The evolution of off road motorcycles, more commonly known as dirt bikes, is a long and complicated history. Most of the first motorcycles made were basically bicycles with an internal combustion engine strapped on somehow. These bikes were constructed just as paved "roads" were beginning to appear, so from the beginning, all motorcycles were built to ride off road as well as on. Therefore, even the first motorcycles could be referred to as "dirt bikes".

Dirt bikes (and street bikes) have been around since the very early 1900's, however at the time they were simply considered to be regular motorcycles. And while history has not credited any person or company with the invention of the Dirt Bike, Triumph Motorcycles nevertheless built a motorcycle designed specifically for riding on dirt in 1914, although this model is not actually credited with being the first dirt bike.

Dirt bikes were really created more as an evolution of a motorcycle into the machines we know today as dirt bikes. And while in the west we note that Honda produced the first motorcycle specifically designed for off road use in 1972, dirt bikes had been produced for years in Europe for motocross.

The first motocross races were raced through wooded trails or racing to the top of a mountainous road and were a race against time, the terrain and the elements, more than each other. But as time passed, races were eventually moved to a shorter runway, closed in for the ease or spectating.

These days dirt bikes and dirt bike competitions are some of the most popular motor sports in the world. Thankfully, dirt bikes have continued to evolve and dirt bikes come in a variety of sizes for various classes and ages and with continual improvements in suspension, engine reliability, and safety.

Each weekend, millions of people around the world enjoy the thrill of riding a dirt bike. This sport has captivated young and old riders alike.