes. These bikes led the forefront of e-bikes until more affordable and higher performance options such as Talaria and E-Ride came to the market. While there are other options that may prove more effective in terms of cost and performance, the Sur-Ron Light Bee is still the leader of electric dirt bikes when it comes to upgradeability.
Motor PMSM motor (peak efficiency: 95.60%) Drive Belt driven Transmission Primary Belt & 420 Drive Chain, 1:7.6 gear ratio Seat Height 84-88cm Wheel Size 19 x 1.4 Wire-Spoke Wheels Front/Rear, Alloy Hubs Fuel Type Electric There are a few other models made by Sur-Ron, but for 2024 the Light Bee is likely to be the only option made available to the United States. Various performance upgrades are available, as well as a plethora of cosmetic upgrades making this a perfect bike for a beginner. As your skill level grows and you become more comfortable on the bike, these upgrades will come into play, allowing you to become a highly skilled dirt bike rider – regardless of the riding you prefer.
- Talaria Sting R MX4
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New MSRP: $4,500.00
The Talaria Sting R MX4 is a revolutionary machine within the electric dirt bike market. For those of you who aren’t hip in the e-bike scene, the Sting R MX4 has another nickname known by many riders – and that is the “Sur-Ron Killer”.
Motor PMSM motor (peak efficiency: 92%) Drive Chain driven Transmission Gearbox & chain drive, 8,35 gear ratio Seat Height 870MM Wheel Size Wire wheels, 19″ front & rear Fuel Type Electric It may be self-explanatory as to why us riders call the MX4 the Sur-Ron Killer, but for those who would like an explanation – this bike beats the Light Bee in terms of performance, top speed, and in my opinion, styling – all while having a cheaper price tag than the Sur-Ron Light Bee.
- ERide Pro SS
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New MSRP: $4,899.00
The E-Ride Pro SS is one of the newest e-bikes to hit the market, and its arrival has made shockwaves within the electric dirt bike scene. This bike features a 72V battery from the factory, making it one of the most powerful stock e-bikes.
Motor 5KW RATED / 12KW PEAK POWER Drive Belt driven Wheel Size FR. 70/100-19; RR. 70/100-19 Fuel Type Electric While it is true that the E-Ride Pro SS tacks a few hundred dollars on top of the price when compared to the Sur-Ron, this is easily made up for by the dramatically increased power, range, and performance of the bike.
- Honda CRF125F
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New MSRP: $3,899
Honda The Honda CRF125F is similar to the CRF150R in that it is a bike geared towards adults and teenagers. This dirt bike is quite a bit more timid when compared to the 150R – and for perfect reasoning. Trail riding, putting around the backyard, or even cruising through the pits at a motocross race are where the CRF125F shines.
Engine 124.9cc air-cooled 25º single-cylinder four-stroke Valve Train SOHC; 2 valves Transmission Constant-mesh 4-speed return; manual Seat Height 29.1 in./30.9 in.(Big wheel) Wheel Size 17″ front 14″ rear/19″ front 16″ rear (Big wheel) Fuel Type Gasoline Please don’t take this bike for granted, however, as the CRF125F is one of the most popular choices for riders like me and my competitors – who like to modify pit bikes and run them in the East Coast Mini Moto series. With the right modifications, the CRF125F can be just as fast – if not faster than a CRF150R on a flat track OR motocross track.
- Suzuki DR-Z125L
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New MSRP: $3,599
The Suzuki DR-Z125 has been a direct competitor with the CRF125F as well as the now-extinct KLX125 for years – and while the KLX125 is no longer an option from the showroom floor, this just makes the DR-Z125L that much more desirable.
Engine 124cc, four-stroke, single-cylinder, SOHC, air-cooled engine Transmission Five-speed transmission with link-type, foot-operated gearshift system Seat Height 32-inch Wheel Size 19-inch front/16-inch rear Fuel Type Gasoline For decades, DR-Z125s and KLX125s have reigned superiority over the competition in the form of pit bike racing. Whether it be flat track, mini moto, or even supermoto – these bikes have proven they are undoubtedly one of the most worthwhile options to go with. This is due to not only the impressive rideability, comfort, and reliability – but also the aftermarket options. Unlike a Honda CRF125F, these bikes are capable of being bored out to 190cc – making a 143cc kit for a CRF125F laughable.. even if it is a stroker.
- Kawasaki KLX140R
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New MSRP: $3,699
If you were not already aware, the KLX140R is the successor to the KLX125. And while many riders praise this bike, there are other riders like myself who prefer to stick to a CRF125F, KLX125 , or DR-Z125L due to the lighter weight and variety of aftermarket upgrades
Engine 4-stroke single, SOHC, air-cooled Transmission 5-speed, return shift, with wet multi-disc manual clutch Seat Height 30.7 in Wheel Size 19-inch front/16-inch rear Fuel Type Gasoline There is a solid argument with the KLX140R, however, and that is the higher displacement from the factory. And unless you’re a highly skilled rider, chances are – you won’t notice the heavier weight with the KLX140R versus a KLX125. This means this bike is great for beginners, and still allows for the option of upgrades later on (once you’ve improved in skill and experience, of course!).
- Stark Varg
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New MSRP: $12,900
The Stark Varg (from Barcelona) is a revolutionary dirt bike. This is the only electric dirt bike capable of competing with modern 250cc and 450cc motocross bikes, apart from the Alta – which is no longer being produced.
Motor Alpha 80HP motor Weight 118 kg Seat Height 37.32 in. Wheel Size 21″ front, 19″ rear (optional 18″ rear for trail riding) Fuel Type Electric Chances are, if you’re a fan of dirt bikes, you’ve heard of this monster of an E-bike. And if you haven’t, I’ll go ahead and put things into perspective for you. The Stark is incredibly more powerful than the newest, most powerful fuel-injected 450cc motocross bike available. This is no Sur-Ron or Talaria either – the Stark Varg is built to be a full-blown motocross bike, with high-quality parts that make it ride just as good, if not better than the top-dollar KTM models or even the new Triumph TF 250-X. While it’s true that this dirt bike carries quite a hefty price tag, Top MX has yet to see anyone ride it to its full potential.
You may be thinking – this is a list of dirt bikes for beginners.. Why is this beast of a dirt bike on the list? Well – this is another area where the Stark Varg proves it is worthy for a variety of riders. A smartphone-like device (that comes with the dirt bike) mounts on to the handlebars, allowing you to modify, limit, or adapt the power levels of this dirt bike, making for an extremely adaptable ride.
- Yamaha YZ125
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New MSRP: From $7,199
Via Pexels The Yamaha YZ125 has been one of, if not the most popular options for beginner riders and young amateurs alike. The platform is proven and has only slightly changed over the last two or so decades, making it easy to swap parts, while also helping these dirt bikes to stay relevant. With that being said – YZ125s are easily found used, and you can bet they will stick around for years to come.
Engine Single cylinder 125cc two-stroke Transmission five- or six-speed manual sequential gearbox (depending on year) Seat Height 38.6 in. Wheel Size 21″ front, 19″ rear Fuel Type Gasoline While the YZ125 is oriented towards motocross riding, it is easily adapted to ride trails, flat tracks, hill climbs, supermoto, and much more. When it comes to upgradeability, the YZ125 has just as many, if not more options than a Honda CRF100 or CRF125F. Do keep in mind, however, that the YZ125 is a two-stroke motocross bike – meaning it is comparable to a 250cc four-stroke in size and power.
- Triumph TF 250-X
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New MSRP: $9,995.00
Triumph The Triumph TF 250-X is, at the moment, the newest motocross bike to hit the market, and boy has it made some waves. Sure, if you’re an absolute beginner – you’ll probably want to steer clear of this spectacle of a motocross bike. However, If you’re someone who knows how to ride a dirt bike, and may be looking to start racing motocross, this is the best option available.
Engine Single Cylinder 4-Stroke DOHC Transmission Wet Multi-Plate Belleville Spring, 5 Speed Wet Weight 229lbs Seat Height 37.8” (960mm) Wheel Size 21″ x 1.6″ front, 19″ x 1.85″ rear Fuel Type Gasoline This dirt bike was left in the dark for months, if not years, since Ricky Carmichael began working with Triumph to bring this project to life in 2021. Top MX just recently (and eagerly so) observed this project come to fruition, with riders Jalek Swoll and Evan Ferry piloting this monster of a 250F to its debut during the fifth round of the 2024 Monster Energy Supercross in Detroit, Michigan.
