You may have come across riders that use the terms adventure bike and dual sport bike interchangeably. Other riders believe that these two terms are very different and should not be substituted for the other. Today, there are many motorcycle classifications that the new rider may find difficult to decipher which class a certain bike belongs to.
That is what leads to the confusion between dual sports bikes and adventure bikes. Furthermore, some unofficial bikes are created by riders, which makes the matter even more confusing. A new rider may not easily know which type of bike to buy hence the confusion.
Even with some digging in, you will find that an adventure motorcycle is a dual-sport type of bike. Some lightweight dual-sport motorcycles can accommodate some adjustments and upgrades to become adventure bikes.
This guide looks at some of these scenarios and brings out the key differences between these two types of motorcycles. If you are in a dilemma on whether to go for the adventure bike or dual sportbike, this guide is for you.
The Main Difference Between a Dual-Sport Bike and An Adventure Bike
Both the adventure bikes and dual sports are meant for use off-road or on paved roads. That means both motorcycles can cruise on different surfaces.
However, the primary distinction is where each bike is more comfortable. Adventure bikes are geared towards long trips on paved roads and mildly take off-road conditions. While, dual sport bikes are meant to thrive in off-road conditions and mildly take long-distance trips on paved roads.
That is the main difference between these two bikes. It is a short answer for you to grasp everything you need to know about these bikes, so let’s dig in a little deeper.
Evolution and Characteristics of Adventure Bikes
Riders have always wanted a motorcycle that can cruise the highways at top speeds for long distances and handle off-road. They wanted an elegant bike that would accommodate their luggage and carry passengers while exploring the backcountry roads with ease.
BMW created the first adventure bike back in 1981, and riders did not understand its purpose.
The bike was capable but was also agile on the street in the dirt. The motorcycle would make long highway trips and behaved surprizingly well off-road. That first adventure motorcycle by BMW proved to be reliable, and many adventurers seemed to fall in love.
Since then, every motorcycle manufacturer has had several or at least one adventure bike model in the market. Over time, these bikes have improved in performance since the first bike was made in 1981.
Their popularity and sales increase thanks to the increased demand for design improvements and huge investment in technology. These adventure bikes will handle off-road trails and still offer you the desired comfort on the paved roads for long distances.
Adventure bikes have quick handling and are technically the most versatile bikes you can ever secure.
Characteristics of Adventure Motorcycles
As you may already know, adventure motorcycles are different, which means their characteristics may not be the same. However, below are the most common characteristics of these bikes:
- Big gas tanks
- 650 cc engine displacement or larger
- Wind protection
- Tires are the paved roads
- comfortable seats-ideal for long distance travel
- Heavy-duty brakes
- Luggage racks
- Spoked wheels
- Protective guards
- Suspension travel and efficient ground clearance
- Great for highway speeds
Adventure Bike Pros
These motorcycles have twin-cylinder engines that make them cruise at top speeds on highways. They have a longer gearing and greater horsepower, which helps them accelerate easily and flow with traffic.
They have powerful brakes and street-biased tires that help the bike stop quickly. Their large engines have low RPMs, making the bike durable for your long-distance endeavors.
With comfortable seats and protection from the wind, the adventure bike riders are not easily fatigued. Their large tanks can allow riders to travel up to 200 miles, which means riders can venture into remote areas without refilling.
Evolution and Characteristics of Dual-Sport Bikes
These motorcycles evolved from the prominent Enduro bikes. Enduro bikes are motocross motorcycles that come with a tail light, headlight, and wide-ratio transmission. These bikes are not street legal as they are manufactured for competition. They are only limited to designated areas and trails.
However, the bike can get licensed in some regions with a few upgrades, such as a rearview mirror and a horn. Many riders are converting the endure bikes to dual sport for their adventurous spirits and riding them on the streets.
For most off-roaders, the goal was to add a few parts and upgrades to make the bike street legal. They aim at keeping the bike agile and light for off-road trails. These bikes were mainly for high-intensity off-road trails and occasional detours for link trails or refilling gas.
Over time, dual-sport motorcycle manufacturers have tried to make this bike more street-oriented. However, the priority has always been to keep it lightweight for the ultimate off-road performance.
General Characteristics of Dual-Sport Bikes
Below are the general characteristics of a typical dual sport bike;
- Long flat style seat
- Spoked wheels
- Single-cylinder engine 250cc to 650cc
- No windscreen
- Small gas tank
- High handle bars
- High ground clearance
- Crash protectors
- Minimal bodywork
- Ideal for low-speed trails
Dual-Sport Pros
One of the major advantages of this bike is its agility off-road and being lightweight. These bikes are perfect for off-road durability. They will not easily get damaged even after crashing, and picking them up is easy since they are lightweight.
Dual sports bikes are street-legal motorcycles that will handle tough terrains, including steep inclines, rocks, sand, and whoops.
The bikes do not have a windscreen and come with flat seats, which offers the riders different body positions for intense off-road terrains. Dual sport bikes have an impressive acceleration of 65 mph and are quite easy to maneuver.
Similarities Between Dual-Sport and Adventure Bikes
Even though some experts claim that there is a blurry line between these two classes of bikes, they do not have many similarities.
The only major similarity between dual-sport and adventure bikes is that both can travel off the road and on paved surfaces.
Both bikes are street legal, only that one will be more effective than the other when it comes to the paved roads.
The opposite is also true when looking at off-road capabilities. Both motorcycles will travel off-road even though the adventure bikes may not handle difficult terrain. It can travel easily on gravel and much flatter off-roads.
The other similarity may be the engine displacement. You can find a dual-sport bike with an engine capacity of 650 cc or less and come across an adventure bike with 650 cc or more.
Both motorcycles have a 21-inch front wheel to counter rough surfaces such as boulders or muddy areas. However, you may encounter adventure motorcycles that bear a 19-inch front wheel.
Which Is Best and Where Does it Perform the Best?
In this part of the guide, you will learn which is the better of the two bikes and where it functions best.
Dual-Sport Bikes
Many people regard this bike as a do-it-all bike. That is because the motorcycle is street legal, and the adventure does not stop when the road ends. It is an off-road-friendly bike that will conquer tough terrains.
Many people love it since it is ideal for dirt and road experiences. Dual sports bikes are higher than the average bikes since they are meant to go over obstacles as you explore different terrains and trails.
The bike is perfect for experienced and beginner riders alike. If you love off-roading in different types of trails, then this is the perfect bike for you.
Adventure Bikes
If you love exploring the wilderness and enjoying the open road on paved surfaces, then this is the best bike for you. Riders that fancy long-distance itineraries on their bikes will have an easy time with this motorcycle since it is very comfortable.
The bike was made to conquer and cruise paved surfaces at top speeds. The bike can also go through dirt and easy off-road terrains. If you want to discover new regions around the country on paved roads, then this is the bike to buy.
Final Thoughts
Several factors will determine your purchasing decision among the two bikes. It majorly depends on how you intend to use the bike and your physical capabilities. If you are the type of rider that loves trying out the difficult terrains and you live just nearby them, the dual-sport bike is what you need.
It is a light bike and comes with easy maneuverability. It means you will only hit the off-road in a few minutes after getting on the bike.
However, an adventure bike could be more lucrative for a rider who has to ride for over 30 minutes to get to the trailheads and has no van or truck to transport the bike. If you love long rides on paved roads at top speeds, the adventure motorcycle is what you need.
