Kayo is an increasingly popular name in the dirt biking community in the U.S. These bikes have a reputation for being reliable, durable, and powerful. But there is so much more to a Kayo dirt bike than just that.
Let’s take a look at what makes a Kayo stand out from the crowd and if it is right for you. This guide will provide you with an in-depth review of Kayo dirt bikes.
We’ll examine the different engine options, suspensions, frames, and other features that make this brand unique. We’ll also discuss the pros and cons of owning a Kayo bike so that you can make an informed buying decision.
Let’s hit the road!
Kayo Dirt Bikes: A Quick Look
So, who makes Kayo dirt bikes? Kayo is a branch of Zhejiang Qianjiang Motorcycle Co. Ltd., which also produces small vehicles and scooters. Kayo is the company’s line of dirt bikes, and they have been one of the most popular manufacturers of these types of bikes since 2016.
When it comes to dirt biking, Kayo has a wide range of options that can fit any rider’s needs and experience level. From entry-level models to more advanced designs, Kayo offers something for everyone.
Where are kayo dirt bikes made, you ask? They are designed and manufactured in China and assembled in the United States. There are many Kayo dirt bike dealers throughout the US, so it’s easy to find one near you.
Kayo Dirt Bike Review: By Model
Kayo sells different dirt bike models in China and in the USA. Today, we’re focusing on the dirt bike models available here in the USA. Both the T2 230 and T4 230 models have been discontinued here. So, we couldn’t test those.
There is only one two-stroke dirt bike among these models, the KT 250. We tested all other available models, including that, and you’ll find specific reviews of each model down below.
Let’s get on with it.
K2 230
This one is the most hyped model from Kayo. This bike is a great entry-level dirt bike, featuring air cooling, an electric start motor, 5-speed transmission, and a pleasantly loud exhaust. Aside from inverted forks, the bike also features a mono-shock for better absorption.
The one we tested had a solid frame. The build quality was durable, and the sound was powerful. With a stylish outlook and raw performance, we understood why Kayo claims it is “The Best Entry-level Dirt Bike” ever made!
There was a significant RPM drop when we shifted to the fifth gear. The overall frame was a little smaller than standard USA dirt bikes. The bike looked and felt compact with a shorter wheelbase (52.75 inches).
The ground clearance was massive (12.5 inches). The bike could reach around 50mph over flat ground. The suspension was capable enough to soak up everyday off-road bumps. The fuel tank holds 1.77 gallons of gas.
We took our bike to a light-medium trail, and the bike performed really well, with a couple minor hitches. The hydraulic disk brakes were powerful enough to smoothly go down a steep climb. After riding for a couple of hours, we’re content with the performance.
If you’re looking for a great entry-level dirt bike or just want to have some fun off-road, the Kayo KT 230 can be a great bike for the money. This can also be a good choice to set one up behind your RV.
However, there are a lot of knockoffs in the market, so if you decide to get one, contact an authorized dealer only. Visit Kayo USA to locate a dealer near you.
Kayo K2 230 Specification
- Engine: SOHC- 4 Stroke
- Displacement: 223cc
- Ignition: Electrick/kick
- Transmission: Manual 5-speed
- Tank size: 1.77 gal
- Cooling System: Air cooled
- Brakes: Hydraulic
- Ground Clearance: 12.5 in
- Wheelbase: 52.75 in
- Final Drive: Chain
Pros of Kayo 230 Dirt Bike
- Great Value for money
- Powerful engine
- Durable frame design
- Large ground clearance
- Affordable price range
- Low-maintenance
Cons of Kayo 230 Dirt Bike
- Too tall for small riders
- Can be tricky to find genuine parts
- Limited availability for aftermarket accessories
K4 250
The Kayo K4 250 Dirt Bike is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and high-performance dirt bike. With its 250cc engine, our bike provided plenty of power and speed, making it great for both my nephew and me.
The suspension system was also very impressive, providing a smooth and comfortable ride even on the most challenging terrain.
In terms of handling, the Kayo K4 250 is a dream to ride. The responsive throttle, precise steering, and stable handling – all worked together to provide a confident and enjoyable ride, whether we were racing or just out for a leisurely ride.
Another great thing about this bike is its durability. The high-quality components and construction ensure that it can handle even the harshest conditions, so you don’t have to worry about it breaking down on you. We climbed a pretty steep hill with one of the worst road conditions possible, but our bike performed well, minus a few minor issues.
Overall, I would highly recommend the Kayo K4 250 Dirt Bike to anyone looking for a top-quality dirt bike. It’s packed with features, performs great, and is built to last, making it an excellent investment for anyone who loves to ride.
Kayo K4 250 Specification
- Engine: SOHC, 4-Stroke
- Displacement: 250cc
- Ignition: Electric/Kick
- Transmission: Manual 5-Speed
- Tank Size: 1.80 gal
- Cooling System: Air Cooled
- Brakes: Hydraulic
- Ground Clearance: 13 in
- Wheelbase: 56.5 in
- Final Drive: Chain
Pros of K4 250 Dirt Bike
- High-performance engine
- Excellent suspension system
- Integrated headlight
- Durable construction
- Easy to maintain with accessible service points
Cons of K4 250 Dirt Bike
- Noisy engine
- Expensive compared to other bikes in the market
- Limited availability of aftermarket accessories
K6-R 250
The Kayo K6-R 250 is a great choice for anyone looking for a powerful and reliable off-road bike.
Despite being a little heavy, the bike was easy to maneuver and control in any situation. The responsive throttle gave us complete control over our rides.
The Kayo K6-R 250 also features an aggressive look, which makes it stand out from other models in its class. The kickstart lever was a nice touch, though I’ll be removing that to reduce the bike’s weight a little bit.
The Kayo K6-R 250 is also built with durability in mind. The high-quality components and construction ensure that it can handle even the toughest conditions, so you don’t have to worry about it breaking down on you. After riding for over a year, I’ve only had to replace a few minor parts.
The bike is also easy to maintain, with straightforward and accessible service points, so you can keep it in great condition for years to come.
Kayo K6-R 250 Specification
- Engine: DOHC, 4-Stroke
- Displacement: 250cc
- Ignition: Electric/Kick
- Transmission: Manual 6-Speed
- Tank Size: 2.5 gal
- Cooling System: Water Cooled
- Brakes: Hydraulic Disc
- Ground Clearance: 13.8 in
- Wheelbase: 58.5 in
- Anodized triple clamp
Pros of K6-R 250 Dirt Bike
- High-performance engine
- Responsive throttle control
- Stylish, aggressive look
- Low track seat cover
- Easy to maintain
Cons of K6-R 250 Dirt Bike
- No clear instruction manual was offered
- The clutch cable routing needs to be improved
K6EFI 250
This bike combines two signature features from the previous two models. This 250cc bike features a headlight and tail light, like the K4 250. It also features a 6-speed transmission, 18-inch rear wheel, Fast Ace forks, and rear shock, just like the K6-R 250.
The Kayo K6EFI 250 is a great choice for nailing rough trails. With a 1.9 gal fuel tank, this bike shredded through even the stickiest situations. The engine provided plenty of torque and forced our way through thick mud or rocky roads.
The road bumps were soaked up pretty nicely with a smooth suspension. The massive 13.8 in ground clearance helped us with better maneuverability, and the brake was powerful enough on steep descends.
The Kayo K6EFI 250 is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-power, reliable off-road bike. Thanks to its instant throttle response, our rides were always filled with thrilling moments.
The build quality of this bike is also top-notch. The durable construction ensures that your bike will stay with you for years to come, making it a great investment. If you consider the price point, the 66mph top speed and smooth throttle response make this bike a great value for its money.
Kayo K6EFI 250 Specification
- Engine: DOHC, 4-Stroke
- Displacement: 250cc
- Ignition: Electric/Kick
- Transmission: 6-Speed
- Tank Size: 1.9 gal
- Cooling System: Water Cooled
- Brakes: Hydraulic Disc
- Ground Clearance: 13.8 in
- Wheelbase: 58.5 in
- Anodized triple clamp
Pros of K6EFI 250 Dirt Bike
- Instant throttle response
- Durable build quality
- Low tack seat cover
- Powerful engine and suspension
- Toolless air filter access
Cons of K6EFI 250 Dirt Bike
- Limited availability for accessories and parts
- The kickstart lever is a bit stiff
- The fuel tank takes up a lot of space, which can make it difficult to maneuver in tight turns
KT 250
The Kayo KT 250 is an all-around cruiser that is designed to tackle any type of terrain. Our bike had an impressive power output capable of hitting 66 mph while still providing a smooth ride over rough terrain. The engine also features electric start and kickstart, giving you options when starting up the bike.
The frame on the KT 250 is made with durable aluminum alloy, providing superior strength and rigidity. This material also helps reduce overall weight and vibration levels, making it a great choice for long rides. The biggest difference between the KT 250 from the previous bikes we talked about is the engine type.
With a powerful 2-stroke engine, the KT 250 is an excellent option for anyone looking to take on some tough trails.
On the other aspects, this bike features the same specs as the K6EFI 250. The greatest strength of this bike is also one of its weak points.
The engine significantly increases the price of this bike, making it the most-priced bike model so far. However, with this bike, you’re getting some serious power considering the low price point.
The suspension system on the KT 250 offered good cushioning and dampening, helping to absorb all the bumps along the way. The hydraulic brakes provided excellent stopping power, allowing us to make quick stops when needed.
Overall we found this bike to be an excellent all-around choice for off-roading.
Kayo KT 250 Specification
- Engine: 2-Stroke
- Displacement: 250cc
- Ignition: Electric/Kick
- Transmission: Manual 6-Speed
- Tank Size: 1.9 gal
- Cooling System: Water Cooled
- Brakes: Hydraulic Disc (240mm rotor)
- Ground Clearance: 13.6 in
- Wheelbase: 58.5 in
- Anodized triple clamp
Pros of KT 250 Dirt Bike
- Powerful engine
- Instant throttle response
- Durable build quality
- Smooth suspension and braking system
- Good overall performance for the price point
Cons of KT 250 Dirt Bike
- Expensive compared to other models
- Limited availability for parts and accessories
- The kickstart lever is a bit stiff
Kayo TD 125
The “Kayo TD 125” dirt bike is next on our list. It’s comparable to most 110cc pit bikes you can see around your bike parks.
It’s an all-around cruiser that is designed to tackle any type of terrain. It has an impressive power output capable of hitting 66 mph while still providing a smooth ride over rough terrain. The fuel tank holds a little less than a gallon (0.92 gal).
The bike also features inverted forks, electric ignition, and disk brakes. The frame on the KT 250 is made with durable aluminum alloy, providing superior strength and rigidity over our rides.
The suspension system on the KT 250 offers good cushioning and dampening, helping to absorb most of the bumps along the way. The hydraulic brakes provided excellent stopping power, allowing us to make quick stops when needed.
Overall we found this bike to be an excellent choice for riders wanting an all-around performance bike. The combination of power, weight, and affordability make the Kayo KT 250 a great option for dirt bikers who want to explore off-road adventures.
The one thing that bothered me was the lack of aftermarket parts and accessories. But if you can manage to hit an official dealer, this bike will be perfect for taking any kind of terrain head-on!
Kayo TD 125 Specification
- Engine: SOHC. 4-Stroke
- Displacement: 120cc
- Ignition: Electric
- Transmission: Semi-automatic 4-Speed
- Tank Size: 1.9 gal
- Cooling System: Air Cooled
- Brakes: Hydraulic Disc
- Ground Clearance: 10.4 in
- Wheelbase: 44.2 in
- Final Drive: 428 Chains
Pros of Kayo TD 125 Dirt Bike
- Lower Price point
- Great value for money
- Powerful engine and smooth suspension
- Stylish outlook
- Easy maneuverability and control
Cons of Kayo TD 125 Dirt Bike
- Less ground clearance
- Parts and accessories are hard to find
Kayo TT 125
The next on our list is the Kayo TT 125. With a larger engine than the KT 125, this bike can reach speeds up to 77 mph. The TT 125 has a larger fuel tank (1.45 gals) and is slightly heavier than most other models available today.
The suspension system on this bike is just as good as any other bike we’ve tried. The bike offered great cushioning over rough terrain and allowed us to take sharp turns without much effort.
The brakes were also quite impressive, giving us plenty of stopping power when needed. The bike features inverted forks, which help smoothen the ride.
With its powerful engine, sleek design, and durable construction, the Kayo TT 125 is perfect for those looking to explore off-road trails without ripping too hard on their wallet.
Overall we found this bike to be an excellent choice for riders wanting a high-performance off-road experience.
Kayo TT 125 Specification
- Engine: SOHC. 4-Stroke
- Displacement: 120cc
- Ignition: CDI
- Transmission: Manual 4-Speed
- Tank Size: 1.45 gal
- Cooling System: Air Cooled
- Brakes: Hydraulic Disc
- Ground Clearance: 11.4 in
- Wheelbase: 48 in
- Final Drive: 428 Chains
Pros of Kayo TT 125 Dirt Bike
- Affordable price range
- Great value for money
- Powerful engine and smooth suspension
- Excellent braking power
Cons of Kayo TT 125 Dirt Bike
- Less ground clearance
- Upselling tendency from some of the dealers
How Good Are Kayo Dirt Bikes?
Now that we have some comprehensive knowledge of some of the Kayo dirt bike models, are Kayo dirt bikes good for the money? Let’s find out.
Overall, Kayo dirt bikes are decent for the money. They are well-built and offer good performance at an affordable price. They have powerful engines and smooth suspensions and offer great control when riding off-road.
The downside is that the parts and accessories can be hard to find, and some dealers may try to upsell you with unnecessary extras. I’m not sure if the business model of Kayo USA depends solely on upselling or if the one we visited didn’t know what they were doing.
Another major issue that seemed bothersome is the scarcity of aftermarket accessories and parts. If Kayo can overcome the problem in the future, there is a lot of potential for them.
Cheap knock-offs are also concerning. As Kayo is an overseas company, it’s hard for them to get rid of all the knock-offs that are scamming people. So it would be wise to contact Kayo USA directly if you want to make a purchase.
The last downside of the Kayo dirt bike is not having a clear instruction manual. We don’t know Chinese and would very much like the instruction manual written in plain, conversational English. Kayo should pay close attention to these issues before the whole internet gets filled with negative reviews!
Despite these issues, Kayo dirt bikes are a great option if you want reliable performance without breaking the bank. Kayo produces some great entry-level dirt bikes. We would definitely recommend them to any rider looking for an all-around machine to explore trails with!
