Dirt bikes occupy a unique niche in the world of motorcycling. These machines are built to conquer the most challenging terrains, demanding a blend of rider skill, courage, and a deep connection between man and machine. Unlike road bikes, dirt bikes are stripped down to their essence – powerful, durable, and agile, designed to excel where the pavement ends. While Japanese manufacturers have long dominated the dirt bike market, European brands like KTM and Husqvarna have carved out significant territory with their high-performance offerings.
Based on data from manufacturer websites, we’ve compiled a list of the top ten four-stroke dirt bikes that stand out in the current market. These 4 Cycle Dirt Bikes represent the pinnacle of off-road engineering, offering something for every rider from beginner to seasoned pro.
10 Yamaha TT-R230
Base Price – $4,699
Yamaha TT-R230 four stroke dirt bike for beginner riders
The Yamaha TT-R230 is your gateway to trail riding, drawing inspiration from Yamaha’s legendary YZ motocross series. Its 223cc, four-stroke, single overhead cam (SOHC) engine is known for its predictable and smooth power delivery across a broad rev range, making it exceptionally forgiving for riders who are just starting out or honing their intermediate skills. Designed specifically for trail exploration, the TT-R230 features a flat seat and seamlessly integrated tank, promoting rider mobility and control. The generous 11.6 inches of ground clearance, thanks to its long-travel suspension, ensures versatility across varied terrains. Equipped with MX-style 21-inch front and 18-inch rear knobby tires, the TT-R230 delivers dependable traction on loose surfaces. The electric starter adds to the convenience, making getting going effortless, while the robust suspension setup, featuring a 36mm front fork and adjustable rear shock, provides 9.4 and 8.7 inches of wheel travel respectively. This combination results in superior damping and confidence-inspiring handling on the trails.
Specifications
| Engine | 223 cc, air-cooled, SOHC, 4-stroke |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 6-speed constant mesh |
| Fuel System | Carburetor |
| Starter | Electric start |
| Ignition | Capacitor Discharge Ignition (CDI) |
| Curb Weight | 251 pounds |
9 Kawasaki KLX230R
Base MSRP – $5,049
Kawasaki KLX230R 4 cycle dirt bike with fuel injection
The Kawasaki KLX230R is a full-size trail bike that embodies motocross-inspired ergonomics and aggressive styling. Built for serious off-road adventures, it boasts long-travel suspension and an impressive 11.8 inches of ground clearance, allowing riders to tackle challenging obstacles with confidence. The 233cc, fuel-injected, four-stroke engine provides crisp and responsive power delivery, ensuring quick acceleration whenever you need it. Fuel injection, paired with the electric start, guarantees hassle-free starts in varying temperatures and altitudes. The MX-inspired chassis design prioritizes rider freedom, offering excellent knee grip and overall chassis control for enhanced maneuverability. Stopping power is assured by large 240 and 220 mm petal disc brakes, while the full-size knobby tires provide exceptional grip across diverse off-road conditions.
Specifications
| Engine | 233 cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder, 4-stroke |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| Fuel System | DFI with 32mm Keihin throttle body |
| Starter | Electric start |
| Ignition | TCBI electronic advance |
| Curb Weight | 253.6 pounds |
8 Honda CRF250R
Base MSRP – $8,299
Honda CRF250R four stroke motocross bike with advanced technology
The Honda CRF250R represents the pinnacle of Honda’s motocross engineering prowess. It embodies the brand’s renowned build quality and reliability, and is packed with cutting-edge technology and engineering innovations. To eliminate clutch slip during intense races, Honda incorporated a nine-plate clutch assembly, enhancing durability and maximizing torque transmission. Technologically advanced, the CRF250R comes standard with HRC launch control, enabling riders to achieve lightning-fast starts without losing precious power to wheel spin. An electric start ensures quick restarts if stalling occurs in the heat of competition. The high-revving, double overhead cam (DOHC) engine features a fuel injector strategically placed at a 60-degree angle. This innovative design delivers a cooler and denser fuel charge to the engine, resulting in increased power and torque output.
Specifications
| Engine | 249 cc, liquid-cooled, single cylinder, four stroke |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 5-speed |
| Fuel System | Programmed fuel injection system (PGM-FI) |
| Starter | Electric start |
| Ignition | Electronic ignition |
| Curb Weight | 229 pounds |
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7 Honda CRF450R
Base MSRP – $9,699
Honda CRF450R lightweight 4 cycle dirt bike for racing
The Honda CRF450R is engineered with a light and narrow frame, contributing to the bike’s exceptional responsiveness and agility in tight corners. Despite housing a powerful 450cc engine, Honda engineers have successfully kept the bike remarkably slender and lightweight, weighing in at under 250 pounds. This low weight is a significant advantage, enhancing maneuverability and control on demanding tracks. The CRF450R also features Honda’s first hydraulically actuated clutch, providing a light and consistent lever feel, reducing rider fatigue. The 450cc Unicam engine boasts a high compression ratio and an automatic decompression system that prevents stalling at low RPMs, crucial for technical sections. Adding to its versatility, riders can select from three engine power delivery modes to tailor the bike’s performance to different riding conditions and preferences. Beyond engine modes, Honda’s Selectable Torque Control is included, allowing riders to fine-tune the torque level based on available traction.
Specifications
| Engine | 450 cc, liquid-cooled, single cylinder, 4-stroke |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 5-speed |
| Fuel System | Programmed fuel injection system (PGM-FI) |
| Starter | Electric start |
| Ignition | Electronic ignition |
| Curb Weight | 245 pounds |
6 Yamaha WR450F
Base MSRP – $9,999
Yamaha WR450F enduro 4 stroke dirt bike with smartphone tuning
The Yamaha WR450F is a dedicated enduro motorcycle, drawing heavily from the championship-winning YZ450F motocross bike. Featuring a compact and lightweight engine, premium suspension components, and a lightweight aluminum beam frame, the WR450F is engineered to deliver winning performance across a wide spectrum of off-road environments. Its 450cc four-stroke engine produces exceptionally smooth and controllable power, especially in the higher rev range. To adapt to varying track conditions, riders can choose from selectable power maps. Notably, the WR450F is the first enduro bike to offer wireless engine tuning via the Yamaha Power Tuner smartphone application, allowing for unprecedented customization and on-the-fly adjustments.
Specifications
| Engine | 450 cc, liquid-cooled, single cylinder, 4-stroke |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 5-speed constant mesh |
| Fuel System | Mikuni Fuel injection |
| Starter | Electric start |
| Ignition | TCI |
| Curb Weight | 262 pounds |
5 Kawasaki KX450X
Base MSRP – $10,599
Kawasaki KX450X off-road competition 4 cycle dirt bike
The Kawasaki KX450X is meticulously engineered to be an off-road leader and a formidable competitor in the dirt. The bike’s slim and lightweight chassis incorporates a finely balanced aluminum perimeter frame, minimizing weight and maximizing agility. A standout feature is Kawasaki’s Ergo-Fit adjustability system, offering four handlebar positions and two footpeg positions. This provides a high degree of customization to accommodate a wide range of rider sizes and preferences, enhancing comfort and control. The fuel-injected 449cc four-stroke engine delivers potent, hard-hitting power and a flat torque curve, resulting in rapid acceleration and strong performance throughout the rev range. The innovative Rideology smartphone application eliminates the need for a separate KX FI calibration kit for engine map adjustments, simplifying tuning and customization directly from your mobile device.
Specifications (Soon to be updated)
| Engine | 449 cc, liquid-cooled, single cylinder, 4-stroke |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 5-speed |
| Fuel System | DFI with 44mm Keihin throttle body |
| Starter | Electric start |
| Ignition | Digital CDI |
| Curb Weight | 235.8 pounds |
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4 Husqvarna FC350
Base MSRP – Undisclosed
Husqvarna FC350 versatile 4 stroke dirt bike for pros and amateurs
Dirt tracks are a playground for riders of all skill levels, from seasoned professionals to enthusiastic amateurs, and the Husqvarna FC350 is designed to excel in the hands of both. This 4 cycle dirt bike boasts a blend of predictable yet impressive performance and superior handling, giving riders a competitive edge. The remarkably light 350cc engine, weighing only 59.9 pounds, contributes to mass centralization, optimizing the anti-squat behavior of the chassis for improved stability and cornering. The handlebar offers two-position mount customization, along with rubber damped mounts to reduce vibration and fixed mounting options for enhanced front-end feedback. A hydraulic Brembo clutch provides a light lever pull and near maintenance-free operation, adding to rider convenience. The FC350 is also equipped with advanced rider aids for enhanced performance, including two selectable engine power maps accessible via a handlebar-mounted switch, as well as standard traction control and a quick shifter for seamless gear changes.
Specification
| Engine | 349 cc, liquid-cooled, single cylinder, 4-stroke |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 5-speed |
| Fuel System | Electronic fuel injection |
| Starter | Electric start |
| Ignition | Electronic ignition |
| Curb Weight | 224 pounds |
3 KTM 450 SX-F
Base MSRP – Undisclosed
KTM 450 SX-F championship winning 4 stroke dirt bike
The KTM 450 SX-F is a proven champion, having secured five AMA 450 Supercross titles, and continues to evolve with the latest upgrades for 2024. This top-tier 4 cycle dirt bike features a lightweight frame, a mass-centralized engine configuration, and an ergonomically optimized rider triangle, all working in harmony to enhance handling and rider comfort. The new 450 SX-F is equipped with a hand-adjustable suspension setup, allowing for quick and easy adjustments without tools. KTM emphasizes the robot-welded, hydro-formed frame, engineered with precisely calculated longitudinal and torsional flex characteristics. This advanced frame design is intended to effectively absorb shocks, improving rider comfort and control on rough terrain. Easily selectable power modes allow riders to switch between predictable power delivery and a more aggressive, explosive power output, adapting to varying track conditions and riding styles.
Specifications
| Engine | 450 cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 5-speed |
| Fuel System | Electronic fuel injection |
| Starter | Electric start |
| Ignition | Electronic ignition |
| Curb Weight | 226 pounds |
2 KTM 350 XC-F
Base MSRP – Undisclosed
KTM 350 XC-F lightweight and versatile 4 stroke dirt bike
The KTM 350 XC-F is a cross-country motorcycle designed to be lightweight, powerful, and exceptionally versatile. It is powered by a class-leading 350cc single-cylinder, four-stroke engine, paired with a lightweight chassis and suspension system tuned for both high-speed performance and agile handling. The XC-F incorporates user-friendly maintenance features, such as a tool-free air filter access and tool-free suspension adjusters, simplifying routine upkeep. To keep rider focus on speed and performance, the XC-F includes clutch-free upshifts via a quickshifter. Launch control assists in achieving optimal starts by minimizing rear wheel traction loss. Riders can easily switch between two distinct power maps using a handlebar-mounted switch, adapting the engine’s character to suit diverse riding conditions and personal preferences.
Specifications
| Engine | 349 cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| Fuel System | Electronic fuel injection |
| Starter | Electric start |
| Ignition | Electronic ignition |
| Curb Weight | 230 pounds |
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1 Husqvarna FX350
Base MSRP – Undisclosed
Husqvarna FX350 top-rated enduro 4 cycle dirt bike with premium components
The Husqvarna FX 350 stands out as a highly versatile enduro motorcycle, capable of excelling in a wide spectrum of riding conditions. Its 350cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine is housed within a lightweight chromium-molybdenum steel frame and coupled with a six-speed transmission. The FX 350 features a newly designed lightweight chassis with refined geometry, enhancing both handling precision and stability. It also incorporates a new closed-cartridge, fully adjustable WP XACT fork and WP XACT rear shock, representing top-tier suspension technology. The bike is equipped with premium Dunlop Geomax tires, renowned for their superior grip during cornering and versatile performance across varied terrains, ensuring maximum confidence and control.
Specifications
| Engine | 349 cc, liquid-cooled, single cylinder, 4-stroke |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| Fuel System | Electronic fuel injection |
| Starter | Electric start |
| Ignition | Electronic ignition |
| Curb Weight | 230 pounds |
