Expand Your Horizons by Dual-Sporting Your Dirt Bike
Posted by The Powersports Team in Dirt Bikes, Dual Sport Motorcycles, Motorcycles
Having just sold my Kawasaki KLX400SR - an excellent dual sport bike - in exchange for buying a new Honda CRF250X, I have come to appreciate the versatility of dual sport motorcycles. Since my Honda is not dual sported yet, I am very limited in where I can ride it.
Even in my beloved Colorado with millions of acres of pubic lands, I am finding that a motorcycle without license plates is mostly parked - while a plated bike gets ridden all of the time. No more quick and exhilarating rides around the neighborhood, to the store, or to the trail head.
So I am in the process of converting the saucy new CRF250x into a dirt bike that can hop on the road as needed. Fortunately, Colorado is very loose in their requirements.
The First Steps in Converting to a Dual Sport?
Well, first of all, if you have a two stroke, you can pretty much forget it. I have heard that there are states that allow such a thing, but this is not the norm. I love two strokes, but you have admit, they are stinky and sharply noisy little critters.
Secondly, you need to check with the local DMV (yes, it is a requirement) and see what is required to convert your bike to a dual sport. I noticed that I got different answers from different dealers on what was required in the state of Colorado.
The DMV will have a checklist that you must follow to be in compliance - and you have to sign your name saying you have made these changes. That means you could get into deep do-do if you don’t.
The Changes to My Bike to Be in Compliance
The CRF has electric start and a decent headlight. Because Colorado is relaxed on motorcycles, the only changes I have made are adding a rear brake light switch, a clip on rear view mirror, a dual-filament brake light, and a little sqeeky horn. They also require DOT-approved tires…but I will take my chances with stock tires for now.
Don’t toss that factory odometer yet! To my surprise the DMV requires it (or an aftermarket speedo) - although I have no idea why this makes me more street legal. I have an aftermarket speedo/tach sitting the garage waiting to go on the bike.
Other states will require more change for compliance. These may include turn signals, parking lights, hi/lo beam headlights, steel gas tanks, speedometers, etc. If you want to take it to the max on dual sporting, just go down to your motorcycle dealer and look at what is put on dual sport bikes from the factory.
Where You Can Get the Necessary Parts
The defacto standard in dual sport kit manufacturers is Baja Designs. If you mention them around you gear-head moto friends, they will give you a nod of acceptance. They produce complete dual sport kits for most of the dirt bike lines on the market today. The components are made well by people who understand dirt bikes very well.
You can order a Baja Designs kit at a discount price by clicking the banner below (and searching for “baja designs” on their site):
This should get you started in expanding your dirt bike to the rest of the world of possibilities. I can’t wait to finish my dual sport project…just to have my bike to ride around the neighborhood. Happy trails!
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