The weight of a dirt bike affects your performance in riding them. The heavier the motorcycle is, the harder it is to maneuver your bike around. And it will be challenging if you’re smaller and lighter in build.
With all these factors coming in, you’d ask yourself, “how much does a dirt bike weigh?”
The average dirt bike weight is 200 – 250 pounds (90 – 110 in kg). This weight is the range of what most adults use, but it still can weigh up to over 300 pounds depending on the engine type and displacement.
Table of Contents
How Heavy is a Dirt Bike: Average, Minimum, and Maximum Weight
1. Average Adult Bike Weight
The adult dirt bike is the standard for dirt bike types, so it usually weighs around 240 pounds. The intention for using these bikes is to reach fast speeds while maintaining maneuverability, so new models that come out every year aim to be lighter.
However, a lighter average motorcycle weight isn’t always better. You should always consider the driver’s size, experience, and purpose for using the bike to maximize the potential of the dirt bike.
Here is a dirt bike weight chart for reference:
| ADULT DIRT BIKE MODEL | WEIGHT |
| Honda CRF230F | 249 lbs / 113 kg (wet weight) |
| Honda CRF250X | 224.8 lbs / 102 kg |
| Honda CRF450 | 233 lbs / 106 kg |
| Honda XR650L | 346 lbs / 157 kg |
| Suzuki RM-Z250 | 230.4 lbs / 104.5 kg |
| Suzuki DR-Z400S | 317 lbs / 144 kg |
| Suzuki RM-Z450 | 247 lbs / 112 kg |
| Yamaha WR250R | 278 lbs / 126 kg |
| Yamaha WR250F | 258 lbs / 117 kg |
| Yamaha YZ250FX | 249 lbs / 113 kg (wet weight) |
| Yamaha YZ250F | 234 lbs / 106 kg |
| Kawasaki KX250F | 233.6 lbs / 106 kg |
| Kawasaki KX500F | 220.4 lbs / 100 kg |
| Husqvarna FC350 | 223 lbs / 101 kg |
| KTM 250 XC-F | 218.7 lbs / 99.2 kg |
2. Average Kid’s Bike Weight
Kids’ dirt bikes are similar to standard dirt bikes. But they are smaller and use cheaper materials. With this, a 125cc dirt bike weighs around 140 pounds. Newer models, on average, also become lighter than previous models, so keep yourself posted.
In connection with this, electric dirt bikes are becoming a popular option for kids because they are lightweight and cheaper. Aside from that, it is also considered a better choice for the environment.
Here are some examples of bike models available for kids:
| KIDS DIRT BIKE MODEL | WEIGHT |
| Honda CRF50 | 110 lbs / 50 kg |
| Honda CRF125F | 194 lbs / 88 kg (wet weight) |
| Suzuki DR-Z70 | 121 lbs / 55 kg (wet weight) |
| Yamaha PW50 | 90 lbs / 41 kg |
| Yamaha TTR-50 | 126 lbs / 57 kg |
| Yamaha TT-R110E | 159 lbs / 72 kg |
| Kawasaki KX85 | 165 lbs / 75 kg |
| Kawasaki KLX110 | 165.5 lbs / 75.1 kg |
| KTM 50 SX Mini | 88.2 lbs / 40 kg |
| KTM 65 SX | 116.5 lbs / 52.8 kg |
3. Wet Weight vs Dry Weight
There are two types of measuring weight for a dirt bike: dry and wet.
Dry weight describes the motocross bike weight without fluids, such as coolant, oil, or gas. The dry weight is used for comparison since it can provide insight into the bike’s weight at its base and how it might operate without fluids or accessories.
Wet or curb weight describes the bike’s weight when fully fueled and ready to ride. This weight includes the bike’s liquids and any additional accessories. People use this weight to calculate the bike’s actual weight.
On dirt bike model lists, they use dry weight to know how heavy the motorcycle is, but newer lists give the weight of bikes when it is a full tank since it can still affect how the bike will perform in an actual race.
Dirt Bike Type and Size
- 250cc dirt bike weight
This bike is one of the most commonly used because the balance of its weight and its engine power makes it the most appealing to intermediate and advanced drivers. That said, a 250cc dirt bike weighs an average of 240 pounds.
Remember that the weight can vary on whether the engine type is a 2-stroke or 4-stroke. The latter is a newer and more complex build, making it typically heavier, but that doesn’t automatically mean it is slower than a lighter build.
- 450cc dirt bike weight
This type of dirt bike is one of the heaviest because of its size. A 450cc dirt bike weighs an average of 260 pounds. But depending on the overall build and modifications of the motorcycle, some models may vary widely in weight.
According to regulations, only professional dirt bike riders who have experience riding 250cc bikes can legally drive a 450cc. A higher engine displacement means it can perform better to win races, despite being generally heavy.
Dirt Bike Brands
Since a beginner would want something lighter, choosing from a manufacturer and trying a Honda 125cc is a good choice.
But depending on the brands, some dirt bikes have variations in their weight. A Yamaha 250cc and a Honda 250cc are similar in build, but one is lighter than the other by a small amount.
In contrast, another example can be a Yamaha 450cc and a Honda 450cc, but the weight varies significantly from the other. So do thorough research if you want your motorcycle to be as light as possible.
| DIRT BIKE BRAND AND MODEL | WEIGHT |
| Honda CRF250 | 110 lbs / 50 kg |
| Honda CRF450R | 245 lbs / 111 kg |
| Honda CRF450RL | 291 lbs / 132 kg |
| Kawasaki KLX140 | 205 lbs / 93 kg |
| Kawasaki KX450 | 233 lbs / 106 kg |
| Yamaha WR450F | 262 lbs / 119 kg (wet weight) |
| Husqvarna FC 450 | 227 lbs / 103 kg |
| Husqvarna FE 450 | 239 lbs / 108 kg |
| KTM 450 XC-F | 228 lbs / 104 kg |
If you’re eyeing a specific brand, note that some manufacturers rarely produce a motorcycle for a particular engine displacement. An example would be a Yamaha 400cc dirt bike or a Kawasaki 225cc dirt bike.
Additional Weight Options
1. Changing to a Street-legal Dirt Bike
There are regulations for getting your dirt motorcycle on the streets. And this means adding weight to your bike. Different states or countries have different rules when it comes to street-legal dirt bikes, so make sure to do your research first.
But as a rule of thumb, here is a list of rules you need to follow:
- Any registered vehicle must have a full-functioning taillight, brake light, and headlight with a high and low beam, so if the dirt bike doesn’t have one, you need to install them.
The motorcycle must also have an indicator when you’re currently using the high beam.
- Rearview mirrors and a horn – some dirt bikes skip out on these because it’s not necessary on a track, but being street-legal requires you to get a pair of these (in some places, one mirror is allowed).
- State-approved tires. Depending on your location, tires designed for trail rides are not safe to use on the streets, so dig up a bit of research to know what tires you need on the dirt bike.
2. Adding Accessories
If you want to add more weight to your motorcycle, adding useful accessories is ideal because you still get benefits from them. Here are some accessories you could add:
- This accessory adds additional pounds while protecting your hands from potential threats during a trail, like sharp branches or debris.
- Skid plates. These plates cover the essential parts under your bike, such as the engine. This accessory alone can add significant weight, depending on the material. Steel is heavier but more durable than the lighter alternative, aluminum.
Tips to Make Dirt Bikes Lighter or Heavier
Take note that there is a dirt bike weight limit based on the actual weight of the rider (On average, a 150 – 180 lb person). To match things up, here are some tips and tricks to make the dirt bike lighter:
- Use lighter material. The bulk of what makes your bike heavier are the materials used for all the parts. For example, a stock exhaust uses steel, which is bulkier in general.
So for this, you can use an alternative like aluminum or titanium. Note that some of these might be cheaper or more expensive. If you want to sacrifice quality for a lighter build, go for the budget option–aluminum.
- You can also replace the stock plastics on your bike with lighter ones. Some aftermarket sellers specifically design “race plastics,” which are lightweight and better shaped for racing purposes.
- Only use enough gas for the intended purpose. If you want the motorcycle to be as light as possible, fill the tank according to the amount you need. Some races don’t need a tank filled to the brim, so use that to your advantage.
To make the dirt bike heavier, on the other hand:
- Add weights. There are optional weights you can find in stores that you can install to the handlebars or the frames.
- Use heavier material. As mentioned above, aluminum and titanium are light materials. Steel, on the other hand, is a weighty, durable material. So use this material for parts like the exhaust to add more weight.
- Accessories that can give you more convenience, such as extra lights or storage boxes, are good choices to add heaviness to your dirt bike.
Conclusion
Now you know the average dirt bike weight, it will be much easier to decide what the best model is for you to maximize your potential and performance.
Although it’s not as simple as comparing gravel bike weights, we still hope that having different examples of popular models with their listed heaviness gives you better insights into the next steps you’re about to take.
Whenever you ask yourself again, “how much does a dirt bike weigh?” Read this article to ensure yourself the balance of enjoyment, comfort, and safety. Happy dirt biking.
