Should I Get A Dirt Bike Or Dual Sport Motorcycle?

Adrenaline junkies tend to narrow their motorcycle search to two main options: a dirt bike and a dual sport motorcycle. Both options can explore nature trails. But there are also many differences between dual sport motorcycles and dirt bikes. The right option for you depends on factors such as your riding lifestyle and experience level.

Keep reading to learn more about the differences between dual sport motorcycles and dirt bikes. If you have any questions or want to shop motorcycles for sale, chat with the experts at Moroney's Motorsports. Our dealership is located in New Windsor, New York, and we also serve those in Newburgh.

The Key Difference Between Dual Sport Motorcycles And Dirt Bikes

The main difference between dual sport motorcycles and dirt bikes is where they can be taken. A dual sport motorcycle can handle on-road and off-road adventures. A dirt bike can only handle the off-road trails. But there are more aspects to consider when deciding between these options.

Why Pick A Dirt Bike?

You Only Want To Ride In Nature

Not everyone wants to cruise around the city. Some riding enthusiasts like sticking to nature paths. They enjoy the scenic views, and escape from the cacophony of modern life. If paved roads do not call your name, stick with a dirt bike.

You Already Own An On-Road Motorcycle

Others decide to add to their motorcycle collection. If your current motorcycle already meets your paved road needs, a dirt bike is a great choice. These models are optimized for trail riding, resulting in the least possible overlap between your two motorcycles. Get the most bang for your buck with your second motorcycle purchase and maximize your riding adventures.

You Want To Go Racing

A key difference between dirt bikes and dual sport motorcycles is their weight. Dirt bikes are generally much lighter, which makes them faster and more agile. If you want to try your hand at racing competitions, you want the dirt bike that will get you the gold!

You Want Adrenaline Rushes

Even if you don't go racing, you can still enjoy the optimized performance of dirt bikes. These models are tailored to off-road adventures, giving you a maximized experience on dirt trails.

You Want To Tackle More Challenging Terrain

Dirt bikes tend to be more capable of handling difficult terrain, such as mud or sand. You can either purchase a dirt bike designed with those obstacles in mind or get aftermarket accessories. Either way, a dirt bike will be your best match against the toughest terrain.

Why Choose A Dual Sport Motorcycle?

You Want Flexibility

The biggest advantage of a dual sport motorcycle is its ability to handle on-road and off-road adventures.

Enjoy instant access to drastically more routes. No longer are you stuck only on paved streets or dirt trails. Instead, you can cruise around anywhere you like.

Besides an increase in route options, you also get an increase in convenience. Drive straight from the highway onto the trailhead or drive straight from the trailhead to the nearest gas station. Skip the tedious process of loading up the motorcycle into a trailer or truck bed, then transporting to and from the destination.

Because a dual sport motorcycle is designed for on-road and off-road riding, it will not be king of either road. You won't get an optimized experience on a certain road type, but you will get an increased amount of possible riding adventures.

You Want Extra Safety Features

Another key difference between dual sport motorcycles and dirt bikes is the amount of safety features. Both offer the necessary safety features for unpaved roads...but dual sport motorcycles then also offer the safety features needed for city riding. These extra features can help reduce your chances of a crash and reduce the severity of a crash.

You Want Durability

Off-road motorcycles need to withstand a beating in the city and in nature, making them more durable. These models are designed to have minimal breakdowns. They tend to be less likely to be damaged during a crash and tend to be more affordable to repair.

You Are Learning To Ride

Many riders find a dual sport motorcycle easier to learn to ride on. Their stripped down design makes them simpler to control and easier to handle. If you are starting your motorcycle journey, a dual sport motorcycle is a good match.

We hope you enjoyed this guide to the differences between dual sport motorcycles and dirt bikes. If you need help picking your perfect match, the friendly staff at Moroney's Motorsports is happy to help. Tell us about your budget and riding style, then we can recommend compatible models. We strive to make the shopping process easy! You'll find our dealership in New Windsor, New York, and we also serve those in Newburgh.