A dirt bike can take on any terrain, be it a rocky river bed or a tight trail. Their only real limits are the limits of the rider's skills, and bikemakers make these motorcycles to be thoroughly bashed around. Yet, there are many factors to consider when buying one, the most common ones being rider's experience, price, and specs.
Considering this, we've compiled an assortment of motocross bikes that offer a good blend of price, rideability, and impressive componentry. These details will help introduce you to the best MX bikes available in 2023. All these bikes are currently on sale in America, and some have even undergone updates in recent times. So whether you're a novice or an off-road pro, there is an awesome dirt bike out there for you. Just go through the list below.
Updated August 2023: Dirt bikes will never be unpopular. As long as there's access to off-road trails, enthusiasts will take advantage of them. And naturally, every manufacturer will always try to update them and release new MX beasts. So keeping our readers up to speed on all the latest developments, we'll update this article periodically.
10 2023 GPX TSE250R (Two-Stroke)
This full-size two-stroke off-road bike is made in China. And before you discount based on its origin, let us tell you there' a lot on offer. It has one of the highest-performances in the 250cc two-stroke class, courtesy its 224cc two-stroke engine. A six-speed transmission, updated rear and front suspension, and electric start elevate your experience further. There's also updated bodywork and airbox to provide better looks and airflow to the engine, respectively. The final touch is the scrumptiously low price of $5,699.99, making it an excellent option for newbies.
Pros
- For fans of two-stroke engines
- Inexpensive compared to other options
- Many features (CNC pegs, digital speedo, crash protection)
Cons
- Unproven reliability
- Sparse dealer network
- Chinese origin doesn't help
9 2024 Yamaha YZ450F
Yamaha has been nailing twins and crossplane cranks for a while now, but not many know about its prowess in the MX world. Its flagship offering is the YZ450F that boasts a 450cc, liquid-cooled four-stroke engine. There's 54.4 horsepower and 32.7 lb.-ft. of torque on offer, most of which is deep down in the rev range (one of the best in its class). Also, the 450F comes equipped with the new KYB Speed Sensitive System (SSS) 48 mm forks, has an intuitive app that helps you tune the bike, and is easily one of the most affordable options in terms of maintenance. Pricing starts at $9,999 and if you dig old-school liveries, there's also a rad-looking 50th anniversary model for MY2024.
Pros
- One of the best low-end power in the class
- KYB Speed Sensitive System is a unique touch
- Loads of adjustability (including app-based engine tune)
Cons
- Mostly for experience riders
- Jack of all trades, master of none
8 2024 Husqvara FE 501W
The FE 501W is Husqvarna's flagship enduro. New for 2024, the motorcycle has loads to offer. The crown jewel, of course, is the liquid-cooled 510cc powerhouse. It sends power via a six-speed transmission and sits inside a unique frame no short of a mechanical marvel. This is because the chassis has been updated for 2024 to reduce anti-squat behavior and improve feedback. You'd also dig the top-shelf subframe (built from polyamide and aluminum) to weight under four pounds. Stir the WP XACT suspension in the mix, and you have yourself a Husky designed explicitly for competition level enduro-riding.
Pros
- Up-to-date with the latest tech
- Electronic start
- Over 500cc engine
Cons
- Not rated for California green sticker
- Over $12,500 MSRP isn't easy on the pocket
7 2024 Honda CRF450X
The legendary Honda CRF450X has 15 wins at the gruesome Baja 1000. It is an impressive machine, with an EPA-approved off-road status in 50 States. At heart, the motocrosser flexes a 449.7cc Unicam engine, geared explicitly towards off-road riding, just like all other components. The clutch is designed for a light lever pull and features a primary damper mechanism with friction springs that control engine torque and keep things smooth. Other notable bits include a fuel mileage indicator, hand guards, dual radiators, and a titanium exhaust. Meanwhile, pricing starts at $9,899. Mouth-watering, yes, but it is important to remember the key purpose is cross-country racing.
Pros
- Winning legacy at Baja race
- Off-road status in 50 states
- Fuel mileage indicator can be handy when going the distance
Cons
- Seems dated among its 2024 rivals
- Tailor-made for cross-country racing and not much else
6 2024 KTM 450 SX-F
The KTM 450 SX-F is the brand's answer to Japanese and other European 450cc MX bikes. And boy, it is good! With one of the largest airboxes in the class, the motocrosser promises an impressive and efficient power delivery. Impressive is also the adjective you can use for the bike's suspension setup, comprising WP XACT forks and monoshock. Oh, and no need to fret, as both ends are adjustable to suit all kinds of riders. In case you need any more convincing, the SX-F has five AMA titles to its name in the past seven years.
Pros
- Advanced airbox with dual filter system
- Proven platform
Cons
- Premium cost for parts
- Typical KTM high maintenance machine
5 2023 TM EN450Fi
TM is a small company based in Italy that eats, breathes, and sweats racing. Quality racing bikes is its USP, and the EN450Fi is a great example of what they bring to the table. The 2023 EN450Fi has a potent 450cc engine, sat inside a double-cradle chassis. Suspension duties are via an EXT (TM subsidy) rear shock and KYB upside-down forks. Another notable aspect is the 450Fi's underseat fuel cell and side-mounted filler cap. The estimated price listed on their now removed Kick-Starter posting was $11,895.
Pros
- TM off-road racing pedigree
- Potent 450cc engine
- Quality components
Cons
- Lack of service network compared to rivals
- Price point is high
4 2023 Husqvarna FC 450
Another Husqvarna that deserves your attention in the MX space is the FC 450. There's 53.7 horsepower (at 9,500 rpm) and 33.2 pound-feet (at 7,800 rpm) for you to enjoy, blended with a likable mix of partnering components. We're talking WP 48 mm upside-down forks, WP shock, high-quality spoke wheels, and loads of electronics. The latter includes engine maps, quickshifter, TC, launch control, and a new-for-2024 Engine Management System. All these components make it best suited for more experienced riders. If you like what you see, better set aside $11,199.
Pros
- Top-notch WP XACT suspension
- KTM-derived proven engine
- Plenty of torque and horsepower
Cons
- Experienced off-road riders will benefit the most from this model
- Plugged airbox lessens power delivery
3 2024 Kawasaki KX450
Since 2019, the Kawasaki KX450 has been a fan favorite on track. And for MY24, Team Green has made it better than ever. For instance, the 449cc, single has a new downdraft intake layout and a new cylinder head to boost airflow, thus increasing power across the board. Though the numbers are 'TBA', you should have around 60 ponies at your mercy. So it's safe to say this is certainly not for the faint of heart and only experienced riders can unlock its full potential. That said, its price is still accessible to weekend warriors, even after its $800 price hike for the next model year.
Pros
- Loads of updates for 2024
- Cheaper than its arch rivals
- 449cc engine offers enjoyable grunt
Cons
- Looks quite simple compared to the Husky or KTM
- Made primarily for motocross
2 2024 GasGas MC 450F
GasGas has updated its entire MX range for 2024, and the 450F sits at the top of the food chain. It offers an epic blend of slithering looks (gotta love that red!), quality components, and a meaty 449cc powerhouse (derived from KTM). To maker matters sweeter, most of the components have undergone a revision for MY24, promising the finest riding experience you'd ever have on a GasGas MX bike to date. These include an updated chassis, suspension, electronics, brakes, handlebar, and even triple clamps. Pricing for the red KTM... err, we mean GasGas, starts at $10,399 (according to Colorado Springs Powersports).
Pros
- Proven KTM-derived engine
- Red-hot design
- KTM support structure
Cons
- Not officially listed on GasGas U.S. site
1 2024 Honda CRF450R
The Honda CRF450R is the company's bollocks MX bike, strictly for competition use. It employs a race-spec 450cc, liquid-cooled mill, complete with a close ratio five-speed tranny. Power output remains a mystery (in typical Honda fashion), but we expect about 53 horsepower and 35 pound-feet. There are three engine modes (Standard, Smooth, Aggressive), three levels of traction control, and three levels of launch control, all adjusted by the handlebar-mounted switches. For MY23, the CRF also had updated suspension, now with Showa 49 mm USD forks and a Showa rear shock. Pricing starts at an affordable $9,699--arguably the best value in the class.
Pros
- Power on par with MC450F, for ~$2,500 less
- Plenty of electronics
- Tip-top Showa suspension
Cons
- Weighs more than comparable KTM and GasGas models
- Competition-only nature could attract fines