Revving your engine, feeling the wind in your face, and answering the call of adventure – that’s the essence of dirt biking. But here’s the thing; whether you’re a seasoned rider or just dipping your toes into the world of off-road excitement, finding the right dirt bike makes all the difference.
Have you ever wondered which two-wheeled machine is the perfect match for your skill and licence level? Are you worried about safety or breaking the bank? Well, we’ve got your back! In this blog, we’re going to unlock the world of dirt biking in the UK. We’ll share our top five best dirt bike makes for making your heart race and your adrenaline spike—without killing your account balance. No matter how experienced you are, you’ll discover your perfect trail riding machine for Green Laning in the UK, below.
When you’re about to dive into the thrilling world of dirt biking, it’s hard to contain your excitement. But before you kickstart your journey, consider the crucial aspect of making the most of the experience: matching your dirt bike to your skill level.
The power of your dirt bike is like the volume knob of your favourite music. Push it too high without the necessary experience, and the expected pleasure soon becomes pain. The key is to find the best balance of fun, safety and skill. Fortunately, there are plenty of top dirt bike brands for beginners and experienced riders.
Safety should always be a priority, whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro. Thankfully, trail bike manufacturers know this. Most reliable dirt bike makes prioritize safety without skimping on the fun factor. But remember, even the smallest dirt bike makes and models can be a handful if you’re not prepared.
So, how do you find the best dirt bike for you? First, consider your motorcycle license level. In the UK, your license dictates the power of the dirt bike you can legally ride. The UK’s Green Lanes are regarded as public highways – you need to be licenced to use them with motorised wheels. Phoenix Motorcycle Training can help with UK motorcycle licence requirements. That’ll get you on the right track from the get-go.
Next, think about your comfort level for handling power. Are you itching for high-octane rush, or do you prefer a comfortable cruise? Do you need to build your beginner trail riding skills before you leap onto a larger machine? There’s a huge array of dirt bike brands. You’ll want one that hits the sweet spot for engine size, performance and affordability.
Your budget and skill level play vital roles in choosing the best dirt bike makes for your experience level. If you’re a novice, choosing a beginner-friendly model is a wise move. You’ll get manageable power, user-friendly controls, and usually a lower seat height for added stability. So without further ado, let’s check out the top dirt bike brands for beginner riders like you.
When it comes to reliability, Honda has earned its stripes. Their bikes are known for their longevity and ease of maintenance. They’re reliable too, making them perfect for riders new to the dirt. It’s one of the reasons Phoenix Trails uses Honda for its dirt bike fleet. The Honda CRF125F is an excellent choice for CBT and A1 licence holders.
If you want something with a little more powerful, the CRF250F stands out as a solid option. You’ll need an A2 licence or higher to ride this machine on public roads.
The Fantic 125 is an excellent choice for beginner dirt bike riders. Its compact 125cc engine offers manageable power and the lightweight frame delivers agile handling. It’s a great balance of power and agility for navigating UK trails.
Yamaha strikes a good balance between quality and performance. The smaller TT-R125 is ideal for beginners looking to up their game gradually. More experienced riders looking for a little more power should check out the TT-R230. Both of these dirt bike models offer smooth rides and manageable power.
Kawasaki is another well-known and trusted name in the dirt biking world. The Kawasaki KLX140 is perfect for dirt biking newbies on lower licence levels.
Suzuki started out making motorised bicycles. They didn’t even bother with an automotive department ’til the early sixties, so when it comes to two wheels, they know their stuff. Their DR-Z125 is a budget-friendly trial bike option that doesn’t compromise on thrills. It’s great for exploring the UK Green Lanes on your own without emptying your piggy bank.
As you gain experience and confidence, you can consider upgrading to a more powerful machine. Remember, the key is to enjoy the journey, and these top dirt bike brands for beginners are your perfect companions on the thrilling road ahead.
For seasoned riders and those looking to step up their game, staying current with the latest dirt bike makes and models can unlock a world of adventure.
To find the best dirt bike for you, it’s essential to choose one that matches your preferences and goals. Consider factors like power, handling, and budget as you explore your options. Let’s dive into some of the newer models representing the pinnacle of dirt biking technology.
No matter how powerful the bike is, Honda has a reputation for reliability. Their CRF450R is no exception. It’s a high-performance machine and a favourite among experienced trail riders. Think power, agility, and advanced features combined with unrivalled reliability and longevity. It’s a top choice if you crave adrenaline on the trails.
KTM is famous for its off-road prowess. The powerful 450 SX-F is a testament to their commitment to dirt biking excellence. This bike boasts cutting-edge technology, exceptional power, and superb handling. It’s a favourite for experienced riders looking for top-tier performance.
Known for its refined handling and powerful engine, the Husqvarna FC 450 is perfect for riders demanding precision and performance. Expect top-notch suspension and advanced features.
Not content to be only in our top 5 list for beginners, Suzuki makes this list too, thanks to their RM-Z450. This dirt bike is a reliable choice for experienced riders, combining power with affordability. It’s known for its easy handling and dependable performance. A great option if you want a high-performance bike without breaking the bank.
Yamaha’s YZ450F is a versatile and powerful dirt bike. For less than £8,000 you’ll get advanced suspension, responsive handling, and a strong engine. Yamaha has a solid reputation for quality, which only adds to the YZ450F’s appeal. It’s a top pick for experienced dirt bike riders.
In the world of dirt biking, technology isn’t just about convenience; it’s about pushing your limits—safely. The dirt bikes we’ve listed have advanced suspension systems, intelligent power management, and lightweight materials to enhance performance and handling. The improvements in power delivery, suspension tuning, and chassis design mean you’ll conquer trails and Green Lanes with more confidence and precision.
But remember, the thrill of trail riding isn’t just about the bike; it’s about the adventure it unlocks. Whether you’re a novice, an experienced rider, or somewhere in between, there’s a perfect machine waiting for you to rev its engine and explore the great outdoors.
And if you’re hearing the call for off-road adventure, but aren’t ready to fork out for some off-road wheels, a Phoenix Trails trail riding day lets you test the water. You’ll get everything you need from experienced instructors to well-maintained bikes and waterproof oversuits—because the best trail riding days are mucky!
Don’t just read about it; live the adventure. Book your trail riding day now, and let the thrill of dirt biking in the UK become your reality.
Fancy buying a dirt bike but have no experience in the off-road world? Not sure of the difference between a trials, trail, enduro or motocross bike? For many first time dirt bike buyers the question on what bike to buy can be daunting. The wrong choice of bike can be a deal breaker: choosing a bike which is too much to handle could put you off before you’ve even got going. So if you’re starting from scratch here’s what to do.
Biog: Jon Pearson
For Off-Road Bike Insurance quotes give BeMoto a call on 01733 907000
Firstly, decide what you want a dirt bike for. Where are you going to ride it? Have you got mates who go trail riding? Are you going to join a local club and take up a sport? Maybe there’s a track up the road, which looks simple enough and you fancy giving that a go? Your first step then is to decide what you fancy doing.
When you’ve decided what kind of riding you want to do then you can start looking for bikes. Your local off-road dealer can be a good starting point but keep your wallet firmly in your pocket until you’ve weighed up the different options and chatted to a few people to get a bigger picture. A dealer will likely be able to offer tryout days or point you to an off-road training school or two. Think of it like trying before you buy – it’ll give you a feel for what you want and what you can handle.
Consider also if you want a competition machine or a bike you can ride straight from your garage. Basically, many enduro or trail bikes are (or can be made) road legal where-as most motocross or trials bikes need a van or trailer to get you to venues to ride.
There’s also a small selection of bikes designed exactly for the newcomer and those wanting to hone their skills. For example KTM’s Freeride and Montesa (effectively Honda) 4Ride, both of which are designed to hook people gently into the off-road world and help them learn skills. Both can also be road registered.
Internet searches bring up classified ads and those well-known online auctions sites, all of which offer a wide range of used bikes. Begin your search by looking at ten or fifteen-year-old bikes. Broadly speaking a good place to start is 250 or 350cc, four-stroke and use search terms like trail bike or enduro. While you might be used to a big capacity road bike, the same rules do not apply off-road. Too many people go too big too soon and put themselves off. Truly, that 450cc ‘crosser is a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Two-strokes, while lighter, can be alien and unforgiving to the novice in their power delivery. A 250cc four stroke will be much easier to get your head around and get the best from.
When you’ve found a bike or two you like the look of contact the buyer and ask the usual questions – you want to find out what it gets used for, how regularly the oil is changed and how often is it ridden, that kind of stuff. Remember to be realistic as an off-road bike will likely be a little rough around the edges but scruffy doesn’t always mean poor maintenance.
Trials is the slow-speed, very novice-friendly and a great way to hone your bike control skills. The bikes are categorised by having little or no seat, torquey power, lots of steering lock, soft tyres and are a good deal smaller than other types of off-road machine.
Manufacturers of trials bikes include GASGAS, Beta, Montesa, Scorpa, Sherco, Vertigo, Oset and Electric Motion.
Enduro bikes tend to be a sharper tool for the job but there’s a huge range of engine capacity making many, particularly older models, perfect trail bikes too. Long travel suspension makes these taller but they should have lights and slightly larger fuel tanks than mx or trials bikes. It’s a novice-friendly sport also and there’ll be a club near you.
Manufacturers of Enduro bikes include Honda, Husqvarna, Yamaha, KTM, Beta and GASGAS.
Motocross / MX / MotoX bikes have stiffer suspension and more aggressive power than equivalent engine enduro bikes because of the nature of the sport. Because the tracks are more aggressive the bikes are to match. Clubs litter the UK as do MX practice tracks which all run groups or classes for novice and beginner riders.
Manufacturers of Motocross bikes include GASGAS, Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki, KTM, Husqvarna and Stark (for electric fans).
Trail bikes (not to be confused with trials bikes) can be any bike. You could go trail riding on a trials, enduro or mx bike, equally you could trail ride on an adventure bike or indeed a Suzuki GSX-R1000 (like Baron von Grumble did...). It's another word for greenlaning. The bike needs to be road registered, beyond that ideally it needs grippier tyres and a bit of steering lock and ground clearance but truly the world's your oyster with trail bikes.
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