UK Road Legal Dirt Bikes
While dirt bikes are much suited for the rugged and rough environment, owners would also want them to be used for public transportation. However, as law states, some dirt bikes are not allowed for public transportation, as they somehow endanger the safety of passengers, as well as those of pedestrians, due to its high speed output. Also, gas emissions from these bikes may be harmful to both the rider and other people, as dirt bikes emit more gas than regular vehicles, and can be a cause of pollution.
However, there are dirt bikes that are legal and used for public transportation. Of course, you would need the proper licenses and identification to be able to drive these dirt bikes on public roads. The bikes would also be tested if it is fit for transportation.
In the United Kingdom, only a handful of dirt bikes are allowed for use in public roads. A sample of these UK road-legal dirt bikes is the bikes from the Honda XR series, specifically their “L” models.
UK and other countries’ law have acknowledged these bikes from Honda as safe for public use. While it retains the speed and power from the “R” model, its gas emission is significantly lower than that of the latter. Its design is also changed, such as having appropriate lighting, tires designed for public roads, and modified front and rear suspension to support the users’ needs.
Although the “L” models are designed for public use, it can also be used for off-road, rugged conditions. It can do whatever the “R” models can do, but its performance may be a little lacking compared to the off-road “R” models.
Another example of UK road-legal dirt bikes is the KTM EXC line of bikes. While it is built for speed and power, some of these bikes are allowed to be used on roads, as they are outfitted with the needed parts for public transportation. These bikes are outfitted with normal tires, a different set of suspension and gears, and also equipped with proper lighting.
These bikes can be bought on your nearest sporting goods store, or can be purchased on the Internet. Be sure that these are street-legal and ask them the needed documents for you to be able to use these bikes on the road.
Regardless of the dirt bikes’ being street legal, always practice safety in the roads or wherever you are. Always follow the street rules to ensure your safety and others’ as well.
Copyright © Dirt Bikes
More on Dirt Bikes
For more information on dirt bikes visit the following sites:
Mini Bike Videos
Great minibike videos, why not upload your own?
Dirt Bike Magazine
For all the latest news and information in the world of dirt bikes
Dirt Bike Kids
This is a website specifically for kids who ride dirt bikes or wish to learn - it makes a great hobby, have your child check it out if you think they would be interested.
Dirt Rider
Articles and information on a manner of all bike sports, including dirt bikes, supercross, enduro dirt bikes and more.