There are quite a few manufacturers of dirt bikes. There really are only 5 brands worth buying. They are Yamaha , Honda , KTM , Kawasaki , and Suzuki . Each brand sponsors pro racers to get exposure.
Yamaha has been the innovator for quite some time. They were the first brand to come out with a MX racing four stroke . The YZF 400 was on the top of its game when it was released and it was the must have bike. Four strokes started to gain popularity when California put up the red sticker laws preventing people from riding two stroke motorcycles during the summer time.
Honda has always been the reliable go to brand. If you buy Honda you really can do no wrong. Honda makes quality bikes that will last a very long time. Honda also likes to appeal to the casual crowd by offering relaxing four stroke models for people that are just getting started in dirt bike riding. The XR 50, XR 100, XR 250 are just the series you need when you are just starting to ride off road.
KTM has always been the highest quality manafacturer and the most expensive. KTM makes some very nice bikes ranging from the EXC 300 which is great for off roading to a KTM SX 65 that your child will enjoy riding all over the place. KTM is the master of dual sports bikes too. You can buy bikes direct from KTM that are great on the dirt and on the road.
Kawasaki used to be very popular. They no longer seem to be the innovators in the market. Ever since Mike Loracco was injured things started to go downhill at Kawasaki. This year Kawasaki decided it was time to start innovating again and they are starting to work with fuel injected technology. We will see how that goes.
Suzuki has a long history of being garbage. Growing up I was told never to buy a Suzuki has all it is going to do is cost me money. They make a wide range of dirt bikes for people of all ages but Suzuki products have low quality and are really not worth all the hassles. If you are looking for a bike on a budget Suzuki is the way to go.
