By definition a dirt bike is an off-road motorcycle which is built for rugged terrain, has greater suspension, and higher ground clearance than your typical street bikes. Dirt bikes are not usually street legal; however you can get a dual sport bike which is a street legal version of the dirt bike. In order for a bike to be street legal it must be equipped with the appropriate lights and gauges for street use.

Dirt bikes are lighter in weight from street models and are built to take the tougher wear and tear which comes with dirt bike riding. Their light weight allows for greater maneuverability on the rugged trails. Dirt bikes are usually not geared toward rider comfort. Instead, they are built for durability and ease of handling. Dirt bike racing is one of the more popular sports for teens and young adults. Dirt bikes, also known as off-road bikes, have different features, depending upon their intended use.

Dirt bikes intended for motocross will have a small fuel tank and will only accommodate the rider. These bikes are usually built to jump large objects rather than endure long distance racing. Enduro bikes have slightly bigger gas tank since they are intended for long distance racing. The nature of the race also requires these bikes to have the minimal street legal requirements. Bikes used for trials are built for precision and balancing qualities rather than high speed. Many of these bikes do not have a seat and they meet the minimum street requirements.

Dirt bikes generally do not have any of the more popular bells and whistles of the street legal bikes. They do not have fuel gauges or fairings. They are usually taller than street bikes to allow for the rugged terrain for which they are designed. Their light weight allows the rider to jump over large objects which are encountered on the riding path. They are intended for day use only since most dirt bikes do not have headlights.