Dirt Bikes are thrilling vehicles that are lighter than motorbikes and are intended to be used through off-road terrain. Despite their modest size, they have strong motors, gas tanks, and innovative suspension systems that let riders fly down trails and over hills in comfort. The best 250cc dirt bike delivers an intense adrenaline rush that cannot be equaled due to their exceptional handling and cornering.

The CC value, which relates to the engine chamber size or the cubic centimeters accessible for fuel combustion, is a prominent measurement of dirt bike capacity. Riders of all skill levels appreciate the tremendous horsepower and suspension settings of 250 cc dirt motorcycles. Because of their lighter weight, these bikes can achieve peak speeds faster while maintaining simple control and balance.

If you’re wondering which 250cc dirt bike is best for you, stick with us till the conclusion. As we will conduct an extensive study on the top 250cc dirt bikes, in this article.

Best 250cc Dirt Bikes – Our Top Picks

Here is a list of the best 250cc dirt bikes from which to make an informed decision about acquiring one.

1: KTM 250 SX-F

250cc dirt bike: KTM 250 SX-F

KTM, or Kronreif & Trunkenpolz Mattighofen, is a well-known Austrian manufacturer of motorcycles and sports automobiles. Their off-road motorcycles are well-known for their sturdiness, durability, and high-quality components. KTM bikes are popular among both novices and professionals, thus making the business one of the world’s leading producers of off-road motorcycles. Moreover, the KTM is among the best 250cc dirt bikes and lives up to its reputation.

This 250cc engine has established itself as the top motocross engine in terms of speed and performance. The KTM 250 SX-F has an impressive sensation of torque and maintains a stable pace even in tight turns owing to an exceptional engine. For the safety-conscious rider, these engines are outfitted with the most powerful Brembo brakes available.

Despite the benefits of the KTM 250 SX-F, there are some drawbacks that you need to consider. This vehicle, like a racing engine, requires more frequent maintenance, oil changes, and modifications to maintain it in good shape. Furthermore, due to the high quality of the craftsmanship and parts, it is one of the most costly motorcycles on the list.

Technical Specifications

Weight

232 lbs or 105kg

Power

41.1 HP- most powerful

Maximum Speed

71mph or 114 km/hr

Tank capacity

1.84 gallons or 6.9 liters

Seat height

94 cm

Wheel Size (Front/ Rear)

80/100-21/ 110/90-19

Engine

4-stroke

Clutch

Wet multi-disc Brembo hydraulics

Transmission

5-speed

Starter

Electric

Pros

Strong and reliable engine

Excellent suspension

The braking quality is superb

Cons

Costly

The fuel tank volume is less

2: Yamaha YZ250F

Yamaha YZ250F: 250cc dirt bike

Yamaha 250cc bikes are known across the world for their lightweight build and superb handling on the track or trail. Since its inception in 1955, the Japanese firm has established itself as a pioneer and developer in motorcycle design. This has 250cc dirt bike top speed.

Moreover, Yamaha best 250 dirt bikes have won several races and are popular among both professional and amateur riders. The bike boasts a well-tuned engine, decent suspension, and a sturdy chassis, making it many riders’ first choice. Moreover,  Yamaha has made significant adjustments in order to increase the bike’s overall performance.

The most recent model includes a redesigned cylinder head, which boosts engine power, particularly at mid and high rpm, as well as maximum output. This update offers a lighter frame for greater handling, as well as upgraded chassis and suspension settings. Finally, Yamaha updated the braking system and boosted durability, making the 2023 YZ250F the safest model yet.

Technical Specifications

Weight

234 lbs or 106kg

Power

39.0 HP

Maximum Speed

104km/hr

Tank capacity

1.60 gallons or 6 liters

Seat height

97 cm

Wheel Size (Front/ Rear)

80/100-21/ 100/90-19

Engine

4-stroke

Clutch

Wet lamination, cable drive

Transmission

5-speed

Starter

Electric

Pros

Chassis that is stable

Power delivery that is approachable with increased top-end performance

Suspension that is the best in class, with well-rounded damping.

Cons

Cornering ability is slightly poor.

The exhaust is rather loud

3: Husqvarna FC 250

Husqvarna FC 250

The Husqvarna FC 250 is a sporty four-stroke dirt bike 250 with very comparable horsepower and acceleration curves as the KTM 250. This dirt bike includes superior brakes, a chromium-molybdenum steel frame, and a perfectly built rider’s triangle, which gives it character and remarkable lateral stability.

The 2023 Husqvarna FC 250 also boasts a composite airbox, new Brembo clutch hydraulics, and a vented airbox cover that makes it scream through the mud. The nicest thing about the FC 250 is that anyone can get on it and feel at ease in a matter of seconds.

Specifications

Weight

219 lbs or 99kg

Power

40.3 HP

Maximum Speed

71 mph or 114km/hr

Tank capacity

1.90 gallons or 7.2 liters

Seat height

94 cm

Wheel Size (Front/ Rear)

80/100-21/ 110/90-19

Engine

4-stroke

Clutch

Wet multi-disc plate, hydraulic drive

Transmission

5-speed

Starter

Electric

Pros

Power statistics that are impressive

Neutral, conforming chassis

Best-in-class braking system

Components of high-grade

Cons

Lack of bottom-end power delivery.

4: Honda CRF250R

Honda CRF250R: 250cc dirt bikes

The Honda CRF250R is next on the list of best 250cc dirt bikes. It is the most powerful bike that is ideal for challenging trails. The  CRF 250R blends a contemporary style with a strong DOHC engine of 249.9 CC, thus promising an exciting riding thrill.

If you’re still on the fence about parking the honda 250 dirt bike in your garage, this 2023 Honda model is much lighter and equipped with a brand-new frame, Showa suspension, swingarm, and steering geometry. The front and rear tires are PIRELLI MIDSOFT MX32, with 260mm hydraulic wave disc front brakes and 240mm hydraulic wave disc rear brakes.

Specifications

Weight

107.5kg

Power

39.0 HP

Maximum Speed

67 mph or 107.8km/hr

Tank capacity

1.60 gallons or 6 liters

Seat height

96 cm

Wheel Size (Front/ Rear)

80/100-21/ 100/90-19

Engine

4-stroke

Clutch

Wet multi-disc plate, hydraulic drive

Transmission

5-speed

Starter

Electric

Pros

Free-revving engine

A fair level of suspension comfort

Excellent ergonomics.

Affordability

Cons

In comparison to the competitors, it has the least low-end power or torque feel.

Unstable

5: Kawasaki KX250

Kawasaki KX250: 250cc dirt bike

If you want a strong and powerful dirt bike, the Kawasaki KX250 is the one for you. This Kawasaki model has a DOHC and liquid-cooled engine with a displacement of 249CC and an engine with 4-stroke. The front suspension is an inverted telescopic coil-spring fork of 48mm that has 23 compressions and 20 rebound damping settings.

The rear suspension has a new Uni-Track with a multi-range, rebound, and compression damping system, and, adjustable preload. Furthermore, the Kawasaki 250 dirt bike has received a big makeover for 2023, with various features that set it apart from its competitors.

Specifications

Weight

108kg

Power

39.6 HP

Maximum Speed

76mph or 122km/hr

Tank capacity

1.60 gallons or 6 liters

Seat height

95 cm

Wheel Size (Front/ Rear)

80/100-21/ 100/90-19

Engine

4-stroke

Clutch

Conical disc spring, hydraulic drive

Transmission

5-speed

Starter

Electric

Pros

Wider powerband

Excellent suspension

Outstanding peak power

Cons

Very loud

Grips are hard

6: Suzuki RM-Z250

Suzuki RM-Z250

The Suzuki RM-Z250 is a 250cc class behemoth and among the most known motocross bikes in the market. This dirt bike is amongst the best 250cc dirt bike that is driven by a DOHC fuel-injected four-stroke engine. Moreover, to achieve excellent performance, this dirt bike blends a sleek, race-ready design with a strong suspension and a rigid, responsive chassis.

Specifications

Weight

106kg or 233lbs

Power

36.3 HP

Maximum Speed

76mph or 122km/hr

Tank capacity

1.71 gallons or 6.5 liters

Seat height

95.25 cm or 37.5inches

Wheel Size (Front/ Rear)

80/100-21/ 100/90-19

Engine

4-stroke

Transmission

5-speed

Starter

Primarily Kickstarter with automatic decompressor

Clutch

Wet multi-plate

Pros

The engine revs freely and pulls strongly.

Comfortable ergonomics

Superior suspension and bottoming resistance

Cons

Power is linear and requires an increase.

7: GasGas EC 250cc Dirt Bike

GasGas EC 250

GasGas entered the dirt bike market in 2020 with the EC 250cc model, a sleek, fast, no premix required, woods-loving machine. This 250cc dirt bike features better handling and ideal contact points to provide the rider with maximum flexibility of movement and control. This bike is marketed as a KTM copycat because of its 1-cylinder, 2-stroke TPI fuel-injected 249.9 CC engine and two carefully positioned radiators for optimal cooling.

This bike boasts a lightweight hydroformed, laser-cut, and robot-welded frame that’s meant to look nice while performing exceedingly well with maximum stability. The electric starter, six-speed gearbox, and high mono-shock suspensions on the EC 250 give you entire confidence while navigating tough terrain

Specifications

Weight

105.8kg
Power 49.8 HP

Maximum Speed

76mph or 122km/hr

Tank capacity

2.24 gallons or 8.5 liters

Seat height

96 cm or 37.8inches

Wheel Size (Front/ Rear)

90/90-21/ 120/80-18

Engine

1 cylinder, 2-stroke

Transmission

6-speed

Starter

Kick

Clutch

Wet multi-plate

Pros

Good adjustability

Quality footpegs

Easy maintenance

Cons

No radiator protector

The chain adjustment blocks on the rear axle are not reversible

The aforementioned dirt bike is the best in the market and can be considered by every skill level. However, there is always a question, of whether a 250cc dirt bike is good for beginners or not. We will find this answer in the latter part of this article.

Are 250cc Dirt Bikes, Best for a Beginner?

It goes without saying that the best 250cc dirt bikes are killer machines. They are capable of outrunning many sports vehicles during the day and tearing through the woods at night. However, one question continues cropping up in people’s minds. The question is whether 250cc dirt motorcycles are appropriate for beginners.

The answer to this question is “Yes” it is the easiest response to this question. In general, 250cc dirt motorcycles are ideal for beginners. It might be an excellent tool for further honing your riding abilities. A few of the probable reasons are detailed below:

  • At first, many 250cc bikes are durable and require low maintenance, which makes them ideal for novices.
  • Moreover, the majority of the 250cc dirt motorcycles have a lot of power and torque. Thus, a combination of these elements makes them active enough to appeal to a wide range of newcomers.
  • Also, 250cc motorcycles have extremely strong brakes.
  • Excellent suspension is a frequent characteristic of many 250cc dirt motorcycles. This is quite useful when biking, especially for inexperienced riders.
  • 250cc motorcycles are often light. This is a factor that makes it easier for beginners to manage and control the bike.
  • Furthermore, quality parts are guaranteed with a 250cc bike, especially if you choose the market’s top names. A bike’s life can be extended by using high-quality components.

We believe this comprehensive guide will help you make an informed decision in case you make up your mind about purchasing the best 250cc dirt bike as well as the best 125cc dirt bike.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s the fastest 250cc dirt bike?

The KMT 250 SX-F, their most recent model, is the quickest of the 250cc dirt motorcycles. The KMT 250 SX-F is an improved version of the KMT 250 SX 4-stroke, having a top speed of around 60mph.

2. Are Yamaha dirt bikes reliable?

Yamaha is still incredibly dependable, but KTM and Honda are close behind. They have all created high-performance engines that have been fine-tuned to be dependable for long periods of time. Moreover, Suzuki and Kawasaki are excellent choices.

3. Is Honda better than Yamaha?

As both businesses produce high-quality bikes, many people question which brand is superior. If you are in the market for a new motorcycle, deciding between Yamaha and Honda might be difficult. Both Yamaha and Honda make outstanding motorcycles. In general, Yamaha motorbikes have a better design, while Honda bikes perform better.

Author

I am Mike, a senior technical staff writer at O.bike. I have been a professional writer cum editor contributing to thousands of bike-related equipment, books, workshops, and a lot more. Apart from industry-related experience, I love bike hiking and giving workshops.