Three reasons why you need a dual-sport motorcycle in your garage
Dual-sports are proof that you don’t need big displacement for big fun.
The good old dual-sport motorbike is one of the most adaptable motorcycles on the market. Unsurprisingly, the origins of dual-sports can be traced to the time when people first began riding their street motorcycles off-road.
The dual-sport, which has several colloquial names, is also occasionally called a dirt bike or an enduro. All lightweight off-road capable bikes will be referred to as dual-sports in this article, despite the fact that there are very minute distinctions between these sorts of bikes. Having said that, here are several reasons a dual-sport motorbike is the finest all-arounder, and why you absolutely need one in your garage.
They're light on your wallet
With the exception of the incredibly costly dual sports produced by European manufacturers KTM, Husqvarna, Beta, and Gas Gas, dual sports are almost always quite reasonably priced. For example, a brand-new Honda XR150L costs a measly P89,900. In spite of this, there isn't much of a learning curve for off-road riding. This implies that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, can obtain a bike that will allow them to enjoy the joys of off-road riding.
In addition to being inexpensive to purchase, dual-sport bikes require very little maintenance, and spare parts are typically available in multiple shops. The majority of entry-level dual-sport bikes have single-cylinder, under-200 cc engines. Dual-sport motorcycles often feature relatively basic engines, whether they are carbureted, air-cooled, like those found on the Honda XR150L, or fuel-injected, liquid-cooled, like those found on the Yamaha WR 155R.
They’re unquestionably the most versatile bikes out there
These motorcycles, as their name implies, put the dual in dual-sport. This simply means that these motorcycles can ride on and off-road. The degree of terrain gnarliness that a given bike can tolerate will ultimately depend on its componentry and, of course, the rider's skill. In spite of this, a beginner dual-sport bike like the Yamaha XTZ125 will be at ease riding on pavement as well as on country roads, light trails, and gravel.
More purpose-built machines enter the fold as you climb the price ladder. The Honda CRF150L, for example, which features an off-road-specific chassis and Showa suspension, demonstrates that it can handle more difficult terrain than the more rudimentarily equipped XR150L. Even more specifically designed bikes, like the KTM EXC-350, raise the bar even further by factoring in things like huge jumps and challenging enduro riding.
They deliver unparalleled, unadulterated fun
Unsurprisingly, riding dual-sport motorcycles is a ton of fun on both the road and off-road. This is due to a very straightforward yet successful formula: low weight and sufficient power. When fully fueled, the majority of dual-sport vehicles weigh less than 250 lbs. They are extremely flickable and ready to shift direction in a close-to-telepathic manner thanks to their light weight combined with a high center of gravity.
Dual sports make uneven roads seem like freshly laid asphalt. Off-road, these motorcycles give you the courage to conquer terrain that you normally wouldn't even attempt to cross on any other motorcycle. Bikes like the KTM 690 Enduro R would be a total riot for experienced riders looking to go up the dual-sport ladder. Imagine having a dual-sport that is expressway legal, allowing you to ride all the way out of town, tear through the trails, while having enough power to take you back home before sunset.
Related Articles
-
Here are some gift ideas for your motorcycle-riding friends and family / Featured Article
Struggling to think of gift ideas for your motorcyclist friends and family? Read on to get some inspiration this gift-giving season.
-
Chain drive, shaft drive, and belt drive—what’s the difference? / Featured Article
Whether your motorcycle has a chain drive, shaft drive, or belt drive, it’s always best to know the inner workings of your beloved machine. Today, we’ll bring you the lowdown on these three...
-
Motorcycle jackets 101: leather versus textile / Featured Article
Motorcycle riders are often faced with the decision of whether to get a leather or textile jacket. Read on to learn more about these jackets.
-
Make sure to check or replace these 6 things on a used motorcycle / Tips & Advice
Here’s a list of 6 must-check maintenance items on a used motorcycle, especially if it’s a bit higher in terms of mileage.
-
Parallel-twin or V-twin - Which should you choose? / Featured Article
Read on to learn more about two of the most popular engine configurations for big bikes, and which one you should choose.
Latest Features
-
MotoCamp Riding School: MotoCircuit 101—Course Details and Information / Featured Article
MotoCamp offers a basic course in track riding and provides good insights for beginner riders looking to gain their legs at speed.
-
5 seemingly minor modifications that can change the way your bike rides / Featured Article
Here are 5 easy upgrades you can make to your motorcycle if you want to get the most performance out of it.
-
Here are some gift ideas for your motorcycle-riding friends and family / Featured Article
Struggling to think of gift ideas for your motorcyclist friends and family? Read on to get some inspiration this gift-giving season.