Without getting into the specifics of when the first purpose-built off-road motorcycle was made, we are going to look at the '70s when factories like the big four from Japan, along with Rickman, BSA, Bultaco, Husqvarna, and KTM produced mass off-road motorcycles. These were great, a kid’s dream come true on lightweight smoking two strokes of all sizes. 50cc to 500cc were available then to enjoy, but soon another market started to open up. People were taking the average dirt bike and modifying them to race motocross. So, the factories answered with purpose-built MX bikes while also offering regular trail and enduros, dual sport in today’s language. Which leads us to here - what is the difference?

Competitive Choices In The Market

Ktm 250sx on white back ground
KTM 

For MX bikes, names can get confusing. Here is a quick rundown of them. Honda has the CRF line followed by an R, as in the CRF450R and the trail versions will have an F or X behind it as in the CRF230F. Kawasaki has the famous KX line and their trail bikes are less confusing with the KLX designation. Yamaha is just as easy to follow too. The YZ is followed by an F, like the YZ250F, while the Off-road competition bikes have a WR and the trail bikes are the TTR line. KTM motocross bikes are simply named after the size of the bike, then SX after it, like the 65SX or 450SX. Suzuki is a breeze to follow. The MX bikes are labeled RMZ while the off-road are DRZ. Gas Gas is somewhat new to the MX scene and the bikes are labeled MC followed by and F like the MC350F and the off-road models are EX followed by an F. Husqvarna’s are similar, so be careful. The MX bikes begin with a TC while the enduro begins with TE.

Related: Top 10 Dual Sport Bike Manufacturers

The Motocross Setup

Kawasaki KX450X off road motorcycle
Kawasaki

Today’s purpose-built MX bikes come race ready for the track in a variety of sizes. From 65cc to 250cc two stokes and 150 to 450 four-strokes. The motor is full of technological advancements which are noticed at the first twist of the throttle. These bikes are made to get up and go quick, banging through the gears, but not so much of a top speed or comfort. Motors like these require more maintenance in less running time compared to regular off-road models. They are built light, and the handling is very responsive in corners. Most MX bikes have very stiff suspension to absorb small and large jumps and sit taller than trail bikes. Some may find an MX bike on the trail may be a handful from too much power and stiff suspension on the trail, but smile when they come up short on a jump and the bike absorbs it all.

Related: Here Are The 10 Best MX Bikes

New Style On The Trail

Honda trail bike crf230f
Honda 

Gone are the smokey two strokes of the past and a fresh wave of better-than-old four strokes have arrived. Offered are an array of sizes from 50cc to 450cc on lightweight nimble chassis. The softer suspension setup allows the rider to sit in comfort for long periods of riding time. The forks and rear shock have been set up to handle a wide range of conditions, from smooth dirt roads to rough trails. These too can be adjusted to suit the riders’ needs. The motors are just about bulletproof and require only basic maintenance over a longer running time than MX bikes. They can also handle a little more abuse than their MX counterpart. The engine on most trail bikes is tuned to allow smooth power throughout the RPM band which gives the rider better control in most circumstances.

Related: Top 10 Sports Bikes for the Track

Happy Trails On A Dirt Bike

Yamaha WR450F off road motorcycle
Yamaha

Taking off turn signals and lights from an enduro to ride on the trail are long gone. Today’s Off-road motorcycles come ready to ride on the trails without having to do changes. Plenty of public and private pay-to-ride2 areas are available in every state and trail bikes will get the rider through it all in comfort. With plenty of brands and styles to choose from at great prices, you will kick up the mud soon enough. Hitting an MX track on an off-road bike is not the best idea. The forks can bend under hard landings or even the spokes breaking, causing an unfortunate issue. The frame can not handle the constant abuse from jump after jump and could crack from fatigue. Engines in stock form don’t have the power needed to conquer a modern-day motocross course. It would only be recommended to ride over and take small jumps on a practice day if you must.

Related: Top 10 Off-Road Motorcycles For The Trails

Dirt Bike For The Street

A blue drz 400 suzuki
Suzuki

Dual sports are today’s answer to the old enduros of the day. By no means are these bikes meant to see an MX track but are at home on dirt roads, trails, and easily on the street. Complete with D.O.T legal street tires, lights, and horn, this style can be ridden on the street to the local trails and back onto the street again. Legally. They weigh a little more than off-road bikes because of the extra gear, like larger fuel tanks, heavier wheels and forks for the road. Most motors have more power than trail bikes for longer rides at highway speeds in satisfying comfort. Sizes can range from 250cc all the way up to 700cc, and even a 1000cc twin today. Most popular dual sports are 400 to 650cc sizes.

Related: The Best Enduro Bikes

Final Thoughts

Kawasaki lime green klr 650
Kawasaki

Motocross bikes are a powerhouse to have short motos on, with a few hours between them to rest. Excellent jumpers, but hard on the body while riding on the trails. Off-road bikes allow the rider to enjoy the scenery throughout the day and not be worn out, but can fail on an MX track costing money to repair. Dual sports can ride across states on highways and hit the trails with no problem. On jumps, tight trails and steep hills may pose a problem to them. But, at the end of the riding day, they all clean up the same with soap and water ready for tomorrow.