| Dirt bikes and motocross bikes have a lot in common, | | | | Motocross engines tend to be smaller than that of trail |
| but the two styles address different goals. As always, | | | | bikes. Traditional two-stroke engines keep the weight |
| consider the kind of riding you intend to pursue in order | | | | to a minimum. These bikes are built for fast |
| to select the type that's right for you. | | | | acceleration, so they sport 5 or 6 speed gear boxes |
| Trail | | | | with close ratios. |
| Dirt or trail bikes are designed for just what the name | | | | To get the weight as low as possible, even stop lights |
| suggests - riding along trails, most of which are dirt. | | | | and headlamps are frequently removed. Suspension is |
| They can be used around town, but they wouldn't be | | | | stiff, almost non-existent in feel. Motocross bikes are |
| comfortable for long rides and there isn't much room | | | | built for racing, and usually off-road or multi-level rather |
| for a passenger. | | | | than just a simple oval track. |
| Trail bikes are small, lightweight and have great | | | | Aerodynamics isn't important, since the bike won't be |
| suspension for absorbing the shock of bumps, rocks | | | | travelling at highway speeds, but the streamlined look is |
| and short falls off low cliffs. Engine sizes are on the | | | | still there. |
| smaller size, but often have high torque for hill climbing. | | | | Achieving comfort plays no part in the design and |
| Single-cylinder motors are the norm. Ground clearance | | | | there's never room for passengers. Handling and |
| is considerably greater than a cruiser or touring | | | | maneuverability are everything. Races are won by the |
| motorcycle. | | | | ability to navigate turns and low hills as quickly as |
| Sometimes referred to as a dual sport or Enduro | | | | possible. |
| motorbike, tire selection is important. Consider where | | | | When you can't stay on, don't worry. These babies |
| you'll do most of your riding: forest, beach, desert, back | | | | are rock solid. They're built for tumbles and spills. The |
| roads, hills, etc. Windscreens can be attached, but it's | | | | rider may never get up again, but the bike most |
| unusual. Dirt bike riding is often at slower speeds and | | | | certainly will. |
| no one is expected to be in front of you throwing | | | | Forget about accessories. No one is going to hang a |
| gravel in your face. | | | | saddlebag on these hummingbirds. They buzz and |
| Honda has been making trail bikes for 40 years now, | | | | zoom, dart and dash. Even a mirror would be an |
| and their latest models encompass everything they've | | | | unnecessary distraction. No one has time to look |
| learned about engines, suspension, handling and more | | | | behind when the road ahead is hairpinned and steep. |
| over that time. | | | | Honda makes award-winning motocross bikes, but |
| Motocross | | | | they've been duking it out with Kawasaki for the title |
| Like dirt or trail bikes, motocross bikes are lightweight | | | | of champion for decades. Both manufacturers make |
| and have high ground clearance. But here all the | | | | solid competitors. |
| attributes are taken to an extreme. | | | | |