Types of Dirt Bikes

I am often asked "which" or.. "what dirt bike should I buy / get?" Usually that's followed by very little information about what style of riding you want to be doing, your experience level, size etc. So with your questions in mind, and in an attempt to deflect the amount of emails I receive regarding this topic, I have put together this page.

Fortunately for you and I we have a great variety of dirt bikes to choose from today. The question is which one do YOU choose? There is a good reason why they come in varying sizes and shapes with different engine types and designs. The best bike for you boils down to what it is you want it for and your individual circumstances or needs.

Carefully consider the following tips before buying your next dirt bike.

• What style of riding do you want it for?

Will you be riding on trails through forests? Are you looking to get into long distance enduro riding? Maybe you're thinking about racing motocross or supercross? You can buy a purpose built dirt bike for all of those types of riding. You don't do your riding skills or level of enjoyment any favors by buying a motocross bike that is designed for the track, and riding it on tight, tree-root filled trails. That's what trail bikes are made for!

Basically there are two different types of dirt bikes. Motocross / supercross bikes (think Olympic sprinter), and enduro / trail bikes (think long distance marathon runner). The bikes may look similar but they are very different from each other.

Motocross bikes e.g. KXF 250, KTM 250, RMZ 450, CRF 450R are built for rapid acceleration and big jumps - track racing. Enduro and trail bikes e.g. KLX 450R, KTM 530EXC, Gas Gas 300EC, CRF 250X are built for bush bashing and trail riding. They are made for traveling long distances offering a smoother ride over rough terrain and they're able to tackle smaller jumps than MX bikes. Differences such as the gearing, ergonomics, fuel tank capacity, suspension and added features like lights make each type of dirt bike the ideal bike for its intended use.