The Rise of Dirt Bike Riding: Trends for 2024 and Beyond

Due to the excitement and challenge of dirt bike riding, many outdoor enthusiasts have grown to love the sport. Moving into 2024, dirt bike riding is on the rise. As a result, the dirt bike industry is experiencing significant growth and transformation.

Many industry experts point to technological advancements as the primary source of market growth, along with a diverse group of dirt bikers joining the scene and contributing to a dynamic and evolving community.

The following article discusses the primary driving factors contributing to the rise of dirt bike riding in 2024 and beyond. The article also discusses the leading technological innovations contributing to the sport’s growth, the new demographic of dirt bike riders, and the safety and environmental conditions that have become increasingly important.

ELECTRIC BIKES

A significant contributing factor to the surge in dirt bike riding in 2024 is the advancements in technology. For example, electric dirt bikes have revolutionized the market. Brands such as KTM, Zero Motorcycles, and Husqvarna, are paving a trail by marketing models that offer killer power, longer battery life, and reduction in environmental impacts, compared to their gas-powered counterparts. Electric bikes are revolutionizing the dirt bike industry due to convenience factors, along with improvements in bike handling and longevity. For example, electric dirt bikes are quieter, making them much more suitable for riding in areas where noise is a factor. Electric bikes also require less maintenance than their gas-powered counterparts, saving people money and time.

KTMs FREERIDE E-XC features a brushless 18 kW synchronous motor, in a modern FREERIDE chassis, with WP XPLOR suspension for both front and rear, making it extremely agile, and dynamic with great offroad mobility. The KTM FREERIDE E-XC also offers a lot of fun on almost any terrain. The state-of-the-art electric motor features 18 kW of maximum output and, an adjustable WP XPLOR 43 front fork with 250 mm of travel, rear shock with 260 mm of travel, and FORMULA brakes for an overall improved ride and performance.

In addition, the FREERIDE E-XC offers advanced electronics for a responsive, yet tractable power delivery. The unit is water-cooled for reliability in any condition. Three ride modes also offer adjustable powertrain responses for varying skill levels that can be tailored to the rider’s performance. Rider preferences, such as economy settings with limited speeds of up to 50 km/hr, Enduro setting with power restricted to 16 kW, and the Cross setting for up to 18kW create a ready-to-race bike for almost any rider.

A DIVERSE COMMUNITY OF RIDERS

As the dirt bike industry grows, the community has become more diverse, with a broader population of riders, including varying ages. With the sport primarily dominated by young men in years past, the sport now attracts a varied demographic, including older adults, women, and kids.

Kids have become more involved in races and trail riding, including motocross, allowing families to join the sport, in fun recreation and as an adventurous way to spend more time together outdoors.

In addition, dirt bike manufacturers have produced dirt bikes for a range of riders and budgets, allowing families to purchase bikes for all skill and age levels. In addition to budget-friendliness, gear specifically designed for children, provides added safety.

Social media platforms, like YouTube, showcase families and kids enjoying dirt bike riding, including fun on trails and at races, and showcasing their skills in supportive communities, which has fueled more interest in many groups.

Women have also become increasingly involved in the sport. Organizations such as the Women’s Motocross Association (WMA) and Women’s Motocross Championship have inspired more female riders to join in dirt bike competitions. In addition to organizations, manufacturers are designing safety gear and equipment specifically designed to fit women, making dirt bikes more fun, enjoyable, and comfortable.

As with all outdoor sports, dirt bike riding does impact the environment in some ways. As the industry and population of riders have become more aware of stewardship of local trails, and overall environmental significance, many advocate for responsible riding practices. With trails designated specifically for off-road riding, many riders and organizations are taking steps to encourage safe riding, along with protecting the regional landscape and environment. Additionally, many people and organizations, participate in organized clean-up efforts to support local environments and keep natural habitats safe.

In addition to environmental safety, advancements have been made in dirt bike protective gear, including helmets, body armor, and neck and shin guards, along with clothing to help reduce the risk of injury, Riders can now shop a variety of manufacturers for gear that is tested and made to fit with ergonomics designed for riders of all ages, skill levels, and sizes.

Rider education programs have also become readily available and offered online, which has allowed availability for most riders. Rider programs emphasize the proper riding technique, awareness of surroundings, and adherence to tested safety protocols. These safety efforts not only make dirt bike riding safer but also more appealing to newcomers who may be concerned about the risks involved.

ECONOMIC & SOCIAL IMPACTS

With its growth and popularity, the dirt bike riding industry is making a notable economic and social impact, on a global scale.

On a local level, including rural and mountain regions, new trails and bike parks are on the rise, which benefit the economy. Tourists travel to areas where dirt bike riding adventures are available for families, contributing to the local economy as visitors spend money on accommodation, food, bike rentals, entertainment, and other services.

In addition to the economic impacts, dirt biking fosters a sense of community among riders; events, such as races, and group rides, provide ways for people to connect, share experiences, and support each other.

Online forums and social media groups also bring people together on the topic of dirt biking, creating a sense of community for many different people. On social media platforms, people can interact, and share riding tips, favorite trails, races, and stories, while providing advice for new riders.

WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS

Looking at 2024 and beyond, dirt bike riding has a bright future and is expected to bring people together in adventure, along with continuing to engage new demographics of riders. With the technological advancements that enhance performance, comfort, and safety, many industry experts expect even broader demographics of riders to join the sport. Along with technology, the focus on improving environmental and social impacts will continue to drive interest from enthusiasts and community experts. Many communities benefit from tourism and local events, which have proven to draw crowds and introduce people to new groups and interests. Similarly, manufacturers have found ways of enhancing safety and producing equipment for all skill levels and ages to continue boosting a wider demographic of dirt bike riders. With this commitment, many more families will certainly engage in events, races, and exploring local trails. 

CONCLUSION

The future of dirt biking is set to rise, and not just trend in 2024. With its capacity to bring people together in a community, provide families with ways of connecting and getting outdoors, allowing men, women, and children a way to engage in a sport together, dirt biking is a sport that is expected to continue rising. Additionally, dirt bike manufacturers continue to push in areas of technological innovation, including performance, and safety, making the sport much more appealing to a wide demographic. With the advancements in technology, including electric bikes that offer a safe, yet more personalized ride, along with added environmental benefits, expectations that the industry continues to grow, are high. Whether you are a new rider, just beginning to test out trails, or a more seasoned rider, technology has backed the sport with safety features, convenience, and performance, all of which create a much more enjoyable experience. For these reasons, dirt biking is not only rising in 2024 but will continue to bring people together in adventure for years to come.

ABOUT 3D CONCEPTS MOTO

Since 2022, 3D Concepts Moto has been printing motorcycle parts. The father and son team, including Stuart, Paul, and Andrew Connell, got their start in the 3D printing industry when Stuart bought his first printer. Because of his “do-it-myself” personality, he naturally started printing anything he could think of, including parts for their own motorcycles. After showing the cool stuff made for their own dirt bikes and getting a lot of interest from friends, family, and the local Treasure Valley community, 3D Concepts Moto began.

The father and son team is composed of a retired construction and mining equipment engineer who used to race motocross, a car, truck, and motorcycle enthusiast, and a certified aircraft mechanic who loves to ride in the mountains. Together, we’ve been printing motorcycle parts for the past four years before starting 3D Concepts as a company.

Our motorcycle addiction goes back to the 1970s and 80s when father, Stuart, raced motocross in the Southwest part of the United States. Andrew and Paul’s first bikes were a Yamaha YZ-80 and a KTM 125SX. Andrew took to the dirt like a fish to water, while Paul’s interest peaked when he moved to Idaho in 2012, because of the amazing mountain single track.’’ The core values guiding 3D Concepts Moto’s vision stems from the application of custom parts on their own motorcycles. “We started making motorcycle parts for ourselves, because we wanted something better. Now we want to provide something better for our customers as well.”

The motivation behind 3D Concepts Moto’s vision is simple. We love to ride, and we love to build things! It’s our goal is to offer cost-effective, protection for critical off-road motorcycle parts for our customers. It’s these primary values that kick-started our business and is the fuel that motivates our success.