If you want to take your riding from the streets to the trails but you’re a bit unsure of your ability, why not try an automatic dirt bike? Take the hassle out of riding by ditching the clutch in favor of a semi-automatic or completely automatic machine! But what models are available?
For many riders, the thought of riding off-road without a clutch is borderline heretical. However, there are times and situations where having an automatic dirt bike can be beneficial. Young riders and new riders can benefit from clutchless riding, allowing them to focus on learning other skills such as staying up on two-wheels in the rough, refining their body positioning, and properly learning how to apply the throttle and brakes.
There are plenty of automatic dirt bikes on the market, from top-shelf offerings from the most popular and famous motorcycle brands, electric motorcycles (which by definition are almost always automatic), and cheaper pit bike style models. To give a broader snapshot of what’s available, we’re going to include a mix of all three types in our top 10 list of small bikes for dirt bike riding. So without further ado, let’s look at the best automatic dirt bike models you can currently buy!
Note About Sizes
It has to be said that the majority of automatic dirt bikes models out there are targeted at young riders rather than adults. Most of the world’s biggest manufacturers have automatic and semi-automatic products but they’re usually installed in smaller frames, with lower saddle heights, and smaller wheels. For the sake of a balanced list, we’re going to include models for kids as well as models for adults in this list!
10 Automatic Dirt Bike Models That Kick Ass Off-Road
#01. Kawasaki KLX110
Kawasaki is one of the most successful off-road brands in the motorcycle industry, and they’ve got plenty of off-road models to suit a broad spectrum of riders. However, if you’re looking for an automatic dirt bike, there’s only one choice available to you from Team Green, and that’s the KLX110. This little dirt bike stands a little taller than some others, but it’s still a long way from being a full-sized off-roader – but that doesn’t mean that the fun is reserved only for kids. With a punchy 112cc air-cooled 4-stroke engine, the KLX110 has more than enough grunt to put smiles on the faces of older riders, but it just happens to be good for younger riders to have a rip on too! What makes it such an ideal choice for young riders is the fact that it comes equipped with a four-speed transmission with an automatic clutch.
Simply put, that means that riders simply have to ease off of the throttle and click the bike into gear via the usual foot-operated gear lever, and that’s it. Or for those who want a fully automatic experience, all that you have to do is leave the bike in third gear and twist, making it a fully automatic dirt bike. There’s enough suspension to handle your average off-road and trail riding terrains and obstacles, and the mechanical drum brakes offer ample stopping power. And like many of the following models, there’s plenty of room for upgrades. Say you want the fun of a semi automatic dirt bike from Kawasaki but would prefer a taller saddle height. That’s no problem, because there are so many aftermarket stores that specialize in kits that add inches to your front suspension, with special rear swingarms that help raise your height. There are plenty of riders out there who race these seriously, so performance parts and add ons are never far away. For an MSRP of $2,299, the Kawasaki KLX110 is one excellent little dirt bike.
Top Features:
- Powerful 110cc dirt bike
- Four speed semi-automatic transmission
- Low saddle height of 26.8 inches
- Tough and sporty race-inspired bodywork
- Easy to graduate to the KLX110L (a manual model) for those wanting more
#02. Honda CRF110F
Honda’s CRF110F has long been one of the best mid-sized small capacity dirt bikes out there. The CRF series is legendary, so it makes sense that the smallest members of the family are just as legendary as their bigger siblings. The CRF110F shares a lot of DNA with the smaller CRF50F, but it boasts a bigger engine, a high ride height, and plenty of other cool features to keep riders coming back for more. The most significant difference is the addition of an extra gear, with the CRF110F boasting a four-speed gearbox, powered by an automatic clutch to make life nice and easy.
While it’s not much bigger than the CRF50F, adult riders will definitely benefit from the slightly increased ride height, and the extra grunt from the engine makes climbing hills much easier (and possible) for most riders. The throttle is responsive, the ride is smooth, the tires have enough grip to tackle challenging terrains, and while there isn’t as much suspension travel as we’d like, it’s plenty for the kind of riding you’ll be doing on one. Honda’s automatic clutch is excellent, and clicking through the gears is a dream. If you’re not ready to change gears, just stick into third and cruise! It can handle it. The CRF110F has an MSRP of $2,399 – and that’s a fantastic price. Even a second hand one of these will be worth the money too.
Top Features:
- Versatile engine that makes it easy to graduate to a 125cc later
- Four-speed gearbox with automatic clutch
- Easy to operate electric starter with optional kick start function
- Adjustable throttle stop for limiting younger riders
- Additional kick starter for manual starting
#03. Yamaha TT-R110E
The Yamaha TT-R110E is the bigger brother of Yamaha’s awesome mini off-roader, the TT-R50E. Unlike the smaller model, this one can practically be ridden by older riders making a more fun choice for all of the family. It packs a more powerful punch in the engine department and a taller ride height which makes it an ideal ride for teens who are getting into the world of motorcycling. That’s the target audience, at least, but fully grown adults and enthusiastic younger children can have a riot on one of these.
Powered by a tough and compact 110cc air-cooled 4-stroke engine, the TT-R110E has plenty of grunt that’s delivered to the wheels through a sophisticated four-speed gearbox with an automatic clutch, which allows for effortless gear shifting, marrying the best of manual riding with the simplicity of an automatic. All you have to do is click through the gears without worrying about the hassle of a clutch – or leave it in one gear and stick with it, if you don’t feel like shifting anything at all! If that wasn’t enough, Yamaha also treated the TT-R110E with a number of other cool features, including an electric starter, a well-damped telescopic front fork and advanced Monocross rear suspension, grippy knobbly tires, Yamaha’s aggressive and stylish aesthetic, and a forestry-friendly USFS approved exhaust. Yamaha’s flagship off-road series, the YZ-family, shares a lot of DNA with this little number, making it the perfect introductory motorcycle for young riders to cut their teeth on before graduating to the bigger YZ models. Yamaha’s MSRP for the TT-R110E is $2,299.
Top Features:
- Strong 4-stroke Yamaha engine
- Keyed ignition for additional safety
- A versatile saddle height of 26.4 inches
- 7.1 inches of ground clearance that allows for real off-road riding
- 4-speed gearbox with an automatic clutch
#04. Suzuki DR-Z70
Suzuki used to have a mean little number called the DR-Z110 which was very similar to the Kawasaki KLX110, but in recent years Suzuki has done away with their 110 option and now only stocks the Suzuki DR-Z50 and DR-Z70 instead in semi automatic trim. Powered by a smooth 67cc engine, the DR-Z70 is ideal for young riders. Unlike other small capacity bikes that come with a single-speed transmission, this one comes with three gears and an automatic clutch. Essentially, you just click through the gears with your foot when the engine feels like it needs it. If you want a fully automatic experience, you can put the bike into second gear and leave it there, which should provide enough forward motion to get you started and having fun before you’re ready to learn how to change gears.
Can an adult ride one of these? Well, you might not think it but the answer is yes. It won’t be the most comfortable ride in the world, but there’s no denying that it won’t be a lot of fun. These little dirt bikes are great for backyard racing where space is at a premium. It’s fun for adults, and fun for kids too. There are some cool safety features for young riders such as an adjustable throttle limiter and a keyed ignition, making it totally child-friendly – so it makes for a great investment. Talking of which, the MSRP is $1,849, which is an excellent price for a cool little motorcycle that both adults and kids can enjoy.
Top Features:
- Real off-road capable 70cc dirt bike
- Kick starter and electric starter
- Three speed gearbox with automatic clutch
- Sturdy inverted USD fork suspension
- Low saddle height (22 inches) for younger riders
#05. KTM 50 SX
KTM have long been the go-to brand when it comes to off-road dominance, but when it comes to automatic dirt bike models, the company doesn’t have much on offer. Or rather, it doesn’t have much on offer for adults to enjoy. While the above mentioned Japanese brands have mid-sized models like 110cc offerings that both adults and young riders can enjoy, KTM’s only real internal combustion engine powered model is the SX 50…which only children and very slight riders will be able to enjoy. It’s one of the most highly spec’d small dirt bikes out there, and in truth it’s a thoroughbred championship-winning model, but it’s hardly the best choice for an adult or teenager to ride because of the smaller frame, saddle height and riding ergonomics. But if you’re a younger rider, then this 50cc mini dirt bike is the stuff of small-capacity dreams.
This little champion maker is powered by a kick-start only, 49cc single-cylinder, 2-stroke engine. The engine itself is a minor marvel, but what makes this ride so good is the fact that it has a single-speed automatic transmission, which allows young riders to unleash 2-stroke hell without having to worry about clutch control or gear changes. Combine that traditional 2-stroke nature with some top-shelf KTM accessories and plush WP Suspension, then you’ve got yourself one hell of an automatic dirt bike. And the price of one of these? The MSRP is $4,349 – it’s pricey compared to Japanese offerings, but it’s still a lot cheaper than some of the models we’ve got coming up below! And if you’re serious about getting your kid up on 2-wheels and want to make them into a real competition motorcyclist…well, you want to arm them with the best tools for the job, right?
Top Features:
- Official KTM race proven technology
- Powerful yet compact 50cc 2-stroke engine
- KTM-engineered single-speed automatic transmission
- Front/rear hydraulic disc brake technology
- Can be upgraded using KTM performance parts
#06. KTM Freeride EX-C
If you want another automatic offering from KTM, check out the brand’s ground-breaking KTM Freeride E-XC: the company’s first electric motorcycle. Since electric motorcycles don’t require a gearbox to translate engine power into forward motion and simple rely on the turning of an electric motor, almost all electric motorcycles are completely automatic. For the most part, you simply have to twist the throttle and go. The KTM Freeride EX-C is no exception. This wonderful motorcycle isn’t street-legal, and it doesn’t have a fantastic top speed or maximum range, but as electric automatic dirt bikes go, it’s still pretty incredible. If you want an automatic dirt bike from KTM, this is worth considering.
The electric motor can deliver an impressive 21.5 horsepower and 31 lb-ft of torque, which allows riders to hammer off-road trails at some fairly feisty speeds. However, it’s not the speed of this motorcycle that has got everyone interested. It’s the speed of the charging capabilities. On paper, the biggest drawback of the KTM Freeride EX-C is that the battery can only really provide about an hour of ride time per charge. Not very inspiring, right? But what if we tell you that it can charge to 100% in only 80 minutes? After a solid hour of heavy off-roading, an hour and twenty minutes rest is exactly what’s required before you go back out and do it again. In reality, the fast ride time is more than compensated for by the fast charge time. It might not be the highest spec’d automatic dirt bike on this list, but it’s pretty impressive no matter how you look at it. And it’s got a relatively decent price tag of about $8,299 – which isn’t bad for something with KTM written on it.
Top Features:
- Strong electric motor with automatic transmission
- WP Suspension
- No kick start required
- 80 minute 100% charge time
- 3 selectable ride modes
#07. Alta Motors Redshift MX
Following on with our trend of electric automatic dirt bikes, we have the Alta Motors Redshift MX. If you’re not familiar with Alta Motors, they’re an awesome American motorcycle company that specializes in the development and production of electric dirt bikes from their base in California. From the company’s currently line-up, the most off-road capable model is the Redshift MX: an all-electric powerhouse that’s designed to battle with conventional 250cc dirt bikes in terms of ability and power. If you’re looking for an alternative to a regular 250, then this might be the best choice for you.
Powered by a top of the range lithium ion battery that delivers electricity to a high-spec and high-speed PMAC motor, the Redshift MX is capable of some serious performance. In terms of peak power, the Redshift produces a capable of 42 horsepower, and in terms of peak torque…well, the Redshift produces an absolutely gigantic 120 lb-ft of torque! All in, it can hit top speeds of about 80 mph, and has a range of about 50 miles per charge. And 50 miles is a lot for off-road riding, and since this is 100% not street-legal, it wouldn’t make sense for it to have a bigger range anyway. The standard charger can refill the battery to full in 4 hours, but you can get an additional fast charger that can do it in 2. Throw in WP suspension, Brembo brakes and a very cool aesthetic, and you’ve got a cool automatic dirt bike that packs a powerful punch. At around $10,500 a go, it’s not the cheapest – but good electric technology costs money.
Top Features:
- Fully automatic gearbox
- Impressive 50 mile range
- WP Suspension and Brembo brakes
- Can go toe to toe with most 250cc internal combustion engine dirt bikes
- 100% American made
#08. Zero FX
This one is the most expensive on our list, but if you want top of the range electric technology then this is the price you pay! Zero is probably one of the most famous names in the electric motorcycle industry and you can rely on their products. Since all of their models are electric, they’re all equipped with automatic transmissions. The Zero FX model is no different, and while it’s not strictly a dirt bike (it’s more of a dual purpose machine) it still counts as an automatic dirt bike, and one of the best that money can buy. Of course, you can buy the Zero FX in a number of trims, with a wide range of add-ons, so we’re going to be quoting the top spec model here.
Powered by a ferociously strong electric motor that produces a whopping 46 horsepower and 78 lb-ft of peak torque, the Zero FX can reach a handsome top speed of 85 miles per hour and boasts a range of about 90 miles per charge, depending on how you’re riding it. An optional fast charging kit can fully charge the FX’s battery in a super-fast 2 hours, which is extremely fast compared to other electric motorcycles out there. For an automatic dirt bike though, it is expensive. The asking price for a fully kitted out Zero FX is about $13,000…It’s expensive, but this is a fully road-legal motorcycle though. Still, if you want the best automatic dirt bike with an electric powertrain that you can logically buy then this is the ultimate motorcycle for you.
Top Features:
- Cutting edge electric technology
- 100% road legal
- Real dual sport motorcycle
- Incredible 90 mile range
- Fully automatic transmission
#09. Apollo DB-X6
The Apollo DB-X6 is a truly automatic dirt bike that comes with a very affordable price tag. As the first of our budget models on the list, let’s just say that it doesn’t really measure up to the likes of anything from Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, or KTM, and it’s in a different league to any models from Zero or Alta Motors too. It’s cheap, it’s cheerful, and unlike a lot of other relatively unknown pit bike builders and importers that spring up every now and again, this one hasn’t disappeared. It not only hasn’t disappeared, but it has been managing to make a decent name for itself too.
This model, the Apollo DB-X6 is a mid-sized automatic dirt bike powered by an air-cooled, 125cc four-stroke engine which is mounted to a sturdy high-strength tubular steel frame, partnered with telescopic forks, a rear monoshock, and front and rear disc brakes. The rims are shod with knobbly tires. In terms of size, it’s comparable in height to the Kawasaki KLX but it actually stands a little bit higher. It is kick-start only, but that’s hardly a negative point, as kick starters come in handy when you’re out on the trails. All in all, it’s not a bad package, and thanks to the automatic single speed transmission, this automatic dirt bike requires very little effort to ride. It’s simply a twist and go machine that will let you cruise through the bush in peace. And at a price point that hovers around the $850 arena, the DB-X6 125cc fully automatic dirt bike is a lot of bike for a small amount of dollar. One of the bet kids dirt bike models? Definitely.
Top Features:
- Powerful 125cc four-stroke engine
- Simple single cylinder technology
- Front and rear hydraulic disc brakes
- Fully automatic transmission
- Very cheap price
#10. SSR SR110TR
This is the SR110TR from SSR Motorsports. You might not have heard loads about this company but they’re doing some interesting things. For a start, they’re one of the most trustworthy importers of powersports engines and vehicles from China and also the US distributor of Benelli products. The word “China” might not inspire confidence, but times are changing. A great example of this is in the SR110TR. It comes powered by a strong and tough 110cc air-cooled four-stroke engine from Lifan, and Lifan engines can be absolutely bulletproof-and that’s talking from personal experience. Anything larger is still worthy of a bit of worry from China, but anything under 125cc can be relied on 9 times out of 10. Now, using SSR Motorsport eliminates that rogue change of buying a bad one – their US staff check the quality of the imports, which should give you reason to relax.
This semi automatic dirt bike offers more than just an engine though. It comes equipped with upside down forks with rebound adjustment capabilities, a rear monoshock, front and rear disc brakes, tough and durable plastics, and a kickstarter. But what about this semi automatic gearbox? Well, it might not be fully automatic, but it’s clutch free, which means you can shift by simply clicking through the gears on the pedal without having to worry about pulling in a clutch lever. In fact, you don’t have to change gear if you don’t want to – leaving it third gear will work just fine for most riders, but it might not be best for the engine. Still, it’s a good way to bridge the gap between automatic and fully manual for learner riders. And the price? These retail for around $1689 which is expensive compared to other cheap dirt bikes out there…but you pay a little more for the quality here.
Top Features:
- Semi-automatic transmission for clutchless gear shifting
- Kick start ignition
- Inverted USD style shocks with adjustment
- Front and rear disc brakes
- Strong 4-stroke engine
Bonus: Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin DCT
The “DCT” in this motorcycle’s name stands for Dual Clutch Transmission. In short, that means it has two clutches that control a number of gears each, disengaging one whilst seamlessly engaging another. What that means is that it can seamlessly shift between gears without the rider having to worry about using a clutch or a gear shifting pedal. It’s not a new technology, but it has really been thrust into the spotlight when Honda added it as an option to their revived Africa Twin line a few years ago. On paper, the thought of large automatic dirt bike touring machine looked weird. In reality, it was a huge success. We’ve added the Africa Twin as a bonus on this list because while it’s a dirt bike, for sure, it’s more of a long distance off-road touring bike. But since it’s damn good off-road and ticks the automatic box, we just had to include it.
This isn’t like the other automatics listed above – this is a high-capacity mechanical marvel! Boasting a liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, Unicam 8-valve 998cc parallel twin engine that has a maximum power output of 98.8 horsepower and 72.2 lb-ft of peak torque, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin has excellent performance both on and off-road. It has fully adjustable long-travel suspension, dual channel ABS, adjustable riding modes, selective torque control, and most importantly, it has an automatic transmission that can be manually shifted if you need it to be as well. It’s quite the adventure motorcycle. And it also has a very reasonable price tag of $13,299. It’s more expensive than anything else on this list, but it’s a totally different motorcycle with a totally different capability. Against competition in its own segment, it’s an absolute bargain. There’s no doubt that this is the best automatic dirt bike that money can buy, but technically it’s more of a dual-purpose adventure machine so that’s why we’re only classing it as bonus option.
Top Features:
- Advanced Honda DCT transmission
- Selectable gear controls, including fully automatic
- Rear wheel ABS disable function
- And much, much more!
