If you’re preparing for the thrill of getting dirty on the Green Lanes crisscrossing the picturesque landscapes of the UK, you’ll need a great dirt bike motorcycle. Choosing the right dirt bike is the key to unlocking an unforgettable experience. Dirt bikes, motocross racers and silent electric motors all have their strengths—and weaknesses.

In this guide, we dive deeper into the best dirt bike makes to unveil what we consider to be the top of the dirt bike motorcycle heap. And we’ll include a few specialist models for Green Lanes that we really love. Ready? Jump on for a journey to find the perfect ride for your off-road escapades.

Navigating Green Lanes: top dirt bike motorcycles for UK trails in 2023

Whether it’s mud, sand or gravelly tracks, a dirt bike motorcycle is built for off-road fun unlike any other motorcycle. There are literally hundreds to choose from too. Smaller, lower-powered dirt bikes are ideal for kids. The larger and more powerful enduro-style dirt bike motorcycle is designed for longer rides on off-road trails, not unlike the UK’s many Green Lanes.

Keep in mind your UK motorcycle licence level – Green Lanes are regarded as public highways, even though they’re unpaved. If you do meet police, highway patrol or some MOD staff, you’ll need to show you’re licenced for the dirt bike you’re riding.

The best dirt bike for riding on UK Green Lanes depends on your ability, licence level, and the area you intend to ride in. Plus, how long you expect to be stirring up the dirt! Let’s dive into our first dirt bike motorcycle recommendations.

2023 Honda CRF450RL: Bridging the gap between enduro and dual-sport

In the realm of dirt bike motorcycles, the 2023 Honda CRF450RL is one of the most versatile. It’s one of the reasons we’ve chosen them for our Phoenix Trails riding experiences. This 400cc off-road machine seamlessly transitions between enduro and dual-sport adventures and is perfect for A2 and full A-licenced riders.

Engine and frame 

• The Honda CRF450RL has a crankshaft designed for added inertia and enhanced low RPM torque.
• Greater durability of the three piston rings and a new ECU manages fuel and air supply to bring the 449cc Unicam engine to 41.7 hp and 23.6 lb/ft of torque.
• A wider frame allows for the 6-speed transmission and wider gear spacing for both low-speed abilities and high-speed stretches.
• The 20% larger titanium fuel tank than previous models, delivers greater resilience on the trail.
• The street-legal ready-to-ride trim weighs just 291 lbs so your good to go on and off-road with this machine

2023 Yamaha WR250F: Decades of trail dominance

If you’re one who believes “light is right,” the 2023 Yamaha WR250F is a great choice. It’s consistently earned its spot in the top 10 lists for over a decade with trail riding enthusiasts.

Engine and frame 

• The WR250F has progressed with each iteration. Subtle yet noticeable power enhancements in the engine’s cylinder head, frame, clutch, and brakes, make the 2023 model the best version yet.
• This model blurs the line between race bike and enduro machine with a lower seat height of 37.6 inches which results in a great machine for most riders keen for faster and longer trail rides.
• A lighter frame with excellent KYB suspension means agility on the trail. You’ll enjoy throwing this dirt bike motorcycle into corners and over bumps.

2023 KTM 350 EXC-F: Power and handling excellence

The 2023 KTM 350 EXC-F, is one of the most popular dirt bike motorcycles in KTM’s enduro lineup. It’s not hard to see why either, the changes and improvements make this model a better buy than the higher-powered 500 EXC-F.

Engine and frame

• The KTM 350 EXC-F’s has one of the best power-to-weight ratios on the market. 349.7ccs deliver a broad torque curve you’ll enjoy exceptional 450-like power and 250-like handling. 
• Improvements to the WP suspension include a new oil bypass and damping changes in the Xplor 48mm fork. This gives riders reduced friction and smoother travel of the XPLOR forks.
• The all-new frame has been engineered for longitudinal rigidity to help braking behaviour and reposition the rotating mass closer to the bike’s centre of gravity.

2023 Suzuki DR-Z125: A beginner trail rider’s dream machine

Easy on the pocket and great fun for entry-level riders with CBT or A1 motorcycle licences. Suzuki has given the DR-Z125 sleek designs similar to its big RM-Z brothers. They’ve not been stingy on the engine and frame adaptions either. Sharp handling and enough get-up-and-go to kick up the dirt for hours are hallmarks of this machine.

Engine and frame

• Lightweight steel pipe and aluminium frame construction deliver agile handling and smooth suspension support.
• The 124cc four-stroke single-cylinder air-cooled engine delivers strong low to mid-range power.
• A smooth-shifting transmission with an easy-to-pull clutch makes changing gears in difficult terrain a breeze.

Silent escapades: touring Green Lanes with an electric dirt bike

If you’ve ever been grumbled at by other outdoor adventurers for the noise your dirt bike makes, an electric dirt bike motorcycle keeps things sweet. They provide a quiet and eco-friendly alternative when it comes to getting dirty off-road.

Of course, the battery range, power and weight of the bike and convenience of charging matter too. After all, no one wants to be stuck outdoors in winter with a flat battery. The next dirt bike in our line-up is a great all-rounder for UK Green Lane riding, without the fumes.

2023 Zero FX: Electrifying the Off-Road Experience

The 2023 Zero FX heralds a new era, inviting riders to embrace electrified off-road adventures. As the world shifts towards electric vehicles, Zero positions itself at the forefront with motorcycles that redefine the norms of dirt biking.

Engine and frame

• Electric engines are intrinsically different to internal combustion engines. Fewer moving parts and an instant power kick from the Zero FX 3.6 kWh and the more robust 7.2 kWh battery options give riders near-instant speed when they twist the throttle. You’ll also get up to 91 miles of trail per charge.
• Better torque with a peak of 78 ft-lb on hand allows riders to power out of challenging situations without bothering with clutch control or climbing gears.
• A heavier battery balances the lighter frame. The curb weight of this silent thrill-seeker is just over 130kg.
• Like the Honda CRF450RL, the Zero FX straddles the line between enduro and dual-sports motorcycles. This beauty can traverse roads and trails while being whisper quiet.

It’s worth noting a few differences with electric bikes, be they on-road or dirt bike motorcycles. The very quiet engine takes a little getting used to, as does the lack of a clutch and steady power feed from a twist of the throttle. While the electric charging network is growing, it’s not as extensive as the availability of traditional petrol stations. Fast charge options for electric bikes are something to consider if you plan to get out regularly on your eco-machine.

Trailblazing features: Dirt bike motorcycles designed for UK green lanes

Dirt bikes are a different breed from your regular road motorcycle. Their lightweight frames, long-travel suspension to dampen the impact of rough tracks, and extra bumpy tyres are all designed to eat up tough terrain with ease. With thicker treads but narrower tyres and lighter frames, tricky surfaces are their forte.

You’ll notice that there seems to be a lot less, well, bike, on a dirt bike motorcycle when compared to its street brothers. The higher positioning of the body and fewer components make them more nimble and far easier to handle on rough tracks. 

How do trail bike features differ for UK Green Lanes?

There are slight differences between off-road bikes that you should look out for when considering the perfect dirt bike motorcycle for UK Green Lanes. Consider the area where you’ll most often ride. Is it steep and hilly? Will you be taking long rides across slippery and chalky moors, or is a wooded trail more your style?

Honda’s CRF range is a great all-rounder, which is why it’s numero uno on our list. On the other hand, if you want to specialise, consider looking into one of these off-road machines:

Dirt bike motorcycle types

• Trail dirt bikes: Versatile, easy to handle, and designed for the casual rider. These are less specialised and good for most tracks. But you’ll find they excel on wooded trails with a smoother ride that’s down to the softer suspension and less aggressive tuning.
• Kid’s dirt bikes: Smaller, lighter and less powerful than an adult trail dirt bike, a kid’s dirt bike is the gateway to off-road adventure for the young’uns.
• Motocross dirt bikes: If you’ve a need for off-road speed, you’ll want a motocross machine. These high-performance motorbikes with minimal design and maximum suspension are for going fast, jumping and getting ahead in a closed-course race.
• Dual sports bikes: A combination of street and off-road, it’s a trail bike with all the bits you need to be road-legal too. That means headlights, indicators, mirrors and a number plate.
• Enduro motorcycles: Want to go harder and further for longer? This is the bike you need. Its larger tank, advanced suspension and more comfy seats are designed for hours off-road. Some come with mirrors and lights for on-road riding too.
• Adventure bikes: Longer hikes on and off-road are what this machine is all about. Larger fuel tanks, comfortable seats and even luggage racks make them ideal for getting away for days at a time. Of course, it has the be road-legal parts too.
• Electric dirt bikes: You can silently slide through the countryside with an eco-friendly electric dirt bike. The instant torque from the electric current turning the armature is a fair trade for the more refined power. Add to that fewer maintenance worries and it’s hard to say no!

Making the leap to trail riding thrills

Whichever dirt bike motorcycle you choose, keep in mind your capabilities, licence level and the areas you’re likely to spend the most time in. That includes how you’ll get to and from the area you’ll be off-roading in. Safety is a major consideration, so it’s important to get the right kit. You’ll have more fun when you’re comfortably covered for trail riding. And if you’d like to try a few bikes before committing to one of your own, booking a Phoenix Trails riding experience is a great way to do that. Our fleet of Hondas and Fantics is ready and waiting for you to jump astride!