Would You Recommend a Dirt Bike as a First Motorcycle?

Dirt bikes are small, lightweight, low-powered, and easy to ride, so many people recommend them as their first motorcycle. These bikes surely have so many beginner-friendly characteristics, which make them sound like an ideal beginner bike.

Most motorcycling experts, especially on online forums, are seen recommending dirt bikes as a first motorcycle. However, they forget to distinguish between different types of dirt bikes. Most dirt bikes are not street-legal and cannot be ridden on paved roads.

This causes a lot of confusion, particularly for those new to motorcycling. They want to start the motorcycling journey and are looking for a better recommendation. Saying that a dirt bike is perfect for everyone looking to start riding is incomplete and can be misleading.

Therefore, we want to answer this question in detail so beginners know what they should get as their first motorcycle. Continue reading this article to know whether a dirt bike is a good option to buy as a first motorcycle.

No, a dirt bike is not recommended as a first motorcycle unless you want to start with dirt riding. Dirt bikes are only good for off-roading; as mentioned, most are not even street-legal. You need to learn about the different types of off-road motorcycles and then make a decision. Certain dual-sports (on- and off-road capable) motorcycles are ideal for beginners.

However, you must also be clear regarding what you want from your motorcycle. As a beginner, you must first list down:

• Your riding preferences.

• Where do you want to ride?

• Your purpose of riding a motorcycle.

Before determining which off-road motorbikes are considered good first motorcycles, we must differentiate between different types of off-road motorcycles.

• Dirt bikes are the most capable off-road motorcycles.

• They are primarily designed to suit off-road terrains.

• Most dirt bikes are not street-legal.

• However, they can be made street-legal.

• Dirt bikes are the best suited for short-distance off-road rides.

• They are highly capable of overcoming difficult off-road challenges.

• They are not very comfortable.

• The other most popular type of dirt bike is the enduro.

• Enduro motorcycles are also off-road capable only.

• However, they are best for long-distance off-roading.

• They are not designed for riding on paved roads.

• They are slightly more comfortable than dirt bikes.

• They have a slightly bigger fuel tank than dirt bikes.

• There are both street-legal and illegal enduro motorcycles made.

• You can also make them street-legal by installing the equipment mentioned above.

• Dual sport bikes are both on- and off-road capable.

• They are street-legal.

• Though they are dual-purpose bikes, they are more geared towards better off-roading.

• They are slightly heavier than dirt bikes.

• However, they are lighter than other dual-purpose bikes (Adventure bikes).

• Dual sport bikes are ideal for beginners.

• They can be your perfect first motorcycle.

• They usually feature a single-cylinder engine.

• ADV bikes are also designed for both on- and off-roading.

• However, they are geared more towards better on-road performance.

• They are heavier than dual sports bikes.

• They are more comfortable than dual sport bikes.

• They are more expensive than dual sport bikes.

• They are usually fully loaded with tech features.

• They are better suited for intermediate or experienced riders.

Weight and Size Comparison 

Detailed Comparison
Adventure Motorcycles	Vs	Dual Sport Motorcycles
Both on- and off-road riding	Maneuvering Capability	Both on- and off-road riding
Better on-road performance	Performance	Better off-road performance
Heavyweight	Weight and Size	Lightweight
More comfort	Comfort Level	Less comfort
650 cc or more	Engine Displacement	650 cc or less
Twin-Cylinder	Cylinders	Single-Cylinder
Large for long-range	Fuel Tank Capacity	Small for short range
Typically 200 + miles	Range	Typically, less than 150 miles
Large	Windscreen	Small or no windscreen
Lower	Ground Clearance	Higher
Comfortable seat	Seat	High flat seat, Motocross style
Spoked wheels	Wheels	Spoked wheels
Yes, to avoid off-road damage	Crash and Protective Guards	Yes, to avoid off-road damage
Higher for stand-up riding	Footrests	Higher for stand-up riding
Greater	Bodywork	Minimal
Heavy duty for on-road riding, ABS	Brakes	ABS
Stronger Frame	Frame	Lighter Frame
Enough space for luggage	Luggage Option	Limited space for luggage

If you want to learn more about the differences between dual sport and adventure bikes, read the article attached below:

Of all the dual-purpose and off-road bike types mentioned above, the best beginner platform is the dual sport bike. They are highly recommended to beginners looking to start their motorcycling journey.

There are various reasons why dual sport bikes are ideal first motorcycles. These include:

Dual sport bikes are low-powered. They are typically installed with engines ranging between 200 cc to 650 cc. However, most of them have engines that are below 400 cc. The low-powered nature of these bikes makes them best suited for new riders just about to start learning how to ride a motorcycle.

Dual Sport bikes are among the lightest on- and off-road motorcycles. Most of the parts are made of plastic. They have a very basic construction. There is nothing fancy on these bikes. However, they don’t fall short of providing a better learning platform.

They are easy and light to handle and steer. Being lightweight, dual sport bikes are also easy to maneuver. The tires installed on these bikes are knobby and rough, making them ideal for paved and unpaved terrain.

Riders don’t need to switch to a different bike to go off-road. Dual sport bikes are fun and exciting, considering their multi-purpose riding capabilities.

It is unlikely for a beginner to get bored with dual sport bikes. You can ride it for years without exchanging it with other motorcycle types.

Dual sport bikes are the best suited for beginners because they are inexpensive. You can find nothing better than a dual sport bike if you are on a tight budget.

You can save more on gas if you buy a dual sport bike. These bikes are highly fuel efficient. You can enjoy riding the bike more and worry less about the fuel costs.

Due to their smaller sizes, you can ride dual sport bikes easily in tight spaces while off-roading. These bikes are also perfect for riding on busy roads because they are light and slim.

You do not have to wait or stand in the traffic queue for long due to traffic jams. You can easily ride these bikes in between lanes (If it is legal). Also, you can switch from the road to the unpaved terrain when needed.

Along with riding, dual sport bikes are a great platform if you also want to become capable of maintaining and repairing your bike yourself. They are easier to maintain and repair due to having a basic construction. They have the least complicated engines and parts.

Almost every dual sport bike features a single-cylinder engine. They are equipped with essential parts only, which are required for riding.

It is not recommended to start your motorcycling journey with off-roading. However, it is safe to start with plain and simple off-road tracks that do not offer many challenges.

Such terrains offer a safer environment for practicing motorcycling than learning on busy roads. There is no traffic, and you cannot hurt anyone if you are practicing somewhere alone. 

If you are looking for the best beginner-friendly dual sport bikes in the market, consider the options below. These dual sport bikes are the most popular and efficient in production.

• Honda CRF300L

• Suzuki DRZ400S

• Yamaha TW200

• Suzuki DR200SE

• Yamaha XT250

• Kawasaki KLX250S

• Yamaha WR250R

• Honda XR650L

If you want to learn more in detail about these best dual sport bikes for beginners, read the article attached below:

If you are passionate about something, you can achieve it regardless of age. This is true when it comes to motocross or dirt bike riding. If you are fit, active, and in good shape, you can ride a dirt bike and do off-roading.

Several motorcycle riding institutes offer dirt bike riding training classes to students of all ages.

Many motorcycle brands manufacture dirt bikes. Though dirt bikes have the same mechanism as other motorcycle types, they are still very different. They are lighter, produce better torque, and have better suspensions for off-roading.

The below-mentioned motorcycle brands make the best dirt bikes:

• Yamaha

• Honda

• KTM

• Kawasaki Husqvarna

Dirt bikes are small, lightweight, and low-powered. This is what sounds like the perfect beginner bike. However, they are only capable of going off-road. Also, starting motorcycling on off-road terrains isn’t always a good idea. Most dirt bikes are not even street-legal. You may not be able to take these bikes on the road.

On the other hand, dual sport bikes are the off-road motorcycles most suitable for beginners. They are lightweight, easy to handle and maneuver, affordable, and capable of both on- and off-roading.

They are very simple and fun, which makes them an ideal learning platform for beginners. You can find a great deal on used dual sport bikes. Above all, they are also cheaper to maintain and ride due to being highly fuel efficient.

The low-powered, small-displacement engines of dual sport bikes deliver adequate power and torque to make rides safe and enjoyable for beginners.