Deciding Between a Dirt Bike and Dual Sport Motorcycle

Not every motorcycle can handle going off-road. You need a certain kind of tread pattern and the proper suspension to overcome obstacles without damage to the bike or yourself. However, there are a few types to choose between even if you know you want a bike that can handle off-roading. That is why Team Mancuso Powersports has created this handy guide to help you choose between a dirt bike and a dual-sport bike. For more information, we encourage you to meet with the experts at our dealership in Houston, Texas. We are proud to serve southeast Texas, including nearby communities like Sugar Land and Galveston.

Off-Road Dirt Bikes

If you are only interested in off-roading, a dirt bike is what you need. Dirt bikes are built to be as lightweight and speedy as possible. Their tires and suspension have special modifications to help them overcome off-road obstacles, and they are frequently used in racing and motocross competitions. 

One major drawback of owning a dirt bike is that they are not street-legal. Unless you live right on the trail, you will need to find a way to transport the bike to where you want to ride. Not being street legal limits dirt bikes strictly to recreational uses. While some areas of the country do allow dirt bikes to become street legal with the appropriate modifications, they still do not perform remotely as well as a motorcycle designed for the pavement. If you want to use your bike to run errands or make your commute, a street bike won’t work for you.

Benefits of Dual Sport Motorcycles

If you want a bike that can go off-road but still be used for other purposes, then a dual-sport motorcycle is ideal. The tires, brakes, suspension, and frame of a dual-sport are often identical to that of a dirt bike. The major difference is the addition of turn signals, brake lights, and license plate holders to make the bike street-legal. This makes dual-sport motorcycles more versatile. If you want to take them on a trail, you can just drive there on the bike itself, no trailer required!

The versatility of dual-sport motorcycles has made them popular outside of motocross enthusiast circles. The same light frame, maneuverability, and speed that allow a dual-sport bike to navigate an outdoor obstacle course also make it a perfect commuting vehicle.

Buying a motorcycle is a big decision. At Team Mancuso Powersports, our friendly and knowledgeable team can help you find the model that is just right for you. Visit us online or at our dealership in Houston, Texas, where we stock off-road motorcycles of all kinds. We are proud to serve the area of southern Texas, including Pasadena and Beaumont.