Top 10 Cheap Dirt Bikes That Offer Great Value – Did I Just Waste My Money?

 I learned the hard way that not all "cheap dirt bikes for sale" are actually worth buying.

A few years ago, I thought I was getting a great deal on a so-called “budget” dirt bike. It looked tough in the pictures, had solid specs on paper, and the price? Unbeatable.

But the moment I took it out for a ride—boom. The chain slipped, the suspension felt like a rusty spring mattress, and I swear the handlebars were made of plastic. Lesson learned: cheap doesn’t always mean good.

So, to save you from making the same mistake, I did my research (and a lot of test rides) to come up with this list of the best cheap dirt bikes that actually deliver on quality, performance, and durability.

Let’s get into it.


1. Apollo 125cc Dirt Bike – The Ultimate Budget Beast

Apollo X37 125cc Dirt Bike - Motocross Sport | 4-Speed Manual


🔥 Why It’s Worth It: If you want power, durability, and affordability, the Apollo 125cc is one of the best cheap dirt bikes you can buy. It has a manual 4-speed transmission, strong suspension, and a top speed of around 55 mph.

💰 Price Range: $1,000 - $1,500

Best For: Teen and adult riders who want a serious off-road experience without the Honda/Yamaha price tag.

🔗 Apollo 125cc Overview (Wikipedia)


2. Coolster 70cc Mini Dirt Bike – The Perfect Starter Bike

Coolster 70cc Mini Dirt Bike


🔥 Why It’s Worth It: Looking for a great first bike for a kid or smaller rider? The Coolster 70cc is automatic, easy to handle, and still powerful enough for dirt trails.

💰 Price Range: $600 - $900

Best For: Beginners and younger riders who want a safe, fun, and affordable dirt bike.


3. Tao Motor DB17 125cc Dirt Bike – A Budget-Friendly Honda Alternative

🔥 Why It’s Worth It: This bike is often compared to the Honda CRF125—but at half the price. It’s got a strong 4-stroke engine, hydraulic disc brakes, and a solid steel frame that won’t break on the first jump.

💰 Price Range: $1,200 - $1,600

Best For: Teen and adult riders who want a reliable dirt bike for trails and light motocross.


4. X-Pro 250cc Dirt Bike – The Budget Speed Demon

🔥 Why It’s Worth It: If you want to go fast on a budget, this is it. With a top speed of 70+ mph, the X-Pro 250cc is one of the fastest cheap dirt bikes for sale right now.

💰 Price Range: $1,800 - $2,500

Best For: Experienced riders who want serious power without dropping $5,000+ on a KTM or Honda.


5. Razor MX650 Electric Dirt Bike – For Stealth Riders

🔥 Why It’s Worth It: The Razor MX650 is electric, quiet, and still powerful. It’s perfect for riders who need a dirt bike that won’t wake up the entire neighborhood.

💰 Price Range: $800 - $1,200

Best For: Teens and light adults looking for an eco-friendly dirt bike that still has decent power.


6. Venom MX60 60cc Motocross Dirt Bike – The Best Kids’ Dirt Bike

Venom MX60 60cc Motocross Dirt Bike


🔥 Why It’s Worth It: Small but mighty, this automatic 60cc dirt bike is one of the best for younger riders who want a real motocross feel without the intimidation of a full-size bike.

💰 Price Range: $600 - $900

Best For: Kids (5-10 years old) who are ready to start learning.


7. SYX Moto 49cc 2-Stroke Dirt Bike – The Lightweight Champion

SYX Moto 49cc 2-Stroke Dirt Bike – The Lightweight Champion


🔥 Why It’s Worth It: One of the cheapest dirt bikes for sale, but don’t underestimate it. The SYX Moto 49cc is a fun, nimble, 2-stroke ride that’s great for beginners.

💰 Price Range: $500 - $800

Best For: New riders who want a super lightweight, affordable dirt bike.


8. Hooligan 60cc Motocross Dirt Bike – A Fun Off-Road Mini Beast

Hooligan 60cc Motocross Dirt Bike


🔥 Why It’s Worth It: The Hooligan 60cc is surprisingly powerful for its size, with a smooth 4-stroke engine that’s perfect for light trails and backyard riding.

💰 Price Range: $700 - $1,000

Best For: Younger riders who want a real dirt bike experience without too much power.


9. MotoTec Pro Electric Dirt Bike (1000W Lithium) – The Quiet Speedster

MotoTec Pro Electric Dirt Bike (1000W Lithium)


🔥 Why It’s Worth It: If you want an electric dirt bike with serious torque, this one is one of the best. It’s got a 1000W motor, lithium battery, and silent acceleration that still feels fast.

💰 Price Range: $1,000 - $1,500

Best For: Eco-conscious riders who want instant power without gas.


10. Lifan KPX250 250cc Dual-Sport Motorcycle – The Street-Legal Budget Beast

Lifan KPX 250cc Fuel Injected Dual Sport Motorcycle


🔥 Why It’s Worth It: This 250cc dirt bike is street-legal, meaning you can ride it on and off-road. It’s fuel-injected, reliable, and a solid alternative to expensive dual-sports like the Yamaha WR250R.

💰 Price Range: $2,000 - $3,000

Best For: Riders who want a dirt bike that can also be used for commuting.


How to Choose the Best Cheap Dirt Bike for You

Before you grab a dirt bike, ask yourself these questions:

Are you a beginner or experienced? – Start small (50-110cc) if you’re new.
Where will you ride? – If you’re hitting motocross tracks, get a 125cc or higher.
Gas or electric? – Electric bikes are quieter but have limited range.
What’s your budget? – Set a price limit so you don’t overspend.


FAQs – Answering the Most Common Questions

1. What’s the best cheap dirt bike for beginners?

The Coolster 70cc or SYX Moto 49cc are great for beginners. For adults, go for the Apollo 125cc.

2. Can I ride these dirt bikes on the street?

Only the Lifan KPX250 is street-legal. Most dirt bikes can’t be ridden on public roads without modifications.

3. What’s the best cheap 250cc dirt bike?

The X-Pro 250cc is one of the best budget-friendly 250cc dirt bikes.

4. Are Chinese dirt bikes worth it?

Yes—if you buy the right cheap dirt bikes that offer good value for money. Brands like Apollo, Tao Motor, and Coolster offer great value if you don’t mind minor maintenance.


Final Thoughts – Did I Waste My Money or Strike Gold?

After testing so many cheap dirt bikes, I can confidently say you don’t have to spend thousands to get a solid ride. The key is choosing wisely.

So what do you think? Which cheap dirt bike is actually worth it? Let’s argue in the comments. 🔥

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Street Legal or Not? What You Need to Know About Riding a Honda Ruckus

Cheap Ruckus Clone vs. Authentic Honda Ruckus: Which One Should You Get?