| Once upon a time off-road bikes didn't exist so how | | | | recommendation I'll share a couple of things with you |
| did these top dirt bike manufacturers come about | | | | below. |
| and why? Well, it's simple really, there came about a | | | | KTM: KTM are a top European brand originating from |
| desire (or demand) for dirt bikes when people way | | | | Austria. They are well known for their top of the |
| back as early as the 1930's began racing in hare | | | | range enduro bikes and are constantly winning major |
| scrambles and motocross events in Britain. A number | | | | world championships with them. They haven't |
| of companies began producing these off road bikes | | | | managed to catch up to the Japanese producers |
| for these racing fanatics, BSA (Birmingham Small | | | | when it comes to motocross and supercross but that |
| Arms Company) being the most dominant and largest | | | | may be because their focus is not in that area. Their |
| motorcycle manufacturer in the world around that | | | | bikes cost a little more than the Jap bikes and are |
| era. Around the late 60's and early 70's Japanese | | | | made of slightly better quality components. They also |
| companies such as Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha and | | | | have a fantastic range of after market products to |
| Kawasaki stepped onto the scene to challenge the | | | | pimp your bike up with. |
| european dirt bike producers and began winning | | | | Husaberg: A Swedish born company, these guys |
| major motocross and enduro events. | | | | produce a small range of big bore thumpers (four |
| Fast forward to year 2010 and what you will find is a | | | | strokes) for enduro events. You don't see so many |
| well balanced and diversified range of dirt bike | | | | of them in the Southern Hemisphere as you would in |
| manufacturers offering you a smorgasbord of | | | | Europe. Another high quality dirt bike. |
| specialized dirt bikes for almost any type of off road | | | | Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha & Suzuki: All of these |
| racing and recreation. I often hear people ask "Which | | | | major brands have been taking turns at dominating |
| dirt bike manufacturer or brand should I choose?" or | | | | motocross and supercross events around the world |
| "Which one is best?". To be honest with you, these | | | | for the last half century. At the moment these bikes |
| days the gap between the bike companies has | | | | are so similar you can close your eyes and point to |
| gotten pretty thin. Because of the close eyes these | | | | any one of them to decide which one to buy. They |
| companies keep on each others products, the dirt | | | | don't do too badly in enduro events either. |
| bikes available now often only have subtle | | | | Gasgas: The lesser well known little Spanish company, |
| differences that your average rider couldn't pick up | | | | Gasgas have only been around since 1984 but are |
| on. You will notice you are riding a different bike but | | | | producing a range of mostly trial and enduro bikes. |
| when it comes to overall performance they are very | | | | Like KTM, they currently still focus on their two |
| similar and it's not worth losing any sleep over which | | | | stroke range and are mostly found in Europe. They |
| bike you should get. If in doubt, pick your favorite | | | | don't carry the same amount of prestige as the |
| color! But for those of you that don't accept that | | | | above brands but are a great option for most riders. |