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. (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. (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. (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 (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. (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. (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. (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. (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