10 Cheapest Dirt Bikes On The Market in 2024

The off-road motorcycle segment has experienced rapid growth in recent years. As per Statista, the off-road motorcycle market is expected to achieve US$8.50 billion in worldwide revenue in 2024 only. From this forecast, it is clear that people are getting more interested in off-road adventure and sports.

The king of off-road motorcycling is the dirt bike. Dirt bike is a generic term that encompasses a range of motorcycles, such as enduro, motocross, and trail bikes. Though these bikes look quite similar to each other, there are underlying differences that complete their purpose. Other than off-road competitions and adventure, riding dirt bikes serves another great purpose of training young riders. No other motorcycle segment offers a specially designed production bike that a ten-year-old can ride.

Essentially built for lightness and quick maneuverability, this bike carries a single-cylinder engine and very few tech features. The idea is to develop pure skill through spirited riding. In this article, we have brought you a list of dirt bikes that are excellent in terms of performance but don’t cost you much to purchase.

Looking at the data from OEM websites, and authoritative websites like Cycleworld.com and Motorcycle.com, we have put together this list with the most authentic information. The dirt bikes on this are arranged from the lowest price to the highest.

10 Suzuki DR-Z125L

Base MSRP: $3,599

The Suzuki DR-Z125L is a perfect choice for smaller and intermediate riders. Featuring RM-Z styling and race-inspired graphics, this bike is known for its simplicity and reliable performance standards.

Sharp handling and mighty low-end and mid-range power give the DR-Z the typical get-up-and-go characteristics that distinguish off-road bikes. The lightweight steel pipe frame and rear beam-style swingarm, together with a fully adjustable rear suspension system, offer superb handling characteristics.

Engine Specification

(Sourced from Suzuki)

While the smaller stature riders can better access and handle the motorbike due to the lower seat height (32.0 inches) and lower curb weight (196 pounds), the 124cc 4-stroke engine, easy-pull clutch, and 5-speed transmission system provide big bike capability to this size-appropriate machine. With a clean-running four-stroke engine, this bike is eligible for California Green Sticker off-road registration.

9 Suzuki RM85

Base MSRP: $4,499

The RM85 is the smallest displacement motocross machine by Suzuki. A perfect companion for young dirt racers, this bike also appeals to experienced riders because of its class-leading handling.

A lookalike of the larger RM-Z, the high-revving two-stroke engine of the bike provides punchy acceleration and steady power at any RPM. The smooth-shifting 6-speed transmission is paired with a rack-n-pinion-activated clutch designed for precision in gear selection, and no matter which gear you select, the Keihin carburetor ensures smooth throttle response.

Engine Specification

(Sourced from Suzuki)

The bike’s superb handling is the result of a durable and rigid tubular steel frame together with a 20-way adjustable heavy-duty Showa front fork and heavy-duty rear shock absorber. With an overall weight of 161 pounds and a seat height of 33.5 inches, this bike is easily accessible to riders of any skill level and size.

8 Yamaha TT-R230

Base MSRP: $4,699

The TT-R230 is a trail bike that draws inspiration from Yamaha’s YZ series. This bike’s reliable 223cc engine offers a wide power map, making it ideal for riders at the beginning and intermediate skill levels. With the aid of an electronic starter, the four-stroke SOHC engine can be swiftly started and delivers power smoothly.

Because of its flat seat and slim seat-tank junction, riders are allowed greater mobility. With the bike’s long travel suspension, which provides 11.6 inches of ground clearance, the R230 is built to be a race-ready motorcycle. Additionally, it sports outstanding grip-enhancing 21-inch front and 18-inch rear knobby tires in the MX style.

Engine Specification

(Sourced from Yamaha)

This sturdy suspension system delivers excellent damping capability and confidence-inspiring control and handling. The 36mm front fork and adjustable rear shock provide 9.4 and 8.7 inches of wheel travel, respectively.

7 Kawasaki KLX230R

Base MSRP: $4,749

The KLX230R is an outstanding dirt machine for off-road excitement from Kawasaki. Whether competing or just having fun, the bike’s powerful engine and extremely sturdy chassis deliver unmatched performance.

While the short wheelbase enables nimble handling, a lightweight, high-tensile perimeter frame offers the best rigidity for speed stability. A trail-tuned suspension system with Uni-Trak linkage and adjustable spring preload encourages confidence on bumpy tracks. The electric start and direct fuel injection system allow you to enjoy the ride without worrying about stalling, and the 233-cc 4-stroke engine is built to deliver plenty of low-end torque to maximize traction.

Engine Specification

(Sourced from Kawasaki and Cycleworld.com)

Kawasaki is offering disc brakes on both wheels at this price point, which every dirt rider wants on their machine. With a 36.4-inch seat height and only 253.6 pounds of curb weight, this bike is easily maneuverable, even on the toughest trails.

6 Honda CRF250F

Base MSRP: $4,999

The CRF250F is made for fun trail riding and off-roading; that is how Honda describes this machine. But that doesn’t mean it is any less than the competition-ready R models; rather, it has several features that appeal to even professional riders.

A highly reliable four-stroke engine with fuel injection, a large 21-inch rear tire, and electric start. This bike is all geared up for serious dirt riding. Excellent handling characteristics are powered by a tubular-steel twin-spar frame that offers excellent rigidity. Like the CRF models, the 250F features Showa forks at the front and Pro-Link rear suspension, allowing for confident riding and easily handling bumps, twists, and turns.

Engine Specification

(Sourced from Honda and Cycleworld.com)

While the cool MX styling gives the feel of riding a competition bike, the counterbalanced engine offers a smooth running experience.

5 Yamaha YZ125X

Base MSRP: $7,199

The Yamaha YZ125X is tailor-made for enduro and cross-country competition and is a perfect entry-level bike for new riders. Featured with some advanced tech from the manufacturer, such as the Yamaha Power Valve System (YPVS) and digital CDI, this bike is perfectly optimized for hare scrambles and GNCC racing.

Besides, there is a cross-country-focused suspension setup, lightweight wheels wrapped with Dunlop Geomax tires, and a standard side stand. The liquid-cooled 125 cc engine is tuned for enduro racing and offers quick acceleration with intense power delivery at mid-to-high RPM. The aluminum semi-double-cradle frame not only reduces overall weight but also provides excellent handling characteristics.

Engine Specification

(Sourced from Yamaha)

The bike also maintains a cross-country standard when it comes to ergonomics; the narrow fuel tank meets with the ‘gripper’ type seat at a slim junction, allowing better movement. Besides, the tapered handlebar and adjustable mounts offer comfortable ergonomics for riders.

4 GasGas MC125

Base MSRP: $7,499

Spanish manufacturer GasGas is giving tough competition to Japanese off-road motorcycle manufacturers because of the number of awesome machines in its lineup. Our pick here is the MC125, a two-stroke machine with punchy acceleration and superb handling characteristics.

The bike features slim bodywork with excellent ergonomics for ultimate rider control. The freshly designed frame absorbs energy better than ever, and the WP Xact suspension setup on both wheels offers nimble handling regardless of the terrain.

Engine Specification

(Sourced from GasGas)

The fuel-injected engine’s broad power map can be customized using the power map feature of the bike. With just a push of a button, riders can select between an aggressive burst of power and smooth power delivery. Electric start is a standard feature with a new EMU.

3 KTM 125SX

Base MSRP: $7,949

The KTM 125SX is one of the rarest full-size bikes, despite having a two-stroke engine. Riders who are transitioning from below-100-cc dirt machines to 250-cc machines will particularly find this machine extremely useful.

The two-stroke motor is extremely lightweight, weighing only 39.3 pounds, and cheaper to maintain. Both of these characters are likable to dirt riders. However, this bike has several features similar to its four-stroke siblings, such as WP Xact suspension, EFI, power maps, and hydraulic clutch.

Engine Specification

(Sourced from KTM)

The laser-cut, hydro-formed frame is designed for longitudinal and torsional flex, which means it acts like a shock absorber and offers a less harsh riding experience. The bike boasts a tool-free suspension set up at both ends, and the air pump comes standard with the bike.

2 Yamaha YZ250

Base MSRP: $7,999

With almost half a century of development, the YZ250 remains one of the crown jewels of Yamaha’s racing heritage. The latest generation YZ250 has a lightweight and compact 249-cc engine that delivers a wide powerband.

With advanced technology like the Power Valve System (YPVS) and digital CDI, this engine is now better than ever. The lightweight aluminum frame and swingarm give the YZ250 superior handling, while the hydraulic disc brakes on both the front and rear wheels provide excellent control and stopping power. The 48mm inverted KYB front fork is completely adjustable, as is the KYB rear shock with reduced-friction Kashima Coat internals.

Engine Specification

(Sourced from Yamaha)

This unrivaled suspension soaks up rough terrain and gives the rider unmatched comfort, capability, and control on the YZ250. With aggressive YZ graphics, an adjustable clutch lever, and a two-position adjustable handlebar clamp, this bike is totally race-ready.

1 Kawasaki KX250

Base MSRP: $8,899

The KX250 is actually a package of attractive functional features with a very low price tag. The finely tuned engine impresses experienced race riders because of its high rev limit and strong performance across the rev range.

Using the experience of Kawi racing teams, the transmission features a longer first gear, which is extremely useful in several dirt riding situations. Besides, the second gear is finely tuned for a smooth transition to the gears above. Adding convenience for riders, this bike is equipped with electric start and launch control. The ECU of this bike is easily adjustable with the help of a handheld calibration kit that the manufacturer is offering as an accessory.

Engine Specification

(Sourced from Kawasaki and Cycleworld.com)

The bike’s swift handling and incredible stability are powered by a lightweight perimeter frame, KYB suspension system, and petal disc brakes on both wheels. Besides, there are Dunlop MX33 tires offering excellent grip and traction in any riding condition.