Best Dirt Bikes for Women

From the trails to the dunes to the motocross track, there are plenty of ways for women to let the roost fly and have some fun off-road. And bike makers across the globe have offerings that are well suited to lady riders. Observe! Need more tips? Read the Best Motorcycles for Women write-up.

Honda CRF250F

The CRF250F is Honda’s flagship trailbike.

The CRF250F is Honda’s flagship trailbike. (Honda/)

The Honda CRF250F is Big Red’s flagship trailbike. Powered by a fuel-injected 249cc four-stroke engine, it makes smooth, linear, predictable power, which helps make it an easy-to-ride machine. Its 20.1 hp and 15.5 pound-feet of torque offer enough power to be fun for an experienced rider, yet docile enough for a newer one. The 34.8-inch seat height is suitable for the average adult or taller teenager. And it’s year-round off-road legal in all 50 states, so the fun doesn’t have to stop. For 2022, it’s listed at an MSRP of $4,749.

Honda CRF450X

The Honda CRF450X is best suited for more experienced riders with intent to go on high-skill-level trails.

The Honda CRF450X is best suited for more experienced riders with intent to go on high-skill-level trails. (Honda/)

If you’re set on riding a 450, the Honda CRF450X might be a suitable option. By 450cc-level standards, it’s a relatively tame off-road/trail bike in stock trim. Between the twin spars of its aluminum chassis resides a fuel-injected 449cc four-stroke engine and six-speed gearbox, which make this bike plenty fast; there’s more than enough power to climb over rocks or blast through soft sands. Like the CRF250F, it’s legal to ride off-road all year round. Conveniences include an electric start, headlight, sidestand, fuel economy meter, and hand guards. MSRP is $9,799.

Suzuki DR-Z125L

The DR-Z125L’s 32-inch seat height makes it accessible for shorter-statured riders.

The DR-Z125L’s 32-inch seat height makes it accessible for shorter-statured riders. (Suzuki/)

Suzuki’s four-stroke trailbike, the DR-Z125L, is a great option for the young or shorter-statured rider. The power from the 124cc engine, in conjunction with its light 196-pound (claimed) weight, allows the bike to be easily handled on the trail. Its 19- and 16-inch wheels and soft, nicely tuned suspension settings aid its progress over technical single-tracks. The DR-Z’s simplicity can be both a pro and con; it’s carbureted, making assessing any fueling issues easier, but relies on a kickstarter to get it going, which might be difficult for some riders. For well under $4K ($3,399 MSRP), the DR-Z does Suzuki proud and is a great way to start getting dirty, especially for riders who don’t mind going without a lot of tech.

Kawasaki KLX140R

The KLX140R has three versions available to suit ground clearance and seat height preferences

The KLX140R has three versions available to suit ground clearance and seat height preferences (Kawasaki/)

Another dirt bike for ladies we deem worthy of consideration is Kawasaki’s KLX140R, an approachable Team Green offering with a 30.7-inch seat height (base model). Although it’s carbureted, it’s a little more tech-laden with an electronic starter and keyless ignition. Its handling is well-mannered, and its high-revving 144cc four-stroke engine is forgiving for newer riders. There are three variations of this model: the base KLX140R, the L, and the F, with the differences being seat heights and wheel sizes. The 2023 models have already been priced, and these KLXs start at $3,449 for the base and go up to $4,049 for the F.

Kawasaki KLX230R

The Kawasaki KLX230R has a 36.4-inch seat height versus the 35.4-inch seat height of its shorter sibling, the 230R S.

The Kawasaki KLX230R has a 36.4-inch seat height versus the 35.4-inch seat height of its shorter sibling, the 230R S. (Kawasaki/)

The KLX230R and KLX230R S are two trailbikes with Kawasaki’s versatile 230cc four-stroke engine within a steel perimeter frame, which makes for a rigid and easy-to-maneuver dirt bike. The KLX230R features full-size off-road wheels and ample ground clearance (a claimed 11.8 inches). The KLX230R S features modified suspension that lowers the seat height to 35.4 inches, compared to the KLX230R’s 36.4-inch perch. Both off-road bikes are green-sticker compliant for year-round riding and retail for $4,749.

Yamaha WR250F

Take the YZ250F motocrosser, fine-tune it for enduro riding, and the result is the WR250F.

Take the YZ250F motocrosser, fine-tune it for enduro riding, and the result is the WR250F. (Yamaha/)

The Yamaha WR250F enduro bike is based on the company’s YZ250F, with a 250cc fuel-injected four-stroke engine tuned for the kind of usable midrange power ideal for enduro riding and racing and a chassis that’s amazingingly comfortable. Its KYB suspension is highly praised for its bottoming resistance too. Equipped with full-size 21- and 18-inch wheels, the overall dimensions are suitable for taller women who can manage the 37.6-inch seat height. While it is not green-sticker compliant, it does have a Forestry Service-compliant spark arrestor-type muffler. Pricing starts at $8,799.

Husqvarna FC 250

The Husqvarna FC 250 is the cousin to KTM’s 250 SX-F.

The Husqvarna FC 250 is the cousin to KTM’s 250 SX-F. (Husqvarna/)

Husqvarna’s FC 250 is geared to those who are more inclined toward motocross. The 250cc four-stroke engine produces most of its power high up in the rev range, but overall power is not as aggressive as the rest of the 250cc four-stroke competition. In its 2022 comparison, sister publication Dirt Rider gave props to the FC because of its suitability for shorter and lighter riders. Seat height is at a claimed 37.0 inches. The FC’s 2023 price tags display a starting MSRP of $10,099.

KTM 125 SX

Want a fun, easily maintained two-stroke motocrosser? The KTM 125 SX fits the bill.

Want a fun, easily maintained two-stroke motocrosser? The KTM 125 SX fits the bill. (KTM/)

For female riders interested in the two-stroke arena, KTM’s 125 SX comes immediately to mind. Two-strokes like the 125 SX are beneficial because they’re less expensive to maintain, easy to work on, and don’t skimp on the fun factor. Fine-tuning the WP Xact suspension is easy with its tool-free suspension setup, and the 125 SX’s 125cc two-stroke engine hits the sweet spot in the motocross-ready mid- to high-rpm range. Seat height is at a claimed 37.7 inches. MSRP is listed at $7,949.

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

Bezzecchi steals a march in the Rookie of the Year battle

After a brilliant Mugello top five, the Italian now has a clear advantage over host over his fellow premier class newbies

Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) had himself a Gran Premio Oakley d’Italia to remember! After making history in qualifying by completing a rare rookie double alongside his compatriot and first-time poleman Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), Bezz came on strong in the race to finish fifth after rubbing shoulders with some of the more established names on the grid. A career-best P5 saw him earn 11 valuable Championship points, as his stranglehold on the Rookie of the Year race continues.

Mugello’s novel front row react to their career best results

The most consistent rookie

After scoring points in Argentina, Portugal, Jerez and Le Mans, Bezzecchi has a respectable 30 points in 17th place overall, close to riders with considerably more experience in the premier class and just ahead of the likes of Alex Márquez (LCR Honda Castrol) and Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™). The Italian has adapted relatively quickly to the demands of MotoGP™ and his Ducati machine, and we will be keeping a close eye on his progress over the coming weeks.

Not so scary Mugello! Bezzecchi joins the rookie revolution

Fabulous Diggia is on the rise

After a relatively quiet start to life in the premier class, Di Giannantonio exploded into life at Mugello. A surprise name at the top of Saturday’s Q1 session, he was the shock poleman after Q2. While admitting himself that a podium is out of reach, the number 49 put in an admirable effort to stay with the lead group during the opening exchanges before slipping down the pecking order. Diggia crossed the line in P11, taking his best finish of the year and five Championship points to add to his three from Le Mans. With those eight points, he sits second to Bezzecchi in the Rookie of the Year race.  

MotoGP™ recap: Bellisimo! Di Giannantonio shocks Mugello

A near miss for Binder

In Italy, Darryn Binder (WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP™ Team) fell just short of the points in 16th, but he remains third in the rookie standings. That’s mainly due to his impressive run in the wet at the Indonesian Grand Prix back in Round 2. Having made the jump directly from MotoGP™, the younger brother of Brad (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) has shown plenty of glimpses of why Team Principal Razlan Razali was keen to take a punt on him.  

In conversation with…Darryn Binder

Tech3 duo on the back burner

Also missing out on points at Mugello were Tech3 KTM Factory Racing riders Remy Gardner and Raul Fernandez, who finished 19th and 21st respectively. After dominating the Moto2™ class with authority in 2021, both are having a tough time adapting to the premier class on the RC16. The Australian was the only rookie to score points in the opening round in Qatar, squeezing into the top 15 then, and scored two more at Portimao. Since then, he hasn’t registered anymore. Worse off is his teammate Fernandez, who has yet to open his account. This weekend, he’ll have his next opportunity as MotoGP™ heads for the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Amid all the drama that will unfold out front, this will make for an interesting subplot to the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya.

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Quiles and Veijer take Rookies Cup glory in Italy

Race 2

Collin Veijer flicked out of the slipstream of Filippo Farioli’s KTM and willed his identical RC 250 R alongside and ahead as the pair led a pack of 13 Red Bull MotoGP™ Rookies across the Mugello finish line covered by just 2 seconds.

It was a masterly performance by the 16-year-old Dutchman who was never too far from the front along with pole man Farioli the 17-year-old Italian.

It had been one of the truly great Cup races and third went to Tatchakorn Buasri, the 21-year-old Thai by just 1 thousandth of a second over 15-year-old Briton Eddie O‘Shea.

The conditions were so different to Saturday’s soaker and 15 laps in virtually perfect conditions allowed the youngsters to produce their best with no one coming close to breaking away and places swapping many times every corner.

Veijer had a plan

“I knew what I wanted to do on the last lap. I thought I could get far enough ahead that they would not be able to catch me before the line. I had tried it a few laps earlier and I thought it was possible.”

“So I went for it on the last lap to make a gap but then Filippo came past and I thought, ‘well maybe that is not so bad,’ and I got in behind him and concentrated on making a perfect run through the last corner and into his slipstream.”

“I had no idea how close the others were behind me I was just concentrating on Filippo. It is great to get the win. I had tried to break away but I was running long gearing and I couldn’t do it, a great race.”

Farioli with a beautiful ride

“The start was not so bad, the first lap was good. After I saw that it was not possible to escape from the other riders, I stayed in the group, made a good management of the situation. In the end I finished 2nd, I was in front through the last corner but Collin did a very good job to exit fast and passed me.”

“Coming to the last lap I realised I had good pace in the second part of the track and I thought, OK I will pass Collin after the Arrabbiata. But after I did they stayed with me, he exited faster from the Bucine and he won. The Strategy was good but in the end I was 2nd. I am very happy, I must congratulate Collin and thank everyone who helps me.”

“It was a fantastic weekend. I was fast in practice and took Pole but yesterday was a difficult race because it started to rain just as we took off the tyre warmers. It was very difficult and I crashed first lap but after made a good comeback.”

Tatchakorn Buasri saved it until the end

“My plan today was really only to push on the last lap, because there was so much overtaking going on that I could try and lead but it was impossible to break away and I knew the race would only be decided on the last lap.”

“I tried to get in the right place on the last lap and I made it to 3rd place. Not bad for me,” he added with his broad grin, the only rider to be on the podium in both races.

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A Tuesday treat: Pablo Nieto on the MotoGP™ Podcast!

The Spaniard will be chatting all things 2022, in particular Mugello, after rookie Marco Bezzecchi claimed a career-best P5, finishing just ahead of teammate Luca Marini as the latter picked up his best result of the season in P6. There’s no better time to chat to Pablo as the dust settles on the Italian GP then, really!

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How the title fight looks after Bagnaia’s Mugello victory

‘Pecco’ has put himself back in the hunt with a 25-point haul in his home race

The Gran Premio d’Italia Oakley saw some key moments in the MotoGP™ title race. By being first to the chequered flag after 23 laps around the Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, the Ducati Lenovo Team’s Francesco Bagnaia jumped from seventh to fourth in the World Championship standings, although some key rivals also banked solid points. Here, motogp.com takes a look at the state of play.

Gran Premio d’Italia Oakley: MotoGP™ race highlights

Close combat between Quartararo and Espargaro

Fabio Quartararo faced a difficult task in taking on the Ducatis at Mugello but the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ rider could be proud of his efforts in finishing second. Also getting onto the podium, with his fourth consecutive third placing, was Aprilia Racing’s Aleix Espargaro. Those two remain first and second in the riders’ standings but ‘El Diablo’ has increased the gap over Aprilia’s ‘Captain’ marginally, from four points to eight.

“The best race of my career” – Quartararo

A damaging Sunday for Bastianini

Without a doubt, one of the big disappointments of the Italian GP was felt by Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™). Still the only rider to have picked up three victories this season, ‘La Bestia’ crashed out at Mugello and thus left with a second zero of the year, after a first in Portugal. The Italian therefore stays on 94 points, but is now more than a full race behind Quartararo’s increased haul of 122.

“I have no voice!” – MotoGP™ podium reaction

Bagnaia bounces back

Bagnaia went from winning a tense Spanish GP to throwing away a podium as he tried to chase down Bastianini in France. In the Italian GP, however, Pecco was assured despite dropping back to ninth on the opening lap. His careful recovery saw him become just the second repeat race winner of the year to date and he is now on 81 points, 41 behind Quartararo but only 13 behind Bastianini.

UNHEARD: Mugello’s podium finishers dissect the race

Suzuki drops back

After narrowly missing the podium at Mugello, Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) completes the top five, while Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) is sixth thanks to an incident with Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) and another zero. In fact, Suzuki suffered a double DNF for the second race in a row, with Joan Mir crashing out and falling to 10th on the points table, 66 points from the lead. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) is seventh at four points behind Rins’ 65, closely followed by Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team). The latter, however, will not be scoring any more points for some time given he is about to have surgery again. As far as the first-timers go, Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) leads the Rookie of the Year race with 30 points after scoring 11 at Mugello, while Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) is his closest pursuer, on eight points.

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LIVE & FREE: Race 2 from the Red Bull Rookies Cup

Jose Rueda starts as the clear favourite, with two victories already to his name. Behind him, Collin Veijer and Casey O’Gorman will try to hunt down the Spaniard in an attempt to close the gap in Tuscany. It promises to be a real overtaking festival, so enjoy the first round LIVE & FREE. All you have to do is click below.

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Ferrari opens his account for 2022

Aegerter and Alcoba were separated by 0.001 seconds according to timing, then that was revised to a dead heat for second position and the former was officially declared in that position using fastest lap times as tie-break. For Alcoba, it was still his first MotoE™ podium, while Pons finished just 0.037 seconds further back in fourth. Canepa took fifth and fellow WithU GRT RNF MotoE™ Team rider Andrea Mantovani sixth, ahead of Granado, Zannoni, Kevin Manfredi (Octo Pramac MotoE™), and Hector Garzo (Tech3 E-Racing).

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A Bagnaia breakthrough at Mugello

‘Pecco’ has his first win in the Italian GP despite the best efforts of Fabio Quartararo

The Ducati Lenovo Team’s Francesco Bagnaia has scored his first victory in his home MotoGP™ race, the Gran Premio d’Italia Oakley. Despite falling deep into the top 10 in the opening corners at the Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, he hit the front before the halfway mark and banked an important 25 points to get his title bid back on track. World Championship leader Fabio Quartararo was a commendable second on a Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ entry which had to make up speed in the corners, while Aprilia Racing’s Aleix Espargaro finished third for the fourth race in a row.

VR46 off to a good start as Bagnaia drops back

Ducati had swept the top five in qualifying but, rather than Bagnaia being on the front row, it was Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) starting from pole, his fellow rookie Marco Bezzecchi sitting second on the grid on one of the Mooney VR46 Racing Team bikes, and the latter’s team-mate Luca Marini alongside them. Di Giannantonio made a good launch and emerged with the lead from San Donato (Turn 1) despite an attack from the VR46 duo, but Marini got past as they turned into Materassi (Turn 4) as Bezzecchi slotted into third position as 23 laps lay ahead of them.

Bezzecchi overtook Di Giannantonio through Scarperia/Palagio (Turns 10 and 11), before Quartararo snatched fourth spot back from Aleix Espargaro on Lap 2 after the Aprilia rider had made a bold move down the hill on the opening lap. Quartararo was third when he slipped by Di Giannantonio at Scarperia/Palagio on Lap 2, but he had a serious challenge on his hands to try and keep the Ducatis at bay given the power they had on tap up the main straight.

Pecco fights back

A new Ducati threat emerged when Bagnaia, who had been shuffled back to ninth on the opening lap, got through on Aleix Espargaro for fifth on Lap 4. However, Quartararo was also on the march as he slipped past Marini later on that same lap, promoting ‘El Diablo’ to second position.

Bagnaia slipstreamed past Di Giannantonio as Lap 4 became Lap 5, and then pulled off a big move the next time he charged up the hill towards San Donato, passing both Quartararo and Marini to move into second spot. ‘Pecco’ was in the lead when he overtook Bezzecchi at the start of Lap 9, while Quartararo relied on superior turning to pass the VR46 Ducati rider at Scarperia, on Lap 11.

As Di Giannantonio’s charge began to fade, Aleix Espargaro again found himself in the top five, just behind a stoush between the VR46 team-mates Bezzecchi and Marini. Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) and Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) caught that bunch around 13 laps into the contest, but the former was soon out of the race when he tucked the front of his Ducati through Materassi, on Lap 14.

Aleix Espargaro finally got back into fourth position when he went down the inside of Marini on Lap 14 at Correntaio (Turn 12), and Zarco relegated #10 to sixth position at the start of Lap 17. Then, Aprilia’s ‘Captain’ got ahead of the lead VR46 entry with a pass of Bezzecchi at Scarperia on lap 17.

Quartararo gives his maximum but has to settle for second

While all that was going on, Quartararo was starting to make inroads on the margin which Bagnaia was enjoying at the head of the field. ‘El Diablo’ brought the gap back under a second with around half a dozen laps to go, but the works Ducati rider was able to respond. He was back out to a 1.1 second lead with a lap to go, before cruising to the chequered flag for a 0.6 second victory. It is a triumph which he will surely cherish, and an important one after recording a DNF a race ago in France.

Aleix Espargaro finished just under two seconds further back, while Zarco passed Bezzechi on the final lap to claim fourth. Marini made it VR46 bikes fifth and sixth, while Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) proved once again that he is the ‘Sunday man’ by climbing from 16th on the grid to seventh all-told. Rounding out the top 10 were Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu), Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), and – in his last race before yet more surgery on his right arm – Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team).

A photo finish for 11th

It took a video review to decide 11th position, in favour of Di Giannantonio, after he and Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) has initially posted identical race times. Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) finished 13th, Alex Marquez (LCR Honda Castrol) took 14th, and Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) scored the last World Championship point in 15th. The non-finishers in addition to Bastianini were Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team), who crashed out on Lap 5, and Team Suzuki Ecstar duo Joan Mir and Alex Rins, who both went down in separate incidents on Lap 8.

In the World Championship, Quartararo’s lead over Aleix Espargaro has crept up to eight points, while Bastianini is now 28 points off the pace in third spot. Bagnaia’s win sees him jump to fourth in the standings, albeit a further 13 points back.

Can he make up more ground when MotoGP™ heads to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for Round 9, the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya? Find out next weekend (June 3-5)!

MotoGP™ Race Top 10:

1. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team)
2. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) + 0.635
3. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) + 1.983
4. Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) + 2.590
5. Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) + 3.067
6. Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) + 3.875
7. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) + 4.067
8. Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) + 10.944
9. Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) + 11.256
10. Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) + 11.800

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Acosta claims a record-breaking Moto2™ win

But there were no dramas for Acosta. He continued to pull away and ultimately took the chequered flag 4.051 seconds up on Roberts. Ogura finished third, and Arbolino still grabbed fourth, though just 0.015 seconds ahead of Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo). The rest of the top 10 was Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) in sixth, from Cameron Beaubier (American Racing), Alonso Lopez (MB Conveyors Speed Up), Marcel Schrötter (Liqui Moly Intact GP), and Albert Arenas (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team). Pasini got the final World Championship points in 15th while, among the handful of riders who did not make the finish, Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) was another notable after his spill at Scarperia (Turn 10) on Lap 5.

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