If you want to hit the streets with a dirt bike, one thing to confirm is if it’s street legal. But with the many available options, what are some of the best street legal dirt bikes?
For any dirt bike to be street-legal, it must have the following components: headlights, DOT tires, brake light, tail light, and a mirror. And in some states, your dirt bike will require turn signals.
So, stay tuned as I will explain why your dirt bike needs all these parameters. I will also give a detailed review of the best street legal dirt bikes by brand.
But what if you own a supermoto dirt bike? Can you convert it to a street-legal dual sport dirt bike? Well, I’ll explain that too.
Let’s get started!
Are All Dirt Bikes Road Compliant?
The short answer is NO! While you can find some good street legal dirt bikes, some are entirely for the off-road. Others, however, are neither on-road nor off-road choices. They are the type that tests your skill and ability to roll over technical obstacles.
That said, some dirt bikes can be easily converted to tick the box of on-road use, as we will see later. However, it’s good to note that it’s cheaper to buy a fully road-compliant dirt bike than to convert one.
What Is a Street Legal Dirt Bike?
A road-compliant dirt bike is a motorcycle with knobby tires and is usually plated and registered for public road use.
A dual sport bike is the streets’ most popular dirt bike type. As the word suggests, ‘dual’ can serve two purposes – on-road and off-road.
Below are some crucial requirements for a dirt bike to be street legal.
- Headlights – A headlight gives you visibility when riding at low light or at night. They also ensure you are safe as people can recognize your presence on the road.
- DOT tires – For your information, any street legal dirt in the US must have the Department of Transportation mark on its tires. This DOT mark is a certification that proves that the tires are road compliant and meet the Department of Transportation’s safety standards.
- Brake light – Motorcycle brake lights come in handy when wanting to slow down. Put it back in your mind that you are not the only one riding on the road. For this reason, the brake light warns people and other drivers that you want to slow down. So, it must be in place and effective.
- Tail light – Do not mistake a tail light for a brake light. They both have different purposes. While a brake light warns the driver behind that you want to slow down, a tail light, on the other hand, makes your dirt bike noticeable to other drivers riding behind you.
- Mirror – A street-legal dirt bike also needs to have a mirror. A mirror gives you a clearer image of the traffic behind. And as the traffic annual data states, most accidents happen because of a malfunctioning or broken mirror. So, it’s a must-have when riding on-road.
Best Street Legal Dirt Bikes
Since there are many street-legal dirt bikes, let’s narrow down the list with the best options below:
1. Yamaha Street Legal Dirt Bikes
If you want cool dual sport dirt bikes, Yamaha has some great choices for you can choose from. Even better, if you are a beginner, you can be sure of getting the best street legal dirt bikes for beginners.
Some of the best options include:
- TW200
The TW200 dual sport bike from Yamaha is a beginner-friendly dirt bike. This dirt bike has a low seat that allows you to place your feet flat on the ground.
It also comes with low power that makes it easy to ride for beginners, and most importantly, it’s forgiving when you make mistakes.
Its engine is 4-stroke with a motor size of 196cc. It’s also lightweight as it weighs 278lbs and has five speeds which are excellent for a beginner.
- Yamaha XT250
Not all of us are beginners. Most are even taller. For this reason, the Yamaha XT250 is slightly bigger than regular bikes, has more power, and suits taller riders perfectly.
- Yamaha WR250R
Yamaha WR250R is a dual sport dirt bike for high performers and pros who want more power. They are also suitable for off-road but come with the disadvantage of being heavy.
The engine size is 4-stroke with a motor size of 250cc.
One thing that makes this dirt bike stand out among the rest is its adjustable rear shock and 6-speed transmission.
2. Honda Dual Sport Dirt Bikes
Honda had only one street dirt bike in the past (Honda XR650). Now, there are a variety of Honda dual sport bikes, and the best ones include:
- Honda CRF450L
Are you short and a beginner or an intermediate rider? No bike can fit you better than the Honda CRF450L. This dirt bike unpacks excellent performance and comes with 6-gears.
It’s a 4-stroke with a motor size of 499cc and weighs just 291 pounds.
- Honda XR650L
If your choice is a bike that wins on both sides (on-road and off-road), then the Honda XR650L ticks the two boxes. Since it joined the market in 1992, it has gained popularity over the years and reigns in the two worlds.
This dirt bike has a firm suspension for absorbing road impacts, thus giving you a joyful ride on freeway and off-road trails. It’s a 4-stroke with a motor size of 644cc, and the only drawback is that it weighs 346lbs, thus heavy.
3. Suzuki Dual Sport Dirt Bikes
Suzuki has the most perfectly built dual sport dirt bikes. The best Suzuki dual sport bikes include:
- Suzuki DR-Z400SM
Among the best Suzuki dual sport bikes is the Suzuki DR-Z400SM. This dirt bike has a 4-stroke engine and a motor size of 398cc.
Though its price is just a bargain, it weighs 322 lbs., which is heavy compared to other bikes from different brands. For this reason, it’s not beginner friendly.
- Suzuki DR200S
If you are a novice wanting to invest in a Suzuki bike, then the DR200S dirt bike is the bike for you. Another advantage is that it’s cheap.
4. Kawasaki Dual Sport Dirt Bikes
Kawasaki is another big brand in the dirt bike sector. Below are some fantastic, durable dual sport dirt bikes:
- KLR650
If you want an unfailing dual sport dirt bike, the Kawasaki KLR650 fits the description. It’s powered by a solid 4-stroke engine and has a motor size of 652cc. Although it’s heavy (weighing 432.1 lbs, you cannot ignore its endurance and robust build.
- Kawasaki KLX 230
Now, if you are looking for a Kawasaki beginner dirt bike, you should not go beyond KLX 230. This dual sport bike has a 4-stroke engine and a motor size of 233cc.
It’s also lightweight, considering that it only weighs 293lbs.
Other Brands
Other big brands with undoubtedly well-built dual sport bikes are KTM and Husqvarna. Some of the KTM road legal dirt bikes include:
- KTM 350EXC-F
- Husqvarna FE 350S
Converting Your Dirt Bike to Be Road Compliant
In some states, you can be allowed to dual register or convert your dirt bike to be street legal. So, if this is your case, you need to get a plate license before you can even convert your bike for on-road riding.
Once you get the license, you can convert the tires to DOT options to be road compliant. Then you can add a taillight, brake light, headlight, and a mirror.
Sometimes, however, it may mean spending more than you could buy a dual sport that is road compliant. So, before taking up this step, do some calculations.
People Also Ask
1. What Are Some Street Legal Dirt Bikes?
A dirt legal dirt bike does not need to have more power. So, smaller dirt bikes are the best options as they are easier to handle, ride and turn.
Some of the best street legal dirt bikes are:
- Yamaha TW200
- Yamaha XT250
- Honda CRF450L
- Honda XR650L
- Suzuki DR200S
- Kawasaki KLX230
2. What Are the Best Street Legal Dirt Bikes Under 2000?
If you are on a budget, you can find some decent street legal dirt bikes under $2000, such as:
- Honda CRF50F (2020 edition)
- Yamaha TT-R50E (2019 edition)
- KTM SX 50 Pro (2015 edition)
3. Is Supermoto a Street Legal Dirt Bike?
A supermoto dirt bike does not necessarily mean it’s street legal. However, some states allow converting your supermoto to a street-legal dirt bike.
Closing Remarks
Above is a detailed guide to the best street legal dirt bikes. You can use it to find a street-legal dirt bike that matches your need and suits your budget. As shared, there are a variety of street legal dirt bikes, which means much freedom when it comes to getting one.
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