Trend watch: Dirt bikes go retro with '90s graphics

In June, Kawasaki marked the 50th anniversary of its KX lineup with special-edition versions of the KX250 and KX450. While Kawi introduced the range in 1973, its commemorative livery mimicked the design of the 1990 KX250. The company’s iconic lime green remains the featured color but a royal blue seat and period-correct KX logos fully capture the ‘90s vibe.

Team Green isn’t the only Japanese OEM observing a golden anniversary. Yamaha’s YZ motocrossers hit the circuit in 1974. Like Kawasaki, the Iwata firm turned to the ‘90s for its 50th Anniversary YZ125, YZ250, YZ250F, and YZ450F. Those influences are easy to see in the white plastics, purple and pink accents, and ‘90s-style graphics, especially when compared to the all-blue bodywork on the standard trim.

Honda took a similar tack with its CRF50F mini-bike, which now features a white, pink, and purple treatment and the CRF110F’s white and turquoise color option is just as radically ‘90s.

Japan isn’t alone in the retro revolution, it seems. In 2023, KTM started integrating purple back into the graphics for its MX, Enduro, Cross Country, and Supermoto models. Team Orange often applied the color to its bikes during the early-to-mid ‘90s. Though the resulting liveries remain largely modern, they’re also a nod to the past. 

Venturing outside of the dirt bike segment, even Suzuk’si V-Strom 800DE goes the throwback route. The adventure model debuted this year in Glass Matte Mechanical Gray and Champion Yellow color options, but in 2024, it gains a Pearl Tech White livery. The base color itself may not evoke nostalgia, but the purple and powder blue details sure do.

From anniversary variants to standard models, colorful ‘90s designs are back in a big way. Only time (and sales) will tell whether the trend has staying power or if it’s just a flash in the pan.