While street and dirt bikes look similar, they have some considerable differences. The two types of motorcycles are designed for different terrain. The dirt bike thrives on rough terrains, like unsurfaced roads and tracks, while the street bike is aimed at paved roads.
Every feature of each bike is designed with the terrain in mind. Always take out motorbike insurance just in case something goes wrong on or off the road.
Let’s take a closer look at the differences between dirt and street bike.
Size and weight
Dirt bikes are smaller, so the rider finds it easier to control them. A dirt road is a challenging terrain – especially in scrambling spots. The rider may need to move around different hurdles and navigate uneven paths forcibly. Dirt bikes only have one cylinder and a smaller displacement that are better for rough terrain.
On the other hand, street bikes need to be much heavier and sturdier to keep riders on the road. Street bike riders share the road with large passing vehicles that can be difficult to overcome. The drag from these vehicles is tricky to manage – but the extra weight on the bike helps. Street bikes also include features like GPS and speakers.
Tyres
Off-road tyres have far more traction with extra nobs and empty parts to grip mud and dirt. They tend to have much narrower tyres that can slice through any debris on the track. These tyres amplify traction on rough surfaces and have a more flexible carcass.
Street tyres are round and smooth, with little space in them. Street motorcycles expose maximum rubber on the road to grip the surface. The tread pattern on street tyres directs water away from the tyre.
Suspension
It will come as no surprise that dirt bikes have a lot more suspension than their street counterparts. The suspension absorbs shock, and dirt bikes encounter all kinds of obstacles on rough terrain. Dirt bikes have a system of hydraulic tubes and spring shocks to absorb the impact of these obstacles. In most dirt bikes, there are over twelve inches of suspension travel.
A large amount of suspension can make street bikes uncomfortable. Too much suspension will make the ride too bouncy – and increase the risk of bottoming out on the road. Road bikes have much tighter shocks, so they absorb impact without making you uncomfortable.
Street and dirt bikes have different features to combat the challenges of their terrain. On the road, the main problem is the drag from larger lorries and cars. The motorcycles need to be heavy and stable to hold their own on the road. In contrast, dirt bikes need to be light and nimble to navigate the unpredictability of off-road tracks.
Motorcycles come in all shapes and sizes; you just need to find the right one for you and your terrain.
