Dual Sport Vs. Adventure Bike: What are the Differences?

As the name indicates, dual sport motorcycles are dual-purpose vehicles, meaning that they can maneuver on both paved and unpaved terrain. Whereas, adventure motorcycles are also suited for both on- and off-road riding. Many riders do not know whether to choose between adventure and dual sport motorcycles when looking for a motorbike suited for off-roading. This article provides a detailed comparison between dual sport and adventure motorcycles.

Both dual sport and adventure motorcycles have on- and off-road riding capabilities, but adventure motorcycles bear more resemblance to street motorcycles and perform better on longer trips atop paved terrain.

On the other hand, dual sport motorcycles bear more resemblance to dirt bikes and perform better off-road.

Evolved from enduro motorbikes, dual sport motorcycles were built to perform better on unpaved terrain. Enduro motorcycles were originally built to maneuver on unpaved terrain only but over time, these motorcycles were fitted with modifications to make them street-legal. They were fitted with a head and tail light, turn signals, a license plate bracket, and a silencer. These modified and street-legal enduro motorcycles eventually became the modern dual sport motorcycles.

Dual sport motorcycles either have a small or no windscreen and a flat, uncomfortable seat. They are lighter compared to adventure motorbikes and have a smaller fuel tank. Also, they have a lighter frame and limited space to mount luggage.

Adventure motorcycles are bulky compared to dual sports bikes. As they are built to perform better on paved surfaces, they look similar to street motorcycles. They have beefier parts compared to dual sports bikes, a larger fuel tank, a windscreen, a front fairing, protective covers to keep the engine safe from debris, mudguards, head and tail lights, turn signals, and side mirrors. They are equipped with almost every part necessary to be considered street-legal.

Adventure motorcycle tires have aggressive tread patterns to provide better traction atop rough terrain. The adventure motorcycles also have a durable frame and enough space for luggage installation.

Dual sport motorcycles are powered by 250 to 650 cc engines since they are designed for maximum torque and thrust rather than speed. A few dual sport motorcycles have larger engines than 650 cc including the Suzuki DR 750S Big, which was launched in 1988 and had an engine displacement of 727 cc, and the Husqvarna 701 Enduro with its 693 cc engine.

Adventure motorcycle engines can range from 800 to 1300 cc, with these larger engines making them quick and powerful. For example, the KTM 1190 Adventure motorcycle has an engine size of 1195 cc, can produce a horsepower of 128.8 hp, and can reach a top speed of 145 mph.

Dual sport motorcycles are generally equipped with a one-cylinder engine and are easier to maintain. However, one-cylinder engines generate more vibrations and noise when your dual sport motorcycle travels at higher speeds.

Adventure motorcycles are equipped with two-cylinder engines that reach higher rpm and provide a comfortable ride, even at higher speeds. The adventure motorcycles’ two-cylinder engines are more powerful and create less vibrations. Other adventure motorcycles are equipped with three-cylinder engines, making the motorbikes heavier and harder to repair.

Dual sport motorcycles have a low gear ratio to promote better performance on unpaved terrain, resulting in a low-speed but powerful performance.

Adventure motorcycles tend to have a higher gear ratio to help these motorbikes carry their weight at higher speeds and ensure comfortable rides.

Dual sport motorcycles have higher ground clearance than adventure motorcycles because they have suspensions capable of longer wheel travel and a larger front tire. High ground clearance is important in dual sport motorcycles to keep the engine and other components safe from being damaged by debris on rough terrain.

Adventure motorcycles have low ground clearance because they need to be stable at higher speeds to balance out their heavy weight.

Dual sport motorcycles have flat and hard seats, which make them uncomfortable for longer off-road trips. However, dual sport motorcycles’ flat and thin seats help riders maintain balance while riding off-road. Also, the seat height of most dual sport motorcycles is too high for shorter riders.

Adventure motorcycles prioritize comfort as they are not meant to travel on unpaved terrain. They are fitted with adjustable seats to accommodate all riders and ensure maximum comfort on longer rides.

Dual sport motorcycles are built with a simple design and are not equipped with complex rider aids. Modern dual sport motorcycles have ABS installed as a standard feature.

Every year, adventure motorcycles become more advanced. The latest models have ABS, a traction control system, and different rider modes. The rider modes help riders adjust the functionality of the ABS and traction control system.

There are the best adventure motorcycles based on their on-and off-road performance. These include:

• 2022 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
• 2022 BMW R1250 GS Adventure
• 2022 Ducati Multistrada V4
• 2022 Triumph Tiger 1200
• 2022 Yamaha Ténéré 700

Adventure motorbikes are good for touring and sports touring. They are becoming a popular choice for long-distance touring on unpaved terrain. The adventure motorbike’s notable features include its large fuel tank capacity, comfortable seat, upright riding position, large wheels, and longer wheel travel.

If you cannot afford one of the more powerful adventure bikes, you can still find cheaper options on the market. These options include:

• Kawasaki Versys-X 300
• BMW G 310 GS
• KTM 390 Adventure
• Suzuki V-Strom 650
• Royal Enfield Himalayan

The best entry-level adventure bikes include:

• Kawasaki Versys-X 300
• BMW G 310 GS
• Honda CB500X
• Royal Enfield Himalayan
• Suzuki V-Strom 650

Adventure and dual sport motorcycles are capable of on- and off-roading, but they perform very differently. If you want a powerful and versatile motorbike that can handle paved roads and off-road terrain, choose the adventure motorbike. Dual Sport motorcycles perform better on unpaved terrain rather than on level and smooth roads.

To make your adventure motorcycles perfect for touring, you can attach different LUGGAGE options that can increase your motorcycle’s storage capacity. The luggage options available at Viking Bags include SADDLEBAGS, TAIL BAGS, TANK BAGS, TOOL BAGS, and BACKPACKS.