Updated October 2019:
The majority of dirtbike riders get their first taste of the dirt as kids, but our 5 Best Beginner Dirtbikes for Adults list recognizes that there are plenty of older folks who would love to give off-road riding a try but may not be sure where to start. These five models are all solid bets.
When deciding what kind of bikes should make this list, we wanted to set up a few basic paramaters. For starters, we wanted the bikes to have full-sized 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, although a 19-inch front and 16-inch rear could also make the cut. We absolutely ruled out any kind of two-strokes, as beginners should really cut their teeth on a fours-stroke with its attendant user-friendly power delivery. We also knew that we wanted bikes with electric start because, hey, who wants to hassle with learning the coordination of a kickstarter these days. Beyond that, we also wanted to cap the displacement at 250cc. Sure, we could have put a bike like the Suzuki RMX450Z on our list, but even in its choked, CARB-legal state, the Suzuki is a big machine that offers a snappy enough powerband that it could be intimidating for a beginner. Besides that, we also wanted to keep the MRSP below $5000 on this list. All five of these bikes qualify.
While some of these models have been around for a while, there may be one relatively unknown surprise on our list that is worth checking out, so take a look and see if you think these machines are worth recommending to a friend who wants to learn how to ride.
Kawasaki KLX140G – $3,699
The Kawasaki KLX140G is a great choice because it really offers the best of both worlds, combining a user-friendly 140cc, two-valve SOHC air-cooled four-stroke single in a compact yet roomy chassis with full-sized 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels. Its 33.9-inch seat height makes life easy for beginners who want to plant their feet on the ground as they learn to ride, and its keyless electric start saves the hassle of having to learn how to kickstart he engine to get going. The KLX140G features a nicely spaced five-speed transmission that is operated by a manual clutch, the latter something that all new dirtbikers should learn to master, and its durable steel perimeter chassis and front and rear disc brakes add to its value. The KLX140G is an easy choice for our Best Beginner Dirtbikes for Adults list.
For more information on the Kawasaki KLX140G, visit www.kawasaki.com.