In this article, we discuss what the best dirt bike brands are in the world today.
Dirt bikes have been around for a couple of decades. We have seen some dirt bike brands come and go with time. Fast forward to 2023 we actually have a pretty healthy group of dirt bike brands in the world today. I am sure in this article you will recognize some of the brand names but hopefully, I will not miss any dirt bike manufacturers you feel like should be included in this article.
Creating the best dirt bike really comes down to a handful of dirt bike manufacturers. We are talking about the best dirt bike brands this means dirt bikes that are high quality and are the best your hard-earned cash can buy.
YOU WANT TO BUY A QUALITY DIRT BIKE
You can buy lots of different dirt bikes from all around the world but how do you know if its quality and the motor, frame, and suspension will hold up.
BEST DIRT BIKE BRANDS HIRE TEST RIDERS
Typically the best dirt bike brands pay the very best professional dirt bike testers in the world to help them with product testing and development. These test riders abuse and break the dirt bikes to allow us normal dirt bike riders to enjoy a well-built dirt bike.
Quality Dirt bikes are the top of the line and win races and will not leave you stranded out in the middle of a dirt bike ride.
All this testing and research will give us dirt bikes that have the best suspension, frames, motors, and parts in the entire world.
What we are looking for when it comes to the best dirt bike brands in the world
- Reliability
- Power
- Capabilities
- Product line
- Quality built
These are the marks of one of the best dirt bike brands on the market. They are the companies that have spent all the research and development dollars on producing the best dirt bikes. You can find these high-quality dirt bike brands in the following places in the world.
There are what the dirt bike industry refers to as the “BIG 5” best dirt bike brands.
Later in this article, we will go into more detail what dirt bike manufactures are included in the big 5.
Really we can break up where the best dirt bikes are built.
- Japan
- Europe
- USA
BEST DIRT BIKE BRANDS IN JAPAN
Here are the VERY BEST dirt bike brands made in Japan. These for a very long time were considered the “big 4” best dirt bikes you could buy. Japanense dirt bike brands are really known for their high-quality build.
- Honda
- Yamaha
- Kawasaki
- Suzuki
2023 HONDA’S BEST DIRT BIKES
This is a list of the top 5 best Honda dirt bikes for 2023. The Flagship dirt bike from Honda is the 2020 Honda CRF450R. This is a dirt bike that is raced by professional races like Ken Roczen.
- 2023 CRF450R
- 2023 CRF250R
- 2023 CRF230F
- 2023 CRF50F
- 2023 CRF450RX
Pros and cons of Honda Dirt Bikes
| Pros of Honda Dirt Bikes | Cons of Honda Dirt Bikes |
| Reliability and Durability | Weight and Size |
| Wide Model Range | Limited Two-Stroke Options |
| Innovative Technology | Higher Price Point |
| User-Friendly Design | Less Focus on Racing Performance |
| Resale Value |
2023 YAMAHA’S BEST DIRT BIKES
Like Honda, Yamaha is very well known for being one of the most reliable and high-quality dirt bike brands out there. They are known to be a little more adventurous then Honda when it comes to the different dirt bike models in their lineup. Yamaha dirt bikes are really popular in the motocross and offroad dirt bike worlds.
CLICK HERE FOR LIST OF YAMAHA DIRT BIKES
Below is a list of the best 2023 Yamaha dirt bikes.
- 2023 YZ450F
- 2023 YZ250F
- 2023 YZ250
- 2023 TTR230
- 2023 TTR50E
Pros and cons of Yamaha Dirt Bikes
| Pros of Yamaha Dirt Bikes | Cons of Yamaha Dirt Bikes |
| Great power | Stock suspension is rough |
| Very light and nimble | Stock seat is hard |
| Great handling | 1st gear is useless besides starting from a dead stop |
| Reliable | |
| Easy to fix |
2023 KAWASAKI’S BEST DIRT BIKES
Kawasaki has one of the best racing programs in the supercross world. They have been able to be extremely competitive and they build quality dirt bikes. Mostly focused around the motocross and supercross world the KX has been a staple for decades. Below is a list of the best 2023 Kawasaki Dirt bikes made.
- 2023 KX450F
- 2023 KX250F
- 2023 KLX110
- 2023 KX100
- 2023 KX65
Pros and cons of Kawasaki Dirt Bikes:
| Pros of Kawasaki Dirt Bikes | Cons of Kawasaki Dirt Bikes |
| High-performance engines | Can be expensive for high-end models |
| Durable and reliable construction | Heavier than some competitors |
| Advanced suspension technology | Limited options in lower cc categories |
| Versatile range for different riders | Stiff seat comfort in stock form |
| Strong aftermarket support | |
| Excellent handling and maneuverability |
2023 SUZUKI’S BEST DIRT BIKES
Suzuki has a lot of success in the supercross and motocross world, especially during the early 2000s. Known for the RMZ450 the Suzuki dirt bike is also a quality dirt bike manufacture in Japan. Here is a list of the 2023 Best dirt bikes from Suzuki.
- RMZ 450
- RMZ 250
- RM 85
- DRZ 50
- RMX 450Z
Pros and cons of Suzuki Dirt Bikes
| Pros of Suzuki Dirt Bikes | Cons of Suzuki Dirt Bikes |
| Strong power | Excess fuel consumption |
| Comfortable | Costly maintenance |
| Reliable engine | Heavyweight |
| Electronically equipped | |
| Iconic design |
BEST DIRT BIKE BRANDS IN EUROPE
That wraps up the best dirt bike brands from Japan. Let’s know jump into Europe. There still is only 1 manufacture that has been able to play with the big Japanese dirt bike brands but that doesn’t mean that the other dirt bike brands in Europe are not quality build dirt bikes.
The best European dirt bike manufactures are mostly known for making high-quality offroad enduro dirt bikes. KTM is the only dirt bike manufacture that really has had any real success in the world of supercross and motocross here in the United States.
The dirt bike brands mentioned below all have had lots of success in the offroad and hard enduro racing niches.
We are going to list out the dirt bike brands here but keep in mind that KTM owns a few of those different brands and we will mention it when they appear on the list.
List of the Best European Dirt Bike Brands
- KTM – Austria
- Husqvarna – Sweden
- Beta – Italy
- Sherco – France
- GasGas – Spain
- TM – Italy
2023 KTM’S BEST DIRT BIKES
For a long time, KTM was considered to be an excellent hard enduro dirt bike. KTM decided that they wanted to break into the supercross and motocross world here in the USA. They hired the legend Roger DeCoster to help them. This has led to many years of success in the supercross world and motocross. All the money that was poured into research and development allowed KTM to build even better hard enduro dirt bikes. In fact, KTM is a HUGE part of the success of modern-day 2 strokes.
CLICK HERE FOR LIST OF BEST KTM DIRT BIKES
Here is a list of the best 2023 dirt bikes from KTM
- 2023 KTM 300 XCW TPI
- 2023 KTM 300 XC TBI
- 2023 KTM 450SXF
- 2023 KTM 250SXF
- 2023 KTM 65 SX
Pros and cons of KTM Dirt Bikes
| Pros | Cons |
| TPI technology for optimal fuel efficiency and easy starting | Smaller engine size may not be suitable for extreme off-road use |
| Lightweight design for nimble handling | High price point |
| Excellent suspension technology for a comfortable ride | May not be suitable for extreme off-road use |
| Suitable for a range of riders | May not be suitable for beginners |
| Versatile bike for on-road and off-road use | |
| Powerful engine and lightweight frame | |
| Advanced suspension technology for excellent handling | |
| Durable design | |
| Exceptional power-to-weight ratio |
2023 HUSQVARNA’S BEST DIRT BIKES
Husqvarna dirt bikes have been around for a while and in recent years got bought out by BMW and now KTM. Husqvarna dirt bikes are just white KTM’s for the most part. There are a few differences but they are minor. However, that’s not a bad thing as the KTM dirt bikes are REALLY good and that makes the Husqvarna dirt bikes REALLY good as well.
Here is a list of the best 2023 dirt bikes from Husqvarna
- 2023 TE 300i
- 2023 FC 450
- 2023 TX 300i
- 2023 Fx 350
- 2023 FE 501s
2023 BETA’S BEST DIRT BIKES
Beta makes some of the best hard enduro dirt bikes in the world. They are known for building quality 2 stroke dirt bikes. They have 2 strokes that are oil-injected and counterbalanced. Beta also makes unique CC 4 stroke dirt bikes as well. The Beta 390 RR is a popular 4 stroke dirt bike.
Here is a list of the best Beta dirt bikes for 2023
- 2023 300 RR Race Edition
- 2023 390 RR Race Edition
- 2023 200 RR Race Edition
- 2023 430 RR Race Edition
- 2023 480 RR Race Edition
Pros and cons of Beta Dirt Bikes:
| Pros | Cons |
| High-quality craftsmanship and materials | Higher price point compared to some competitors |
| Excellent suspension systems for a smooth ride | Limited availability in certain regions |
| Advanced engine technology for optimal performance | Spare parts can be more expensive or harder to find |
| Versatile models suitable for various riding styles | |
| Strong community and support from the manufacturer | |
| Innovative features and customization options | |
| Good resale value |
2023 SHERCO’S BEST DIRT BIKES
Sherco has been making hard enduro dirt bikes for a long time. While not as well known all the Sherco dirt bikes are high quality and well built. They are well known for there quality 2 strokes as well but make really competitive four strokes.
List of the best 2023 Sherco Dirt Bikes
- 2023 Sherco 300 SC
- 2023 Sherco 300 SEF FACTORY
- 2023 Sherco 300 SE FACTORY
- 2023 Sherco 300 SE RACING
- 2023 Sherco 450 SEF FACTORY
Pros and cons Sherco Dirt Bikes:
| Pros | Cons |
| Best valving of KYB forks tested | Foot pegs have flat orientation, less comfortable than upward camber designs |
| Agile and quick to turn, excellent for mountain single track | High seat and foot peg position can feel cramped for some riders |
| Comes with two pre-filters and a magnetic filter for engine protection | Clutch is harder to pull than some bikes, may experience more fade |
| Skid plate included, though does not cover linkage | Air filter installation is tricky, risking improper seating |
| Bike feels light and nimble despite actual heavier weight | Vibration levels higher than some two-strokes and other four-strokes |
| Oil filler cap placement is inconveniently under hot exhaust |
2023 GASGAS’S BEST DIRT BIKES
GasGas has not released any 2023 dirt bikes yet as they were acquired by KTM in 2019. Will we see a red KTM under the GasGas name? Who knows. I am not going to list any of the dirt bikes from GasGas for 2023 but previous GasGas models are high-quality offroad hard enduro dirt bikes.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Suited for risk-takers comfortable with investing in parts or bike components upfront | Risk of not liking the end-product, leading to potential waste of money and time |
| Ideal if you demand specific design and quality standards | Possibility of incorrect assembly, requiring multiple phases of disassembly and reassembly |
| Beneficial for those with extensive knowledge of dirt bike DIY processes | |
| Offers full control over the bike’s design to meet personal requirements | |
| Aligns with a passion for building or assembling, leveraging natural talent |
2023 TM’S RACING BEST DIRT BIKES
While TM dirt bikes are not very well known to the general dirt bike population here in the USA. They also are a really HIGH quality built dirt bike. TM dirt bikes have been compared to a work of art and the crew at TM really prides themselves in building a quality and beautiful dirt bike. They have 2 strokes and 4 strokes but are more known for the hard enduro 2 strokes.
List of the Best 2023 TM Racing Dirt Bikes
- 2023 TM EN 300 ES
- 2023 TM EN 450 Fi
- 2023 TM MX 450 Fi
- 2023 TM MX 300 ES
- 2023 TM MX 300 Fi
There you have it. The above dirt bike brands are the very best in the world. While they differ in color design and even models. Each of the dirt bike brands listed in the article is considered the best in the world. However, there are 5 brands that still are leading the pack when it comes to making the very best dirt bikes in the world. Now, the reason they are considered the big 5 is they lead the pack in manufacturing and also in the racing world they have the most wins and championships.
The list below is not really in any particular order but these are still the biggest and the best dirt bike brands in the world. Chances are you have heard of all of the five dirt bike brands below but you haven’t probably heard of all the dirt bike brands I have listed in this article.
TOP 5 BEST DIRT BIKE BRANDS IN THE WORLD
- Yamaha
- KTM
- Honda
- Kawasaki
- Suzuki
Suzuki is probably the only dirt bike manufacture that has really cut back so to speak.
Will we see the rise of another dirt bike manufacturer join the ranks of the big 5 dirt bike brands?
Time will only tell. Let’s hope that Suzuki decides to return to its ways and bring us more dirt bike options if they don’t it might go back to being the big 4…
Or, maybe…just maybe Beta or Sherco will sneak up in the ranks.
Remember to get out and ride but be safe out there.
Conclusion
When reflecting on the essential insights about the world’s top dirt bike brands – Yamaha, KTM, Honda, Kawasaki, and Suzuki – it’s clear that each brings a unique set of strengths to the table.
Yamaha is celebrated for its reliability and innovative technology, KTM is revered for its race-oriented prowess and cutting-edge engineering, Honda is trusted for its consistent performance and durability, Kawasaki is admired for its powerful engines coupled with nimble handling, and Suzuki is respected for its blend of tradition and modernity, offering bikes that are both reliable and high-performing.
Choosing the best dirt bike brand involves weighing these key characteristics against your personal riding style, preferences, and objectives. Whether you’re a novice rider, an experienced racer, or an off-road adventure enthusiast, aligning your specific needs with the offerings of these reputable brands can significantly enhance your riding experience.
It’s not just about the bike’s specs on paper; it’s about how the bike resonates with you personally, fits your body, responds to your riding techniques, and meets your expectations in various terrains and conditions.
Your final decision should be informed by thorough research, comparative analysis, and ideally, test rides. Engaging with the riding community, seeking advice from seasoned riders, and reading up on the latest reviews can provide invaluable insights.
FAQ About Best Dirt Bike Brands in the World
Can beginners comfortably choose a bike from these top brands?
Yes, beginners can find suitable models from these top brands that cater to their skill level and riding preferences. Each brand offers a range of bikes designed for different experience levels, ensuring newcomers can enjoy riding while building their confidence.
Are bikes from these top brands more expensive than others?
While bikes from these top brands might carry a higher initial price tag due to their quality, technology, and brand reputation, many riders find the investment worthwhile for the reliability, performance, and overall riding experience they offer.
Are the top dirt bike brands suitable for both beginners and experienced riders?
Yes, brands like Yamaha, KTM, Honda, Kawasaki, and Suzuki offer a wide range of models catering to all skill levels—from novice riders to seasoned professionals. They provide varying engine sizes, power outputs, and designs to suit different riding experiences and preferences.
