Street Bike vs. Dirt Bike Comparison

In the world of motorcycles, there are two broad categories: a street bike (which tends to be called a motorcycle) and an off-road bike (which is also often called a dirt bike). They are designed with a specific style of riding in mind, varying in everything from their appearance to how you ride them. We rounded up a few key comparisons below so that you can find the right style for you. If you have any questions or want to check out models, visit Langston Motorsports. We proudly serve those in Temecula, Orange County, and San Bernardino, California.

The Size

One glance at a street bike and an off-road bike and you'll see an immediate difference - their size. An off-road bike will be much smaller by comparison. Their frame will be stripped down to the bare basics. This is in attempt to keep them light so that they can be easy to control and agile over that difficult terrain. 

A street bike, on the other hand, doesn't need to be light. In fact, they want to be the opposite! On the highway, a motorcycle has to deal with the drag from other motorists. A big, bulky frame helps them remain stable when large vehicles pass by. The bigger the frame, the more stable it will be against drag.

The Tires

Each type of motorcycle faces different terrain and operate with tires that are best suited for their given turf. An off-road bike will be traversing over an uneven surface. Sometimes the surface can even be loose (as you will find with dirt and sand). Traction becomes the most important things. Many off-road bike tires will sport extra nobs, a flexible carcass, and a slim design to better tackle these obstacles (without losing any speed).

A street bike will be hitting the highway. Other than the occasional pothole, you can expect a smooth ride. You still need some traction of course, but not quite as much as when you are in the backwoods. These tires, by comparison, will tend to be wider and smoother. These features help promote better city performance.

The Frame

Another key comparison is the materials that make up the frames of the different motorcycles. An off-road bike is made from hard plastics (rather than metal). This keeps them more flexible (which helps keep the ride smooth on a bumpy road). 

In comparison, a street bike does not need that much flexibility. Instead of bendable plastic, they are made with a sturdy, rigid metal. This helps keep the ride more stable. Of course, it also helps add some style to your ride too!

The Seat Position

You'll find that another big comparison is how the rider sits on each of these motorcycles. With an off-road bike, you'll spend much of the ride standing. The seats, then, are built so you can easily transition from sitting to standing. When you are sitting, you'll be in a forward-leaning style.

With a street bike, you spend your time sitting. The seat position tends to be pushed further back to create a more comfortable riding position. You can find certain styles of motorcycles that have a more aggressive, forward-leaning style (such as the cruiser). But in general, they will be back for comfort's sake.

Ready to look at different motorcycle models? Visit Langston Motorsports. We offer a range of new and used motorcycles for sale. Our friendly staff can help you find the perfect model for your given budget, riding level, and riding style. We proudly serve those in Temecula, Orange County, and San Bernardino, California.