Dirt bikes are a rarity on the Indian streets. They are categorised as non-street-legal motorcycles as they do not come with standard road safety features, including headlamps, brake lights and mirrors.

These bikes are specially designed to deal with extreme road conditions, courtesy of the knobby tyres, sturdy frame, and wheels with shocks.

It is crucial to know that having bike insurance is mandatory if you plan to buy a car in India, as per the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. It offers financial protection against accidents, theft, traffic fines, and damage, thus safeguarding your investment.

Therefore, to enjoy the off-road thrill, keep reading to learn about the upcoming dirt bikes in India before making an informed choice.

1. Yamaha WR 155R | Expected Launch Date: May 2024

Light to manoeuvre on and off roads and easy to ride, Yamaha’s WR 155R is India's most affordable upcoming dirt bike. Yamaha has used steel instead of aluminium for the chassis to make it suitable for beginner riders. Besides, the semi-double-cradle steel frame design delivers matchless handling stability, balance and rigidity in challenging road conditions.

Key Specifications:

• Expected price: Starting ₹1.50 Lakhs
• Engine Type: Liquid Cooled, Single Cylinder
• Engine Displacement: 155.1cc
• Fuel Capacity: 8.1 litres
• Suspension: 41mm Telescopic Forks at front and Monoshock at rear
• Kerb Weight: 134 kg

2. Suzuki RM-Z 250 | Expected Launch Date: August 2024

Off-road enthusiasts looking for dirt bikes can consider the RM-Z 250 from the house of Suzuki, the Japan-grown two-wheeler specialist. The agile RM-Z 250 has a sleek, aesthetically responsive chassis, making it a formidable competitor in the automobile market. 

Moreover, it is packed with a dual injector EFI system, an AMA-compliant exhaust system and a centre-port cylinder head for enhanced engine performance. In addition, this model will also feature Suzuki’s smartphone-based MX-Tuner and fuel-coupler system to boost the overall performance.

Key Specifications:

• Expected price: Starting ₹7.10 Lakhs
• Engine Type: 4-Stroke, 1 Cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC
• Engine Displacement: 249cc
• Fuel Capacity: 6.5 litres
• Suspension: Inverted Telescopic, Air Spring, Oil Damped at front and Link type, Coil Spring, Oil Damped at rear
• Kerb Weight: 106 kg

3. BMW R 1300 GS | Expected Launch Date: September 2024

The BMW R 1300 GS boasts four basic riding modes, increasing from the previous three: Rain, Ride, Eco, and Enduro. As before, you receive an LED headlamp, an adjustable windscreen, and a TFT colour display with Bluetooth, which are standard features. BMW has updated the motorcycle's overall design. 

Key Specifications:

• Expected price: Starting ₹24 Lakhs
• Engine Type: Air/liquid-cooled 2-cylinder 4-stroke
• Engine Displacement: 1300cc
• Fuel Capacity: 19 litres
• Suspension: Electronic Dynamic Suspension Adjustment (DSA), EVO Telelever
• Kerb Weight: 237 kg

4. Suzuki RM Z450 | Expected Launch Date: Not Yet Announced

Suzuki has continued the race-ready appeal and nimble chassis in its RM-Z450 motorbike. It epitomises Suzuki’s “RUN, TURN, and STOP” philosophy, courtesy of its sturdy brake and robust engine. The Suzuki Holeshot Assist Control (S-HAC) makes it a ready motocross event. It confirms that motorists can tune their motorbikes according to their preference based on the road conditions. 

Key Specifications:

• Expected price: Starting ₹8.31 Lakhs
• Engine Type: Liquid Cooled, Single Cylinder, DOHC
• Engine Displacement: 449cc
• Fuel Capacity: 6.3 litres
• Suspension: Inverted Telescopic, Air Spring, Oil Damped at front and Link type, Coil Spring, Oil Damped at rear
• Kerb Weight: 112 kg

5. Honda CRF250L | Expected Launch Date: Not Yet Announced

The new CRF250L has a fashionable look. Its quarter-litre engine generates enough power for fun riding on off-road trails and metropolitan streets. Thanks to Honda, this little beast has all the modern features. The Honda CRF250L is among the greatest dual-purpose entry-level bikes available. The bike's wet clutch is multi-plate. 

Key Specifications:

• Expected price: Starting ₹1.50 Lakhs
• Engine Type: liquid-cooled, single-cylinder 4-strokes
• Engine Displacement: 250cc
• Fuel Capacity: 7.70 litres
• Suspension: Pro-link mono-shock suspension
• Kerb Weight: 145 kg

Nonetheless, these upcoming dirt bikes in India cannot be ridden on public roads. They are only allowed for off-roading. Moreover, if you plan to buy one, you must practice caution and always wear safety accessories such as a helmet, protective clothes and biking eyeglasses for optimum protection.

Also, obtaining at least third-party bike insurance coverage is advisable to ensure financial security in case of any unforeseen catastrophe.