Dual Sport Motorcycles Vs. Dirt Bikes

If you are looking for a motorcycle that can go off-road, your two main choices are dual sport motorcycles and dirt bikes. While very similar in many respects, these two types of motorcycles also have some key differences that you should be aware of. For more on dual sport motorcycles and dirt bikes, as well as which one would work best for your needs, read this guide from SoCal Honda Powersports.

Dirt Bikes

If your interests lie in off-roading and nothing else, a dirt bike is probably your best bet. These motorcycles are built to be as lightweight as possible, with special modifications meant to allow the bike to overcome the kinds of off-road challenges that other types of motorcycles cannot handle. Part of the reason that these bikes are so lightweight is that designers only include the bare minimum necessary for the bike to function. This includes things like license plate holders and headlights, things that are necessary to make the bike street legal. This means that dirt bikes are for recreational use only. You can’t run errands or commute to work on a dirt bike. 

Benefits of Dual Sport Motorcycles

Dual sport motorcycles are very similar to dirt bikes in many respects, to the point that some dual sport bikes are actually modified dirt bikes. The major difference between the two is that dual sport motorcycles have turn signals, brake lights, and other add-ons necessary to make the bike street-legal. This makes dual sport motorcycles some of the most versatile vehicles on the market, able to explore both off-road and on-road. This is particularly useful if you don’t want to purchase a trailer to transport your motorcycle to the trail. Instead, you can just ride it right to the starting point. 

To shop our selection of dual sport motorcycles and dirt bikes, visit SoCal Honda Powersports online or at our dealership in Carson, California. We also offer parts ordering, servicing, financing, and test rides. We are proud to serve communities like Long Beach and Los Angeles, California, and we hope to see you soon!