In the search of the best trail dirt bike in 2023, we put popular trail dirt bikes to the test and selected the ultimate choice for single track, enduro, and trail riding.
In this post, we will cover the general differences between popular dirt bike models and the best choices for different trail riding styles. We picked advanced level trail dirt bike models on this list.
In addition, you will learn:
In summary, we chose the 2023 KTM 300 XC-W as the best trail riding dirt bike. If you wish to skip the selection criteria and read more why we chose this model, click here.
If you are a beginner rider, take a look at our post about the best beginner dirt bikes for trail riding for models that are best fits for beginners and our recommendations for women riders at best dirt bikes for women for trail riding and motocross. We also just released a comprehensive guide to the ultimate guide to dirt bikes for 7-year-olds and under, so be sure to check it out if you have small kids.
Let’s get started!
Our Selection Criteria for Choosing the Best Trail Dirt Bike
Dirt bike manufacturers typically build dirt bikes specifically for the different riding styles, such as motocross, enduro, trail, single track, trials, etc.
When selecting the best trail dirt bike, we felt it is only fair to compare dirt bikes specifically designed for trail riding and dirt bikes that are commonly used in trail riding. These models are typically using model names such as cross country, enduro, trail, and sometimes simply off-road. They make the cream of the crop and will generally have the best trail riding dirt bikes to choose from.
Our focus was to find ideal options for riders who are looking for the best trail dirt bike for all kinds of technical trail riding, specifically for slower, technical, and hard enduro style conditions. These riding conditions usually set a few additional selection criteria for the engine type, power delivery, and suspension requirements.
So, if you were ever wondering about the engine type, sub-model, or dirt bike configuration, just keep reading and find out what makes the best dirt bike for trail riding or the best woods dirt bike.
Let’s begin with the best engine options for single track riding and trail riding.
2-Stroke, 4-Stroke and Electric Dirt Bike Engine Options
Dirt bikes in general can be divided into three main categories based on their engine type.
Each engine type—2-stroke, 4-stroke, or electric—has its pros and cons when it comes to trail riding.
Read also: Surron X review, unboxing and full ride review.
All engine types are great, however, generally speaking they excel in different areas. All of these engine types produce power very differently.
In modern dirt bikes, the maximum power is really not an issue in most riding conditions. Instead, we are looking for the maximum traction and a controllable power delivery which can be tuned while maintaining a great low-end torque. Wow, that’s a lot. But let’s discuss why we feel this is important for the best trail dirt bike.
2-Stroke Trail Bikes
Two-stroke engines generally produce power differently than four-stroke engines and the power delivery can be adjusted with a power valve. This engine type provides a great base for fine-tuning. They also lack engine brake, which changes the riding characteristics and clutch operation.
Additionally, two-stroke engine dirt bikes tend to be lighter and can feel easier to handle around tight single track and wooded sections of the single track, making them a great choice for the best trail dirt bike.
4-Stroke Trail Bikes
The best 4 stroke dirt bike for trail riding is a typical choice for faster, more open wide style tracks or desert style riding. Deep, sandy, and faster or wider two track style trails usually are in favor of four-stroke engines. This is because of the high revving engines that can produce high amounts of usable power in higher engine revolution area.
While many 4-stroke models may be easier to stall since they lack low-end torque and run at much higher temperatures, there are still good options for trail riding. They are great options for desert style or fast paced high speed trails where you cover more distance and mostly ride at higher gears. Also, sandy and muddy conditions sometimes favor 4-strokers as the best trail dirt bike.
The best 450 dirt bike for trail riding typically is designed specifically to the trail riding, with gearing and engine power delivery designed to match the trail riding style.
Electric Trail Dirt Bikes
Electric dirt bikes are rapidly cornering a good size position on the trail riding dirt bike market. The electric KTM Freeride E-XC already made the fourth place on our best beginner dirt bikes for trail riding list.
The electric motors are excellent power sources and make great alternative option for many as the best trail dirt bike. Furthermore, they are much more powerful, provide a flat torque all across the power curve, and have no hesitation or delay. Ideally, this is what we want. However, the weight and range are still an issue. Additionally, the lack of the clutch or gears will keep this model in the beginner category for us.
In Summary
Overall, when selecting the best engine type for the best trail dirt bike, we favor engines capable of producing predictable and tunable low-end torque.
In our experience, 2-stroke engines are by far the best fit for technical trail riding and for these reasons, our choice for the best trail dirt bike will have a two-stroke engine.
If you’re a fan of the Redbull Hard Enduro World Championship or similar hard enduro national series, you’ve probably noticed how popular the two-stroke dirt bikes are. This is because the modern two-strokes produce plenty of power, and more importantly, a lot of low-end torque in a very lightweight and compact form.
In our opinion the best 2 stroke dirt bike for trail riding comes from the KTM or Husqvarna model line up since they seem to be the leader in new technology and R&D. Many of these models are good candidates for both best dirt bike for track and trail.
Dirt Bike Engine Sizes for Trail Riding
Another thing to consider is the engine size. Now that we have chosen a two-stroke engine, let’s talk about engine sizes and how they affect your riding style and single track riding.
Smaller two-stroke engines typically lack low-end torque but are also much lighter. Furthermore, if we are sticking with the full-size frames for adults, your choices typically range between 150cc to 300cc engines. They serve a good purpose for single trail riding. If you’re looking for the best woods dirt bike, test the smaller engines for more lightweight and quicker turning ability.
Many veteran dirt riders will prefer slightly lower power options and recommend the smaller 25cc engines. Undoubtedly, some of the best 250 dirt bike for trail riding are KTM 250 XC or XCWs and the Yamaha YZ250x.
Beginners may think smaller is easier but consider this first. Small engines produce a lot of power but the power is delivered in the high rpm area with the power valve open when “on the pipe”. This means that the rider needs to be very comfortable with using the gas and ringing the engine in higher rpms to produce adequate power. This can be scary and may result in launching the bike in technical uphill sections.
For a beginner (however, not as the first bike), we would recommend the 200cc engines or even 250cc. If you are a beginner, take a look at our list of the best beginner dirt bikes.
With these engines, it’s important to adjust the power valve to a setting, where the power band area is tuned very high on the rpm area so that the power delivery is smoother and lacks the big hit when the flap is fully open. This makes the engine power delivery smoother and not as explosive.
Our choice for the best dirt bike for trail riding is definitely the 300cc engine size. This legendary 2-stroke engine class has massive amounts of very controllable and tunable low-end torque and a comparable 450cc 4-stroke level maximum power.
Dirt Bike Models Designed for Trail Riding
Enduro bike manufacturers typically offer separate sub-models specifically designed for enduro style dirt biking. The differences are small but some of them play an important role when selecting the model best fit for trail riding.
Typically, you will find suspension, engine tuning, gearbox or gearing ratio, and similar changes among the enduro models compared to motocross or track models.
For example, KTM produces the XC and XC-W models. The XC (Cross Country) model has a linkage style rear shock, whereas the XC-W runs the PDS style shock. They also have different triple tree and front suspension configuration and components.
These differences are important when considering the ultimate trail weapon for technical single tracks to earn the coveted title of the best trail dirt bike. Additionally, we feel that the manufacturers have done a great job with tuning the sub-models to fit the riding style.
We like the more hidden PDS style rear shock for the technical trails as it offers more protection and clearance for large obstacles. Many manufacturers are using the linkage style rear shock, which in many cases can offer superior performance but can be easier to damage in rough conditions.
It’s also good to mention that we cannot recommend supercross or motocross lineup for a technical single track. It’s like trying to hit doubles on a motocross track on a trail bike. And it’s not going to end well. The suspension is just so different and too stiff for trail riding.
However, some motocross and supercross models, such as the SX models, are popular among advanced riders. In this case, the riders will change the suspension completely to custom or trail riding versions. They mainly do this because of the engine and the gearing differences when maximizing total performance.
Our choice for the best dirt bike for trail riding is going to have a PDS style rear shock with a wide ratio gearbox designed for hard enduro. Common dirt bikes that fit this criteria are from the KTM XC-W (or XCW) series. The added protection level makes a solid selection criteria for the best trail riding dirt bikes, especially for hard enduro riding.
The Best Trail Dirt Bikes in 2023
All right, let’s get to it. Here are the winners and runner-ups for the best dirt bikes for trail riding.
- KTM 300 XC-W TPI
- Husqvarna TE 300
- Sherco 300 SE Factory
WINNER: Overall Best Trail Dirt Bike – KTM 300 XC-W
Putting it all together, selecting the winner was easy.
KTM continues to produce the best trail dirt bikes in 2023. The new model offers a great feature set and no wonder it is the choice for many pro-level riders for hard enduro and trail riding. We feel like it’s the best enduro dirt bike out there for the next season.
For more details, take a look at our 2023 KTM 300 XCW trail test and review.
This lightweight 2-stroke dirt bike comes with “almost ready” to race setup. It still needs to be tuned to your riding style, however, even a stock KTM 300 XC-W packs a good punch. Add some protection and you cannot find many excuses or cons with this dirt bike. It is our choice for all kinds of technical enduro, trail riding, and single track formats.
| Make / Model | Riding Style | Engine Type | Seat Height | Curb Weight | Tires / Front | Tires / Rear | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KTM 300 XC-W | Enduro | 293.2cc 2-stroke | 37.8″ (960mm) | 228lb (103.4kg) no fuel | 80/100-21 | 110/100-18 | $11,099 |
Runner-Up: Husqvarna TE 300
Owned by KTM, this Husqvarna trail dirt bike is very similar to the model above.
The TE 300 made the second place for the best dirt bike for trail riding. The main reason it didn’t win was the linkage style rear shock. Other than that, this model has slightly better components than the KTM above, but overall they are very comparable dirt bikes.
| Make / Model | Riding Style | Engine Type | Seat Height | Curb Weight | Tires / Front | Tires / Rear | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Husqvarna TE 300 | 1. Enduro | 293.2cc 2-stroke | 37.4″ (950mm) | 234.6lb (106.4kg) no fuel | 80/100-21 | 110/100-18 | $11,199 |
Third Place: Sherco 300 SE Factory
The third place for the best trail dirt bike goes to Sherco SE FACTORY 2023.
When Sherco updated their 2-stroke engine to a counterbalanced version back in 2021, it made this SE 300 a viable competitor for the best trail dirt bikes. It made third place on our list because of the great suspension. Sherco is using the KYB suspension components that many consider superior to the WP Xplor suspension KTM and Husqvarna prefer.
I have tested the 2020 and 2021 models and they both felt excellent. However the older 2020 and under models feel very rough because of the missing counterbalanced engine and the vibrations it causes. If you buy the SE 300 as used, stick with the 2021 models and up.
| Make / Model | Riding Style | Engine Type | Seat Height | Curb Weight | Tires / Front | Tires / Rear | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sherco 300 SE FACTORY | Enduro | 293.14cc, 2-stroke | 37.4″ (950mm) | 228lb (103.4kg) no fuel | 80/100-21 | 110/100-18 | $11,849 |
Related Questions
What is the best 250 trail bike 2023?
In our opinion the 2023 KTM XCW 250 is the best trail bike in 2023.
What is the difference between cross-country and trail dirt bikes?
Cross-country dirt bikes are built for speed and efficiency on smooth trails, focusing on performance and endurance. Trail dirt bikes are more versatile, designed to handle various terrain and obstacles, offering a balance of power, suspension, and maneuverability for off-road adventures.
Are 2 strokes better for trail riding?
Yes, in most trail riding the 2-stroke engine performs better, runs cooler, provides less fatigue and is easier to operate.
Can you use a motocross bike for trail riding?
Yes, however you are not likely going to like it. The motocross dirt bikes are tuned to large jumps and faster speeds, which means the suspension is rough and quickly tires you out.
What is the best used trail dirt bike?
The used KTM XCW or KTM XC models between years 2017 and up make great options for the best used trail dirt bike. You can find them in Facebook marketplace for around $4,000-$7,000.
In Conclusion
This year’s winner for the best trail dirt bike is the KTM 300 XCW. It is also widely available as used and has a great selection of aftermarket parts and accessories.
From our experience, the top 3 trail bikes listed above are very close to one another. Realistically, it comes down to minor details and personal preference when choosing the correct model for you from this list of the best dirt bikes for trail riding.
If you have a chance, go and test out each of these models on the manufacturers demo days or find a local dealer who’s letting you to test out the new models. This can help narrow down the best option for you.
Read next:
- 2023 KTM 300 XCW – First trail test and review
- How to set up dirt bike suspension for trail riding
- Setting up dirt bike handlebars for trail riding
- Best beginner dirt bikes for trail riding and motocross for 2023
- Best dirt bikes for women for trail riding and motocross
- The ultimate guide to dirt bikes for 7-year-olds and under
- Ultimate dirt bike size chart and seat height guide
Last updated: June 7, 2023
