The short answer
For most adult riders, the Sykeruns X5 at $975 is the right pick. It fits riders about 4 ft to 5 ft 11 in and up to 265 lb, with a top speed of 50 mph. For taller or heavier riders, or for hills and sand, the Sykeruns X7 at $1350 fits riders about 4 ft 8 in to 6 ft 3 in and up to 330 lb, with a top speed of 56 mph. Both ship free to all 50 states and both are open for same day pickup in Tempe.
This guide is for adult buyers. If the rider is a teen, our electric dirt bike guide for teens covers that pick step by step. If the rider is a young kid, start with our 50cc gas mini dirt bikes at $300 instead. Those bikes are made for kids about 5 to 13, with a 170 lb max rider weight.
Pick by size first
Size matters more than power for an adult. A rider who fits the bike can put the balls of both feet down at a stop, reach the bars without leaning far forward, and move their weight around on the pegs. A rider who is too tall for the bike ends up cramped and tired fast, even if the motor is strong enough.
The X5 fits about 4 ft to 5 ft 11 in and up to 265 lb. The X7 fits about 4 ft 8 in to 6 ft 3 in and up to 330 lb. If the rider is over 265 lb or taller than 5 ft 11 in, the X7 is not just the bigger choice. It is the one that fits. Our Sykeruns X5 vs X7 guide lays both bikes out side by side, and our full Sykeruns X5 review and Sykeruns X7 review cover each bike on its own.
Pick by ground second
On flat and open ground, like a field, a dirt lot, a track, or desert two track, the X5 has plenty of pull for most adults. Its motor is 3000W. On hills, deep sand, and loose climbs where you often start from a stop on a slope, the X7 pulls harder. Its motor is 5500W and it is built for that kind of ground and for heavier riders.
If you are still torn between gas and electric, our gas vs electric guide covers the honest trade offs. If you are comparing other brands at this price, our Sur Ron alternatives under $2000 guide shows what you give up and what you keep.
Speed, charge and range in plain numbers
Both bikes have three gear steps you pick with a selector. The X5 steps are about 15 mph, 27 mph and 50 mph. The X7 steps are about 25 mph, 39 mph and 56 mph. Start a new rider in the first step and leave it there while they learn.
Charge time is about 5 to 6 hours for the X5 and about 6 to 7 hours for the X7, on a normal household outlet with the charger in the box. The factory range numbers are up to 53 miles for the X5 and up to 60 miles for the X7 at low speed on flat ground. Real off road riding is lower. Plan on about 20 to 25 miles for the X5 and about 22 to 31 miles for the X7, based on the rider reports covered in our reviews. Our battery charging guide shows how to charge the battery and make it last.
What shows up and what you do
Each bike ships sealed in its factory crate and comes about 90 percent built. You fit the front wheel and the handlebar with the included tools and a video that walks you through it, then give the battery a first full charge before the first ride.
The bike is off road only and has no title. Every bike includes 1 year parts support through the manufacturer. If a part comes through bad, send us a photo or a short video and we handle the claim with the manufacturer to get the right part sent free.
Gear and where to ride
At 50 mph and 56 mph, gear is not optional. A rider needs a helmet, goggles, gloves, boots over the ankle, long sleeves and long pants on every ride. Our safety gear guide covers how to fit a helmet the right way, and the same rules fit adult riders.
Ride on private property, at tracks, at OHV parks, and on routes that are open to off road bikes. Our Arizona riding guide lists legal spots near Phoenix and Tempe, and our electric dirt bikes in Phoenix guide covers buying and riding close to home.
Ready to pick one
If the rider fits the X5 and rides mostly flat ground, save the $375 and pick the X5. If the rider is taller, heavier, or rides hills and sand, pick the X7. Start with the electric dirt bikes collection to see both together. We are a family owned mini moto and ebike club in Tempe, Arizona, and we are happy to help you pick the right one.