What Is a Dual Sport Motorcycle?

March 16, 2023

Motorcycling is a complex world. There are so many different types of motorcycles out there that it’s easy to get lost in the what bikes are best for what type of riding, especially if you’re new to the scene.  Perhaps you’ve been to a dealership to try out a few motorcycles before. You might have also searched all over the internet looking at which motorcycles best fit for your needs. The truth is, the amount of motorcycles available on the market is vast and even if you have a basic idea of what you want to use the motorcycle for, there is still a wide range of motorcycle options to choose from.

If you’re looking at both riding across road and exploring the off-road terrain, a dual sport motorcycle could be the perfect bike for you. A dual sport motorcycle is typically more robust and build to take on more than just the tarmac because it is designed to take on tougher terrain including dirt, rocks, mud and rough surfaces when off-roading. However, it can be challenging to spot a dual bike between dirt bikes, sports bikes, cruisers, and tourers. So we’re going to break down the unique features of dual sport motorcycles and what sets it apart among other bike classifications. First, let’s look at it’s history:

Motorcycles were first introduced in the 20th century, back in the days when concrete or asphalted roads were not yet common. In a sense, all motorcycles at that time were dual-sports, intended to be used on dirt as well as pavement. Although the motorcycle classifications weren’t existent at the time. 

The modernisation of cities and open roads in 1940s have paved way to heavier and more street-oriented motorcycles. In the 1950s and 1960s British manufacturers like Triumph and BSA offered light street motorcycles with high exhaust pipes, and called them scramblers. In 1968, Yamaha released the DT-1 rekindling popular interest in dirt worthy motorcycles that could also be ridden on the street. Seeing Yamaha’s success with DT-1, the competition joined in with “Enduro” models, solidifying dual-sport bikes’ presence on the market.

What is a dual sport motorcycle?

Dual-sport bikes are street-legal motorcycles that can handle both on-road and off-road use. It is also called all-road and dual-purpose bikes, deriving from the application. There aren’t really a solid guideline as to what dual sport motorcycles should look like including its power capacity, weight, and application. However, it’s good to remember that versatility and all-road capabilities are the main selling points of dual sport motorcycles. If you’re considering buying a dual sport bike, it’s best to check the manufacturer’s brochure to see the intended use for any particular bike.

Dual Sport VS Enduro - What's the difference?

If you’re a newbie, it can be quite confusing to spot the difference among the multiple classifications of motorcycles. There are even unofficial classes and subtypes of bikes that manufacturers and riders create which can make it harder for beginners to decide which type of bike they would like to start out with. Two of the most oft-confused classes are Dual Sport and Enduro Bike.

To start with, a dual sport motorcycle, as its name suggests, is intended to be able to serve two purposes, one being daily street-legal driving, the other being the ability to perform well into the dirty, dusty, and unpaved places. Dual sport bikes have higher ride heights for clearance over obstacles, have a lot of suspension travel, and are generally fitted with single-cylinder engines.

Although enduro bikes and dual-sports are in the same bloodline, enduro bikes are primarily intended for off-road riding. Enduros are more trail-inclined and are smaller, lighter and very minimalistic yet have strong protective pieces for wear and tear, like motocross bikes. 

Here are some of the basic characteristics of a dual sport motorcycle:

• Engine power: Single & Dual cylinder engine, typically 400cc-900cc
• Speed: Range of less than 100 miles
• Wheels: Spoked wheels, 21 inch front wheel
• Clearance: High ground
• High handlebars for stand up riding
• Capable on all surfaces

Dual Sport Helmets

A dual sport helmet is a mix between a full face road helmet and an off-road helmet. It combines the characteristics of full face and off-road helmets including noise cancelation, comfort, aerodynamics and visor from the full face helmet Dual sport helmets have a peak also known as a ‘visor’ similar to that of an MX helmet. Which keeps the sun out from the rider’s eyes. Dual sport helmets also have a larger opening and bigger eye port to allow for more ventilation and are big enough to fit MX goggles if you wish. This is perfect for riders who wear prescription glasses as they don’t fog up much behind a face shield than a pair of goggles. A dual sport helmet is also quieter than a dirt bike helmet if you close the face shield, but not as quiet as a full face helmet.

So with all of this information, we hope you have a better understanding of what a dual sport motorcycle is and its intended use. Looking for the best dual sport helmets? Check out our full range of helmets today!