If you’re trying to decide whether motocross or enduro is your cup of tea, here are some factors to consider.

What could be better than spending time on your motorcycle — just you, your bike, and the open road? If you ask a motocross or enduro enthusiast, they might say the answer lies in making that open road a dirt one. Enter motocross and enduro, two daring ways to explore the world on two wheels. As Red Bull enduro racer Cody Webb puts it, “Exploring new landscapes is the dream of all motorcyclists.”

What is motocross?

When most people think of dirt-bike racing, they think of motocross. This off-road motorcycle sport takes place on a closed-circuit track made of blended dirt, mud, and grass. Every motocross track is unique, but you can usually expect a mix of rolling hills and intense turns.
Motocross riders are known for performing gravity-defying stunts as they make their way around the track. This can be as simple as a seat bounce or as difficult as a double frontflip. Since riders often find themselves airborne, MX bikes are designed to be lightweight. The sport’s intensity requires regular motocross fitness training both on and off the track.

In competitive motocross racing, motocross tracks host up to 40 riders for a designated number of laps. Much like with the Formula 1 point system, professional motocross riders have the chance to accumulate points at every race throughout the season. All points earned count toward final rankings in the motocross championships.

What is enduro?

Enduro is an off-road motorcycle discipline which, as you might’ve guessed from the name, offers a fierce endurance test. Instead of a closed track, enduro racing takes place out in the wild. Enduro trails encompass forest, mountain, and desert racing trails that include natural obstacles such as rocks and rivers and take days to complete. Enduro bikes are built to handle the long trek and rough terrain.

Enduro competitions have a rich history as one of the longest-standing types of motorcycle racing, dating back to before the 1920s. There are also enduro races that use non-motorized, traditional mountain bikes, but that format didn’t emerge until just over half a century later.

In enduro racing, riders line up in rows of two or three, as each row is signaled to start in one-minute intervals. Points are awarded or deducted at checkpoints along the way based on arrival times. Once all enduro riders have completed the entire course, scores are tallied and a winner is declared.

You may also see enduro races following a “rally” format, in which riders maneuver through similarly difficult terrain, but on a point-to-point course. These types of enduro races may be shorter, but no matter the length, they’re generally much easier for race organizers to score. This is similar to how the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) formats the National Enduro Series.

Motocross vs. enduro: Key differences

Terrain
The main difference between motocross and enduro courses is that motocross tracks are man-made, while enduro trails are naturally occurring. Motocross tracks are constructed for optimal riding, using a blend of soils that can include sand, clay, loam, or peat. Any obstacle on a motocross course, whether a rolling hill or sharp turn, is designed to challenge you.

The obstacles that come up on an enduro course are far less predictable. You might find yourself jumping logs or navigating an incline made entirely of rocks. Enduro trail builders help to carve out the race boundaries, but there is far less actual construction on the terrain of an enduro course.

Race duration
Motocross competitions feature two 30-minute rounds of laps, so these races take only a couple of hours. Enduro events, on the other hand, are significantly longer, taking one or two days to complete.

Riding Style
Enduro and motocross training both require incredible skill and physical strength, but for different reasons. Enduro riding skills focus on building stamina while motocross is all about short, high-intensity rides. You’ll see some tricks during an enduro race, such as splatters, that help riders attack steep inclines or other obstacles. When it comes to motocross techniques, though, the tricks are more extreme — you’ll get to try some incredible airborne flips.

Motorcycle features
Motocross and enduro motorcycles use essentially the same engine, but they’re designed to perform best in their disciplines. For instance, motocross tires have superior grip for handling an all-dirt track, whereas enduro bike tires are built for all terrains.

Motocross bikes need to be aerodynamic so that you can perform those jaw-dropping stunts. Enduro bikes are basically a cross between a dual-sport motorcycle and a dirt bike, so they’re often heavier. Part of this weight comes from the larger fuel tank — enduro bikes need to cover longer distances. You’ll also find shorter motocross gears so that riders can accelerate in an instant. However, enduro bikes have a greater top speed and less stiff suspension.

Motocross and enduro are similarly thrilling motorsports. Choosing the right one isn’t a matter of which sport is best, but which one is best for you. If you’re trying to decide whether motocross or enduro is your cup of tea, here are some factors to consider.

  • Marathon or sprint? Do you love a quick, high-intensity workout, or do you want to enjoy hours of gorgeous scenery? Building enduro endurance might sound fun to some, while the long haul of an enduro race might make motocross seem more appealing.
  • Track or trail? Location also plays a role. Depending on where you live, it may be easy enough to find a nearby enduro trail where dual-sport motorcycle riding is permitted. Alternatively, you might find that your local motocross club is much closer.
  • Daredevil or outdoor adventurer? To be clear, both enduro and motocross require an adventurous spirit. It’s just a matter of deciding if you want that adventure to involve high-flying tricks or an epic quest through the wilderness.

Motocross and enduro both provide off-road thrills

From setting to racing format, motocross and enduro couldn’t seem more different as two-wheel racing goes. One offers a powerful burst of intensity, while the other puts your endurance to the test. Chances are, though, that no matter which sport you wind up going with, you’ll get a good dose of adrenaline no matter what.