Wanna start riding dirt bikes? Here’s everything you need to know about off-road motorcycles, who they’re for, where to ride, and how to begin your journey with confidence.
Braaap!
So you’ve been eyeing a dirt bike? Maybe you’ve seen riders tearing through trails, kicking up dust, and having the time of their lives. Or maybe you just want to try something new that gets you outside with your adrenaline pumping.
Whatever brought you here, you’re not alone. Plenty of new riders feel that pull toward off-road riding, and we completely get it.
Off-road riding is far more approachable than it looks. Dirt bikes unlock a whole new way to experience riding. Just think of open trails, natural terrain, and that mix of adventure and freedom that makes you feel fully alive.
These lightweight, nimble machines dare to go where other motorcycles won’t, skimming through the most rugged terrain and turning every bump, hill, and twist into part of the fun.
Ready to dive in? Let’s dig in!
What Counts as an Off-Road Motorcycle?
Off-road motorcycles (aka dirt bikes) are motorbikes built specifically for unpaved ground. They’re designed to handle sand, mud, gravel, forest trails, and even snow. These bikes thrive where the asphalt ends and thrive on the unpredictable, and riders have been chasing that off-road thrill for many decades now.
What started with adventurous motorcyclists in Britain taking their bikes beyond paved roads eventually spread across the globe, and today manufacturers like Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, and Suzuki continue to push the boundaries of what these agile motorcycles can do.
Dirt bikes are light, nimble, and built to take a beating. Many models weigh as low as 200 pounds thanks to aluminum frames, slim bodywork, and simple construction. They don’t mind getting a little messy, and neither should you!
What Makes Dirt Bikes Different From Street Bikes?
Dirt bikes are built for a completely different environment from standard motorcycles, and that shows in every part of their design. Knobby tires with deep treads give you grip on loose surfaces like dirt, gravel, and mud, allowing for better traction on uneven terrain and greater control when things get slippery.
Most dirt bikes offer between 12 and 13 inches of suspension travel, which helps absorb shocks from bumps, jumps, and landings while keeping the ride smooth. You’ll also notice a slim seat, an upright riding position, and high ground clearance to help you move through obstacles with ease.
As for the engines, they’re often smaller than most people expect. In fact, plenty of chainsaws actually have more power than a dirt bike engine! Most off-road bikes start as low as 50cc, and even the bigger ones often stay under 500cc. That’s because dirt bikes are built for control and maneuverability on rough terrain, rather than speeding down the freeway.
You’ll also notice that dirt bikes don’t come with mirrors, headlights, or turn signals, which means they’re not street legal. They’re purpose-built for off-road adventures!
Dirt Biking vs. FMX: What’s the Difference?
Drawn to dirt bikes because you’ve seen riders soaring through the air at X Games or Red Bull competitions? You’re not the first, and you certainly won’t be the last.
Many new riders feel that same adrenaline rush after watching a massive backflip or a whip that seems to defy gravity. The key distinction is that FMX (Freestyle Motocross) is a specialized branch of off-road riding. It’s not where most people start.
Dirt biking is the general foundation. Once you dive in, you’ll learn throttle control, balance, body positioning, and all the core skills you need to handle a bike off-road. FMX riders rely on those same fundamentals but take them to the next level on specialized ramps and courses built for airtime.
In other words, dirt biking is the place to begin. Every FMX rider started exactly where you are now, learning the basics on trails, getting comfortable with their first dirt bike, and slowly building confidence.
If FMX is something you want to pursue one day, this is where the journey begins. And if you have zero interest in doing tricks, that’s perfect too. Trail riding is its own thing, and there’s a whole world of off-road fun that never leaves the ground.
Who Off-Road Riding Is Great For
If you’re curious about motorcycles and want a fun, low-pressure way to build confidence, then dirt bikes are a fantastic place to start. And if you’ve got a little more experience zipping around the city or love weekend rides, off-road bikes are perfect for anyone craving a little more adventure and curious about what the trail has in store.
Off-road riding is also a favorite among families, riding buddies, and friend groups. It brings people together in a way few hobbies can, creating lasting bonds, spontaneous adventures, and the kind of stories you end up telling for years.
You don’t need to become an expert on day one. Start small, take it at your own pace, and most importantly, have fun while doing it!
Where You Can Ride Dirt Bikes Legally
Once you’re ready to ride, you’ll need to know where to go. Since dirt bikes aren’t street legal, you’ll need to find a designated riding area near you. Fortunately, there are plenty!
OHV (off-highway vehicle) parks are designed specifically for off-road vehicles and offer trails for every skill level. You can also check out motocross tracks, which are perfect if you’re looking to develop your skills with jumps and tight turns.
You’ll also find off-road recreation areas in many national forests and public lands (be sure to confirm if you need a permit), and you can ride on private land if you have the owner’s permission.
Wherever you choose to ride, always stick to approved areas. It keeps the trails open, protects the environment, and ensures you’re riding safely and responsibly.
Beginner Tips for Trying Off-Road Riding
Now, let’s talk about how to get started on the right foot.
Taking a training course is one of the best moves you can make as a new off-road rider. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) offers a DirtBike School program, a fun and beginner-friendly one-day session that introduces the fundamentals in a safe, hands-on environment. Elsewhere, the United States Motorcycle Coaching Association (USMCA) also connects riders with certified coaches who offer personalized sessions for all experience levels, including off-road riding.
Both options help you develop proper technique and build confidence before hitting the trails.
When choosing your first bike, we recommend keeping it manageable. Most beginners do well on a dirt bike with an engine around 125cc or below. A simple rule of thumb: you should be able to place the balls of your feet on the ground while seated. If you can’t, the bike is probably too tall or too powerful for where you’re at.
Once you have a bike, start small. Practice slow speed control in a flat, open area before tackling more challenging terrain. Work on your posture by keeping your knees slightly bent, elbows up, and body relaxed, and get comfortable with how the bike moves beneath you.
If you can, ride with others whenever possible. Tackle the new challenge with friends or join local events to learn from experienced riders. This will accelerate your learning and make the whole experience a lot more fun.
Take it one trail at a time, enjoy the process, and the skills will come naturally.
The Gear You’ll Need for Off-Road Riding
Before you head out on your first ride, make sure you have the right gear. Proper equipment brings comfort, safety, and the freedom to focus on your ride.
At minimum, you’ll need a DOT-approved full-face helmet that provides maximum protection against impact. Goggles are essential since off-road environments produce dust and mud that can obscure your vision. Riding gloves help you maintain a secure grip while protecting your hands against blisters, and dirt bike boots provide ankle support and protection against rocks and debris.
Long sleeves and long pants are another must. For rougher terrain and more technical, skill-driven riding, many riders add body armor like chest protectors, knee guards, and elbow pads for additional protection.
Find Your Ride and Hit the Trails
Now that you know what dirt bikes are all about, it’s time to find the one that’s right for you. There are plenty of options out there, from lightweight beginner bikes to more advanced machines, and exploring what’s available is all part of the journey.
Take your time, do your research, and remember: the best dirt bike is the one that gets you excited to gear up and ride.
Want a little help narrowing it down? Check out our dealer locator to connect with a dealer near you who can guide you toward the perfect fit.
See you on the trails!