Motocross is an exciting sport that’s followed and practiced by millions of adventurous people around the world. Driving through the dirt-filled off-roads requires both skill and bravery. In this adventure sport, a bike is your close companion. Motocross bikes are lightweight motorcycles designed to endure the rough courses of gravel roads.
As you’ll see in this article, there are different types of bikes available for motocross racing. If you’re considering verging into this sport as a motocross racer, you must learn about the different types of bikes. Purchase the ones that suit your requirements. Click here for more information on brands like KTM that offer some of the best off-road bikes.
Motocross Bikes
The default bikes that are created specifically for motocrossing are motocross bikes. More specifically, these are suited for closed-course competitions. So if you’ve ever been to a motocross event at a club or stadium or something, the bikes are most probably motocross bikes.
These bikes are equipped with single-cylinder engines that can drive the motorcycle at a faster speed. More attention is given to the suspensions that must handle the jumps and acceleration at the same time.
The bikes are often light with no speedometers, kickstands, or mirrors. The seat is exceptionally long and flat to accommodate the rider. These bikes also have the deepest treads. So you can dig deep into the mud and still get maximum traction.
As a disadvantage, they perform terribly on roads. They are meant strictly for offroading. If you’re a beginner, you should aim for a 4-stroke power engine which is not a lot more.
Enduro Bikes
In terms of appearance, enduro bikes look almost the same as motocross bikes. The differences start to emerge when you see the mirrors, turn signals, and silencers. That’s because other than motocross, they’re also designed for street racing. So they have a much lighter frame than motocross bikes. The abundant suspensions make enduro bikes ideal for races on both surfaces.
But the bikes don’t perform well on roads, especially when you’re traveling long. You need to make some modifications to make these bikes street legal. Furthermore, they are low on comfort. A 250cc Enduro bike with a four-stroke engine is ideal for beginners.
Trail-Rider Bikes
These types of bikes are designed for long rides and that too through rough terrains. They have their footpegs in a natural position, which allows for a seamless riding experience. The large tires, plastic frame, lighter body, and long suspension makes things easier for the rider. The trail-rider bikes also have higher ground clearance.
A 250cc, 4-stroke engine bike is an ideal starting point.
Unlike motocross bikes, these aren’t designed for high-speed racing and don’t jump well. If you’re looking to engage in sports that require high jumps and handle such jumps, then reconsider your investment in these bikes.
Dual-Sports
The final type of motocross bikes you should know about is dual-sports motorbikes. As the name suggests, you can use them on both gravel and asphalt roads with equal ease.
These are totally street legal and equipped with necessary features like headlights, turn signals, mirrors, and speedometer. For new riders, dual-sports bikes are ideal for learning offroading. The controls are in plain sight, and the bike is a bit heavier too. Furthermore, you can expect a cheaper price tag. So consider a dual-sports motorbike as a beginner-friendly option.
Other than the four types mentioned above, there are other options you should know. Those are supermoto (off-road bike meant for dedicated road use) and adventure dirt bike (cross-country bike for riding several days on a trot). Consult with an auto retailer before investing. Test rides are a must to check and see if you’re comfortable in them.
