Best Street Legal Enduro Motorcycle: We Review 5 Great Choices

When you think of the best street legal enduro motorcycle, the word “Enduro” instinctively conjures images of rugged, high-powered motorized beasts tearing through dusty or muddy terrain, tearing up the track in a cloud of gasoline fumes, and performing spectacular feats of acrobatic genius.

Some of the best options for street-legal bikes that are dirt and road-capable today include the KTM 350 EXC-F, Husqvarna 501 FE, Beta 500 RR-S, Honda CRF 300L, and the iconic Yamaha TW 200. Enduro bikes can be categorized based on the type of on or off-road capabilities they have.

Street-legal enduro bikes can be seen as the two-wheeled version of rally cars. With rugged off-road performance suspensions and road registerable safety features, these are dirt-ready bikes that can legally be ridden on public roads. Today’s catalogs include an impressive lineup.

What Makes a Dirt Bike Street Legal?

AGVSPORT marketing manager and stuntman Denis Grachev in Bali, Indonesia.

What makes a dirt bike “street” legal really depends on where you intend to ride it. In the United States, this definition is state-dependent. But, roughly speaking, the following would apply to ensuring compliance with the legal requirements of road use:

• Tires must be DOT (Department of Transportation) compliant and bear the DOT symbol as proof.
• A license plate, registered with the state where you reside, as you would have with any vehicle
• The bike must have a rear-view mirror and a horn.
• All the standard lights are compulsory, including head and taillights, brake lights, and blinkers.

All the bikes listed here come street legally ready from the factory and will generally require only registration and licensing. It is always best to check with your local authorities for precise information.

5 Best Street Legal Enduro Motorcycles: The Best of Breed

Determining what makes a street-legal bike enduro capable depends on how much time you intend to spend off-road and in what specific terrain. For instance, a single-track mountainous off-road road can be considered truly enduro.

In addition some bikes are better suited for primarily on-road use. This on/off-road split could be classified as 80:20, 20:80, or 50:50, depending on the amount of time spent on either surface. Bike manufacturers use different naming conventions to denote these classifications, such as trail, motocross, enduro, adventure, and dual sport bikes.

For this article, I will focus on bikes that could be equally comfortable on any type of road surface, emphasizing excellent off-road capabilities.

1. KTM 350 EXC-F

This four-stroke edition of KTM’s lineup has seen significant sales. It handles like a 250 but with the power of a 500, necessitating a few enhancements from its predecessor. Overall, the suspension has experienced minor damping improvements and increased resistance to bottoming out with better shocks, which are less prone to wear and deformation.

KTM’s claim that the DOHC fuel-injected engine offers the best power-to-weight ratio on the market is supported by the broad torque curve that delivers power smoothly. While opting for the 500 model might provide more raw power, it may not be necessary as this 350 delivers plenty of horses.

This bike, with a 2.25-gallon fuel capacity, weighs 238 lbs. and features a lightweight steel frame by Chromoly, Brembo brakes and clutch, and signature orange plastics with blue trimmings.

2. Husqvarna FE 501s

Owned by KTM, it’s no surprise that Husqvarna is considered a leader in the pack. The dual-sport range FE 501s would be well-received by those seeking a softer suspension for prolonged trail ride conditions and a more casual experience.

Like its fully off-road cousins, the FE 501s includes a catalytic converter and all the other EPA and safety requirements to make it street-legal and DOT-compliant. Additionally, the single OHC, liquid-cooled 4-stroke engine with a 6-speed gearbox provides smooth acceleration and decent handling for a bike in this class.

This Husky is a great option that’s bound to please both novice and experienced riders. Its flexible options make it easily customizable to perform equally well on a single off-road track or on the road.

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3. Beta 500 RR-S

Beta, an Italian trail bike manufacturer with a history spanning almost 120 years, has been producing enduro bikes fitted with KTM engines since 2005. Comparable to KTM and Husqvarna in terms of performance, this is a good option for those seeking an 80:20 bike in favor of single-track off-road riding.

With a wet weight of only 243 lbs., this low-end grunter comes with independent high and low-speed adjustable damping for settings for its rear shocks. The new clutch diaphragm provides a lighter and more progressive pull on the handlebars.

Featuring a vibrant color scheme and a new LED front headlight, you will be noticed, regardless of where you choose to ride.

4. Honda CRF 300 L

With a price tag of under $5,400, you might forgive Honda’s entry-level bike for its somewhat dated aesthetics. After all, looks are subjective, and this 286cc, 27 horsepower thumper, weighing in at only 308 lbs., loves popping wheelies at every opportunity.

Liquid-cooled and fuel-injected, this engine warms up quickly and is geared towards long-distance road riding, requiring fewer frequent service intervals. Suspension and braking are adequate for all conditions, and ABS comes as an optional add-on.

The small 2-gallon gas tank, coupled with a fuel consumption rate of 65 miles per gallon, means you won’t feel obligated to stop at every gas station during your weekend trip. Time-tested, this offering from Honda presents a worthy proposition.

5. Yamaha TW 200

Japanese manufacturers have indeed dominated all motorcycle market segments for decades, making it hard to find something that truly sets them apart. However, one peculiar yet popular bike that has consistently achieved good sales since its introduction in 1987 is the TW 200.

This relatively inexpensive, reasonably slow, fun-to-ride single-cylinder dual sport bike is versatile and built for durability. It features a low seat for easy hop-on and hop-off access, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Priced under $5,000, Yamaha has introduced limited technologies year after year, including electric start and disc brakes, but has kept much of it the same, including the distinctive fat tires that set it apart from others, at least visually speaking.

Michael’s Summary and Conclusion

Many top-of-the-range enduro motorcycles are excellent for off-road adventures. But not all high-performance machines come factory-fitted with road-worthy tires, headlamps with both high and low beams, and all the other equipment required to make a bike road legal.

It’s always best to check with your local authorities before purchasing any motorcycle, as it could end up costing much more than you initially budgeted if the necessary modifications are needed to make it road legal.

Check out this article: CAN YOU USE A MX STYLE MOTOCROSS DIRT BIKE HELMET ON THE ROAD FOR STREET RIDING? 

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I've diligently categorized my motorcycle gear recommendations into all available categories, with the aim of providing you with a comprehensive analysis that showcases the absolute best options for all your needs. These items are the culmination of in-depth research, extensive testing, and personal use throughout my vast experience of 50+ years in the world of motorcycling. Besides being a passionate rider, I've held leadership positions and offered consultancy services to reputable companies in over 25 countries. To See Top Picks and the Best Prices & Places to Buy: Click Here!

Information for this article was partially sourced and researched from the following authoritative government, educational, corporate, and nonprofit organizations:

• Honda
• KTM
• Beta USA
• Yamaha Motorcycle
• Husqvarna

MW/AH