Disclaimer:
The information provided by Dirt Legal is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Please consult your CPA or attorney for guidance on all financial and legal matters.
When it comes to titling dirt bikes for street use, there’s no shortage of myths and misconceptions floating around.
Some folks believe that a title must have been issued when the bike was first manufactured, while others think all it takes to make a dirt bike roadworthy is adding a headlight and taillight.
But here’s the truth: almost any dirt bike can be titled for street use—but it’s not as simple as slapping on a couple of lights and calling it a day.
Turning your dirt bike into a street-legal ride involves much more than just a few cosmetic upgrades. It requires meeting specific safety standards, passing rigorous inspections, and often making additional modifications like adding turn signals, mirrors, or even certain tires.
It’s a process that can get complicated if you’re not familiar with the rules and regulations in your state, which vary from place to place.
While it’s entirely possible to make your dirt bike street-legal, most people quickly realize it’s more involved than they first thought. That’s why, when you're ready to take the leap, the easiest and most stress-free option is to let the professionals at Dirt Legal handle the paperwork and guide you through the entire process.
We know the ins and outs of what needs to be done, so you don’t have to worry about missing any critical steps or facing unexpected roadblocks.
With our help, you can get your dirt bike on the road confidently without the hassle.
Visit our Dirt Bike Street Legal Service page to learn more.
Essential Components to Easily Make Any Dirt Bike Street Legal
The final step is to install the necessary components to comply with your state's Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements. Ensuring that your dirt bike meets the operating laws in your state will require both time and financial investment on your part.
The specific requirements will depend on the model of the dirt bike you want to put on the road, but there are many ways to simplify the process. Make sure to familiarize yourself with your local laws and regulations before riding a dirt bike on the road.
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Headlight
Most states require that motorcycles be equipped with a DOT-compliant headlight. This means that the headlight must:
- Be switchable between high-beam and low-beam
- Be lit during both day and night
- Be clearly visible without blinding other drivers
However, a headlight constantly draws power from your electrical system. To minimize this draw on the battery, you can install an LED headlight, which uses significantly less power than a halogen bulb. LED headlights also allow you to use a battery without a charging system, though we will discuss the limitations of this method in the Battery section below.
Make sure to understand your local laws regarding the placement of the high/low beam switch. While some states have no specific requirement for this switch, others have detailed regulations.
The DOT requirement states that the switch must be visible to the rider, and it is advisable to position it where it is easily accessible, such as on the traditional left-hand side of the handlebar.
Tail Light
A properly functioning tail light, equipped with a brake light feature, allows drivers behind you to see when you are decelerating. It also plays a crucial role in safety, drawing attention whether it's daylight or nighttime.
Installing the correct tail light can help meet four Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements simultaneously.
In some states, the tail light must be connected to a battery that can stay lit for at least 20 minutes and must remain on at all times. Using an LED tail light can help reduce battery consumption, leading to a longer battery life and minimizing the need for a stator upgrade.
The tail light switches should be configured so that both the rear brake pedal and the front brake lever activate the tail light when engaged. A common solution is to use a banjo-bolt switch, which activates the brake light using the additional pressure in the brake line. Mechanical switch options are also available and are typically better suited for drum brakes.
There are several effective tail light bracket-fender combinations available on the market that address installation challenges while providing a polished appearance.
Mirrors
Some states require motorcycles to have two mirrors, while most only require at least one functioning mirror. Having a working mirror is essential for visibility, allowing riders to see what is happening behind them, which contributes to overall safety. Using a cheap or shaky mirror can be risky, especially for those who do a lot of street riding.
Some riders prefer the appearance of their bikes without mirrors and may install a single low-profile mirror purely for aesthetics. If you choose this option, it’s wise to invest in a wide-angle mirror, as it can help eliminate blind spots on at least one side of the bike.
Many motorcycles, especially those with dual-sport versions, can easily accommodate traditional threaded long-stem mirrors. However, if that’s not an option, bar-end mirrors are a simple alternative. These mirrors usually have a lower profile than stem mirrors and can offer much better visibility of what’s behind you.
Turn Signals
Many states do not require the use of turn signals and instead allow hand signals for signaling turns. However, it is still advisable to install turn signals. The flashing yellow lights attract the attention of drivers much better than hand signals, especially at night. Additionally, turn signals enable riders to maintain better control of their handlebars while making a turn.
If your main concern is installing turn signals, you may be able to rely on hand signals in many states, as some do not mandate turn signal installation. Keep in mind that certain states have specific regulations regarding the use of turn signals, but not all do. Furthermore, LED turn signals consume less battery power compared to traditional bulbs.
Tires
The tires on any street-legal motorcycle must be DOT-certified. Dirt bike rims typically accept DOT-rated tires, which are designed with extra layers of rubber and are rated for highway speeds. If the tires are approved, they will be marked with "DOT" on the sidewall. It doesn't matter if the tires have a knobby tread pattern; the important factor is that they hold the DOT certification.
While it might be possible to bypass this regulation, off-road-only tires are unsuitable for the demands of highway speeds and may deteriorate or fail. The safest and most sensible option is to install DOT-approved tires if you do a lot of pavement riding.
An increasingly popular modification is converting a dirt bike into a supermoto by fitting 17-inch rims and mounting street tires typically used on sport bikes. This modification not only enhances the bike's appearance but also provides greater longevity and maneuverability compared to knobby tires when riding on the road.
Many sport bike riders have made the switch to supermoto because dirt bikes are generally lighter and easier to maneuver both on and off-road. This conversion will require specific supermoto rims, usually 17 inches for both the front and rear, to accommodate the sports tires. Fortunately, conversion kits are available that include wheels, cush-drive hubs, tires, and brake rotors for a straightforward installation.
Horn
This is where regulations start to become a bit unclear. While all states require motorcycles to have a working horn, some allow non-electric horns to pass inspection. However, other states specify that the horn must be electric for a motorcycle to be street-legal.
The easiest solution to navigate this issue is simply to install an electric horn. Most electric horns draw less than 10 amps, which is manageable for a correctly set-up charging system. Additionally, they are quite affordable, starting at around $8.
License Plate Bracket
Motorcycles that are used on public roads are required to display a license plate. This rule applies universally, although some states have specific requirements regarding how the plate must be displayed. It’s advisable to check with your local DMV to ensure that the license plate is mounted correctly on your street-legal dirt bike.
Aftermarket license plate brackets are available that allow for display in nearly every state. You might also consider alternative methods for affixing the plate, such as using zip ties or mounting it beneath the fender for a cleaner appearance. Just be sure that the plate is secure to prevent it from flying off.
In many states, it is also permissible to mount the plate vertically if it is more convenient. If you choose this option, you will need a light to illuminate the plate; a simple LED strip mounted above the plate can effectively serve this purpose and may provide a long-term solution. Some states require that the plate be positioned beyond the rear tire for easy visibility, but as long as the plate can be seen from the rear of the bike, you typically should not encounter any issues.
Upgrading the Charging System
This often-overlooked aspect of converting dirt bikes for street legality can leave you stranded on the side of the road.
A battery is not required to power the lights on a dirt bike if the stator produces enough power. However, to run the necessary lights for street riding, you need to convert the AC power generated by the stator (which also powers the spark plug) into DC power for the lights.
Using AC power to run lights will damage them over time. Although there are lights designed to operate on AC voltage, they typically have a much shorter lifespan. Therefore, if a dirt bike lacks these components, it should be modified to accommodate them.
The traditional motorcycle charging system consists of a stator, a regulator/rectifier, and a battery. While some motorcycles use alternators like those found in cars, this is less common in dirt bikes.
Stator
The stator, also known as the alternator, generates electricity in a motorcycle, but not all stators produce the same amount of power. A dirt bike that lacks lights or a starter has minimal electrical requirements, resulting in a stator that produces low wattage.
For a street-legal build, the total power consumption of all electrical components should leave enough surplus to charge the battery, typically around 13 to 15 volts. Most kickstart-only dirt bikes will need an upgraded stator to support the additional components.
The stock stator can be rewound to increase its power output, or you can purchase a high-output stator online for most dirt bikes. One popular option for upgraded stators for off-road vehicles is Ricky Stator.
Regulator/Rectifier
The regulator/rectifier converts the alternating current (AC) generated by the stator into direct current (DC) that electrical components can use. It also regulates the high voltage from the stator down to the 13 to 15 volts needed to charge the battery.
Some aftermarket companies offer kits that include upgraded stators and regulator/rectifiers designed to work together. Additionally, it's important to note that you should not operate lights directly from alternating currents unless those lights are specifically designed to handle it.
Battery
A battery is not essential for most dirt bikes, but if you choose not to use one, keep in mind that you'll only be able to operate your lights when the bike is running, and the lights may dim while the bike is idling.
There are small batteries on the market specifically designed for converting dirt bikes to street-legal status. Some of these batteries work as a standalone power source for the bike’s lights, while others are made to function with a charging system. Both types are compact, yet they provide the DC power necessary for these motorcycles.
However, using a battery as the sole power source will quickly drain it. This setup will require frequent recharging and will have a limited lifespan, but it can be effective until you complete a proper conversion.
Bike-specific kits are available that include all three major electrical components, along with wiring harnesses. Additionally, wiring harnesses from a dual-sport version of your dirt bike may also be found in the used market.
Odometer
An odometer is a luxury feature on a dirt bike, but it is essential for street riding. It provides important information such as speed, mileage, RPM, and engine temperature. Currently, in Indiana, having an odometer is only required on motorcycles, making it an optional component for dirt bikes.
Having a trip meter can help ensure you never run out of gas again. It's a common mistake to run out of fuel on a dirt bike, as most only carry around 2 gallons. Fortunately, odometers are relatively easy to install. Companies like Trail Tech offer all-in-one odometers that include everything needed for a DIY installation.
Kickstand
Not many dirt bikes designed exclusively for off-road use come equipped with kickstands due to safety concerns about them falling over accidentally. However, the safety risk they pose when used on the street is minimal. Trying to navigate urban areas without a kickstand can be quite inconvenient. While kickstands are not required, they provide a simple convenience that many riders overlook when they're eager to get their dirt bike on the road.
Street Gearing
The front and rear sprockets on a dirt bike are usually designed for slower top speeds compared to the typical street-legal dual sport machine used on the road. They are often optimized for explosive bursts of speed.
Changing the gearing can significantly affect both acceleration and top-end speed. Installing a rear sprocket with more teeth will enhance acceleration but will reduce top speed; conversely, a rear sprocket with fewer teeth will increase the top speed at the expense of acceleration.
For the front sprocket, removing a tooth will improve acceleration but will decrease top-end power. It's important to note that if your dirt bike is equipped with a speedometer, changing the front sprocket may cause it to give inaccurate readings.
Fan
Most dirt bikes don't come with a fan because they are not designed for street use. They are built to be in constant motion rather than idling at traffic lights on the way to places like McDonald's. If you live in an urban area with heavy traffic, you might consider adding a fan to your bike to prevent the engine from overheating.
Cush Drive Hub
This is a highly specific issue related to motorcycles.
To put it simply, most street motorcycles are equipped with a dampening system designed to reduce the impact of road imperfections on the transmission. This system may involve rubber components in either the clutch hub or the rear wheel hub. These “cush drive” hubs allow for some flexibility in the driveline. In contrast, dirt bikes typically do not have cush drives because the loose terrain allows for rear wheel sliding during gear shifts.
On the road, cush drives play a crucial role in protecting transmissions from costly damage, making them a wise investment for motorcycle owners. By being diligent and maintaining their bike, owners can avoid significant headaches in the future.
There’s Nothing You Can’t Do Yourself!
Converting a dirt bike to be street-legal can sometimes seem overwhelming, which is why we offer premium customer service through emails, phone calls, chat on our website, and even text! If you're having trouble with getting your off-road vehicle road worthy, feel free to contact us.
Taking the time to research your own ride and the local laws in your area is an essential step in making sure your bike is street-legal. Every state has different regulations, so it’s important to go through each requirement carefully to see what upgrades might be necessary for your specific situation.
Whether it’s adding specific lighting, adjusting your exhaust system, or installing a DOT-approved tire, taking the time now to understand what’s needed will save you headaches later.
Start by breaking down each upgrade piece by piece and focus on finding permanent, high-quality solutions to any issues that come up. Don’t just settle for quick fixes—this is about making sure your bike not only meets the legal requirements but is safe and durable for everyday use.
The effort you put into understanding the rules and making the right modifications will pay off in the long run. When you’re able to hit the road with full confidence, you’ll know that you’ve done the job right, and your ride will be smoother and safer, giving you peace of mind every time you take it out.
When you’re ready to get your bike titled and registered, Dirt Legal has you covered.
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