Lots of racing riders regularly ask me which dirt bikes are most powerful. This is very important when choosing good dirt bikes for racing because most of the good dirt bikes for racing are very expensive, so it is very important that you make this choice carefully.
Below is a list on the most powerful dirt bikes in the market for racing riders. So, let’s get started.
| Dirt bike model | Max speed | Price |
| KTM 450 SX-F | 123 mph (197 km) | $9,999 |
| Honda CRF450R | 87 mph (140 km) | $9,399 |
| Yamaha WR450F & WR250F | 90 mph (144km) | $9,599 or $8,099 |
| Aprilia SXV 5.5 | 113 mph (181 km) | $9,499 |
| Husqvarna FE 501 S | 101.5mph (162km) | $10,599 |
| Beta 450RS | 111 mph (177 km) | $9,699 |
| Suzuki DR-Z400SM | 94 mph (150 km) | $7,199 |
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KTM 450 SX-F
The KTM 450 SX-F is the fastest dirt bike in the world today and is the best dirt bike for racing in the market. The truth is that no bike model is faster and more powerful than it; it is the best and the most successful model of the KTM.
Plus, I can’t even count the number of races and competitions all over the world that the riders have won with it. Donkey Shlomi who don’t know it is one of the best dirt bikes in the world won with it, and the truth is that most of the best competitors and racers have won with the KTM 450 SX-F, which indicates the power of this model and it’s no wonder that a lot of the great riders ride it.
Price
You can buy the KTM 450 SX-F for $9,999 which I am sure is a relatively high price for most people, but it is important to note that the KTM 450 SX-F is not for people who are looking for cheap dirt bikes and it really justifies all the price you pay. It is designed only for very advanced riders and professionals with even years of experience because it is the fastest dirt bike in the world. It will also stay for another good few years because it is really hard to get around the crazy speeds it can get.
I would not recommend buying it used because it is not sold for a low price, and most of its models do not come in good condition because it is mainly designed for racing, so be sure the people who sell it will abuse it.
Notable features
- Crazy Engine – The KTM 450 SX-F powers a powerful 449.9cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder four-stroke engine which is, of course, considered the fastest engine in the world that manages to reach a crazy maximum speed of 123 mph (197 km ) which is a speed I really don’t even recommend reaching because it can be even very dangerous.
- Dimensions that fit high riders – The KTM 450 SX-F is very suitable for tall riders and, at the same time, good for most average riders. Its seat height is 37.4 inches, and it has a very lightweight of only 222 lb. (101 kilos) which gives you lots of freedom when riding
Why the KTM 450 SX-F is suitable for racing
The KTM 450 SX-F is, in my opinion, the best dirt bike for racing and I’m sure most of you will agree with me mainly because of its crazy speed that none of its competitors can reach and also because it has all the features you need for a dirt bike to ease your racing. Easy to control, agile, and durable as it is by far the best dirt bike for you if you’re ready to invest the price.
In addition, I would recommend the KTM 450 SX-F for only experienced and professional riders because it can be very dangerous for inexperienced riders and also because it costs $10,000, which is a crazy price.
Honda CRF450R
The Honda CRF450R is one of my favorite dirt bike models, and a lot of people say it is the best dirt bike Honda has created to the point that it is even considered the best and most powerful dirt bike in the world today. While the CRF is perfect for racing and may not be the fastest in the world, it is still considered one of the most powerful and effective models ever released in the market.
Plus, it might surprise you that even though the CRF450R was released many years ago (2008), it still manages to be one of the best in the market. This is mainly because Honda keeps improving it by upgrading its hardware and performance each year, making it relevant to its competitors.
Price
You can buy the Honda CRF450R at a price of $9,399, but it is worth every dollar you spend on it. You can also buy the previous year’s CRF450R at a lower price but it’s important to know that it will be less powerful and will not come with Honda’s new enhancements.
Why the Honda CRF450R is suitable for racing
The CRF450R is the ultimate machine for terrain and racing and can tackle any terrain you may just want to ride, whether between mountains, mud, sand or dunes. And thanks to its powerful 450 cc, four-stroke engine that delivers a maximum speed of over 87 mph (140 km) and to its Dunlop Geomax MX3S wheels and tires that give it excellent stability in the field.
Opinion
In my opinion, the Honda CRF450R is the best model Honda has made, and it has made a change in the whole dirt bike market. I would highly recommend it to anyone who likes and loves the CRF450R and Honda in general, but before you run and buy it, it is important to note that the CRF will be more suitable for tall and big people and this is mainly because of its very high seat of 37.8 inches. So, if you are short, I would recommend you reconsider buying the CRF450R.
If you want to know why the CRF450R is only for high riders, I highly recommend you read the article I wrote to explain everything to you (click here to view)
Yamaha WR450F & WR250F
The Yamaha WR Series is always a great option for racing and off-road riders, while it’s pretty clear that both the WR450F & WR250F are amazing dirt bike models and definitely one of the best Yamaha has to offer for racing.
In addition, just like Honda, Yamaha continues to upgrade and improve every year not only in the WR450F & WR250F but also in all their models, and this is what I love most about Yamaha — they continue to invest in their models.
It is also important to note that the WR450F & WR250F are very similar to each other. They do not differ much in speed but differ a little in severity. I will explain the differences between them, but it is important to note that they are both excellent and designed for racing only in different style and feel.
Price of the WR450F & WR250F
The WR450F is more expensive than the WR250F. The WR450F is sold for $9,599 while this is, of course, justified — mainly because the WR450F is newer than the WR250F, more enhanced, and has better hardware than the WR250F. But with this, both are in the field you would have felt differently. The price of the WR250F will cost about $8,099.
WR450F vs. WR250F – which is the best for racing?
When it comes to comparing these two monsters, there is really no better model than the other, but at the same time, they are different in the feeling that they have in the field, and this especially depends on what you are looking for, though. The WR250F is a lighter and agile dirt bike while the WR450F is heavier and, in my opinion, will even better suit taller people.
But with this, you can’t tell because they are very similar to each other in both hardware and performance, so I recommend you ride both to see the one you like and the one that will fit you the most.
Why the WR Series is suitable for racing
Both WR450F and WR250F have similar performance and almost the same engine and hardware and are both perfect for riders who love racing, especially the Yamaha fans.
Both models are Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-valve, 4-stroke, single engine. While the WR450F has an engine volume of 449cc, the WR250F has an engine capacity of about 250cc, but both have a similar maximum speed of around 90 mph (144km). They both do excellent work on the ground and are definitely one of the reliable and most beloved dirt bikes you can find. More so, I’ve never heard of people say anything bad about the WR series.
Aprilia SXV 5.5
The Aprilia SXV 5.5 is considered the best dirt bikes for racing by riders and is also rated by Autowise as the second-fastest dirt bike in the world after the KTM 450 SX-F which shows its power in the field.
It is also important to note that Aprilia itself as a company is not considered at least one of the Top 5 like Yamaha or Honda, but the SXV 5.5’s Aprilia is the best model Aprilia has to offer.
In addition, it is important to note that the Aprilia SXV 5.5 is very heavy and is definitely one of the heaviest dirt bikes in the market and not only that it is heavy, it will also fit much more for tall riders. I am personally not surprised by the fact that most of Aprilia’s models are always suitable for tall and wide people, especially the SXV 5.5.
Price
You can buy the Aprilia SXV 5.5 for $9,499 while the 450 cc version for $700, which is cheaper, so it is a great way to save a little money. While the price of almost $10,000 can be quite expensive for most people, you will not realize that the SXV 5.5 is much more than just usual dirt bikes until you ride it and a luxury dirt bike intended for only the highest level riders.
In addition, I would not recommend that you buy the Aprilia SXV 5.5 used because most of the used ones sold are not in good shape and this is mainly because most people who have SXV 5.5 just abused the bike for being designed for very difficult races in very difficult conditions, so they just completely ruin them, but if you still want to buy the used for a low price after it is fixed, I usually do not recommend.
Why the Aprilia SXV 5.5 is suitable for racing
The Aprilia SXV 5.5 is just perfect for tough racing in very challenging conditions while not really suitable for road riding. The bike is powerful and can be flown off because it possesses a 549 cc 4-stroke v-twin engine that delivers an impressive power output of 70 horsepower at 13,000 rpm, with another peak torque of 48.6 kilograms at 10,900 rpm and a maximum speed of over 113 mph (181 km). In short, very scary!!!!
In fact, because of its scary and fast speed, I would recommend it for only riders at the highest level because you must be a professional and skilled rider to use the Aprilia SXV 5.5; otherwise, it can even be life-threatening for you. Also, it is not recommended for riders who compete in relatively light races with reasonable surfaces but only for those that compete in very difficult conditions, if not, I will advise that you buy other dirt bikes that will provide you with light races.
Husqvarna FE 501 S
The Husqvarna FE 501 is one of the most powerful and fast dirt bikes I’ve ever seen and is considered the sixth-fastest bike in the world, which proves their power.
I am not surprised at all that Husqvarna FE is one of the best models for racing especially because Husqvarna is one of the most popular companies that is owned by KTM which is the best racing company in the world, so don’t be surprised if the FE 501 S is really alike to other models of KTM.
Price
You can buy the Husqvarna FE 501 S at an insane and high price of $10,599. This is because this bike is made by KTM and Husqvarna, but this high price is justified because both Husqvarna and KTM used very advanced and strong technology in the FE 501 S that no dirt bikes have in the world, so you will have to pay more money than other models on the market.
In addition, if you think the option of buying its used, just consider that the Husqvarna FE 501 S is a very new model in the market, it came out in 2016, so you may have a very hard time finding its used, but it still worth it to try.
Why the Husqvarna FE 501 S is suitable for racing
The Husqvarna FE 501 S has already proven to be on this list mainly because of its crazy performance. Its 510cc SOHC single engine produces a crazy 58 horsepower and a crazy speed of 101.5mph (162km) which is definitely super impressive, and most impressive that it can reach 60mph in about 4.5 seconds, plus being 250 pounds in weight (113 kilos), it still feels very light on the ground and also very comfortable. In short, you will get all the best packages, features, and performance in one dirt bike.
Beta 450RS
The Beta 450RS is a very powerful dirt bike for racing, but unfortunately, many people ignore it mainly because of the fact that Beta is not too popular. This dirt bike is important to me and note that its unpopularity does not mean that it is less good than other companies like Yamaha or Honda because Beta is still a very reliable and reputable veteran brand that has won almost every race and possible competition.
In addition, the Beta 450RS is the fastest and the best model that Beta has, and it manages to reach crazy speeds that you didn’t even dream possible.
Price
You can buy the Beta 450RS at a price of $9,699 which is quite expensive, but the truth is that Beta is a luxurious company that offers very prestigious models, and is therefore pre-designed for people who have the money to invest.
Why the Beta 450RS is suitable for racing
If you are looking for dirt bikes that will tear off any trail and surface you will be riding on, then the Beta 450RS is the perfect dirt bike for you. Its 449 cc four-stroke engine is capable of producing 43.71 horsepower and peak torque of 29.59 pounds while its maximum speed is insane of 111 mph (177 km) and the most impressive thing is that it can get from 0 to 60 mph in 5.25 seconds which is what I am personally very surprised and impressed with.
Another thing that is very important to note is that the Beta 450RS has stopped using KTM engines, they now use their home engines, which I think produce no less good than all KTM engines.
Suzuki DR-Z400SM
If I have been showing you very expensive and elaborate dirt bikes, now it is time to show you the Suzuki DR-Z400SM which I already point that it is a less good dirt bike than most models on the list and it also costs cheaper. I would only recommend this bike for beginners or medium racers.
In fact, the Suzuki DR-Z400SM will initially show you regular performance that can only fit for road riding, but don’t let that fool you, the DR-Z400SM is still very powerful, just that it may not be like the other models on the list but still powerful enough to withstand the racing levels.
In addition, if you want to significantly upgrade the performance of the DR-Z400SM, I would highly recommend that you replace the tires and wheels with something more advanced because it is mainly suitable for road riding, so I recommend that you replace the wheels if you want to see a significant performance improvement.
Price
You can buy the Suzuki DR-Z400SM for just $7,199 which is much cheaper than the other models on the list, and as expected, its performance is not at the same level as the other models on the list.
Why the Suzuki DR-Z400SM is suitable for racing
The DR-Z400SM may look like an ordinary dirt bike to you at first, but it’s really not true until you ride it to see how powerful and strong it is, not only in cable but overall. It is considered the 10th fastest dirt bike in the world, and this is because of its excellent DOHC 398cc single Bore x stroke engine that delivers a maximum speed of about 94 mph (150 km) and a very fast acceleration of 0 to 60 mph in 4.54 seconds.
Plus, the most surprising thing is that despite the heavy weight of the DR-Z400SM, weighing around 322 pounds (146 kilos), it still doesn’t stop it from reaching a very high maximum speed and continues to be excellent on the ground. In my opinion, the DR-Z400SM is the perfect dirt bike for racers who lack another drop capabilities because it will allow you to learn and make mistakes, and that’s what I like about the DR-Z400SM.
Need dirt bike safety gear? Click here to buy safety gear for dirt bike riding on amazon , or go check my sales pages of recommended safety gear page click here to view.
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