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Best Dirt Bikes for Trail Riding In 2023 [Top 4 Detailed Reviews]

trail ride dirt bike

It's time that you try something new, something interesting, something bold? Then trail riding is just the thing for you! That's why we made a list of the best dirt bikes for trail riding. Find out which models are the fastest, which are the best for beginners, and how to select a model that will fit you just perfectly.

Riding a bike on the road is fun. Going out on a sunny day and enjoying the freedom of the open road is really interesting. For a while at least. And then you start wondering what's it like, riding through the woods, over the hills, through the mud?

Once you start riding along a roughly blazed path, you'll completely forego the empty open road, it will become boring. Your adventure awaits at every turn, and it's up to you, your skill and your bike to overcome obstacles.

Contents

How to Choose the best Dirt Bike for trail riding

*Height and weight

Before you choose the biggest, baddest bike you can possibly find, stop and take your height and weight into consideration. You want something you will feel comfortable on. You need a bike on which you can sit on and still reach the ground with both feet. Make sure to get a bike that isn't too light for your weight, or too heavy for you to handle.

*Four-stroke vs two-stroke

The main difference between these two lies in the way the engine works. A two-stroke has abrupt power delivery, while a four-stroke has a lot smoother one. That means that two-strokes are harder to control but definitely snappier. If you're looking for more cc's, you'll probably choose the two-stroke, as they usually have more power.

*Just trail or also track

If you just want to trail ride, look for something with hand guards, a skid plate, a headlight, and if possible, an electric start. If you plan to ride track as well, find a track bike that's able to handle trail riding, as these bikes aren't the best on the track. They are a lot heavier than track bikes, and their suspension is not made for jumping.

*Experience level

Are you a beginner? Do you adapt quickly and easily? Are you into any other action sports? If your answers are yes to all of these, it's best to take a bike you will advance to, than a bike you will outride quickly. 

Comparison table

ProductFeaturesF2Bmom Ratings

Apollo DB-X18 125cc Dirt Bike
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Size: 60 x 31.2 x 41.3 inches

Weight Capacity: 185 lbs

5.0/5.0
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Apollo 250cc Dirt Bike
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Size: 84.3 x 32.3 x 48.6 inches

Weight Capacity: 396 lbs

4.5/5.0
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Suzuki DR-Z125L
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Size: 74.2 x 30.3 x 43.7 inches

Weight Capacity: 196 lbs

4.0/5.0
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Kawasaki KLX110
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Size: 61.4 x 25.6 x 37.6 inches

Weight Capacity: 167.5 lbs

4.0/5.0
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4 Top rated Dirt Bikes for Trail Riding reviewed

Apollo DB-X18 125cc Dirt Bike

Great for First Starter

Best Dirt Bike For Trail Riding

In our humble opinion, this is the best trail dirt bike for beginners. Many will say that because it's a Chinese product, it's no good, but boy, are they wrong!

This 125cc dirt bike has a four-stroke engine and a 4-speed manual clutch. That means that it starts smoother and that it's rather easy for handling. Fuel capacity on this bike is 1 gallon, which should be more than enough for any trail ride.

Depending on the weight of the rider, this bike can go up to 55mph, its max power is 6.5kw or 7500rpm. Weight capacity is 185lbs, and the weight of the bike is 147.7lbs, so even the lightest riders can have fun with this model.

This air-cooled model's seat height is 36.5 inches, its tires are 17 inches front, and 14 inches rear.

We love that it has a heavy-duty steel frame that can take just about anything you throw at it. The front suspension is 750mm, and rear suspension is 320mm. Both front and rear brakes have hydraulic discs.

It comes 85% assembled out of the box, so you only have to do 15% of the work, so that will be a piece of cake.

PROS

  • Excellent price/quality ratio
  • Four-stroke engine
  • Great speed

CONS

  • Slightly stiff on the rear after a certain time

Apollo 250cc Dirt Bike

Best Evermade from Apollo

This is the very best trail dirt bike for the money, and here's why. To start off, it's a 250cc single cylinder bike with a four-stroke engine. Its max power is 11.5kw or 15.64 horsepower, while max torque is 17.5. Depending on the rider's weight, max speed is about 72 mph.

The bore stroke is at 67mm*65mm and it's using CDI ignition with both electric and kick start. It also comes with front hand-operated and rear foot-operated brakes. The fuel capacity of this amazing model is about 2.1 gallons, and it has 5 speeds.

When it comes to its dimensions, the seat is at 36.6 inches and the wheelbase is at 55.9 inches. It has 272.8 pounds, and it can support 440 pounds of weight.

When it comes to assembly, there's really not much for you to do. It comes inside a metal crate, and it's 95% assembled. All you'll need to do is set the tires, batteries, and the handlebars.

PROS

  • Very affordable considering its specifications
  • A big gas tank
  • Great traction tires

CONS

  • Hard to find spare parts, only dealers have them

For Young and Smaller Stature Riders

People with smaller stature can take on trail riding with this incredible model. It sports 19' front and 16' rear tires, and it delivers big performances for a bike of moderate size. The 124cc air-cooled four-stroke engine has a lot of muscle that you will definitely appreciate on your off-road adventures.

5-speed transmission, amazing front and rear suspension, front disc brakes and rear drum brakes all imply that riding this model will be simply amazing. According to users, it's easy to handle, and it behaves great in any off-road situation.

It has a 1.3-gallon fuel tank capacity, so it's a bit smaller than most others on this list, but that will be more than enough for any trail you have in mind. This CDI electronic ignition bike's seat height is 32 inches, overall length is 74.2 inches, and the wheelbase is at 50 inches.

We love the lightweight frame because thanks to it, this Suzuki weighs only 196 pounds, and it can achieve 65mph.

PROS

  • Incredibly reliable
  • Lightweight frame
  • Great handling

CONS

  • You have to weigh back and keep the revs up aggressively in deep sand washes

6-Speed Transmission

According to some, this is the best trail dirt bike of all time. We wouldn't go that far, but it is pretty darn good. This 112cc air-cooled four-stroke engine is beautifully reliable, and it drives as smoothly as you could want.

The seat height is rather low, at mere 26.8 inches, but, trust us, it does not hinder its performances. The automatic clutch lets the engine do all the work, and the front and rear suspension are as cushy as possible for the best riding experience.

The fuel capacity is 1 gallon, overall length is 61.4 inches, wheelbase is at 42.3 inches, and its weight is 167.5 pounds. This sturdy model is a real pleasure to ride off-road, as Kawasaki had a serious trail riding enthusiast in mind when they made it.

It can achieve 50mph, and the drum brakes perform wonderfully. Whether you're a beginner or you're getting a dirt bike for your kid, this is a great model.

PROS

  • It can accommodate a wide range of rider sizes and abilities
  • Kick and button start
  • Amazing on all terrains

CONS

  • Wheels are relatively small

Final Verdict

In the end, it seems that it's all up to you. Which dirt bike you will take depends completely on the purpose you have in mind. But, since we did check the best dirt bikes for trail riding, we do have a recommendation.

Apollo DB-X18 125cc Dirt Bike is great for first starter rider. It offers enough power to have fun, but not more than you can handle. It's definitely the bike we would recommend to any beginner.

On the other hand, the best evermade from Apolo is definitely the Apollo 250cc Dirt Bike. It is powerful, sturdy, and excellently priced. Even if you're not on a budget, check it out.

But, if you're looking for something that's meant for young and smaller stature riders, Suzuki DR-Z125L is definitely the model you need to look into. With its perfect height, weight and amazing suspension, it'll be a perfect choice.

In the end, if a 6-speed transmission is what matters to you the most, Kawasaki KLX110 is the model you need. We believe this cult model will be the perfect fit for any a rider.