Dual Sport Vs. Adventure Bike: What are the Differences?

• Table of Contents
• 1. The Key Difference Between Dual Sport Vs Adventure Bike
• 2. Styling of Dual Sport Vs Adventure Bike
• 2.1 Styling of Dual Sport Motorcycles
• 2.2 Styling of Adventure Motorcycles
• 3. The Performance of Dual Sport Vs Adventure Bike
• 3.1 Engine Displacement in Dual Sport Motorcycles
• 3.2 Engine Displacement in Adventure Motorcycles
• 3.3 Number of Cylinders in Dual Sport Motorcycles
• 3.4 Number of Cylinders in Adventure Motorcycles
• 3.5 Gearing in Dual Sport Motorcycles
• 3.6 Gearing in Adventure Motorcycles
• 3.7 Ground Clearance in Dual Sport Motorcycles
• 3.8 Ground Clearance in Adventure Motorcycles
• 4. Comfort and Ergonomics of Dual Sport Vs Adventure Bike
• 4.1 Seat in Dual Sport Motorcycles
• 4.2 Seat in Adventure Motorcycles
• 5. Safety and Advanced Features in Dual Sport Vs Adventure Bike
• 5.1 Dual Sport Motorcycles
• 5.2 Adventure Motorcycles
• 6. Dual Sport Vs Adventure Bike Pros
• 6.1 Dual Sport Motorcycle Pros
• 6.2 Dual Sport Motorcycle Cons
• 6.3 Adventure Motorcycle Pros
• 6.4 Adventure Motorcycle Cons
• 7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
• 7.1 Which are the Best Adventure Motorcycles Available in 2022?
• 7.2 What are Adventure Bikes Good For?
• 7.3 Which is the Cheapest Adventure Bike?
• 7.4 Which is the Best Entry-level Adventure Bike?
• 8. Takeaway

As the name indicates, dual sport motorcycles are dual-purpose vehicles, meaning that they can maneuver on both paved and unpaved terrain. Whereas, adventure motorcycles are also suited for both on- and off-road riding. Many riders do not know whether to choose between adventure and dual sport motorcycles when looking for a motorbike suited for off-roading. This article provides a detailed comparison between dual sport and adventure motorcycles.

1. Dual Sport Vs. Adventure Bike: The Key Differences

Both dual sport and adventure motorcycles have on- and off-road riding capabilities, but adventure motorcycles bear more resemblance to street motorcycles and perform better on longer trips atop paved terrain.

On the other hand, dual sport motorcycles bear more resemblance to dirt bikes and perform better off-road.

Motorcycle Type	Adventure Motorcycles	Dual Sport Motorcycles
Maneuvering Capability	Both on- and off-road riding	Both on- and off-road riding
Performance	Better on-road performance	Better off-road performance
Weight and Size	Heavyweight	Lightweight
Comfort Level	More comfort	Less comfort
Engine Displacement	650 cc or more	650 cc or less
Cylinders	Twin-Cylinder	Single-Cylinder
Fuel Tank Capacity	Large for long range	Small for short range
Range	Typically 200 + miles	Typically less than 150 miles
Windscreen	Large	Small or no windscreen
Ground Clearance	Lower	Higher
Seat	Comfortable seat	High flat seat, Motocross style
Wheels	Spoked wheels	Spoked wheels
Crash and protective guards	Yes, to avoid off-road damage	Yes, to avoid off-road damage
Footrests	Higher for stand-up riding	Higher for stand-up riding
Bodywork	Greater	Minimal
Brakes	Heavy duty for on-road riding, ABS	ABS
Frame	Stronger Frame	Lighter Frame
Luggage Option	Enough space for luggage	Limited space for luggage

2. Styling of Dual Sport Vs. Adventure Bike

2.1 Styling of Dual Sport Motorcycles

Photo credit : @thecoolist.com

Evolved from enduro motorbikes, dual sport motorcycles were built to perform better on unpaved terrain. Enduro motorcycles were originally built to maneuver on unpaved terrain only but over time, these motorcycles were fitted with modifications to make them street-legal. They were fitted with a head and tail light, turn signals, a license plate bracket, and a silencer. These modified and street-legal enduro motorcycles eventually became the modern dual sport motorcycles.

Dual sport motorcycles either have a small or no windscreen and a flat, uncomfortable seat. They are lighter compared to adventure motorbikes and have a smaller fuel tank. Also, they have a lighter frame and limited space to mount luggage.

2.2 Styling of Adventure Motorcycles

Photo credit : @press.bmwgroup.com

Adventure motorcycles are bulky compared to dual sports bikes. As they are built to perform better on paved surfaces, they look similar to street motorcycles. They have beefier parts compared to dual sports bikes, a larger fuel tank, a windscreen, a front fairing, protective covers to keep the engine safe from debris, mudguards, head and tail lights, turn signals, and side mirrors. They are equipped with almost every part necessary to be considered street-legal.

Adventure motorcycle tires have aggressive tread patterns to provide better traction atop rough terrain. The adventure motorcycles also have a durable frame and enough space for luggage installation.

3. The Performance of Dual Sport Vs. Adventure Bike

3.1 Engine Displacement in Dual Sport Motorcycles

Dual sport motorcycles are powered by 250 to 650 cc engines since they are designed for maximum torque and thrust rather than speed. A few dual sport motorcycles have larger engines than 650 cc including the Suzuki DR 750S Big, which was launched in 1988 and had an engine displacement of 727 cc, and the Husqvarna 701 Enduro with its 693 cc engine.

Photo credit : @ultimatemotorcycling.com

3.2 Engine Displacement in Adventure Motorcycles

Adventure motorcycle engines can range from 800 to 1300 cc, with these larger engines making them quick and powerful. For example, the KTM 1190 Adventure motorcycle has an engine size of 1195 cc, can produce a horsepower of 128.8 hp, and can reach a top speed of 145 mph.

Photo credit : @amcn.com.au

3.3 Number of Cylinders in Dual Sport Motorcycles

Dual sport motorcycles are generally equipped with a one-cylinder engine and are easier to maintain. However, one-cylinder engines generate more vibrations and noise when your dual sport motorcycle travels at higher speeds.

3.4 Number of Cylinders in Adventure Motorcycles

Adventure motorcycles are equipped with two-cylinder engines that reach higher rpm and provide a comfortable ride, even at higher speeds. The adventure motorcycles’ two-cylinder engines are more powerful and create less vibrations. Other adventure motorcycles are equipped with three-cylinder engines, making the motorbikes heavier and harder to repair.

3.5 Gear Ratio in Dual Sport Motorcycles

Dual sport motorcycles have a low gear ratio to promote better performance on unpaved terrain, resulting in a low-speed but powerful performance.

3.6 Gear Ratio in Adventure Motorcycles

Adventure motorcycles tend to have a higher gear ratio to help these motorbikes carry their weight at higher speeds and ensure comfortable rides.

3.7 Ground Clearance in Dual Sport Motorcycles

Dual sport motorcycles have higher ground clearance than adventure motorcycles because they have suspensions capable of longer wheel travel and a larger front tire. High ground clearance is important in dual sport motorcycles to keep the engine and other components safe from being damaged by debris on rough terrain.

3.8 Ground Clearance in Adventure Motorcycles

Adventure motorcycles have low ground clearance because they need to be stable at higher speeds to balance out their heavy weight.

4. Comfort and Ergonomics of Dual Sport Vs. Adventure Bike

4.1 Seat in Dual Sport Motorcycles

Photo credit: @ultimatemotorcycling.com

Dual sport motorcycles have flat and hard seats, which make them uncomfortable for longer off-road trips. However, dual sport motorcycles’ flat and thin seats help riders maintain balance while riding off-road. Also, the seat height of most dual sport motorcycles is too high for shorter riders.

4.2 Seat in Adventure Motorcycles

Photo credit : @timesnownews.com

Adventure motorcycles prioritize comfort as they are not meant to travel on unpaved terrain. They are fitted with adjustable seats to accommodate all riders and ensure maximum comfort on longer rides.

5. Safety and Advanced Features of Dual Sport Vs. Adventure Bike

5.1 Dual Sport Motorcycles

Dual sport motorcycles are built with a simple design and are not equipped with complex rider aids. Modern dual sport motorcycles have ABS installed as a standard feature.

5.2 Adventure Motorcycles

Every year, adventure motorcycles become more advanced. The latest models have ABS, a traction control system, and different rider modes. The rider modes help riders adjust the functionality of the ABS and traction control system.

6. Dual Sport Vs. Adventure Bike Pros & Cons

6.1 Dual Sport Motorcycle Pros

Dual Sport Motorcycle Pros
Lightweight
Better off-road performance
Better handling
Better durability
Street legal
Can maneuver on rough terrain

6.2 Dual Sport Motorcycle Cons

Dual Sport Motorcycle Cons
Below average highway performance
No windscreen for heavy wind protection
Single-cylinder engines cause noise and vibrations at higher speeds
Uncomfortable seat
Smaller fuel tank capacity
Limited luggage carrying capacity
Require frequent oil changes
Tires wear out quicker

6.3 Adventure Motorcycle Pros

Adventure Motorcycle Pros
Powerful and larger displacement engines
Twin-cylinder engines ensure comfortable high-speed rides
Good on-road performance
Equipped with an ABS and traction control
Large windscreen
Large fuel tank capacity
More luggage carrying capacity
Comfortable seat for longer trips
Heavy duty suspension with longer wheel travel

6.4 Adventure Motorcycle Cons

Adventure Motorcycle Cons
Much heavier than dual sport bikes
Off-roading is more challenging
Not a good choice for rough terrain
Plastic bodywork can be easily damaged
Difficult to pick up if fallen over
Complex engines and advanced electronics are difficult to repair
More expensive to repair

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

7.1 Which are the Best Adventure Motorcycles Available in 2022?

There are the best adventure motorcycles based on their on-and off-road performance. These include:

• 2022 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
• 2022 BMW R1250 GS Adventure
• 2022 Ducati Multistrada V4
• 2022 Triumph Tiger 1200
• 2022 Yamaha Ténéré 700

7.2 What are Adventure Bikes Good For?

Adventure motorbikes are good for touring and sports touring. They are becoming a popular choice for long-distance touring on unpaved terrain. The adventure motorbike’s notable features include its large fuel tank capacity, comfortable seat, upright riding position, large wheels, and longer wheel travel.

7.3 Which are the Cheapest Adventure Bikes?

If you cannot afford one of the more powerful adventure bikes, you can still find cheaper options on the market. These options include:

• Kawasaki Versys-X 300
• BMW G 310 GS
• KTM 390 Adventure
• Suzuki V-Strom 650
• Royal Enfield Himalayan

7.4 Which are the Best Entry-Level Adventure Bikes?

The best entry-level adventure bikes include:

• Kawasaki Versys-X 300
• BMW G 310 GS
• Honda CB500X
• Royal Enfield Himalayan
• Suzuki V-Strom 650

8. Takeaway

Adventure and dual sport motorcycles are capable of on- and off-roading, but they perform very differently. If you want a powerful and versatile motorbike that can handle paved roads and off-road terrain, choose the adventure motorbike. Dual Sport motorcycles perform better on unpaved terrain rather than on level and smooth roads.

To make your adventure motorcycles perfect for touring, you can attach different LUGGAGE options that can increase your motorcycle’s storage capacity. The luggage options available at Viking Bags include SADDLEBAGS, TAIL BAGS, TANK BAGS, TOOL BAGS, and BACKPACKS.