Dual Sport Motorcycles – This is What I Do

I didn’t produce this video, just wish that I had. It shows what I love to do – not only ride motorcycles, but ride dual sport motorcycles.

What is a dual sport motorcycle? Years ago we called them enduro bikes, but that name didn’t fit so well. Dual sport bikes have evolved. In the past they were detuned and low cost dirt bikes. Not as powerful or as fast as a full on dirt bike, and not really designed for much street travel. Today the market has expanded. Dual sport motorcycles, also known as adventure bikes, is the single largest growing motorcycle category in the past 8 years or so. Dual sport bikes are (supposedly) at home both on the street and the dirt. Of course the reality is there are very dirt capable dual sport bikes like the KTM 525, and there are bikes that can handle dirt but are big and bulky for serious single track exploring, like the KTM 950 Adventure of the BMW R1200GS (which I own) and even the bikes that are claimed to be dual sport but are really only comfortable on paved roads, like the Ducati Multistrada.

But all dual sport/enduro/adventure bikes have one thing in common. They are meant to explore and have fun. To get off the beaten path, go places other bikes are not really designed to go, and get you there in relative comfort. A good dual sport/adventure bike can be anything from a Honda Trail C90 to a big BMW GS Adventure. The fun is in the attitude of the rider, the idea of exploring, traveling, learning about the world and the people in it.

This video sums up part of why I love riding dual sport motorcycles.