The off-road motorcycle world is a diverse space. Dirt bikes evolved at a rapid rate through the 80s and 90s, and by the time the 00s rolled around, they were no longer the accessible machines they once were. Manufacturers became obsessed with building the fastest bike, and naturally, these impressive machines dominated showrooms and got the lion’s share of the marketing budget. Unfortunately, this led to some pretty awful experiences for new riders getting on the wrong bike.
There is actually a wide range of dirt bikes to choose from these days, and the Japanese brands in particular offer some great entry-level options. In many ways, an approachable dirt bike is the best place to start. Most of these bikes are light, easy to ride, and can take a significant amount of abuse. No matter if you are just getting into trail riding as a teen or an adult, there is a bike out there for you. One thing you need to be careful of is displacement. In this segment, model names can say more about a bike’s performance potential than capacity.
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from authoritative sources, such as Yamaha Motorsports, Honda, and KTM. The motorcycles on this list are rated according to MSRP.
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Yamaha TT-R125LE
MSRP: $3,599
Designed more for teens moving up from a smaller bike, these “big wheel” 125cc bikes also offer an ideal starting point for adults getting on their first motorcycle. Smaller bikes like this are an ideal starting point for those interested in one day upgrading to an ADV or a more powerful dual-sport.
They are certainly not just for young cross-country riders. With an approachable seat height of under 32 inches and over 11.6 inches of ground clearance, this is a capable little trail bike with broad appeal.
Suzuki DR-Z125L
MSRP: $3,649
In many ways, this is virtually identical to the Yamaha. It also offers a 19/16-inch “big wheel” combination, along with an approachable 32-inch seat height and a wet weight of just under 200 pounds.
There is very little separating these two bikes, and it really will come down to which color you prefer or which dealer will give you a better deal. While the list price might suggest that the Yamaha has a slight edge, there is every chance the actual out-the-door price will be much closer.
Honda CRF125F Big Wheel
MSRP: $3,999
This is where the naming convention can get a little confusing. While the other Japanese brands disassociate these trail bikes from the high-performance motocrossers with different names, Honda retains the CRF nomenclature for both.
At least in this case, the bike with the lower displacement is the entry-level offering, and with Honda, if you see an “F” at the end of the name, it is usually an indication that it is a more approachable model.
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Kawasaki KLX140R L
MSRP: $4,099
Out of all the Japanese “big wheel” alternatives, this would be our pick. Its air-cooled 144cc engine offers punchy performance, and even though it gives up a little ground clearance compared to the other bikes, it has a pretty decent little chassis and a competent suspension.
Unfortunately, it is the most expensive bike in this class. So if you are planning on upgrading to a bigger bike, spending more on your first bike doesn’t make a great deal of financial sense.
Zero XB
MSRP: $4,395
The Zero XB essentially bridges the gap between high-performance e-bikes and motorcycles. If you are learning how to ride, this is a fun way to start. The only real issue is range. With around 40 miles of range at 30 MPH, it is fairly limited in that department.
The faster you go down your favorite trail, the quicker you will end up depleting the battery. Realistically speaking, you will only get a couple of hours of ride time out of each charge – which will be enough for most new riders – but as you gain more confidence and capability, that may not always be the case.
Yamaha TT-R230
MSRP: $4,699
The TT-R230 is in a pretty mild state of tune. Its simple air-cooled single that makes it a great option for those wanting to learn how to do their own maintenance work, and is the kind of trail bike you can hang on to.
In case you’re curious, the horsepower stands at around 17. It is a little taller thanks to its 21/18-inch wheels, and a fair bit heavier at 251 pounds.
Honda CRF300F
MSRP: $4,999
The Honda CRF300F – which is actually nowhere near as powerful as the CRF250R, or the CRF250RX – might be a little more expensive than the aforementioned TT-R230. But you do get fuel injection here.
This is something which has certainly swayed some buyers, but it is important to note that it is also significantly heavier than the Yamaha. With a dry weight of 273 pounds, it is actually the heaviest bike in its class.
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Kawasaki KLX230R
MSRP: $4,999
The KLX230R might be priced similarly to the other two bikes in this class. However, it is certainly a degree more advanced, and experienced riders will also get a kick out of it.
This is actually an excellent option for those who want to hone their off-road riding skills, or anyone who generally just enjoys trail riding. There is a low seat option, but we feel the aforementioned KLX140R L is a better bet for shorter riders who feel a little intimidated by the tall seat height.
KTM Freeride E-XC
MSRP: $11,299
At more than twice the price of the competition, you would be right to expect a lot from the electric Freeride. By all accounts, it delivers in every respect, with premium componentry everywhere you look. With it being a direct drive automatic, it is still very approachable, and you can also limit its speed by leaving it in the “Economy” or Map 1.
Unfortunately, just like the aforementioned Zero, it is hampered by a lack of riding range. You will only get at most a couple of hours of ride time out of it. While it has a battery that is easy to remove, buying a second battery will only add to the already substantial cost.
Bonus: Surron Storm Bee
MSRP: N/A
Surron is currently struggling to break into the US market, and although the official store doesn’t offer the Storm Bee yet, you can find them in Canada. Most of the bikes this Chinese company builds are simply glorified mountain bikes.
However, the Storm Bee is a legitimate electric motorcycle. It is pretty approachable in the sense that it can be restricted to a maximum speed of 30 MPH, but at the flick of a switch, it will become a competent trail bike. It also offers a fair bit more range – up to 75 miles – than either the KTM or Zero.