Street legal dirt bikes have become increasingly popular in recent years as more riders are looking to take their off-road adventures to the streets.
A street legal dirt bike, also known as a road legal dirt bike, is a motorcycle designed to handle both on and off-road terrains. With the ability to travel on both the road and dirt, these bikes offer riders the best of both worlds.
KTM and Yamaha are two of the top manufacturers of road legal dirt bikes, with models ranging from 250cc street dirtbikes, to more powerful options. KTM’s lineup includes the 350 EXC-F, 500 EXC-F, and 690 Enduro R, while Yamaha offers the YZ450FX and the Tenere 700 as popular options.
In short, these off-road models offer riders the ability to explore both on and off-road terrains with ease. With a wide range of options available, including electric models and bikes from major manufacturers like Honda, Yamaha, and KTM, there is sure to be an option that meets your needs and budget.
In this post, we are focusing on street models that are built to tackle the off-road riding as well as some street riding.
Here are the main topics:
Let’s get started.
Benefits of Road Legal Dirt Bikes
For many dirt bike enthusiasts, the idea of taking their beloved off-road machine onto the streets is a dream come true. And thanks to the availability of street legal dirt bikes, that dream can now be a reality. They offer riders a unique combination of power, agility, and versatility, making them an attractive option for those who want to explore both on and off-road terrains.
One of the biggest benefits of owning one of these off-road motorcycles is the freedom it provides. With a street legal ride, riders can take their bike almost anywhere without worrying about being stopped by the authorities. Whether it’s exploring backcountry roads, navigating urban traffic, or cruising down the highway, a street legal dirt bike is up for the challenge.
Another advantage is their versatility. These bikes are designed to handle a variety of terrains, including off-road trails, city streets, and highways. This means riders can take their bikes from the dirt to the pavement without any modifications or additional equipment.
Finally, some of these models are often more affordable than traditional street bikes. Because they are designed for off-road use, they tend to be less expensive than their street-only counterparts. And with advancements in technology, there are now even street legal electric models available on the market, offering riders a greener, more environmentally-friendly option.
Summary
Top 5 benefits of owning a street legal dirt bike:
- Versatility: They are designed to handle both on-road and off-road terrains, making it a versatile choice for riders who want to explore different types of environments.
- Maneuverability: These models are typically smaller and more lightweight than other types of motorcycles, making them easier to maneuver in tight spaces or over rough terrain.
- Fun and Adventure: Owning a street legal off-road model can open up a whole new world of adventure and fun. With the ability to explore off-road trails, as well as ride on the streets, riders can experience a wide range of environments and challenges.
- Fitness: Riding off-road can be a great way to stay fit and active. It requires physical exertion and engages many muscle groups, providing a full-body workout.
- Affordability: In general, street legal dirt bikes are more affordable than other types of motorcycles. They also tend to have lower maintenance costs, as they are designed to handle rough terrain and withstand more wear and tear.
In summary, these dual purpose motorcycles offer riders the freedom to go anywhere, the versatility to handle any terrain, and the affordability of a more specialized machine. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting out, a road legal dirt bike is a fantastic option for anyone looking to combine the best of both worlds.
Top Street Legal Dirt Bikes for Sale
Here is a summarized list of manufacturers that produce street-legal models and some of their popular versions:
- KTM: 500 EXC-F, 350 EXC-F, 250 EXC-F
- Husqvarna: FE 501s, FE 350s, TE 300i
- Yamaha: WR450F, YZ450FX, XT250, Tenere 700
- Honda: CRF450L, CRF300L, CRF250L
- Kawasaki: KLX450R, KLX250
- Suzuki: DR-Z400SM, DR-Z250
- Beta: 500 RR-S, 390 RR-S, 350 RR-S
Please note that availability and street-legal status may vary depending on your location and local regulations. It’s important to check with your local DMV or equivalent agency to ensure that any bike you’re interested in is compliant with local laws and regulations.
Top 21 Popular Models
We included models in the below table to include only offroad centered street legal dirt bikes. We left out the bigger adventure models from this list as they are a completely separate category.
Each of these models can either be converted easily into street legal or come with most accessories needed to obtain the title and registration. In most cases you only need to install turn signals, mirror and some smaller items to pass the road legal inspection required.
| # | Model | Price | Engine | Dry Weight (lbs / kg) | Seat Height (in) | Front / Rear Tire | Ground Clearance (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yamaha XT250 | $5,299 | 249cc, 4-stroke | 234 lbs / 106 kg | 32.7 | 2.75-21 / 120/80-18 | 11.2 |
| 2 | Honda CRF300L | $5,399 | 286cc, 4-stroke | 309 lbs / 140 kg | 33.7 | 80/100-21 / 120/80-18 | 10 |
| 3 | Kawasaki KLX300 | $5,899 | 292cc, 4-stroke | 304 lbs / 138 kg | 35 | 3.00-21 / 4.60-18 | 10.8 |
| 4 | Kawasaki KLR650 | $6,899 | 652cc, 4-stroke | 456.2 lbs / 207 kg | 35 | 90/90-21 / 130/80-17 | 7.9 |
| 5 | Suzuki DR650S | $6,999 | 644cc, 4-stroke | 366 lbs / 166 kg | 34.8 | 90/90-21 / 120/90-17 | 10.4 |
| 6 | Suzuki DR-Z400S | $7,099 | 398cc, 4-stroke | 322 lbs / 146 kg | 36.8 | 80/100-21 / 120/90-18 | 11.8 |
| 7 | Sherco 250 SEF-R | $9,799 | 249cc, 4-stroke | 231.5 lbs / 105 kg | 37.8 | 90/90-21 / 140/80-18 | 14.2 |
| 8 | Honda CRF450L | $9,999 | 449.7cc, 4-stroke | 289 lbs / 131 kg | 37.2 | 80/100-21 / 120/80-18 | 12 |
| 9 | Yamaha WR450F | $9,999 | 449cc, 4-stroke | 262 lbs / 119 kg | 37.6 | 90/90-21 / 140/80-18 | 12.8 |
| 10 | Sherco 300 SEF-R | $10,199 | 303.68cc, 4-stroke | 229.3 lbs / 104 kg | 37.4 | 90/90-21 / 120/90-18 | 12.6 |
| 11 | Yamaha Tenere 700 | $10,499 | 689cc, 4-stroke | 452 lbs / 205 kg | 34.4 | 90/90-21, 150/70-18 | 9.4 |
| 12 | Husqvarna TE 300i | $10,899 | 293.2cc, 2-stroke | 236 lbs / 107 kg | 37.4 | 90/90-21 / 120/100-18 | 14.6 |
| 13 | Beta 350 RR-S | $10,999 | 349cc, 4-stroke | 244 lbs / 111 kg | 36.8 | 90/90-21 / 140/80-18 | 12.6 |
| 14 | Sherco 450 SEF-R | $11,199 | 449.4cc, 4-stroke | 238 lbs / 108 kg | 36.4 | 90/90-21 / 140/80-18 | 14.6 |
| 15 | Husqvarna FE 350s | $11,399 | 349.7cc, 4-stroke | 236 lbs / 107 kg | 37.4 | 80/100-21 / 140/80-18 | 14.6 |
| 16 | Husqvarna FE 501s | $11,399 | 510.9cc, 4-stroke | 249.3 lbs / 113 kg | 37.8 | 80/100-21 / 140/80-18 | 14.6 |
| 17 | Beta 390 RR-S | $11,599 | 385cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke | 241 lbs / 111 kg | 36.8 | 90/90-21 / 140/80-18 | 12.6 |
| 18 | Beta 500 RR-S | $11,799 | 478.6cc, 4-stroke | 243 lbs / 111 kg | 36.8 | 90/90-21 / 140/80-18 | 12.6 |
| 19 | KTM 350 EXC-F | $12,149 | 350cc, 4-stroke | 242 lbs / 110 kg | 37.8 | 80/100-21 / 120/100-18 | 14.6 |
| 20 | KTM 500 EXC-F | $12,549 | 510.9cc, 4-stroke | 244.3 lbs / 110.8 kg | 37.8 | 80/100-21 / 120/100-18 | 14.6 |
| 21 | KTM 690 Enduro R | $12,999 | 690cc, 4-stroke | 342.8 lbs / 155.5 kg | 35 | 90/90-21 / 140/80-18 | 9.8 |
Top 5 Street Legal Electric Dirt Bikes
The following table lists the top electric dirt bike models that are street legal with minor modifications.
I rode the Surron X and the Surron Storm Bee, and made reviews on both, be sure to check them out. Read my review on the Surron X here, and the review for the Surron Storm Bee here and the newly released Beta Explorer (review here).
| # | Model | Price | Engine | Dry Weight (lbs / kg) | Seat Height (in) | Front/Rear Tire | Ground Clearance (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sur Ron Storm Bee R | $9,500 | Electric | 230 lbs / 104 kg | 37.4 | 110/80-19 / 140/70-17 | 12.4 |
| 2 | KTM Freeride | $11,299 | Electric | 245 lbs / 111 kg | 35.8 | 90/90-21 / 120/80-18 | 13.4 |
| 3 | Zero FX | $12,995 | Electric | 293 lbs / 133 kg | 32.9 | 90/90-21 / 120/80-18 | 7.3 |
| 4 | Cake Kalk OR | $13,870 | Electric | 152 lbs / 69 kg | 36.4 | 24/24 | 11.75 |
| 5 | Surron X | $4,400 | Electric | 124 lbs / 57 kg | 33 | 70/100-19 / 70/100-19 | 11 |
How To Convert Dirt Bike to Street Legal
Converting a dirt bike to street legal can be a complex process, but here are some general steps you can follow:
- Check your local laws: Before starting the conversion process, it’s important to check the laws in your area to make sure that dirt bikes are allowed on the road, and to determine what equipment and modifications are required for street legal operation.
- Install the required equipment: Most states require street legal motorcycle to have a headlight, taillight, turn signals, horn, mirrors, and a license plate holder. You’ll need to purchase and install these items on your bike, along with any other equipment required by your state.
- Obtain a street legal title and registration: In order to legally operate your motorcycle on the road, you’ll need to obtain a street legal title and registration from your local DMV. You may also need to purchase liability insurance.
- Modify the exhaust system: Most models have an exhaust system that is too loud for street legal operation. You may need to modify the exhaust system or install a new muffler that meets your state’s noise level requirements.
- Adjust the suspension: The suspension is designed for off-road use and may not be suitable for street riding. You may need to adjust the suspension to provide a smoother ride on pavement.
- Use road legal tires: Check the tires and replace to road legal tires.
- Pass inspection: Once you’ve completed the conversion process, you’ll need to have it inspected by a licensed inspector to ensure that it meets all of the requirements for street legal operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are street legal dirt bikes safe to ride on the road?
Yes, these models are designed and manufactured to meet the necessary safety standards to ride on public roads.
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How fast can a street legal dirt bike go?
The top speeds can vary depending on the make and model, but generally, they can go up to 80-90 miles per hour.
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Do I need a license to ride a street legal dirt bike?
Yes, you need a valid driver’s license to ride on public roads.
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Can I ride a street legal dirt bike on the highway?
Yes, you can ride on the highway, as long as the bike meets the necessary requirements such as having a certain engine size and speedometer.
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Can I convert my off-road dirt bike into a street legal dirt bike?
Yes, however it depends on the specific make and model and the laws in your state or country. Some off-road bikes can be converted, while others cannot.
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How much do street legal dirt bikes cost?
Prices can vary depending on the make and model, with prices ranging from $2,500 to $15,000 or more.
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Can I ride a street legal dirt bike off-road?
Yes, you can ride off-road, as long as you follow the necessary laws and regulations.
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Do street legal dirt bikes require special maintenance?
Like any motorcycle, they require regular maintenance to ensure they are running safely and efficiently.
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Can I ride a street legal dirt bike in any weather condition?
Yes, however it is not recommended to ride in severe weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow or ice. It is best to avoid these conditions to ensure your safety unless you are experienced rider.
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What is the best street legal dirt bike for beginners?
The Honda CRF250L is a popular choice for beginners as it is easy to handle and has a smooth ride. However, it is always best to test ride a few bikes and choose one that feels comfortable and suits your needs.
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Can you make enduro motorcycle street legal?
Yes! Depending on the enduro motorcycle, some accessories may be needed to make it road legal. Typically you need to install turn signals, mirrors, road legal tires and clear inspection.
Conclusion
In conclusion, street legal dirt bikes have become increasingly popular among riders looking to explore on and off-road terrains. These dual sport motorcycles, also known as a road legal dirt bikes, offer versatility and maneuverability, making them a great choice for those seeking adventure and fun.
The conversion process from enduro to a road legal version can be complex, but it’s well worth the effort to experience the benefits of riding a street dirtbike. When choosing the best street legal dirt bike, it’s important to consider your individual needs and budget, as well as the requirements and laws in your area.
Top manufacturers like KTM and Yamaha offer a range of models, from 250cc models to larger, more powerful options, allowing riders to find the perfect fit. With the proper equipment, modifications, and registration, a road legal dirt bike can provide an affordable and exciting way to explore both on and off-road terrains.
Keep exploring the unknown!
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