Popular Dirt Bikes

If you were asked which motocross bikes were the most popular, how would you answer? You would probably reel off, “Kawasaki, Yamaha, Honda, KTM, and Suzuki,” not necessarily in that order depending on your personal preference.

The reason for the popularity of these brands is directly related to the quality of the bike. And as you know, quality = high price.

One of Honda’s hottest offering is the Honda CRF450R, which is highly rated for its sheer power and the speed that it delivers. It actually is powered by a 249cc engine that keeps running cool as a cucumber since it’s liquid cooled. You can expect to expend about $6,500 for one. Too rich for your blood? Step down to the HONDA CR 250 Motocross Dirt Bike for about $3,000.

Shopping for a KTM? The KTM 200 EXC is their most popular model. It’s loaded with 200cc but the whole package weighs in at what a 125cc bike would. At $6,000 you get a lot of bang for your buck. If they happen to be sold out (which they might be), consider one of the bikes in their SX series. They’re not too different from the EXC.

Are you a Kawasaki aficionato? The most popular model has been the powerful KAWASAKI KX250. With its release in 1990, came the hefty price tag of $6,000! But if you have your heart set on a Kawa but can’t come up with these clams, why not pick up a used one for about $2,000? If the prior owner is conscientious, you should get a good deal. For a smaller calibre machine, check out the KX125.

Long time manufacturer Suzuki remains in the game as a major player. For about $3,000 you can be riding a choice bike in the $3,000 range. For example, the DR-Z125 and DR-Z125L models will kick butt with a 4-stroke engine and a 5 speed transmission.

If you’re a Yamaha fan, check out the YZ series of bikes. They have come a long way since the Enduro days of ther 1970’s! The least expensive will only run you about 3 to 7 grand. But if you want to spend a bit more, step up to the the 4-stroke, DOHC, 5-valve titanium, liquid-cooled powerhouse YZ450F for about 6,900 dollars.

Article by John Melin at www.MxTrainingJournal.com

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