Enduro motorcycles are off-road racing bikes that are used by experienced riders for cross-country competitions of long-distance affairs.
Enduro motorcycles get their name from the word ‘endurance’ as these machines are manufactured with the sole purpose of racing in harsh conditions. These machines are tough, durable, and are a spectacle to watch when they are performing in extreme heated and tough competitions.
Here in this article, we will provide you with quite a few interesting things that you didn’t know about enduro bikes, especially if you are not a professional racer.
What is an Enduro Motorcycle?
Enduro motorcycles are tough race-ready bikes that can be classified as ‘sport’ or ‘adventure’ motorcycles. These tough machines are manufactured with the aim of being raced in off-road competitions.
This is because these motorcycles have good engines, suspension, braking systems, and other vital parts to help them perform at their maximum capacity when racing on extreme terrain.
Though there are many types of enduro bikes available for sale, they can be classified into two general categories; Enduro Racing Bikes and Adventure Touring Bikes.
More often than not, enduro motorcycles are strictly built for racing purposes because most races require that participants ride through muddy tracks where every bit of traction counts!
When you’re trying to think of a perfect example of modern enduro bikes, then it would not be wrong to say that the ‘KTM 690 Enduro R’ is a pretty suitable candidate.
This motorcycle is used in all sorts of extreme racing competitions from difficult cross country events to desert races and even big monster truck dirt track racing events!
In fact, there have been instances when people use their KTM 690 Enduro R’s for motocross racing as well.
What is an Enduro Racing Bike?
When you’re thinking of the term ‘enduro motorcycle’, these are probably the first type of motorcycles that come to your mind because they have been around for quite some time now!
Let’s just say that if you want a motorcycle that is built purely for racing, then chances are high that it will be an enduro bike!
In fact, if you can recall all those fancy photos from the internet where people were enjoying extreme off-road racing competition on their motorcycles, then chances are high that they will be enduro race bikes!
An enduro dirt bike is the single best type of bike for tough terrain, that’s why they are used in enduro racers. A normal dirt bike doesn’t give the same performance as dual sport bikes classed as enduro.
What is an Enduro Adventure Touring Bike?
If you are looking for motorcycles that can be used for off-roading but on a different scale, then these are probably the best option that you have.
Enduro adventure touring bikes are not built with racing in mind but rather on scaling up some terrain where there is no road or even on dirt tracks where max traction matters!
These machines are also called ‘Dual Sport’ motorcycles because they were designed to overcome all of the challenges that nature has to offer – whether it’s wet grounds, muddy terrains, high grasses, rocky paths, or sandy tracks!
More often than not, enduro adventure touring bikes come equipped with better suspension systems (especially shock dampers), more ergonomic riding position, and get their power from an engine that is powerful enough to take on all sorts of terrains!
These bikes are also very comfortable and accommodating, making them perfect for motoring across vast distances where you can stop at any time for a quick break.
In fact, some enduro adventure touring bikes have been specifically designed keeping in mind the comfort factor of rider and pillion alike. Many manufacturers offer their own branded range of ‘Enduro Adventure Touring Bikes’ which come with a wide selection of models – ranging from 250cc powered motorcycles up to 600cc+ liter V-twin cruisers!
6 Things to Know About Enduro Motorcycles
- An Enduro Bike are Different from MX Dirt Bikes
- Enduro is not a Brand but is Made by Many Manufacturers
- An Enduro Bike Can Take on Crazy Terrains
- Enduro Motorcyclists Have a Community of their Own
- Most Enduro bikes Have Strict Requirements for Use on Public Roads
- Some Enduro Motorcycles are Street Legal
Enduro Motorcycles are Different from MX Bikes
They are definitely very different from MX (motocross/dirt) bikes!
While they both do look similar, enduro bikes were built for off-road racing purposes while most MX models are crafted with the sole purpose of taking on mud and dirt tracks.
Enduro motorcycles can be used to take on any type of terrain, including dangerous ones where you might find yourself in a tricky situation.
In fact, enduro motorcycle riders need to have extremely good balance and stamina because there is no telling what kind of challenges nature will throw their way.
On the other hand, MX motorcyclists usually stick to well-groomed trails where every bit of traction matters a lot more than pure strength or balance.
Enduro is not a Brand but is Made by Many Manufacturers
Since enduro bikes are designed for racing purposes on dirt bike tracks, many motorcycle manufacturers from all over the world have been known to make their very own versions of enduro racing machines.
In particular, an Italian manufacturer named Moto Guzzi has been making a variety of enduro bikes since the year 1968 and they’re also one of the companies that started off with this concept!
But you don’t necessarily need to go for an Italian-made motorcycle because there are plenty of other options available in showrooms across the world:
Enduro Motorcycles Can Take on Crazy Terrains
This is the beauty of Enduro motorcycles!
They were designed to take on some of the most challenging terrains in the world and come out unscathed.
In fact, they are the perfect choice for people who love hitting up off-road trails but don’t want to use a dirt bike.
The best thing about enduro bikes is that they’re not expensive at all – even though some models can be pretty high-powered!
Enduro Motorcyclists Have a Community of their Own
What makes it more interesting is that there is an entire community dedicated to machines and their riders!
This community is known as ‘ Endu Ro’ and it’s a place for sharing knowledge about the best enduro motorcycles, tips and tricks on how to take on rough terrain, and even helps riders find their way around in case they get lost!
There are Enduro racers that race each other downhill and are recommended as really fun.
Most Enduro Motorcycles Have Strict Requirements for Use on Public Roads
While you might be tempted to ride your brand new enduro motorcycle across cities and highways, there are strict requirements when it comes to using these machines in public.
One such requirement is that every single enduro motorcycle manufactured after September 1st, 2009 needs to have a sticker that clearly states that it does not meet Euro 3 standards.
In other words, this means that your shiny new machine is not at all street legal!
Some Enduro Motorcycles are Street Legal
If you do want to take your enduro motorcycle on the road, there are some models that have been specifically designed for this purpose.
For example, the KTM Freeride E-XC is one of the newest street-legal enduro bikes and it’s powered by a 250cc single-cylinder engine.
So if you’re looking for an entry-level enduro motorcycle but don’t want to miss out on all of the fun and adventure of racing across extreme terrains, you might want to consider making this model your first purchase.
Conclusion
Enduro motorcycles are basically dirt bikes with an engine size of 250cc or less. This means that they were designed specifically to take on mud and rocks without any issues whatsoever!
But just because these motorcycles are intended for racing purposes, it doesn’t mean that you should treat them like dirt bikes.
On the contrary, follow all laws associated with motorcycling in your area and don’t ride recklessly – this is why enduro riders need to be extremely fit since their stronger bodies can help absorb some of the impacts from a crash.
So, always keep your safety in mind before taking part in any race or extreme competition.
