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? You can take the hassle out of riding by ditching the clutch in favor of a semi-automatic or completely automatic machine.
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 learning how to apply the throttle and brakes. But what models are available?
10 Top Automatic Dirt Bike Models For Off-Road Fun
There are plenty of automatic dirt bikes on the market including top-shelf offerings from the most popular and well-known motorcycle brands, electric motorcycles (which by definition are almost always automatic), and cheaper pit bike-style models. To give a broad snapshot of what’s available, we’re going to include a mix of all three types in our top 10 list of 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: The majority of automatic dirt bike models 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 come packaged with smaller frames, lower saddle heights, and smaller wheels. For the sake of a balanced list, we’re going to include a few models for kids as well as for adults.
1. Kawasaki KLX110R
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 KLX110R. This bike features a 4-speed automatic transmission and a 26.8-inch seat height.
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 KLX110R 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!
Simply put, riders just 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 riders who want a fully automatic experience, leave the bike in third gear and twist for a fully automatic dirt bike. There’s enough suspension to handle your average off-road and trail riding terrain and obstacles, and the mechanical drum brakes offer ample stopping power.
Plus, 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. Swing by an aftermarket store that specializes in kits to add inches to your front suspension, with special rear swingarms that help raise your height. With an MSRP of $2,349, the KXL110R is one great little dirt bike.
Top Features:
- 112cc air-cooled 4-stroke engine
- 4-speed gearbox with automatic clutch
- Saddle height of 26.8 inches
- Tough and sporty race-inspired bodywork
- Easy to graduate to the KLX110R L (manual) for those wanting more
2. 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 member of the family is just as capable as its bigger siblings. The CRF110F shares a lot of DNA with the smaller CRF50F, but it boasts a bigger engine, an increased 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 4-speed gearbox, powered by an automatic clutch to make life nice and easy. Though 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 which makes climbing hills much easier (and possible) for most riders.
The throttle is responsive, the ride is smooth, and 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. Honda’s automatic clutch is excellent, and clicking through the gears is a dream. If you’re not ready to change gears, just stick it in third and cruise! It can handle it.
The CRF110F has an MSRP of $2,499 – and that’s a fantastic price. Even a second-hand one of these will be worth the money too.
Top Features:
- 109cc air-cooled 4-stroke engine
- 4-speed gearbox with automatic clutch
- Saddle height of 25.9 inches
- Easy to operate electric starter with optional kick start function
- Adjustable throttle stop for limiting younger riders
- Additional kick-starter for manual starting
3. Yamaha TT-R110E
The Yamaha TT-R110E is the big brother of Yamaha’s awesome mini off-roader, the TT-R50E. Unlike the smaller model, this one can be practically ridden by older riders, making it a fun choice for everyone in the family. The engine packs a more powerful punch and, thanks to the taller ride height, it is an ideal bike for teens who are getting into the world of motorcycling.
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 4-speed gearbox. The automatic clutch 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 at all!
If that wasn’t enough, Yamaha also decked out the TT-R110E with an electric starter, a well-damped telescopic front fork, advanced Monocross rear suspension, grippy knobbly tires, Yamaha’s aggressive and stylish aesthetic, and a forest-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. The TT-R110E has an MSRP of $2,299.
Top Features:
- 110cc air-cooled 4-stroke engine
- 4-speed gearbox with an automatic clutch
- Saddle height of 26.4 inches
- Keyed ignition for additional safety
- 7.1 inches of ground clearance that allows for real off-road riding
4. Suzuki DR-Z50
Suzuki used to have a mean little number called the DR-Z110 which was very similar to the Kawasaki KLX110, but in recent years, they have done away with their 110 option and now only stock the DR-Z50. The ideal size for young beginning riders, the DR-Z50 is powered by a smooth 49cc engine.
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. For a fully automatic experience, you can put the bike into second gear and leave it there for enough forward motion to get young riders started before they have to learn how to change gears.
Can an adult ride one of these? With a seat height of 22-inches and a weight limit of 88 pounds, it’s not advisable. However, if you’re looking for the first dirt bike for your child, the Dr-Z50 is a great option for teaching your kid how to ride. There are some cool safety features for young riders such as an adjustable throttle limiter and a keyed ignition, making it totally child-friendly. With an MSRP is $1,799, it’s an excellent price for a cool little motorcycle that your kid is sure to enjoy.
Top Features:
- 49cc air-cooled 4-stroke engine
- 3-speed gearbox with automatic clutch
- Saddle height of 22 inches for younger riders
- Kick starter and electric starter
5. KTM 50 SX
KTM has 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 for adults to enjoy. KTM’s only real internal combustion engine automatic dirt bike model is the SX 50 … which only children or very slight riders will be able to ride.
That being said, it’s one of the most highly spec’d small dirt bikes out there, and, in truth, it’s a championship-winning model. If you’ve got a young rider with aspirations of dirt bike race podiums, 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 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 with some top-shelf KTM accessories and plush WP suspension, and you’ve got yourself one hell of an automatic dirt bike.
With an MSRP of $4,449, the KTM 50 SX is pricey compared to Japanese offerings, but 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:
- 50cc 2-stroke engine
- KTM-engineered single-speed automatic transmission
- Seat height of 26.2 inches
- Official KTM race-proven technology
- Front/rear hydraulic disc brake technology
- Can be upgraded using KTM performance parts
6. KTM Freeride E-XC
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, almost all electric motorcycles are completely automatic. You simply twist the throttle and go.
The KTM Freeride E-XC is no exception. This wonderful motorcycle isn’t street-legal, and it doesn’t have a fantastic top speed or maximum range, but as far as electric automatic dirt bikes go, it’s still pretty incredible. The electric motor delivers an impressive 24.5 hp and 31 lb.-ft. of torque, allowing riders to hammer off-road trails at some fairly feisty speeds.
However, it’s not the speed of this motorcycle that has everyone interested. It’s the speed of its battery charging capabilities. On paper, the biggest drawback of the KTM Freeride E-XC is that the battery can only 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 110 minutes?
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 the KTM E-XC is pretty impressive no matter how you look at it. The starting price is $10,699 – which isn’t bad for something with KTM written on it.
Top Features:
- 3.9 kWh lithium-ion KTM PowerPack
- Single-speed automatic transmission
- WP Suspension
- No kick start required
- 80 minute 100% charge time
- 3 selectable ride modes
7. Zero FX
Zero is probably one of the most famous names in the electric motorcycle industry and well-known for producing top-quality 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), we think 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 several 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 hp and 78 lb.-ft. of peak torque, the Zero FX can reach a handsome top speed of 85 mph and boasts a range of about 90 miles per charge.
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. Sure, it’s expensive, but this is a fully road-legal motorcycle. If you want the best automatic dirt bike with an electric powertrain then this is the ultimate motorcycle for you.
Top Features:
- Clutchless direct-drive transmission
- Cutting-edge electric technology
- 100% road legal
- Real dual-sport motorcycle
- Incredible 90-mile range
8. Apollo DB-X6
The Apollo DB-X6 is an automatic dirt bike with a very affordable price tag. As the first of our budget models for adults, 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. It’s cheap, cheerful, and unlike a lot of other relatively unknown pit bike builders and importers that spring up now and again, this one has stuck around and made 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 4-stroke engine mounted to a sturdy high-strength tubular steel frame, partnered with telescopic forks, a rear monoshock, and front and rear disc brakes.
In terms of size, it’s comparable in height to the Kawasaki KLX and 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 with a price point that hovers around $850 depending on the retailer, the DB-X6 is a lot of bike for a small amount of money.
Top Features:
- 125cc air-cooled 4-stroke engine
- Fully automatic single-speed transmission
- Saddle height of 27.5 inches
- Simple single cylinder technology
- Front and rear hydraulic disc brakes
9. SSR SR110TR
You might not have heard much about SSR Motorsports, 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 U.S. distributor of Benelli products. A great example of the quality of their products is the SR110TR.
The SR110TR comes powered by a tough 107cc air-cooled 4-stroke engine from Lifan. 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, though it might not be best in the long term for the engine.
This bike is a good way to bridge the gap between automatic and fully manual for beginning riders. And the price? These retail for around $1,764 which is expensive compared to other cheap dirt bikes out there, but you pay a little more for the added quality.
Top Features:
- 107cc air-cooled 4-stroke engine
- Semi-automatic transmission for clutchless gear shifting
- Saddle height of 28.4 inches
- Kick start ignition
- Inverted USD style shocks with adjustment
- Front and rear disc brakes
10. Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin DCT
On paper, the thought of a large automatic dirt bike touring machine may look weird. In reality, it is a huge success. We’ve added the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin to this list because though 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 had to include it.
The “DCT” in this motorcycle’s name stands for Dual Clutch Transmission. In short, that means it has two clutches that control several gears each, disengaging one while seamlessly engaging another. 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.
This bike isn’t like the other automatics listed above – this is a high-capacity mechanical marvel! Boasting a liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, Unicam 8-valve 1084cc parallel-twin engine that has a maximum power output of 98.8 hp and 72.2 lb.-ft. of 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. This adventure motorcycle comes with a base MSRP of $14,399.
Top Features:
- 1084cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke
- Advanced Honda 6-speed automatic DCT transmission
- Saddle height 34.3 inches standard / 33.5 inches low
- Selectable gear controls, including fully automatic
- Rear-wheel ABS disable function
Get The Best Automatic Dirt Bike And Get Out Riding
If you’re wondering what the best automatic dirt bike is, there are some options available to you depending on what you’re willing to pay and what you want out of your bike. Whether you want to go fully electric and tackle some off-road trails or you want something fun that won’t break the bank, there are a variety of fully automatic dirt bike models that you can choose from.
