(Sponsored post from Peter Stevens)
For avid outdoor explorers, off-road bikes are a serious consideration or temptation. If you have never purchased an off-road bike, you may have a lot of questions as which bike is best for your adventurous lifestyle. Today we’ll highlight five of the top off-road bike models of 2019.
Honda CRF450L
The Honda CRF450L is a street legal dirtbike that has the best features that Honda has to offer, packed in a lightweight and easy to manoeuvre package. A true trail-to-trail bike, it features a powerful 449cc Unicam engine, twin-spar aluminum CRF chassis, six-speed transmission, and premium suspension.
This bike has an electric start and an all led-light package. It features a lithium-ion battery that is lighter than conventional batteries so you won’t have to worry about it weighing the bike down. The Honda CRF450L also has a number of features to make riding the bike a comfortable experience. These include a gear-driven counterbalancer that reduces vibrations and drives the water pump and a side stand that is now located higher on the bike than previous models. Additionally, the bike is equipped with a fuel mileage meter that shows current fuel mileage, your average fuel mileage, and how much gas you have used.
Kawasaki KLX450R
The Kawasaki KLX450R is another street legal dirtbike that is packed with cool features that newbies or experienced riders can appreciate. Some of these features include a high-performance 4-stroke engine that will provide you with all the power you need for your outdoor adventures. The bike features electric start and digital instrumentation which allows the rider to easily see what is happening in real time.
This bike also has smooth suspension so that you can stay as comfortable as possible whilst tackling the bumpiest of terrain. It is also equipped with powerful brakes that enhance the reliability this bike offers in challenging terrain. Lastly, this bike features a wide ratio 5-speed transition that was selected specifically for off-road riding. The design of the gear sets and center cases are compact which allows the bike’s frame to be narrower around the area where the riders’ ankles would rest.
Suzuki DR650S
The Suzuki DR650S is a motorcycle that can excel on the street or dirt paths. This bike definitely has the appearance of a typical motorcycle instead of a traditional racing dirt bike. It features a reliable, 644cc, oil-cooled, four-stroke, single engine carried in strong steel, and semi-double-cradle frame.
A cool feature of this bike is that the seat height can be reduced so a variety of riders can comfortably take it out for a spin. It features an electric start for a fast and easy way to get your trip started. This bike is also built for passengers. It features a long comfortable seat along with aluminium foot pegs and grab handles, all of which make riding it more comfortable to ride with a passenger.
Yamaha WR450F
The Yamaha WR450F is known for its potent fuel-injected engine and class-leading suspension. The potent fuel-injected engine includes a host of features that work together to give riders usable thrust and extended high rpm power. Yamaha utilizes KYB® spring-type forks of the WR450F to provide the bike which gives the rider easy tuneability in a wide range of conditions. Some new upgrades to the Yamaha WR450F from the previous model include a fuel level warning indicator and an aluminum folding kickstand that is mounted higher than before to allow for more ground clearance. Additionally, the Yamaha WR450F has now embedded Yamaha graphics so you won’t have to worry about them peeling or getting damaged.
KTM 500 EXC-F
The KTM 500 EXC-F is a bike designed for competition. All of its features are packed in a small package which means improved control for the rider even on the roughest terrain. This bike features a six-speed transmission. When you combine an engine that has the best of power and torque and cooling features, this bike is a notch above the rest. The bike is equipped with durable wheels that can hold up to any terrain that you feel the need to explore. The brakes on the bike are designed to hold up to quick decisions to stop or reduce your speed. The gas tank is designed to hold 2.5 gallons of gas at a time. Thanks to the see-through plastic tank, you’ll always be able to see how much time you have before your next fill up. KTM paid special attention to the details on this bike. Even the handlebars were specifically designed to give the rider customisable control. Another custom element to this bike is that you can pick decals to fit your unique style!
Overall, these are our five picks for the best off-road bikes on the market in 2019. They stand out from the rest due to their premium builds, flexibility and comfort. Whether you are looking for an off-road bike that has the appearance of a traditional dirt bike or a premium motorcycle, there is a bike on this list for you.
If you’re looking to trailer your bikes into the mountains to go trail blazing, you should try investing in a towbar.