Honda Street Legal Dirt Bike: Dual Sport and Enduro Guide

Honda bikes have come a long way. Many amazing modifications are made to the Honda street legal dirt bikes. With each new model, there are new features suitable for different conditions. If you are looking for a dirt bike that can be ridden on the street or off-road, a dual sport or Enduro bike may be what you need.

When it comes to finding a high-quality, reliable option, Honda has a few models that you can consider. But there are so many different models available. This makes it tough to know which Honda dual sport or enduro bike is right for you. 

That's where this guide comes in. It doesn’t matter if you're a seasoned rider looking to upgrade your current bike. Or a beginner who's getting started in the world of off-road motorcycling. In this review article, you'll take a closer look at some of Honda's dirt bikes. With extra focus on their features, specifications, and performance.

Honda Dual Sport Bikes

Honda makes bikes ridden on both paved roads and dirt trails. They are the Honda dual sport bikes. These bikes are like the Enduro models, but they're better for riding on the streets.

One great thing about Honda dual sport motorcycles is that they are street-legal. The good news about this is that you don't need to add any special parts to make a Honda dual sport bike street-legal. They come that way straight from the factory!

Honda has a few dual sport models you can choose from. This makes it possible for you to pick the best street legal dirt bike that suits you. These models include:

The XR650L

The Honda XR650L dual sport dirt bike is an amazing dirt bike that many on- and off-road riders love. It offers a great combination of power, agility, and versatility. This makes it perfect for both off-road adventures and everyday commuting. 

XR650L has a durable construction. This ensures it provides reliable performance for years to come. It's a tough bike that can handle all kinds of terrain with ease.

Its first release goes as far back as the early 90s. Since then, a few modifications have been made even though they are not very innovative. Despite this, the Honda XR650L model has remained a popular choice among riders. This is because of how reliable riders find this model to be. And it is not difficult to see why.

Below are more details on the specifications of the XR650L dual sport bike:

• Features

  One of the standout features of this bike is its long-travel suspension. These suspensions help the bike absorb shock from bumps and uneven surfaces. This makes it ideal for off-road adventures or even commuting on rough city streets. But comfort can vary for different riders.

  With a factory-made seat height of 37”, many riders who are not tall will find it challenging. Yet for tall riders, the low handlebar can be a bit uncomfortable. Especially when you consider the seat-to-footpeg ratio.

  The front and rear disc brakes all help make the XR650L beginner friendly. This is beside the 21-inch front wheel. While the front fender bender may not be very pleasing to look at, it prevents the bike from packing the dirt. This makes maintenance easy. 

  The XR650L has an electric start, making firing up easy but there is no backup kickstart. With its 346 pound wet weight, you cannot get much of a jump from this bike. But it is fair game for trail paths, not a high-performance bike like the Enduro models.

• Engine and Transmission

  The XR650L has a 644cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine and a four-valve combustion chamber. Its engine power enables it to go fast even on bumpy roads. The engine is 644cc, SOHC with a 100mm x 82mm bore and stroke. This makes it capable of maintaining a fast speed on different types of surfaces. This speed can rise as high as 100 MPH.

  The bike also has a smooth five-speed transmission and chain final drive. This means that riders can shift gears to suit the terrain they are riding on. With plenty of torque and power, steep slopes are a breeze to maneuver. There is minimal vibration on the road due to the counterbalanced engine.

• Chassis

  The XR650L lightweight frame and compact design make it very easy to maneuver. This means that riders can navigate tight corners and narrow trails. Its sturdy chassis can handle the rigors of off-road riding. Why?

  The Showa front forks gain 11.5 inches of travel while the Pro-Link rear shock attains 11 inches of travel. Also, there is a ground clearance of 13 inches that enhances its off-road use. This means that riders can take on even the toughest terrain. All these without worrying about damaging the bike.

The CRF450RL

The Honda CRF450RL is a good street-legal dirt bike. It’s built to give you high power and excellent off-road skills. This bike has many great features that make it an outstanding choice.

• Features

  The Honda CRF450RL packs a wet weight of 291 pounds. This contributes to its nimble quality and makes maneuverability pretty easy. Even though it can ramp up to a full speed of 90 mph, this speed is alterable. 

  The brakes are also very good for an instant response. This is because they use hydraulic discs at the front and rear with twin-piston calipers. The wheels and tires are large and strong. It has a rear wheel measuring 18 inches and the front tires cupping 21 inches. So these fits give you a lot of grip on any terrain.

  The CRF450RL has a comfortable seat of 37.2 inches which may not be ideal for short riders. There are also good handlebars with handguards that help you stay relaxed when you ride for a long time. The bike also has bright LED head and taillights, so you can see better in the dark.

• Engine and Transmission

  Your engine choice for the CRF450RL dual sport bike depends on the trim you go for. The 2022 trim has a liquid-cooled 449cc four-stroke engine that makes it very strong and fast. But, the 2023 trim has a liquid-cooled 450cc Unicam single-cylinder engine.

  Both engines work with a six-speed transmission. This helps you go over different kinds of terrain. This means that you can move from low gear to top gear without feeling much impact. 

  The Honda 450 dual sport bike is a high-performance dual sport bike but its torque power is average. The bike's fuel-injection system makes sure that the engine runs well and uses less fuel. This is especially beneficial for low RPM coverage

• Chassis

  One of the best things about the CRF450RL is its aluminum twin-spar frame. This makes the bike very stable and easy to control on rough ground. The bike is light so it's easy to move. And the Showa suspension has a coil-spring fork. This helps with compression and rebound especially when you're riding off-road.

The CRF300L

The CRF300L Rally is an adventure-ready street-legal dirt bike. It’s designed to take riders off the beaten path with ease. It was released in 2021 as an upgrade to the Honda street legal dirt bike 250L Rally model.

This Honda street legal dirt bike features a range of impressive features. They make it a top choice for off-road enthusiasts. And they include an engine size of 300cc, upgraded from the 250cc in the Honda 250 dual sport bike. Also, the ABS is equally good with the added special feature of anti-lock brakes.

• Features

  The CRF300 Rally has some features that make for a great Honda on off road motorcycles. It carries a long-travel suspension system of 10.2 inches for both the rear and front suspensions. 

  This design with an inverted fork in front has a single shock with a spring in the rear. All to provide exceptional stability and control on challenging terrain. The CRF300L Rally also comes with a range of off-road features. 

  These include dual-sport tires and a skid plate to protect the bike's undercarriage. There are handguards to protect the rider's hands from branches and debris. The bike's fuel tank has a capacity of 12.8 liters, which provides riders with plenty of range for long rides. 

  It also has a comfortable seat (for tall riders), measuring 35.2 inches. Ergonomic handlebars make it easy to stay comfortable, even on extended trips. Other notable features of the CRF300L Rally include a windscreen. And also has a powerful front brake that delivers excellent stopping power.

• Engine and Transmission

  At the heart of the CRF300L Rally is a liquid-cooled 286cc (considered to be 300cc). It has a single-cylinder four-stroke engine. This makes it capable of smooth and reliable power. 

  There is also a six-speed transmission. The 6-speed transmission allows riders to navigate a range of trails and tracks with ease.

  Also, on a horsepower grind of 27HP, the CRF300L Rally can ramp up its speed to as high as 85mph. This specification of this model gives it a very high performance more than the former model. It also comes with a steel chassis

• Chassis

  This bike has a sturdy steel frame. This enhances the bike's durability and performance on the trail. Its rally-style bodywork is more suitable for trails. And this is due to modifications to the front suspension and tires.

This change is limiting since the forks can’t be adjusted and the tires are bulky. But the shock now has preload adjustability.

The CRF300L

The CRF300L is an excellent Honda street legal bike. It’s made for adventure seekers who want a reliable and versatile machine. This lightweight bike comes with an impressive range of features. Features that make it a top choice for riders who love to explore challenging terrain.

This Honda street legal dirt bike price is a bit less than that of the CRF300L Rally. But there isn’t much difference between it and the CRF300L Rally models.

• Features

  Like the CRF300L Rally, the CRF300L also features ergonomic handlebars. There is also a comfortable low seat height of 34.7 inches. This is more comfortable for riders who are not very tall. This design helps reduce fatigue and provides a more comfortable riding experience.

• Engine and Transmission

  The CRF300L model is powered by a 286cc liquid-cooled engine. It is a four-stroke engine that delivers smooth and reliable performance. This engine is also paired with a six-speed transmission. 

  This provides the perfect balance of power and control. It helps you to navigate different types of terrain, especially off-road trails. It also has a fuel-efficient sized gas tank. Especially since it has a single-cylinder. This single cylinder makes it an economic buy for long-range coverage.

• Chassis

  This bike has a lightweight design with a wet weight of 306 pounds. This makes it easy to maneuver and control on trails. Its dual-purpose tires provide exceptional grip and traction on both pavement and dirt. But they are chunky.

Honda Enduro Motorcycles

Honda enduro motorcycles are made for off-road trails. They lack a lot of safety features that make a bike suitable for street use. In fact, in some states, enduro bikes are illegal. 

But they are high performance bikes built to withstand extreme conditions. So they supply enough thrill for adventure riders. Also, some dealers offer add-on kits to make them street-legal. This is a win-win situation for many riders. They get safety features, multi-purpose and super performance bikes.

The original builds of Enduro bikes are specialized for extended cross-country events. These events include Enduro racing and rallies. They span for long periods on varying terrains. Honda offers a range of Enduro models. Each model has its own unique set of features and capabilities.

Here is a general overview of the features you can find on a Honda CRF450X enduro bike:

The CRF450X Enduro bike

The CRF450X Honda Enduro bike is an amazing machine. It’s built for dirt bike enthusiasts who love to ride on challenging terrains. This bike handles everything, from rough trails to steep hills. And it comes packed with features that make it stand out from the competition.

• Features

  One of the most impressive features of the CRF450X is its electric starter. This makes it easy to get the bike started. This is a big advantage over kick-start bikes. Kick-back bikes can be difficult to start, especially on a steep hill.

  This Honda enduro model comes equipped with powerful headlights and taillights. These LED lights provide excellent visibility in low-light conditions. The instrument panel is also digital. 

  The instrument panel has a range of display options. They provide riders with information. Information on speed and other important data when used for racing. There are other features that are useful for off-road adventures. These include handguards and stock skid plates,

  The bike's suspension system offers exceptional stability and control on rough terrain. It has a long-travel suspension. There is adjustable damping. Spring rate settings are also available to suit different riding styles and conditions.

• Engine and Transmission

  The CRF450X features a powerful 450cc, four-stroke engine. This engine delivers smooth and reliable power. The 450cc engine supplies plenty of torque and horsepower. It’s designed to be reliable and durable. It also has a six-speed transmission and manual clutch. 

  With all these along with a wide ratio, you can enjoy your rides. And you don't have to worry about any mechanical problems.

  It also carries a dual-tank system that allows riders to switch between tanks on the go. The built-in fuel injection system ensures the engine runs smoothly and efficiently. This system also helps to reduce emissions. This makes the CRF450X an environmentally-friendly option for riders.

• Chassis

  This Honda enduro bike is built with durability and performance in mind. The CRF450X has a twin-spar aluminum frame. It is also lightweight with its stiff frame that enhances the bike's maneuverability.

The tires are off-road Dunlop tires. They are designed to provide excellent traction on a range of terrain types. And it has a solid brake disc with a twin-piston caliper.

Conclusion

You now know the specifications of the Honda street-legal dirt bikes and the Enduro model. You can make your choice based on what use you want out of your bike. The Enduro models are more high-performers with a great jump in them. But they are not street-legal. So, you may have to use them on only off-road trails.

You can make them street-legal. This is by adding necessary parts according to your state’s specifications. Also, you can look for a used Honda street legal dirt bike. The seller may have embellished it from an enduro model and it is also cheaper to buy.

FAQs

What is Honda's street legal dirt bike?

Honda's street legal dirt bike is the CRF450L, which is a dual-sport motorcycle. It is ridden both on and off-road. It's plated and fully legal in all the states.

Can a crf450x be street-legal?

Yes, a CRF450X can be street-legal. This is done by adding the necessary equipment. They include headlights, taillights mirrors, and a license plate holder.

Are CRF 250 street legal?

Yes, some versions of the CRF250 are street-legal. These versions include the CRF250L and CRF250L Rally.

Is CRF250F street legal?

No, the CRF250F is not a street-legal bike. It does not come from the factory street-legal because it does not have a headlight. There are also no DOT tires, mirrors, or even a horn. It's designed for off-road use.

Is the 2022 Honda crf450rx street legal?

No, the 2022 Honda CRF450RX is not factory-made street legal. It is an Enduro bike. It can be made street legal. This is by the addition of the necessary equipment and modifications.

Is the Honda XR650L street legal?

Yes, the Honda XR650L is street legal. It’s classified as a dual-sport motorcycle designed for both on and off-road use.