The Fastest Dirt Bikes in the World
For bikes that are designed to easily tackle the toughest terrains, attaining top speeds may seem unnecessary. But you might want to have some fun while riding, and one of the best ways to do this is by checking out how fast your bike goes and how long it takes to reach top speed.
You’d be surprised how exhilarating it is to ride through different terrains at top speed. If you like speeding things up, you may be asking what’s the fastest dirt bike out there. And if you're looking for a particularly fast option, consider the following dirt bikes.
Table of Contents
The Fastest Dirt Bikes in the World in 2022:-
Let’s take a look at the fastest dirt bikes in the world:
- Yamaha WR250F
- Kawasaki KX250
- Honda CRF250R
- Husqvarna TC 250
- KMT 250 SX-F
- Yamaha YZ450F
- KTM 450 SX-F
- Kawasaki KX450
- Honda CRF450R
- Suzuki GSX-R600
- Honda CBR600RR
- Kawasaki KLR 650cc
- Honda XR 650cc
- MuZ Baghira 660cc
The Fastest 250cc Dirt Bikes
250cc dirt bikes are not necessarily the fastest dirt bikes in the market, but it's great for beginners. So if you're upgrading from a 125cc bike, you need to grow gradually, which means getting a 250cc bike. After all, the high speeds of 450cc engines can be very scary for beginners or people who have never tried a 250cc bike.
But, first, you need to understand that other factors can affect the speed of the bike. Some of these factors include your weight and height, experience, brand, and riding conditions. So before we go through the fastest 250cc brands, let’s compare a 250cc 4-stroke engine and a 2-stroke.
How Fast Can 250cc Bikes Go?
How fast does a 250cc dirt bike go? Lots of the 250cc dirt bikes in the market can reach a top speed of between 70mph and 85mph under perfect riding conditions. But some brands like Kawasaki Ninja 250 can attain a maximum speed of about 100mph under the same conditions.
4-Stroke vs. 2 Stroke 250cc Engines: Which One Is Faster?
Generally, 2-stroke bikes take two motions to complete a cycle: compression and combustion. Unlike the 4-stroke engines, they are less complicated and lightweight, which makes them faster. Unfortunately, they are noisier and need more maintenance.
On the other hand, 4-stroke engines have 4 functions; exhaust, combustion, compression, and intake. Therefore, they are heavier but less noisy and easier to maintain.
The fastest 250cc 2 stroke bike can hit a top speed of 85mph. On the other hand, the best 4-stroke 250cc bike can hit a maximum speed of about 80mph.
What Are the Fastest 250cc Dirt Bikes?
1. Yamaha WR250F
The Yamaha WR250F allows you to switch between racing and standard modes to reach the top speed of 85mph. Yamaha placed the mass centrally with the fuel tank under the seat and a top-mounted airbox design, making for an ultra-light handling ride.
This fast dirt bike has a liquid-cooled 4-valves, 4-stroke, DOHC fuel injection engine with 250cc displacement and approximately 30HP. A first enduro clutch on a 6-speed gearbox on the WR250F has an electric start backed by the old kick-start.
The WR250F has a wet weight of 254lbs, 2.15-gallon fuel capacity with a seat height of 37.6”, which may be uncomfortable for some riders. Overall, we highly recommend this dirt bike for its agility and speed.
2. Kawasaki KX250
The Kawasaki KX range is known for winning racing championships, giving the manufacturer more Supercross and Motocross titles than any other. With its racer-friendly gearing and updated 249cc electric start engine, the KX250 is set to continue the winning trend for Kawasaki.
Handling around corners is excellent on KX250, thanks to the Dunlop X33 tires. The rear tire on the latest KX250 is a wide 110/90-19.
Kawasaki has increased low-mid torque with a longer exhaust header pipe. The manufacturer also managed to get better race-friendly power delivery by increasing the moment of inertia in the rotor. The KX250 continuously evolves to keep it atop the fastest dirt bike charts.
3. Honda CRF250R
As one of the top brands in the market, Honda always lives up to expectations when it comes to 250cc bikes. Their Honda CRF250R promises practicality and performance on rough terrains. This workhorse is one of the fastest 4-stroke 250cc bikes available that can attain a top speed of 70mph.
Sadly, Honda, together with Kawasaki and Suzuki, stopped producing 2-stroke 250cc dirt bikes. So currently, you can only get 4-stroke 250cc Honda dirt bikes in the market.
4. Husqvarna TC 250
Husqvarna has been crawling steadily and slowly into the dirt-biking world over the last few years. This brand is known for manufacturing some of the safest and stylish 250cc bikes in the industry.
So, how fast are there 250cc dirt bikes? Well, their 2-stroke TC250 has a high speed of about 72mph. On the other hand, Husqvarna FC250, their safe option comes with a 4-stroke engine, which has a top speed of 43mph.
5. KMT 250 SX-F
For the last few years, KMT has been rubbing shoulders with some of the top brands in the dirt biking industry. This is understandable since their 250cc bikes can easily hit 78mph.
KMT 250 SX-F, their latest bike, is the fastest of all their 250cc dirt bikes. KMT 250 SX-F is an upgraded version of their 4-stroke KMT 250 SX, with a top speed of about 60mph.
The Fastest 450cc Dirt Bikes
Dirt bikes have been getting too fast, particularly the 450cc bikes that are popular among riders over 80 kg.
450cc dirt bikes are the best options for recreational and enduro riding. Some 450cc bikes are really fast, but they can't sustain the top speeds for extended periods.
That being said, the 450cc Dakar rally dirt bikes, which are modified, tend to go really fast through deserts. But for most people who tackle fire trails and forest tracks, such speeds are rarely seen.
How Fast Can 450cc Bikes Go?
Generally, dirt bikes with 450cc engines can reach a top speed of about 90mph. Remember though that reaching this speed will depend on other factors like the terrain.
What Are the Fastest 450cc Dirt Bikes?
1. Yamaha YZ450F
The question of how fast a 450 dirt bike goes is partly answered by looking at the Yamaha YZ450F in action. Yamaha revolutionized the motorsport industry by introducing the 4-stroke bike to competitive racing. Now in its seventh generation, the YZ450 continues to go faster with more agility and power.
Yamaha has done away with the kickstart while the rev limiter has been ramped up by 500rpm for longer over-rev while the bike maintains that Yamaha broad power trait. The YZ450F runs on a fuel-injection, 4-stroke, 4-valve, liquid-cooled DOHC engine and has a 5-speed gearbox with a multi-plate wet clutch. A top speed of 80mph has been recorded on the YZ450F.
2. KTM 450 SX-F
The KTM 450 SX-F is well-known for getting Dungey Ryan to the motocross championship. This bike comes with a powerful 449cc engine, which weighs about 237pounds. Plus, it can easily reach a top speed of about 123mph.
The KTM 450 SX-F has some unique technologies that are designed to make the ride more extreme. Therefore, you should expect maximum engine performance. Plus, its Keihin management system allows it to use an electronic fuel injection system. So if you're looking for power and speed, then this is the approved benchmark.
3. Kawasaki KX450
Thanks to its sophisticated technologies, the KX450 has been a dominant bike in motocross for over a decade. But just because it was made for enduro events, green laning, and trail riding, it doesn't mean that it can't handle low-speed riding.
The 2019 model comes with an upgraded body, frame, and suspensions. The latest version is easier to handle and revs further than its predecessors.
The KX450 comes with hard, soft, and standard options, so you can pick the right power for where you plan to venture. Plus, the fact that it's stable on tough terrains is exceptional. Its shocks and suspensions can handle tough landings while its tires function properly on tracks. The 4-stroke engine on this bike can easily attain a top speed of about 89mph.
4. Honda CRF450R
Despite not being the fastest dirt bike ever made, the CRF450R is a legendary bike on motocross. This bike can attain a top speed of about 87mph, which is quite fast for the 450cc class.
Fortunately, Honda has been improving this bike over the last few years. The 2019 version comes with upgraded HRC launch control, clutch filter, piston oil jet, exhaust, and brake pads.
The tweaks and upgrades done on the 2019 model offer better power and balance. In order to improve balance and lower its COG, Honda fitted the battery 28mm lower in its chassis. Honda also added traction control via their selectable torque control.
The Fastest 600cc to 700cc Dirt Bikes
Most riders, including experienced dirt bikers, cannot handle the power that comes with 650 to 700cc bikes. These bikes can easily handle steep climbs at high speeds, and some of them are designed to reach 60mph within less than 6 seconds.
So if you're looking for a bike whose acceleration will blow your mind, then you should go for 650cc dirt bikes.
What Is the Top Speed of 600cc Dirt Bikes?
The top speed of dirt bikes with over 600cc engines is over 125mph. However, some bikes can attain a top speed of 160mph which can be scary for inexperienced riders.
What Are the Fastest Dirt Bikes With 600cc to 700cc?
1. Suzuki GSX-R600
The powerful 4-cylinder engine on this super fast bike responds very quickly to the twist of the throttle with precise handling on refined brakes and suspension. The GSX-R600 is as comfortable on the track as it is on the street.
There is a drive mode selector on the GSX-R600, allowing the rider to adjust power delivery according to the riding conditions. Its lightweight and strength are balanced thanks to the aluminum connecting the steering head with the swingarm part of the chassis, delivering a top speed of 165mph.
Nimble handling is achieved by the suspended engine below the frame and short wheelbase with a fully adjustable rear shock absorber.
2. Honda CBR600RR
The Honda CBR600RR has stiffer monoblock front-brake calipers with chromium-plated pistons, giving linear, powerful stopping at any speed. One standout feature on the CBR600RR is the steering damper which detects the bike's speed and adjusts damping proportionally to give excellent high and low-speed handling.
The 4.8-gallon fuel tank is low in the frame at the center of the chassis, centralizing the mass of the CBR600RR, which makes it more responsive to the rider in high-speed turns and standing up straight on exits. Two sets of injectors on each cylinder give instant high-rpm feedback and metering at low rpm for clean running at speeds of 165mph.
3. Kawasaki KLR 650cc
KLR is a resilient model that survived the 1980s, 90s, and 2000s. This is an exceptional dual-purpose motorcycle that can tackle the toughest terrains. And having survived a few decades, its technology may feel a bit analog. But at 432pounds, this bike is quite heavy, so you should be ready to handle its weight. Its instrumentation may not be fancy, so if you need a classy 1980s bike, then this is for you.
KLR has square indicator lighting, and its throttle is mechanical and stiff. Plus, you can easily see the gauge display, which is positioned above its bars.
This bike comes with a 651cc 4-stroke engine that can attain a top speed of 98mph. Plus, the fact that it fires the first time, thanks to its capacitor-discharge ignition, is a bonus.
4. Honda XR 650cc
Despite having little to no upgrades done to it since 1993, the Honda XR is still a reliable dirt bike. This is actually the most reputed dual-bike available that can still compete with the latest models in the market. Its unique air-cooled 650cc engine can produce 40hp and attain a top speed of about 110mph.
Its unique suspension is still as capable as it was in 1993 when it was launched. Plus, you get ideal off-road tires and colossal ground clearance. Regardless of the fact that the bike has over decade-old components, it still performs on dirt roads, city streets, and trails.
5. MuZ Baghira 660cc
Another dual-purpose bike on our list that offers premium build quality is the Muz Baghira bike. The first thing that makes this unit stand out is that its seat is quite high.
The 930mm seat height offers you more than enough ground clearance and suspension travel to negotiate rough terrains. You can also ride it while standing, thanks to its wide footpegs and handlebars.
This dirt bike features a 650cc, 4-stroke Yamaha engine that produces 37hp. So, you can cruise at a top speed of about 102mph with a unit that can handle tough terrains. Its unique engine also has a counterbalance, electric starter, and water-cooling feature.
This bike comes fitted with Grimeca brakes. The front wheel has an 11.1-inch single-hydraulic disc brake. The rear wheel has a 9.65-inch disc brake.
Most Powerful Dirt Bike
Large engines like the Honda CBR600RR have lots of power and higher top-end speeds. 2-stroke engines give loads of low-end power but cannot sustain the same level of power over long distances. 4-stroke engines sustain more power over long distances, even though it takes longer to reach high thresholds.
So the 2-stroke engine will be more powerful straight off the mark, while the 4-stroke bike will be able to maintain more power over a longer ride. It all depends on how and where the power is used, ultimately, to be able to give a conclusive and definite answer.
Factors Influencing the Speed of a Dirt Bike
If you take 10 riders and give them the same 650cc dirt bikes, they may not all attain the same top speed. Some will reach over 100mph speed on dirt bikes faster than others, while others won't reach 100mph. This is because there are several other factors that affect the speed of a dirt bike. Some of these factors include:
2-Stroke vs. 4-Stroke
Generally, 4-stroke engines perform better than 2-strokes at high speeds, despite being heavier. On the other hand, 2-stroke bikes are perfect for motocross racing.
A 4-stroke 250cc engine has a top speed of 80mph, while a 2-stroke has a maximum speed of about 85mph. The extra weight in the 4-stroke bikes plays a key role in lowering their speed. But compared to the 2-stroke bikes, the bikes with 4-stroke engines are easier to maintain.
Brand
Some bikes like KTM can easily defeat other top brands in the market because they have more performance modifications. This is the main reason why a KTM 450SX-F, which has a 450cc engine, can defeat a Honda XR with a 650cc engine.
The KTM 450 has a top speed of 123mph, while Honda XR's maximum speed is 110mph.
Weight and Height of the Rider
If you are overweight, the extra weight can slow down your bike, making it hard to accelerate. On the other hand, taller riders have more body area that has to be pushed through the wind. Therefore, accelerating at high speeds can be a bit challenging for tall riders too. So, lighter and shorter riders are the ones with a better chance of winning speed records.
Weight of the Dirt Bike
The weight of the bike also plays a key role in the speed of the dirt bike. This is the main reason why 4-stroke dirt bikes are not ideal for motocross. Heavier dirt bikes with a 450cc engine can be slower than lighter bikes with the same engine capacity.
FAQs
Can a 250cc dirt bike be faster than a 450cc bike?
A 450cc engine is bigger than a 250cc engine, which translates to faster acceleration and top speeds. So, since a 250cc bike can top out at 75mph and a 450cc can exceed 130mph, a 250cc bike cannot be faster than a 450cc bike.
What is the fastest 2-stroke dirt bike?
Whether it has a Maico 700 or 620 engine, the ATK Intimidator has held the title for the fastest dirt bike for a few years. The 700 engine intimidator has a 685cc 2-stroke engine that produces 78hp. This bike can easily exceed over 110mph on dirt.
How fast is a 500cc dirt bike?
500cc single-cylinder dirt bikes have a top speed of about 100mph. So if you need to exceed 100mph, you should go for a bike with a 600cc engine.
Conclusion
Dirt biking is all about the climbs, slides, and jumps, but if you want to make it more fun, then you can try one of the fastest dirt bikes out there. Dirt biking at exceptionally high speed can be exciting for experienced riders and scary for beginners. But we all have to remove the learning wheels and get more powerful bikes. So if you have a 125cc bike, then you should upgrade to a faster one within the same engine capacity or a faster 250cc bike.
