Today’s breed of 350 to 500 cc dual-sport motorcycles represents the pinnacle of street-legal dirt bike performance. Equipped with track-ready suspension, potent thumper engines, and the essential gear for road legality, these machines are a dream for riders seeking adrenaline both on and off the asphalt. Often drawing their DNA from hardcore cross-country racers, the 2024 Street Legal Dirt Bikes are engineered for dual duty, eliminating the need for trailers and ramps when adventure calls beyond the paved roads.
While these bikes might not offer the plush ride of touring motorcycles or excel in long highway hauls, they deliver exhilarating dirt bike prowess that can evoke the spirit of off-road legends like Ricky Carmichael. And with a license plate attached, the journey back home is just as thrilling. For 2024, brands like Honda, KTM, Husqvarna, Beta, and Christini continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the street legal dirt bike category. Let’s dive into the top contenders.
Best street-legal dirt bikes for 2024
Honda CRF450RL: The Street-Legal Triple Threat
Best street-legal dirt bikes for 2024
The Honda CRF450RL emerges as the street-legal dirt bike that Honda enthusiasts have long awaited. Heavily inspired by the CRF450X cross-country racer, the 450RL retains its acclaimed design for 2024, embodying Honda’s philosophy of not fixing what isn’t broken.
2021 Honda CRF450RL
Prior to the 450RL’s introduction in 2019, Honda’s street-legal range presented a noticeable void between the 250L and the XR650. Riders yearned for a more aggressive, mid-displacement option. Instead of simply beefing up the 250L as many speculated, Honda responded with a true 450 cc class contender. They skillfully integrated the top-tier elements from both the 450X and the 450R motocross models into the CRF450RL.
2021 Honda CRF450RL
While tuned to be more forgiving than its dedicated off-road counterparts, the 450RL stands as a formidable challenger to European rivals in the street legal dirt bike arena. Its 450 cc Unicam engine delivers a robust 41.7 horsepower, even with emissions equipment in place. The adjustable Showa suspension provides approximately 12 inches of travel at both ends, ensuring excellent off-road capability. Furthermore, with a price tag of $10,099, it offers a competitive advantage in terms of affordability.
Honda’s reputation for build quality, low maintenance costs, and a widespread dealer network makes the CRF450RL a compelling choice. These factors contribute to its appeal and are among the reasons why the author personally owns a 450L. [Honda]
KTM 450 EXC-F Six Days: The Extreme Enduro Champion
2024 KTM 450 EXC-F Six Days
Any dirt bike that gains street legality inevitably involves some degree of compromise. However, for riders whose adventures lean towards the extreme, KTM, the masters of off-road performance, offer a solution. The KTM 450 EXC-F is renowned as one of the most aggressive machines in the street legal dirt bike segment. Opting for the special ISDE-inspired Six Days edition elevates this bike to a competition-ready status, straight from the factory. KTM confidently asserts that the Six Days version is 100% race-ready.
2024 KTM 450 EXC-F Six Days
KTM’s entire EXC range has undergone significant updates for 2024, and the 450 EXC-F Six Days boasts a remarkable 95% of new components. The foundation is an orange chromoly frame, complemented by new 48 mm WP XACT forks and XPLOR PDS rear suspension. The 449.9 cc engine is a powerhouse, delivering a peak output of 57 hp while weighing only 64 pounds. Equipped with a new clutchless Quickshifter, the Six Days four-stroke models enable full-throttle upshifts without clutch engagement, enhancing the riding experience.
2024 KTM 450 EXC-F Six Days
Inspired by the prestigious International Six Days Enduro event, the 450 EXC-F Six Days is packed with upgrades designed for the most demanding terrains. It features a special gripper seat for enhanced control, Metzler Six Days extreme tires for superior traction, a dedicated map-select switch to tailor engine performance, high-strength GIANT wheels built to withstand punishing impacts, a composite skid plate for added protection, and a range of signature orange off-road components that scream performance.
Choosing between the 450 and 500 EXC-F Six Days models largely depends on rider preference. Both bikes maintain similar weights, with the 500 offering a slight power advantage of approximately 7 horsepower. While a direct comparison ride of the 500 wasn’t conducted, the 450 impressed with its lethal dirt performance and balanced handling. However, the premium features and race-readiness come at a cost, with the Six Days 450 priced at $13,949. [KTM]
Husqvarna FE 501s: Swedish Precision Meets Raw Power
2024 Husqvarna FE 501s
The 500 cc thumpers from KTM and Husqvarna represent the upper echelon of street legal, dirt-focused motorcycles before transitioning to significantly heavier machines. Beyond aesthetics, the choice between these two brands often boils down to rear suspension preference. While a subtle distinction, many riders, including the author, favor linkage-type rear suspension systems for their progressive feel and handling characteristics.
Husqvarna FE 501s
Husqvarna’s FE 501s mirrors many of the updates found in KTM’s 2024 EXC lineup. These include a new chromium molybdenum steel frame, a redesigned 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 hp, a substantial power increase that is immediately noticeable when stepping up from a 40 hp bike.
Husqvarna FE 501s
The FE 501s stands out as a street legal dirt bike that minimizes compromise, offering raw power, premium suspension, and a competitive dry weight of 258 pounds. This top-tier performance comes with a price tag of $13,049. [Husqvarna]
Beta 390 RR-S: Italian Balance and Enduro Heritage
Beta 390 RR-S
Displacement alone isn’t the sole determinant of off-road prowess. Control and balance become paramount when terrain turns challenging. Italian manufacturer Beta boasts a rich heritage in enduro competition, and their street legal dual-sport lineup features four distinct power options ranging from 350 to 500 cc, catering to a variety of rider preferences and needs.
Beta 390 RR-S gauge
The street-legal RR-S range shares numerous high-quality components, including new ZF Sachs forks, progressive linkage rear suspension, titanium intake valves, and integrated traction control. Closely derived from the previous year’s RR race-edition models, the RR-S bikes are delivered in a near race-tuned state, gaining only approximately 4 pounds due to DOT-mandated equipment.
Beta 390 RR-S engine
Among Beta’s most popular models is the 390 RR-S, a bike that confidently deviates from conventional norms. While official horsepower figures are not published, the 390 RR-S is estimated to produce around 40 horsepower and weighs a mere 241 pounds (wet, excluding fuel). Considering the shared specifications across models, Beta’s larger 430 and 500 RR-S variants offer increased power without a significant weight penalty. However, for many riders, outright power isn’t the primary focus.
Beta adopts a unique “BYOB” (Build Your Own Beta) approach, allowing for customization. Pricing for the street-legal dual-sports has not been officially announced yet, but the 390 RR-S is anticipated to be priced around $11,599. [Beta Motorcycles]
Christini AWD 450DS: Unrivaled All-Wheel Drive Innovation
Christini AWD 450DS
Concluding this lineup with a wildcard, even among these high-performance machines, the Christini 450DS presents an unparalleled advantage: all-wheel drive. Concealed within the frame and fork is a revolutionary AWD system that dramatically enhances off-road performance without compromising street usability or suspension travel.
While all-wheel drive on a motorcycle might seem like a radical concept, Christini has been refining their AWD technology since 2002, achieving a remarkable level of seamless integration and effectiveness. In essence, power is transferred from the drive sprocket via a chain to a gearbox within the frame. From there, a driveshaft extends to the head tube, housing opposing bevel gears. Subsequently, a pair of gears and chains within the lower triple clamp power two telescoping driveshafts that run along the fork tubes to the front hub, engaging the front wheel.
Christini AWD 450DS
Despite its complexity, the AWD system is remarkably discreet, often unnoticed by the untrained eye. Reputable publications have consistently lauded the quality and durability of Christini’s AWD components. The system delivers a transformative off-road riding experience, providing enhanced traction and control in challenging conditions, although a comprehensive exploration of its off-road benefits is beyond the scope of this article.
Christini’s motorcycles are continually evolving, and the AWD 450DS stands as a capable machine even without its groundbreaking front-wheel drive. The 450 cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine produces a competitive 42 hp, and the adjustable Fast Ace front suspension offers a generous 12 inches of travel. The AWD technology commands a premium, with the 450DS priced at $16,500. It also carries a dry weight of 288 pounds, comparable to competitors’ curb weights. However, it’s crucial to maintain perspective: this is an all-wheel-drive, 450 cc street legal dirt bike – a testament to modern motorcycle innovation and a thrilling prospect for adventurous riders. [Christini]
