I want to get in the dirt.

[JustDucky]

Try a DRZ400 for a good dual sport.  But like any other dual sport its not a motocrosser! The 650's are very big and intimidating in the dirt.  The DRZ feels alot smaller by comparison.  But you'll have to have the suspension done for quick offroad work.

[mossimo]

Last I checked KTM was still producing an enduro bike that is street legal yet more geared towards the street. 

+1 on whomever mentioned a 650 is just to much in the dirt (yeah I am too lazy to scroll down and quote it).  I used to own a 450 KTM that was a blast trail riding.  Light, nimble, and you could still hit the street when you where done. 

[mccard68]

I'm a girlie that has a CR250 and about a month ago on a moto track, I lost it off a jump about 10 feet. My leg wasn't broken but still refuses to heal. When purchasing  a new bike don't forget the gear!! BTW, I love the 250 but plan to get something else for trails. Moto x is the way to go!

Stacy

[bh]

the lighter the better
125 2-strokes make for a good beginner bike, and they're a breeze to work on.
and did I mention cheap?   

[Dirteagle]

Lots of good comments from others. I have a couple of years of experience with the dirt. Started riding dirt in 1968 and have never quit. More fun than a barrel of monkeys.

So it all depends on what you want from your bike. I`ll list a few of my current rides and what I use them for to give you some food for thought.

2001 Honda XR650R( BRP,Big Red Pig) Baja racing kit to make it road legal( barely), Full FMF exhaust, Hot cams Stage II, airbox mods, JD jetting, bash guards on everything, O-dot tires 90% dirt/10% street, (can you say hooligan!)oh ya and it is a kick start only.  Uses: hooliganism of course, logging road and trail exploration, when the trails get tight and ugly I leave them for the next 2 bikes


2005 KTM 525EXC ( The Ktoom), Setup for serious enduro riding ( of cousre full FMF exhaust, air box mods, Jd jetting and full crunch protection everywhere) Uses; serious off road riding, tight gnarly trails, still a blast on the open logging road( power wheelies at will)

2006 Honda CFR250X( The Little Lady) , Full FMF exhaust , airbox mods, JD jetting, all the bash guards, very fun light tight trail toy. Uses; Plenty of power for fun easy riding, tight trails and technicl trails. very controlable power.

So I guess it`s what do you want from your bike. It` is hard for me to pick one thing and you can see the results.   A life long addiction to motorcyles.  [moto]

[the_Journeyman]

ALso keep in mind, the bikes intended for the track uses (moto-x v. off-road) often have more maintenance requirements.  An older XR250 or XR400 for a dirt only ride would be an excellent, low maintenance choice.  Keep in mind the XR's are air cooled, so no radiators to smash if you throw it down.  My current dirt ride is a '77 TS185.  Almost zero maintenance, but it's not cut out for serious trails.  The XR's would be.  The DRZ-400 is good too, low maintenance, water cooled, plenty of power.  I would avoid CRF450R's, the KTM450, and the ones that are running at the same level.  There is also a dirt-only variant of the DRZ-400 that makes a bit more power than the Dual-sport version (emissions stuff on the dual-sport model).

JM