Dual Sport Motorcycles
What Is A Dual Sport?
A Dual Sport Motorcycle is basically a street legal dirt bike that can be ridden on the highway and also on trails. Often referred to as enduros or street legal off road bikes, they can be a lot of fun even for the more advanced dirt rider.
The 4 benefits of such a motorcycle are:
1. Not having to transport your motorcycle to an off road trail with a pickup or a trailer.
2. Versatility of highway and off road transportation in one bike.
3. Economic savings for your every day commuting needs(50 -75 mpg).
4. Legal and insurable recreation and transportation combined.
There are 2 ways you can obtain a dual sport bike.
1. Purchase a factory made street legal dirt bike. These are sold as Dual Sport Bikes, in the past they were called Enduros.
You have the advantages of the bike being in compliance with all highway vehicle laws, and a design that gives a little more comfort for the rider.
The disadvantage to this is a tamed down bike that is a bit heavier and sluggish when compared to a factory designed dirt machine.
2. Purchase a dirt bike and make the needed conversions to make it a street legal machine.
The disadvantage to this approach is the effort and money needed to ad a legal lighting system, registration and others accessories required by the department of motor vehicles. There are kits that can be purchased to accomplish this but they are model specific and will not fit all applications.
The advantage to this approach is a customized machine and if you're careful you will maintain most of the bikes power and agility.Which ever path you choose you will not be disappointed. A street legal dirt bike is not only fun but also very useful!
So You Ask "What Dual Sport Motorcycle is Right for Me?"
That is a good question that doesn't really have a perfect answer.A dual sport bike is actually designed to be able to perform in two different environments and therefore is unable to be perfect for either. The "Best" Dual Sport is really relevant to your needs and varies from person to person.
So You Need to Ask Yourself These 8 Questions:
1. What do I plan to do with my street legal dirt bike?
2. What amount of time am I going to spend riding paved roads and highways verses dirt roads and trails?
3. Will I ride mostly pavement with an occasional dirt ride or will I ride more an even amount of each?
4. How much money do I have to spend?
5. Can I buy a new dual sport or should I buy used?
6. What are my riding skills and physical abilities?
7. Am I an experienced rider or am I just starting out?
8. What are my physical attributes as far as height, weight, strength and stamina?
For a dual sport to best fit your needs you have to answer the above 8 questions the best you can. If you plan to spend most of your ridding time on dirt trails and more difficult terrain you should have a straight dirt bike as a second machine. Also be prepared to be flexible and willing to change bikes as your skills improve or your needs change.
Robert E Hemken Jr What to see some cool street legal dirt bikes, both new and used? Visit the author of What is a Dual Sport | StreetLegalDirt site today!
what is a good cheap dual sport motorcycle for starters?
im looking for a dual sport motorcycle 250cc. i need something that is cheap and easy to learn on, good on insurance (yes a dream bike) im turning 16 in august and cant wait to get my first bike. im partialy getting a dual sport because they are easy to learn on but because i live in canada and if im going to have a bik im not letting it sit in the garage for 6-7 months of the year. also if there are any good suggestions for good cheap gear (gloves helmet and jacket) im 16 5 ft 11 and about 180 lbs. im not looking for an extreme bike just something that can handle a some rain and snow and get me from home to school and work. for the bike i am not willing to go over $4000.
right now i am considering yamaha xt250, suzuki dr200se (does anyone know if they make a 250? i couldnt seem to find one) yes i fully understand the dangers of riding thats why im only looking at 250cc cuz i dont plan on using highway but i still need a bike i can use for the test which has a highway portion. and are there any suggestions for good motorcycle schools? right now it seems the closest one is at durham college ( i live in pickering ontario)
oh and i know this affects insurance so im male.
bayareart1, i googled it and those are like 30 year old bikes, would it still work good. or am i just googling the wrong thing. btw my mom is convinced its a death trap cuz some dude died at an intersection 2 streets from my house when he got sideswiped by a lady while he was turning left and unfourtunately passed away from the accident :( plus with insurance improbably going to have to save up for another year....r ask my boss for a raise :P and also as for them not being cheap, i see what your saying but i need something that can survive a canadian winter (atleast toronto) and mostly road riding like 80% of the time
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Do you need a speedometer for a dual sport motorcycle in MASS?
I have a 2005 CRF450R ( special dual sport ) and I need to get an inspection sticker for it. I was wondering if you need to have a speedometer to pass the requirements?
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dual sport motorcycle to get?
i have a 250 sport bike and im looking to get a dual purpose. the question is which to get. im thinking qlink 200 because of price and its easy to drive. i want a bike that feels wicked light and easy to go through trails on. the thing i didnt like about the qlink was it had zero power even compared to my 250. so i started thinking the suzuki drz 400 s. the only thing i dont like about that is im 5-9 and id prefer to be able to reach the ground with both feet until i get used to the bike but i doubt i can. I was also looking at the crf 230l as a compromise with a better seat heaght than both bikes but im afraid it wont have enough power because its not much bigger than the q link. so which one should i get. i also cant afford a new version of the honda or suzuki so id have to find used which is okay but i cant find a used one of either bike anywhere. for the qlink or honda are there any cheap upgrades to give it a significant boost in power. i want the front wheel to come up pretty easily and i couldnt get the q link front tire up at all. of coures i only rode for a couple of minutes. any help would be appreciated
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Should I get a Dual sport motorcycle or a sports bike(motorcycle)?
Should I get the 2009 Kawasaki KLX250S (dual sport) $5000 http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2008models/2009-KawasakiKLX250Sh.jpg I think it's nice, I want to go of road and still use it for on road.
or should i get the
2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R $4000 http://www.indiaon2wheels.com/pics/kawasaki-ninja-250r.jpg I think it looks super sweet and I like it but the only think is it can't go off road.
I'm going to be a new motorcyclist so which one should I get?
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What's the best dual sport motorcycle for short people?
My G/F and I both have 29" inseams. She weighs 125, I weigh 175. She might be using it for errands and fun runs on the street, whereas I intend to do about 80% riding on street and 20% on dirt.
But here's the rub, I prefer the motorcycle be more dirt oriented. My reasoning is this, I can always go slower on the street, but if the tires have traction in the mud, or I get stuck going up a boulder strewn, rocky hill I could be stranded, or drop the bike, breaking a leg or breaking my helmeted head or neck on a rock.
By the way, it is desirable but not mandatory for bike to have enough speed for limited highway runs at 50-70 mph.
First hand experience please--no "rules of thumb" or "conventional wisdom." Thanks for your help.
I meant no traction in dirt would be a bad thing.
That twin cylinder 800 has got to weigh 500 lbs or more. Besides, it's reputed to be an adventure tourer, not a dual purpose. The F650 might be better.
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