What Is A Dual-Sport Bike?

History

When motorcycles first appeared on the brink of the 20th century, most roads were still unpaved. Although classifications were nonexistent at the time, the very first bikes were by application dual-sport, made to handle both dirt and paved roads. This theory is further validated by the ads from the time, which often depicted bikes kicking up dirt and dust. 

Modernization of city and open roads was widespread by the beginning of the Second World War, phasing out the dual sport bikes in favor of larger, street-oriented design. However, dual sport bikes retained their popularity in rural areas, where dirt roads were still prevalent.

Released in 1968, Yamaha DT-1 is widely credited for the revival of dual-sport bikes. At the time, the motorcycle market was slow, but Yamaha’s research correctly identified a lack of off-road bikes, resulting in the quick sales of the initial 12,000 DT-1s. The competition saw Yamaha’s success and quickly joined in with “Enduro” models, solidifying dual-sport bikes’ presence on the market. 

Definition

A general definition describes dual-sport bikes as street-legal motorcycles that can handle both on-road and off-road use. All-road and dual-purpose bikes are the most common name variants deriving from the application. 

There is no strict definition for the dual-sport bike’s weight, power, or even application. Primarily used for marketing, the term is interchangeable with Enduro bikes and adventure bikes. However, among the consumers, the widely accepted requirements are versatility and all-road capabilities. When translated into the auto industry, a dual sport bike would be a sports or crossover utility vehicle.

Types 

The lack of formal classification allows manufacturers to explore many design philosophies when creating dual-sport bikes. From lightweight bikes with small single-cylinder engines to heavy but powerful models, there is too much variation to judge a bike simply by its design. It is recommended to check the manufacturer’s brochure and manual to see the intended use for any particular bike.

The manufacturing process differs significantly, with four prevalent ways manufacturers handle the process:

• Take an off-road motorcycle and make it compliant with road regulations by adding lights, mirrors, a horn, license plate mounting, a speedometer, and a muffler. This approach creates powerful and lightweight bikes at the expense of shorter operating life and expensive maintenance.
• Design a new model with off-road capability and adequate performance on asphalt, characterized by enhanced durability and weight compared to dual-sport bikes based on dirt bikes. 
• Take a street bike and modify it for off-road use. This type has superior on-road handling and control but cannot handle the actual off-road conditions. 
• Customize a dirt bike to comply with regulations. Instead of getting a factory adaptation, a used dirt bike makes for an inexpensive platform equipped with the bare minimum to satisfy registration criteria.

Dual sport bikes can be classified by their weight and application. With every new model, the boundaries are shifted and blurred, but the physics and manufacturing limitations give an off-road edge to lighter bikes. In contrast, the heavier models are more comfortable on paved roads.

• Lightweight models weigh up to 300 pounds and have a strong resemblance to dirt bikes. The most prominent characteristics are high fenders and ground clearance, long-travel suspension, and off-road tires. 
• Middleweight models weigh between 300 and 350 pounds. Ground clearance and suspension travel are decreased in favor of a more comfortable ride. They represent the most versatile option to comfortably get you to the off-road path and handle it reasonably well.
• Heavyweight models surpass 350 pounds and are primarily suited for on-road use. They are an excellent option for long rides where you might drive over poor asphalt and dirt roads to get to more remote locations.

Adventure bikes can be considered a subset of dual-sport bikes from the heavyweight category. Equipped with oversized gas tanks, luggage containers, they are an excellent alternative to the standard touring bike thanks to the lower weight and better control. However, despite the focus on long-trip capabilities, they are still less comfortable than the tourers. 

Summary

Nowadays, just about every bike manufacturer has at least one dual-sport bike available in their lineup. Loyalty to a particular brand will naturally make you more inclined to purchase their bike, but in the case of dual-sports, they might not have what you need. 

The 500 EXC-F is KTM’s flagship model that has won five Cycle World’s Best Enduro/Dual Sport Bike awards in the last ten years. The Husqvarna FE 501s, Beta 500 RR-S, and Honda CRF450L form the upper echelon of dual-sport bikes, with prices slightly over $10,000. 

In the more sensible range of about $7,000, take a look at the Suzuki DR-Z400S, Yamaha WR250R, and Honda CRF250L. These are not necessarily mid-range options, as they have been tested and pushed to the limit and have delivered impressive results. The WR250R is, in fact, Yamaha's flagship and the most capable dual sport bike. 

If you are on a tight budget, roughly $5,000 can go a long way in acquiring a good bike. Aside from the Italian Beta 125 RR-S, the market is dominated by Japanese bikes. Yamaha XT250 and TW200, Suzuki DR200S, and the Kawasaki KLX230 are all great choices if you are running on a budget. 

If this article has helped you learn more about dual sport bikes, let us know in the comments below! We can’t wait to hear what bike you bought and what are your experiences with it!