Last Updated on January 26, 2024

Riding a dirt bike on sand comes with its own challenges, and some thoughts need to be put in the choice of a motorcycle that can perform greatly on desert trails and sand dunes.

Desert bikes are designed specifically for riding in dry, hot, sandy environments.

They are lightweight and easy to operate, making them perfect for navigating unpaved roads and trails.

Adventure bikes that area meant for off-roading are most suitable for sandy terrains, and many of them are customizable enough to become a well-rounded desert bike for motocross racing.

Below, let’s dig a bit deeper into how to choose the best dirt bike for desert.

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Best dirt bike for desert trails
Dirt Bike Riding in the Desert.

2 Stroke or 4 Stroke for Desert Racing

Is a 2-stroke or 4-stroke engine better for desert racing? 

The choice of a dirt bike engine is influenced by many factors, obviously including the type of motorcycle and the type of use for which it is designed.

There are advantages and disadvantages for both architectures, but the 2-stroke tends to perform better on sand.

The main advantage of a 2-stroke engine is its simplicity of construction which translates into greater lightness and maneuverability.

A 2-stroke motorcycle will generally be more agile and easier to manage, which is especially crucial when you are off-roading on a soft sand terrain.

The 4-stroke is a technically more complex engine, with cycles taking place over four phases (intake, compression, combustion and exhaust).

Compared to 2-stroke dirt bike engines, these are known for their high efficiency in fuel combustion, making the consumption from 4-stroke engine much lower and more eco-friendly.

They are a bit bulkier than 2-strokes, which means they will not go as fast on sand dunes, but they will still perform just fine on most types of desert terrain.

Best 2 Stroke Desert Dirt Bike

Yamaha YZ250
Yamaha YZ250
Photo: Rainmaker47
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KTM 300 XC-W
Photo: Cdw1952
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Honda CR250
Photo: Rainmaker47

Yamaha YZ250

The 2-stroke Yamaha YZ250 are extremely versatile bikes that can easily be turned into a pretty great off-road desert bike.

The customization options are endless which means you can essentially build your own bike according to your needs and the kind of terrain you want to race on.

It is also one of the few 2-stroke engine bikes still in production, with the latest model released in 2021.

[Browse Yamaha YZ250 Bikes for Sale]


KTM 300 XC-W

The KTM 300 XC-W is easily one of the most accomplished, top performing 2-stroke dirt bikes for desert and soft sand terrains.

This is one of the best enduro motorbikes in the market, desert racing becomes a breeze thanks to its refined bodywork and ergonomics, and the frame helps the rider to pick a line with pinpoint accuracy.

[Browse KTM 300 XC-W Bikes for Sale]


Honda CR250

The Honda CR250R is a 2-stroke Honda racing dirt bike last produced in 2007.

It still makes one of the most reliable dirt bikes on desert trails and sand dunes.

If you are looking for a vintage second hand bike to become your desert rider, look no further.

[Browse Honda CR250 Bikes for Sale]


Best 4 Stroke Desert Dirt Bike

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is image-4-1024x768.jpegYamaha YZ450F
Photo: Peprovira
KTM 450 XC-W
KTM 450 XC-W
Photo: M I K E M O R R I S
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Honda CRF450X
Photo: Dbratland

Yamaha YZ450F

The Yamaha YZ450F is a four-stroke motocross bike designed for racing on any kind of terrain.

The Cycle World and Dirt Rider magazines both deemed it as the dirt bike which started the four-stroke engine revolution, which is kind of a big deal!

[Browse Yamaha YZ450F Bikes for Sale]


KTM 450 XC-W

The 450 XC-W is one of the top performing desert bikes on the market.

High-tech SOHC 4-stroke technology, which combines low weight and high displacement, is the right option for anyone looking for optimum output.

KTM’s most capable desert racer, it has won the most National Hare & Hounds of any dirt bike in recent history.

[Browse KTM 450 XC-W Bikes for Sale]


Honda CRF450X

The Honda CRF450X is an off-road motorcycle with a 450 cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine.

From tight trails to soft sands, nothing delivers off-road excellence like this dirt bike.

The wide-ratio transmission has the perfect gear for any type of terrain and situation, from slow-speed rock crawling to open-desert racing.

[Browse Honda CRF450X Bikes for Sale]


Dirt Bike Tyres for Desert Riding
Best dirt bikes for desert trails.

Here are some gear modifications which you can do to your bike for increasing its performance on sand:

GPR or Scotts Stabilizer

Adding a GPR or Scotts Stabilizer to your dirt bike will help to reduce the amount of front-end wobble that you experience when riding on sandy terrain.

This is because the stabilizer helps to keep the front wheel of your bike in line, reducing the amount of movement that occurs when you hit bumps or ruts in the sand.


Hand Guards

Hand guards are a great addition to any dirt bike that is going to be ridden in the desert.

They help to protect your hands and fingers from flying debris and also provide an extra layer of protection against the sun’s harsh rays.


Aluminum Skid Plate

Installing an aluminum skid plate on your dirt bike is another great way to protect your bike from the harsh conditions of the desert.

The skid plate will help to protect the bottom of your bike from rocks and other debris, preventing damage to your engine and other vital components.


Large Fuel Desert Tank

A larger fuel tank is a must-have for desert riding.

The longer distance between fuel stations in the desert can mean that you will run out of fuel quickly if you do not have a large enough tank.


Desert Tires

Desert tires are specially designed for sandy terrain.

They have a knobby tread pattern that helps to dig into the sand and provide better traction.


Chains for Sand Dunes

Chains are another great addition to your dirt bike when riding in the desert.

They help to increase traction and prevent your bike from sinking into the sand.


Goggles for Desert Riding

Goggles are an important piece of gear for desert riding.

They protect your eyes from flying debris and also provide an extra layer of protection against the sun’s harsh rays.


In addition to these gear modifications, make sure to also pay attention to your suspension and suspension settings.

A good suspension setup can make a huge difference in how your bike handles on sandy terrain.

Overall, converting your dirt bike to a desert bike requires attention to detail, and a few key modifications to ensure that your bike is properly equipped for the harsh conditions of the desert.


Looking to take your dirt bike out of the field into the streets? You may can find out about dirt bike street legalization services on the Dirt Legal website:

> How To Make Your Dirt Bike Legal

> Street Legal Registration Services

> Frequently Asked Questions


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Best Dirt Bike Tires for Sand Dunes


Maxxis Maxxcross Desert IT

KENDA Parker DT K772

Pirelli Scorpion MX Soft 410

Best Chains for Sand Dunes

Best Dirt Bike Chain for Sand Dunes - Regina Gold-X
Regina Gold-X
Best Dirt Bike Chain for Sand Dunes - Regina Gold-Z
Regina Gold-Z
Best Dirt Bike Chain for Sand Dunes - EK MVXZ X-Ring
EK MVXZ X-Ring

Sandsports


Sandboarding
Sand Sledding
Volcano boarding

Sand Skiing
Sand Kiting

Desert Racing
Dune Bashing
Desert Hiking & Camping
Desert Travel
Desert Camping
Desert Running

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