Dirtbikes or Sportbikes

[Fatigue]

Hi, I would like to know the advantages and disadvantages of owning a dirtbike or a sportbike for normal usage. Thanks!

[iwannadie]

um one goes on dirt the other doesnt?

i dunno if this is a serious question or not lol.... i mean its like asking about a jeep or a porsche.

decide if you want to ride on dirt or on the road then get a bike for that, you cant take a sports bike off road, a pure dirt bike on street isnt that great of a ride. if anything you need to look into the dual sports as your best option.

[Fatigue]

Ok cool.

I know a couple of people with dirtbikes. The thing is, we don't really have good trailing spots here in Singapore, so most of the time, you see people riding dirtbikes solely on the road. (ala, transportation)

I guess the main reasons people get dirtbikes here are either for trailing, or because they look wicked.

So I just wanna know how much different riding a dirtbike be on the road, compared to a sports bike.

[TechTMW]

There are a ton of dirtbikes here in Italy also, and i'll tell you why -

1) they are more comfortable.
2) they are INFINITELY more maneuverable in slow traffic
3) typically they are only one cylinder hence they have better fuel consumption
4) they are cheaper purchase and easier to maintain
5) they handle potholes and cobblestones a helluva lot better

Also, if you put street tires on a dirbike, it is just as good a ride (if not better due to different suspension/damping charecteristics.)

So, I disagree w/ iwannadie on this one - A dirbike is great anywhere on or off road (Depending on your tires), but you will never get a full on sportbike offroad.

[iwannadie]

well i was thinking more of a dirtbike with dirt tires wouldnt do too well. all the extra suspension doesnt help on nice flat roads(which i have). i can certainly see how it would be good to have if you live with bad roads, and very busy traffic you want to work around.

ive just seen alot of dirt bikes(with dirt tires) on the roads and they dont seem to perfom well at all. they cant keep up with the flow of traffic that well, the riders always seem awkward on them when turning for some reason, the suspension has so much travel i think is the reason.

dirt bikes are cheaper but by the time you put the right tires, signals, gauges, lights etc on them you can probally afford a small street bike with more power so i dont think price is the issue.

There are a ton of dirtbikes here in Italy also, and i'll tell you why -

1) they are more comfortable.
2) they are INFINITELY more maneuverable in slow traffic
3) typically they are only one cylinder hence they have better fuel consumption
4) they are cheaper purchase and easier to maintain
5) they handle potholes and cobblestones a helluva lot better

Also, if you put street tires on a dirbike, it is just as good a ride (if not better due to different suspension/damping charecteristics.)

So, I disagree w/ iwannadie on this one - A dirbike is great anywhere on or off road (Depending on your tires), but you will never get a full on sportbike offroad.

[Sev]

What exactly is the difference between a dual sport, and a dirtbike with road tires?

[iwannadie]

What exactly is the difference between a dual sport, and a dirtbike with road tires?

dual purpose has lights, mirrors, signals, gauges, kickstand, lower seat height, less travel in the suspension, usually a fairing/windwhield, passenger pegs, flatter comfortable seat, big engines(compared to most dirt bikes), less ground clearence and better fenders.

[TechTMW]

Dual sports tend to have softer suspensions and are more set up towards street riding. An example - Dual sports often come standard w/ aluminum alloy wheels (better for the street) and dirbikes typically have Spoked wheels. (Better flex for offroad.) Also, Dual sports are HEAVIER.

Iwannadie ... I see what you are talking about. In Europe and Asia, Super Motards have been very popular for years whereas they are just catching on in the states. A super motard type bike is a full on dirbike, but with street tires and all of the goodies that make it street legal. I assume this is basically what Fatigue was talking about, as I don't see a beginner goin out and buyin an offroad bike, then modding it all up for street riding

The first real attempt at a Motard here in the states is the Suzuki DRZ-400
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2 ... Z400SM.htm

As Fatigue is limited to under 200 cc's I don't think speed is a main concern anyway - he'll probably be looking at something like the honda xr125 ... http://newserver.bikepics.com/honda/xr125/


Also ... I think your dirt friends have trouble on the streets because if they are using knobbies they won't turn as well, but also because if they are used to dirt riding, they don't lean into turns like a street rider, hence they would seem pretty awkward if they weren't familiar w/ street cornering.

The Ducati Multistrada and the BMW r1200gs both have long-travel suspension, but both are rated as superior street bikes with excellent cornering capabilities

[iwannadie]

i kind of like the dual purpose bikes ive been thinking about getting one. theres alot of great desert trails here, but i wouldnt want to trailer it there(as i have no truck or trailer). be kind of fun to do some street riding then not worry about pulling off road on some dirt roads then back to street again.

[JCS]

Dual sports on the street = big fun. Parking lot dividers become a non issue. Go over top of them. Pot holes-no big deal. You also sit higher and more upright so it's easier to see through traffic. Urban commando.
In tight twisties a dual sport can give sport bike riders fits. Unlimited cornering clearance and relatively light weight.
The bigger dual sports(KLR 650) also make decent light weight tourers.