Dual-Sports

Dual-sport bikes don't sell as well in the U.S. as they do in almost every other country in the world. This is a shame, as they make a wonderful choice for the beginning rider.

Pictured: 2003 BMW F650GS

Dual-sport bikes tend to have peppy, indestructible, easy-to-use engines, superior suspensions (which in some cases lead to too-tall seat heights), and an upright seating position that allows you to see over and ahead of traffic. For these reasons they make excellent street bikes, even though "dual-sport" refers to their ability to be ridden on- or off-road.

Pictured: 2004 Kawasaki KLR650

A beginning rider can learn a great deal by testing these bikes' prowess on dirt roads. There he or she can experiment with riding techniques and make mistakes without worrying about traffic.