Best street-legal dirt bikes for 2024
For thrill-seekers craving the ultimate blend of off-road prowess and street-legal convenience, the latest generation of 350 to 500 cc dual-sport motorcycles hits the sweet spot. These machines, often bred from cross-country racing pedigree, offer potent thumper engines, track-ready suspension, and just enough road-going equipment to legally connect trails via asphalt. Forget the truck and trailer; these 2024 street-legal dirt bikes are your ticket to untamed adventures right from your garage.
While they might not be your first choice for cross-continental highway journeys, if your ideal ride involves conquering challenging terrains and seamlessly transitioning to public roads, then models from Honda, KTM, Husqvarna, Beta, and Christini deserve a serious look. These bikes deliver a dirt-focused experience that can make any rider feel like a pro, with the added bonus of a license plate for the ride home.
Honda CRF450RL: The Street-Legal Racer from Team Red
Best street-legal dirt bikes for 2024
The Honda CRF450RL, a machine deeply rooted in the CRF450X cross-country racer, is Honda’s answer to the demand for a street-legal dirt bike with genuine off-road capabilities. Staying consistent with Honda’s philosophy of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” the CRF450RL remains unchanged for 2024, continuing to offer a potent package for dual-sport enthusiasts.
2021 Honda CRF450RL
Prior to the 450RL’s arrival in 2019, Honda’s street-legal lineup had a noticeable gap between the 250L and the XR650L. Riders yearned for a more aggressive, mid-range option. Instead of simply beefing up the 250L as many expected, Honda unleashed a true 450 cc class contender. The CRF450RL inherited the best components from both the CRF450X and the motocross-focused CRF450R, creating a potent blend of race-inspired performance and street legality.
2021 Honda CRF450RL
While tuned to be more street-friendly than its pure off-road siblings, the CRF450RL directly challenges European rivals with its impressive specifications. The 449 cc Unicam engine delivers a respectable 41.7 horsepower while meeting emission standards. Its adjustable Showa suspension offers approximately 12 inches of travel at both the front and rear, soaking up bumps and jumps with ease. Furthermore, with a price tag of $10,099, the CRF450RL presents a compelling value proposition compared to some of its higher-priced competitors.
Honda’s reputation for reliability, accessible maintenance, and a vast dealer network makes the CRF450RL a smart choice. These factors contribute to its appeal, and are among the reasons why many riders, including the author of the original article, have opted to park a CRF450L (the predecessor to the 450RL) in their own garages. [Honda]
KTM 450 EXC-F Six Days: The Ready to Race, Street-Legal Enduro Machine
2024 KTM 450 EXC-F Six Days
Any dirt bike that gains street legality inevitably involves some degree of compromise. However, for riders who prioritize extreme off-road performance with the convenience of street access, KTM offers the 450 EXC-F. This model stands out as one of the most aggressively dirt-focused street-legal bikes available. Opting for the special ISDE-inspired “Six Days” version elevates the 450 EXC-F to an even higher level of readiness, with KTM explicitly stating it’s “100% ready to race.”
2024 KTM 450 EXC-F Six Days
KTM’s entire EXC range underwent significant updates for 2024, and the 450 EXC-F Six Days boasts an impressive 95% of new components. The foundation is a new orange chromoly frame, paired with updated 48 mm WP XACT forks and WP XPLOR PDS rear suspension. The 449.9 cc engine is a powerhouse, delivering a peak output of 57 horsepower while maintaining a remarkably light weight of just 64 pounds. Adding to its race-ready features, the Six Days models are equipped with a new clutchless Quickshifter, enabling wide-open-throttle gear changes without using the clutch.
2024 KTM 450 EXC-F Six Days
Inspired by the prestigious International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) competition, the 450 EXC-F Six Days is packed with enhancements designed for the most demanding riding conditions. It features a special gripper seat for enhanced rider control, Metzler Six Days extreme tires for superior traction, a map-select switch to tailor engine performance, high-strength GIANT wheels built to withstand abuse, a composite skid plate for added protection, and a variety of signature orange KTM off-road components.
The choice between the 450 and 500 EXC-F Six Days models often comes down to personal preference. While both share a similar weight, the 500 delivers approximately 7 additional horsepower. While a direct comparison of the 500 wasn’t available in the original article, the 450 EXC-F Six Days was lauded for its potent yet balanced performance in off-road environments. However, the high level of performance and premium components comes at a cost, with the Six Days 450 priced at $13,949. [KTM]
Husqvarna FE 501s: Premium Performance with Refined Suspension
2024 Husqvarna FE 501s
The 500 cc class thumpers from KTM and Husqvarna represent the pinnacle of street-legal dirt bike performance before stepping into heavier adventure bike categories. When choosing between these closely related brands, beyond aesthetics, a key differentiator lies in the rear suspension design. While subtle, many riders, including the author, express a preference for linkage-type suspension systems found on the Husqvarna.
Husqvarna FE 501s
The Husqvarna FE 501s mirrors many of the updates seen in KTM’s 2024 EXC lineup. This includes a new chromium molybdenum steel frame, a new polyamide-reinforced aluminum subframe, a die-cast aluminum swingarm, and WP XACT suspension components at both ends, offering 11.8 inches of travel. The lightweight and compact 510.9 cc engine delivers over 60 horsepower, a noticeable increase in grunt, especially for riders accustomed to 40 hp machines.
Husqvarna FE 501s
Offering a combination of raw power, premium suspension, and a competitive dry weight of 258 pounds, the FE 501s is arguably one of the least compromised street-legal dirt bikes on the market. This top-tier performance commands a premium price, requiring riders to spend $13,049 to own the FE 501s. [Husqvarna]
Beta 390 RR-S: Balanced Performance and Italian Craftsmanship
Beta 390 RR-S
Raw power isn’t everything, especially when navigating technical terrain. Balance and control become paramount when the going gets tough, and this is where Beta, an Italian manufacturer with a strong enduro racing heritage, excels. Their street-legal dual-sport RR-S lineup offers a range of engine sizes, from 350 to 500 cc, catering to diverse rider preferences and skill levels.
Beta 390 RR-S gauge
The street-legal RR-S models share numerous high-quality components, including new ZF Sachs forks, progressive linkage rear suspension, titanium intake valves, and integrated traction control. Closely related to the previous year’s RR race edition models, the RR-S bikes come in a near-race-ready state, adding only approximately 4 pounds to accommodate DOT-required equipment.
Beta 390 RR-S engine
Among Beta’s best-selling models is the 390 RR-S, a bike that deviates slightly from the displacement race. While official horsepower figures are not published, the 390 RR-S is estimated to produce around 40 horsepower and weighs a remarkably light 241 pounds (wet, without fuel). Although Beta offers larger 430 and 500 RR-S models with more power and minimal weight increase, the 390 RR-S prioritizes balance and agility over outright power.
Beta’s unique “Build Your Own Beta” (BYOB) program allows for customization, and pricing for the 2024 street-legal dual-sports was not available at the time of the original article. However, the 390 RR-S was expected to be priced around $11,599. [Beta Motorcycles]
Christini AWD 450DS: Unparalleled Traction with All-Wheel Drive
Christini AWD 450DS
To conclude this list with a truly unique offering, the Christini 450DS stands out even amongst this group of high-performance machines thanks to its groundbreaking all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. Concealed within the frame and fork, this innovative system delivers unparalleled off-road traction without compromising street riding manners or suspension travel.
While AWD motorcycles might seem unconventional, Christini has been refining its technology since 2002, achieving a high level of seamless integration and effectiveness. In essence, power is transferred from the drive sprocket via a chain to a gearbox integrated into the frame. From there, a driveshaft routes power to the head tube, where bevel gears are housed. Finally, a pair of gears and chains within the lower triple clamp drives telescoping driveshafts along the fork tubes to the front wheel hub.
Christini AWD 450DS
Despite its complexity, the AWD system is remarkably discreet, often going unnoticed by untrained eyes. Reputable motorcycle publications have consistently praised the quality and performance of Christini’s AWD components. The system fundamentally changes the off-road riding experience, offering significant advantages in traction and control, although a detailed exploration of its off-road performance was beyond the original article’s scope.
Christini’s motorcycles are continually evolving, and the AWD 450DS is a capable machine even without its signature front-wheel drive. The 450 cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine produces a competitive 42 horsepower, and the adjustable Fast Ace front suspension provides 12 inches of travel. The advanced AWD technology commands a premium price of $16,500, and the bike’s dry weight of 288 pounds is heavier than its competitors’ curb weights. However, it’s essential to consider the unique offering: a fully street-legal, all-wheel-drive 450 cc dirt bike—a testament to modern motorcycle innovation. [Christini]
