Learning the Characteristics of Off-Road Motorcycles

Off-road motorcycles are available in the following general types.

• Dual Purpose: Designed for both paved roads and off-road use. They are equipped with:
  • Lights and turn signals approved for highway use
  • Tires approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT)
  • Spark arrestors approved by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS)
  • Noise- and emission-control devices that conform to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards
• Enduro: Designed for off-road use in long-distance competitions. Typically, enduro motorcycles have knobby tires and little or no built-in lighting. However, they meet EPA noise standards and USFS spark arrestor requirements.
• Motocross: Designed primarily for racing over jumps. They cannot be operated legally on public land unless modified. Typically, these high-performance motorcycles do not have lights and do not meet requirements for noise, emissions, or spark arrestors.