For the most part, dirt bikes are viewed as simple, disposable toys. Ridden hard and abused until they simply no longer function, or the owner moves on to the next “disposable toy.” This is a deeply flawed way of looking at a motorcycle that others would cherish, and there are certain bikes that are worth looking after and keeping.
The bikes in question got ridden hard and were abused, several times over, yet have all lived to tell the tale. Ranging from simple rugged trail bikes to competition spec motocrossers, these bikes have all proven to be exceptionally durable. For the purposes of this list, we only included pure off-road bikes that are not street legal.
Buying a used motorcycle always has an element of risk attached, so please do your research and proceed with caution.
10 Dirt Bikes That Are Shockingly Friendly For New Riders
All these dirt bikes offer new riders an ideal starting point for their motorcycling journey
10
1971 Husqvarna 400 Cross
Price Range: $6,000 – $8,000
For those looking for a vintage dirt bike, we can scarcely think of a better option. Back in the late 60s and early 70s, motocross and cross-country racing were essentially fledgling sports, but they were catching on pretty quickly. If you wanted to be competitive in either discipline, you needed one of these incredible machines. The likes of Malcolm Smith and Steve McQueen (yes, that Steve McQueen) rode these bikes to several famous victories over the years.
9
1995 Honda XR600R
Price Range: $2,000 – $4,000
Back in the early 90s, the XR600R got its last update until the model was eventually retired in 2000. For many, this is the very definition of an off-road bike. Power delivery is smooth and predictable, yet still immense. In its heyday, it was a competitive enduro racer, but most will identify with it as “that trail bike” you saw just about everywhere at one point in time. These bikes were always reliable and still offer great value on the used market.
8
1995 Kawasaki KDX200
Price Range: $3,000 – $5,000
By 1995, the KDX200 was already the finished article. Even though the bike was sold for another decade, it received no further updates. It didn’t really need any updates to be fair. The KDX is one of the few motorcycles in the world that can appeal to pretty much any level rider. It has ample power for off-road duty and is plenty of fun for experienced off-road riders. But, not so much that it would intimidate new riders. While the seat is pretty tall, the same could be said for pretty much any dedicated off-roader. There are some bikes that have been converted for street use, but we wouldn’t necessarily recommend one of those because there is no way of knowing for sure if the conversion was done by a professional (or at least a competent garage mechanic).
10 Suzuki And Kawasaki Bikes That Blend Commuter Comfort With Trail Capability
The most affordable dual-sport here is a sub-$5,000 Kawasaki that newbies and veterans can enjoy equally.
7
2005 Suzuki RM250
Price Range: $3,000 – $5,000
Suzuki often keeps bikes in production for far longer than it should, extracting every last ounce of value out of the tooling. Sadly, the RM250 is one of the rare exceptions to this rule. The bike got its last meaningful update in 2001, but performance kept improving up until 2005. With all the resources getting diverted to the four-stroke machines, this model line was subsequently discontinued by 2009. Finding any bike made in the last few years of production in this price range is well worth considering.
6
2007 Honda CR250R
Price Range: $5,000 – $7,000
This 2007 model was the last year of production for the CR250R. The last update to the platform came in 2002, and while this may have been considered a backward step for one of the most popular 250s ever made, these bikes have proven to be reliable. One thing that is worth looking at is the electronic power valve. Power will drop off considerably if the cables for this go slack.
5
2007 Honda CRF450F
Price Range: $2,000 – $4,000
Out of all the many 450-class bikes that you will find on the used market, it is the CRF450F that is widely considered one of the very best. On the used market, it offers a lot of potential value, but like any of these older dirt bikes, the wrong bike could also potentially turn into a money pit. At the time, it was one of the most powerful open-class bikes ever made, with 55 horsepower at your disposal. More than you will ever need in the dirt.
4
2020 Yamaha YZ250
Price Range: $4,000 – $6,000
While we are including a 2020 model, consider it a placeholder. The YZ250 has only had minor updates since 2006, and any bike from that model year onward is worth considering, depending on how many hours the bike has accumulated. It is light, nimble, and has almost as much power as some open-class bikes. For two-stroke lovers, this would be our pick.
10 Dual-Sport Bikes With Legendary Reliability
These dual sports offer versatility with a heavy dose of dependability.
3
Yamaha TT-R230
MSRP: $4,699
While there is a lot of value to be had with the used bikes on this list, it is perfectly understandable for riders to want something new. Over the years, it has been in production, the TT-R230 has proven to be exceptionally reliable, and unlike all the competition spec bikes, it won’t need to be serviced after just a few hours of riding. The TT-R230 is a highly competent little trail bike that is as approachable as it gets.
2
Kawasaki KLX300R
MSRP: $5,749
In many ways, the KLX300R is the spiritual successor to the aforementioned KDX200. It might be a little down on power compared to the old two-stroke, but you will get away with street bike level service intervals, and a suspension which is competent enough to appeal to more experienced riders. For those more interested in spending more time on the bike than in the garage, this is well worth considering.
1
KTM 350 SX-F
MSRP: $11,449
Most modern open-class bikes make in excess of 60 horsepower. Pro riders need that kind of performance, but the vast majority of us will have a hard time getting the most out of those bikes. This 350 actually makes far more sense in the real world. Since it first came out well over a decade ago, it has proven to be just as reliable as any of the Japanese competitors, but what sets it apart is the way it makes power. It is far more manageable, with the torque spread all the way across the rev range.
Source: Various Manufacturers