So, you’re in the market for a new off-roading machine, but with all the options available on the market these days, what kind of vehicle do you choose? Thirty-odd years ago, this would have been a completely one-sided debate, as quad bikes were only introduced in 1983. Now this question is fiercely contested.
Like many things in life, there is no clear-cut answer and it all depends on what you’re going to use it for. So, without further ado, we here at Quad Nation are here to help you find out whether a quad bike or a motocross bike is the vehicle for you.
Speed
If you’re looking to acquire a new vehicle based purely on speed and exhilaration, then it’s probably best to get a motocross bike. However, that’s not to say that quad bikes are slouches at all. For example, one quad bike – the Yamaha 700 can reach speeds of up to 90mph! Now that’s more speed than anyone ever needs.
Toughness
Quad bikes are warriors. This is a well known fact, as they were initially introduced to the farming community for use on tricky terrain. So, for obvious reasons, quad bikes win the toughness round hands down. Users have the ability to carry a lot more equipment when compared to a motocross bike and this can even be expanded with the addition of a trailer! In essence, a quad bike can act like a small tractor – so it’s obviously very useful in a farming environment. Whether you need to pull logs, carry hay bales or water barrels, the quad bike makes easy work of it all. As expected, these tasks would be much more difficult if you were to use a motocross bike.
Agility
Size has an important part to play when considering agility. Quad bikes can be a lot more cumbersome when manoeuvring compared to the more lightweight, slimmer motocross bike. This makes squeezing through tight gaps on a motocross bike – well, a breeze.
Ease of Riding
Beneath the chassis of both off-roading machines, the two are quite similar. Despite the motors being nearly exactly the same in both the quad bike and the motocross bike, the quad makes the least noise out of the two. However, most people tend to get to grips with a quad bike easier than they would with a motocross bike. You must be sure to be mindful of riding each vehicle in a safe manner as they both present their own safety risks. Falling off a motocross bike can be painful, no doubt. However, flipping a quad bike can result in very serious injuries. No matter which one you ride, it’s paramount that you take care on both.
Racing
If you’re looking to ride your new off-road machine in professional race situations, then it’s hard to beat the motocross bike. With its manoeuvring capabilities and speed, the motocross bike can tackle tough terrain at both fast and slow speeds. If you’re looking to get airborne from a few dirt jumps, then the lighter-weight motocross bike beats the motocross bike in that department.
Storage
This is dependent on which make and model you choose, but the chances are that the motocross will indeed be smaller in size and weight when compared to a quad bike. You’d be able to fit two motocross bikes in the space required for a single quad bike. So, if you’re tight on space, then a motocross bike may well be the one for you!
Final Thoughts
So, there we have it! If you’re considering purchasing either a quad bike or a motocross bike, then hopefully this short guide will have cleared up a few issues you may have had. So, if you’re looking for a speed demon and you don’t have much storage space to spare, then a motocross bike would be the preferred choice for you. But, if you’re after a reliable workhorse with an appetite for graft, sturdiness and mud, then the quad bike is for you! Both the quad and the motocross have their pros and cons, but the most important thing to remember is to have fun and be safe.