If you’re a fan of dirt bikes, you might have heard about trail dirt bikes and motocross dirt bikes. While both types of bikes are popular among dirt bike enthusiasts, there are some key differences between them. In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between trail dirt bikes and motocross dirt bikes, so you can determine which one is right for you.
What’s The Difference Between A Trail Dirt Bike & A Motocross Dirt Bike?
1. Riding Purpose
One of the most significant differences between trail dirt bikes and motocross dirt bikes is their purpose of riding. Trail dirt bikes are designed to ride on unpaved and wooded trails, while motocross dirt bikes are made specifically for racing on dirt tracks. Trail dirt bikes usually have lower suspension, softer suspension settings, and more comfortable seats to give a smooth ride, whereas motocross dirt bikes have a stiffer suspension and higher ground clearance to tackle high jumps and obstacles.
2. Power Output
Another significant factor that sets the two types of bikes apart is their power output. Trail dirt bikes tend to have less power, with engine sizes ranging from 150cc to 450cc, and therefore have a lower top speed. In contrast, motocross dirt bikes have a higher power output, with engine sizes ranging from 250cc to 450cc, and therefore have a much higher top speed. The higher power output of a motocross dirt bike is designed to help the rider achieve maximum speed while racing on tracks.
3. Tires and wheels
The tires and wheels of a dirt bike can make a huge difference in its performance. Trail dirt bikes usually have larger and heavier tires with greater tread depth than motocross dirt bikes to provide better traction in dirt, mud, and sand. On the other hand, motocross dirt bikes have lighter and smaller tires, which are designed to slide around corners during fast races. They have a shorter lifespan due to the increased wear and tear caused by jumps and extreme acceleration.
4. Ergonomics
Trail and motocross dirt bikes have different ergonomic setups to suit their different purposes. Trail dirt bikes are designed to be comfortable all-day rides, with softer suspension and comfortable seating positions designed to absorb shocks from rough terrain. Motocross dirt bikes, on the other hand, are built for speed, lightweight, and maneuverability. They are built with a narrower seat, compact design, and higher handlebars for greater control when racing around corners.
5. Body Design
Body design is also an essential factor to consider when comparing trail dirt bikes and motocross dirt bikes. Trail dirt bikes often feature substantial shapes for more substantial impact protection, while motocross dirt bikes have less bulky bodies since they are not meant for contact with obstacles. Motocross bikes have a slim ergonomic design to enable the rider to move around the bike freely, which is important for performing jumps and maintaining balance.
Is Motocross & Dirt Biking The Same Thing?
First and foremost, we need to tackle the question on everyone’s mind – Is motocross the same as dirt biking? The answer is both yes and no. Motocross involves riding a motorbike on a dirt track that is designed with various obstacles such as jumps, turns, and moguls, while dirt biking encompasses any off-road motorcycle riding, including trail riding, desert racing, and even freestyle motocross.
So, while motocross is a type of dirt biking, not all types of dirt biking are considered motocross. It’s essential to understand that not all dirt bike tracks are the same; some are designed for motocross while others are perfect for trail riding
What’s Wrong With A Motocross Bike?
Well, a motocross bike is designed for the specific purpose of being used on a motocross track. They’re not suitable for other kinds of dirt biking. They have a light frame, minimal suspension, and low gear ratio, which makes them perfect for quick acceleration and agile cornering, not for handling tougher terrain, jumps or rocky trails.
So, if you’re planning a more relaxed dirt bike ride, with longer straighter paths, desert rides or trail riding, using a motocross bike will not deliver the best performance. A different bike, like an enduro bike, would be more suited for the job.
Can You Use My Motocross Bike For Trail Riding?
The answer is yes; you can use a motocross bike for trail riding, but it won’t perform as well as a bike designed for that particular style. The components that make a motocross bike great for the track could become a disadvantage on different terrains, like trail riding.
The light frame and stiff suspension can be challenging to handle at high speeds on straight trails and rough terrain. However worthwhile mods like swapping tires and adjusting the suspension can be customized to work better for trail riding.
What Is The Best Dirt Bike For Trail Riding?
With so many models and brands of dirt bikes on the market, it might be difficult to determine what the ideal dirt bike for trail riding is. As an avid biker and trail rider, I am here to help you figure out which dirt bike is perfect for your riding style and experience level.
1. Engine Size:
The size of the engine has a significant impact on the bike’s performance. In general, a 250cc engine is ideal for beginner riders. If you’re an intermediate rider, a 350-450cc engine might be a better choice, while advanced riders may opt for a 500-600cc engine. The bigger the engine, the more powerful the bike, but also the more challenging it is to control.
2. Suspension:
Trail riding can be rough on a dirt bike, so choosing a bike with excellent suspension is crucial. The suspension should have enough travel to absorb bumps and jumps and provide a comfortable ride. Bikes with high-end suspension systems, like the KTM or Husqvarna, are ideal for advanced riders. More affordable bikes, like the Yamaha YZ, are excellent options for beginners.
3. Weight:
Choosing a dirt bike that is the right weight for you is important. A bike that is too heavy, like a BMW or Harley Davidson, might be challenging to control on the trails. Lightweight bikes, like the Honda CRF and Yamaha YZ, are ideal for trail riding.
4. Skill Level:
The best dirt bike for trail riding depends on your skill level. If you’re new to trail riding, a beginner bike, like the Kawasaki KLX or Honda CRF, is an excellent place to start. For intermediate riders, bikes like the Yamaha YZ or KTM SX-F might provide more of a challenge. Finally, advanced riders may prefer a high-end bike, like the Husqvarna TE or KTM 500 Exc.
5. Budget:
You don’t have to break the bank to purchase a dirt bike for trail riding. Entry-level bikes, like the Yamaha YZ, Kawasaki KLX, and Honda CRF, are affordable and great for beginner riders. More advanced bikes, like the KTM SX-F and Husqvarna TE, come with a heftier price tag but are worth the investment for experienced riders.
Can You Jump A Trail Bike?
Suspension travel is a critical aspect when it comes to dirt bikes. Suspension travel determines how much the bike can absorb rough terrain, and the rider’s comfort level. Typically, dirt bikes come with either more or less suspension travel, and both have their advantages depending on what type of terrain you’ll be riding on. More suspension travel is best for rocky terrains, while less suspension travel is ideal for smooth tracks or races like motocross.
If you’re jumping your dirt bike, more suspension travel is ideal because it can absorb the impact of any landing while preventing you from bottoming out. With more suspension travel, you are more likely to land smoothly without causing injury to yourself or the bike. Mainly if you are an inexperienced rider, you should opt for more suspension travel as it can prevent any accidents and make learning new stunts more comfortable and safer.
Less suspension travel is best suited for motocross racing because it has a shorter and harder landing compared to trail riding. It’s also great for when you want to ride fast and keep your wheels on the ground. Less suspension travel leaves few chances for error, making it a great option for experienced riders who want to make the most out of their riding ability.
The downside of more suspension travel is that it can take away some of the stiffness from the bike, making it harder to maneuver around tight turns. On the other hand, less suspension travel delivers more stiffness, allowing riders to make sharp turns, accelerating, and braking on track effortlessly. So, it’s essential to know your riding style and terrain to choose the ideal suspension travel for your dirt bike.
You should also consider your body weight when choosing suspension travel. Too much suspension travel can bottom out when carrying a heavier rider, while less suspension travel may not provide enough support for heavier riders. Ensure to read the manufacturer’s manual to determine the specific weight range of each bike before purchasing one.
What Is The Most Reliable 4 Stroke Dirt Bike?
1. Yamaha YZ250F:
The Yamaha YZ250F is an excellent option for riders who want a responsive, powerful, and reliable bike. The bike features a four-stroke engine, making it more fuel-efficient and responsive. The Yamaha YZ250F is also lightweight, durable, and offers excellent suspension, making it an excellent choice for trail and track riding.
2. Honda CRF450R:
The Honda CRF450R is one of the most dependable bikes on the market, known for its power, speed, and agility. With its larger engine capacity, the Honda CRF450R excels at track riding with the ability to tackle even the toughest tracks. It also features excellent suspension and handling, making it a popular choice for trail riders.
3. KTM 450 SX-F:
The KTM 450 SX-F is highly acclaimed for its power and agility. The four-stroke engine provides a broader power range, making it easy to control in a variety of terrains. With its excellent suspension and handling, the KTM 450 SX-F is a top player in both trail and track riding.
4. Kawasaki KX450F:
The Kawasaki KX450F is a reliable and sturdy bike that is perfect for riders who love tackling off-road trails. The bike features a durable and robust frame, excellent suspension, and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a smooth and consistent riding experience. It is also versatile and highly adaptable to any terrain, making it an ideal bike for both trail and track riding.
5. Suzuki RMZ450:
The Suzuki RMZ450 is a top choice for riders looking for a reliable and affordable bike. Its advanced four-stroke engine is known for its steady power output and exceptional maneuverability. Whether you’re hitting the trails or the track, you can count on the Suzuki RMZ450 to handle the job.
How to quickly improve you control on the trails
1. Practice Your Cornering:
Cornering is a crucial skill when it comes to trail riding. Whether you’re navigating through tight bends or loose gravel, knowing how to corner smoothly and confidently can increase your safety and enjoyment of the ride. Practice different types of corners to improve your technique.
2. Brake Properly:
Knowing how to control your brakes can make all the difference when it comes to traversing tricky terrains. Practice applying your brakes smoothly and evenly to ensure a stable ride.
3. Use Your Body Positioning:
Positioning your body correctly on the bike can also improve your control on the trails. Knowing how to shift your body weight to maintain balance and stability in different situations can keep you safe and comfortable.
4. Understand Your Bike:
Knowing your bike and how it operates is essential to improving your control and ensuring your safety. Take the time to understand your bike’s capabilities and performance to make the most of your riding experience.
