Who says you need a 500-pound adventure bike to get off the beaten path? Keep your all-terrain exploits pure with the best dual sport motorcycles on the planet.
Like many riders before me, a dual sport bike was my first introduction to the world of all-terrain exploration, and they still hold a special place in my heart today.
It's easy to get sucked down in the undertow of the big-bike craze, but truth be told all you really need to get out there is a single piston and two wheels.
"If it's got one cylinder and doesn't mind getting dirty, it's cool with us."
There's a fair amount of debate about where to draw the line between a dual sport bike and an ADV. Can it haul luggage? Does it weigh less than 300 pounds? Can it go 200 miles on a tank?
Personally, our requirements for a dual sport are simple. Dual sport bikes are repurposed dirt bikes at heart, and as such they sport single-cylinder engines, knobby tires, and off-road-focused suspension and handling characteristics to one degree or another.
Some folks say "true" dual sports are only those bikes modeled after hardcore enduro racers. Others beg to differ and prefer easier-going 50/50 machines like big 650s and frugal 200s.
We're fans of both camps, which is why we've selected the best models from each discipline and everything in between in the list below.
Whether you're looking for a barely legal race bike or a versatile all-rounder, these are our favorite dual sport motorcycles of the year.
The Best New Dual Sport Motorcycles You Can Buy Right Now
Much like the adventure motorcycle segment, dirt-oriented dual-sport bikes are more popular than ever.
That's good news for anyone after a street-legal trail bike, as competition between manufacturers breeds value for the rest of us. Here are our top picks for new models currently on the market.
1. KTM 690 Enduro R
Quick Specs:
- Horsepower: 74 hp @ 8,200 rpm
- Torque: 54 lb-ft @ 6,800 rpm
- Weight: 348 lbs
- Seat Height: 36.4 in
- Fuel Capacity: 3.56 gallons
- Price: $12,999
KTM's legendary LC4 has been pushing the limits of what a single cylinder can do for years.
In its earlier iterations, there were a few lingering reliability concerns, but in recent years the big single has truly come into its own with power, reliability, and refinement in equal measure.
"We've had our fair share of fun on the big 690 over the years. This bike never fails to impress."
Bolt that motor into a fine-tuned steel trellis frame, stick premium long-travel WP suspension on either end, then add an impressive electronics package that includes modes for street, dirt, and rain, and pound for pound you've got the most capable big-bore dual sport bike out there.
It's certainly not the cheapest option , and many riders will be better suited with simpler/less powerful equipment, but no other 600cc+ machine on the market can outperform the 690 on dirt, pavement, and everything in between.
We'll also note that the Enduro R makes one of the more exciting candidates money can buy for a street-legal supermoto build, so if you're considering picking up a second set of wheels for drift duty, don't overlook this one.
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2. Husqvarna FE350S
Quick Specs:
- Horsepower: 33.1 hp @ 8,900 rpm (at the wheel)
- Torque: 21.8 lb-ft @ 7,600 rpm (at the wheel)
- Weight: 248 lbs (dry)
- Seat Height: 37.4 in
- Fuel Capacity: 2.1 gallons
- Price: $12,749
If off-roading is your priority, weight is your enemy. Husqvarna's FE350S represents the bleeding edge of street-legal off-road performance, and brings power and lightness in equal measure that no other machine can match.
Husqvarna's aim with the 350S was to create a hardcore enduro race machine that could narrowly squeak by US emissions standards to remain street legal in factory trim.
It's got turn signals and a catalytic converter, but other than that this is basically a full-blown race bike.
Photo credit: Schedl R
Everything about the FE350S is top-notch: the WP Xact suspension is the best in the segment, the chassis in sharp and nimble, the hydraulic Brembo brakes are powerful.
We also love the 348cc DOHC engine, which pairs a strong low-end punch with a high-revving top end that makes the most out of every gear.
While the Husky's comparatively high maintenance requirements wouldn't make it our first choice as an ultralight adventure bike, its off-road performance is second to none.
It's still a hilariously fun thing to ride on the street, but long-range comfort isn't its forte.
Photo credit: Schedl R
We'll also note that if you prefer the look of a KTM (orange), the FE's sister bike, the KTM 350 EXC-F is more or less the exact same machine, albeit with a direct-mount rear shock rather than the linkage-mounted setup on the Husky.
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3. Honda CRF300L Rally
Quick Specs:
- Horsepower: 27hp @ 8,500 rpm
- Torque: 19.6 lb-ft @ 6,500 rpm
- Weight: 331 lbs
- Seat Height: 35.2 in
- Fuel Capacity: 3.4 gallons
- Price: $6,199
Don't be fooled by its name: The "rally-inspired" CRF300 is still just a 300L at heart, which means its DNA is pure dual sport.
With stronger brakes, better wind protection, and extra fuel capacity, the Rally is a worthwhile upgrade over the standard 300L and still comes in at a wallet-friendly price fresh off the showroom floor.
We tested the 300L Rally alongside our long-term WR250R, and there's definitely something to be said for that extra 50cc of displacement on offer from the Honda engine.
"The CRF300L Rally is a bit soft, but still more than happy pulling trail duty." Photo credit: Honda
The motor feels much torquier than your average small-bore dual sport, and has no problem lugging around trails a gear high or pulling freeway speeds out on the pavement.
Really the only place we'd knock the Rally is suspension, and although it includes a commendable 10+ inches of travel, it tends to work through the stroke pretty quickly, lending the bike a particularly "squishy" feel out on the trails.
Honda upgraded the damping on both the 300 Rally and its 300L cousin this year to address this issue, and claim the new bike is noticeably firmer when riding at speed. We haven't tested one ourselves yet, but it sounds like a step in the right direction.
Those looking to spend more time in the dirt than on the street may do better with something a little more dual sport and a little less "adventure," but for everyone else, the Rally is an absolute slam dunk.
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4. Honda CRF450L
Photo credit: Honda
Quick Specs:
- Horsepower: 41.7 hp
- Torque: 23.6 lb-ft
- Weight: 289 lbs
- Seat Height: 37 in
- Fuel Capacity: 2 gallons
- Price: $10,099
While we all lament the loss of the damn-fine Honda XR650R, we find solace in knowing Honda has converted their big 450 enduro into a proper street-legal dual sport bike.
Based heavily around the gnarly 450R enduro racer, the 450L gets slightly softer suspension, slightly revised power delivery, and slightly tweaked suspension geometry for a more planted feel.
Power from the Unicam engine is still outstanding, the full 12.4 inches of suspension travel is still intact, and the seat height is still sky-high at just over 37 inches.
Make no mistake: this is not a dual sport for beginners.
Photo credit: Honda
Perhaps the most appealing part about the CRF450L is that dirt-focused dual sport bike lovers finally have an alternative to the hardcore orange/white/red two-wheelers coming out of Europe.
There's something to be said for Japanese reliability and build quality, and with the 450L Honda has brought a serious dirt weapon back to the streets.
The fueling feels a bit abrupt with a particularly snatchy on/off tendency in first gear, and because the engine is nearly identical to the more race-oriented Honda 450s, you'll also find yourself doing a bit more maintenance than some of the more easy-going dual sport bikes on our list.
We know 1,600 mile valve checks aren't anyone's idea of a good time, but that's the price you pay for a dirt-focused bike that just so happens to wear a license plate.
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5. Suzuki DR-Z4S
Quick Specs:
- Horsepower: 38 hp @ 8,000 rpm
- Torque: 27.3 lb-ft @ 6,500 rpm
- Weight: 333 lbs.
- Seat Height: 36.2"
- Fuel Capacity: 2.3 gal.
- Price: TBA
Suzuki's DRZ-400 is easily among the most legendary dual sport bikes of all time. Suzuki is finally giving it the ground-up redesign it deserves after a successful 20+ year run, and we can't wait to throw a leg over the new DR-Z4S.
With an all-new frame, heavily reworked engine, upgraded (and adjustable) KYB suspension, and sharp new looks, the new Dizzer is poised to reclaim its title as Japan's most reliable do-it-all dual sport.
As you might expect, Suzuki has also modernized the tech on this dual sport motorcycle, and the new DR-Z comes with ride-by-wire throttle, fuel injection, selectable rides modes, and switchable traction control/ABS.
LED lighting and a new LCD dash rounds out the well-equipped package.
Photo credit: Suzuki
We can't speak to the Suzuki DR-Z4S' strengths or weaknesses yet as it's not due to hit showrooms until later this year, but we suspect it'll be hard to find fault with an upgraded DRZ-400.
Truth be told the outgoing model would take this spot if there weren't a new one on the way, so either way a Suzuki 400 belongs on our list.
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6. Suzuki DR650
Quick Specs:
- Horsepower: 43hp @ 6,400 rpm
- Torque: 40 lb-ft @ 4,600 rpm
- Weight: 366 lbs
- Seat Height: 34.8 in
- Fuel Capacity: 3.4 gallons
- MSRP: $7,199
Ahh yes, the ol' bush pig. As anyone who's owned one will tell you, the big DR may be the most versatile, reliable, and lovable dual sport bike ever created.
While the DR650 is notoriously soft from the showroom floor, it doesn't take much time or money to convert one of these old warhorses into an impressively capable off-roader or mini-ADV.
We've found the DR650 to be the most well-rounded of the big singles from Japan, with better dirt manners than a KLR 650 and better street manners than Honda's 650L.
"This river crossing on our Bolivia tour is no match for the DR 650"
The big Suzuki has enjoyed a 30+ year production run and counting, remaining almost entirely unchanged since it first launched in 1996.
In that time, the DR650 has amassed a cult following like no other, which means both aftermarket support and detailed information on maintenance and modification are more than abundant online.
Plan on spending around $1,000-$2,000 to sort the suspension, ergonomics, and comfort out to your liking, then go rack up years and years of carefree miles. This bike does it all, is virtually unkillable, and is incredibly easy to maintain yourself. You just can't go wrong with a DR.
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7. Kawasaki KLX 300
Quick Specs:
- Horsepower: 24 hp @ 8,050 rpm (rear wheel)
- Torque: 18.1 lb-ft @ 7,000 rpm (claimed)
- Weight: 302 lbs
- Seat Height: 35.2 in
- Fuel Capacity: 2.1 gallons
- Price: $5,449
Kawasaki's KLX300 was introduced back in 2020, but it was a hard bike to love, almost exclusively for cosmetic reasons.
Kawasaki addressed that issue last year by giving the KLX a handsome facelift, but good looks aren't the only thing the Kawi has going for it.
Photo credit: Kawasaki
Our favorite part about the latest KLX300 is that despite its miserly pricetag (Kawasaki recently dropped the MSRP to match their Big Red competitor), this dual sport motorcycle gets legitimately solid suspension front and rear.
The fork is a 43mm inverted unit with 10 inches of travel and compression damping adjustment, while the shock boasts full adjustability (compression, rebound, and preload) as well as 9.1 inches of travel.
Photo credit: Kawasaki
Add in the KLX's 10.8 inches of ground clearance and you've got the makings of a proper off-roader.
To clarify, we're not saying that the KLX is some hard-nosed dirt weapon like the 350cc machines from KTM or Husqvarna.
No, we love the KLX because it's actually a damn fine all-rounder with decent highway manners and mini-ADV potential.
In fact the only real complaint we have for the KLX is that it pales in comparison with Honda's popular 300L when it comes to aftermarket support.
You can still get the basics (protection, seats, bars, etc.), but there's a notably smaller pool of enthusiasts out there.
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8. Kawasaki KLR 650
- Horsepower: 42 hp @ 7,000 rpm
- Torque: 39 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm
- Weight: 456 lbs
- Seat Height: 34.3 in
- Fuel Capacity: 6.1 gallons
- Price: $6,899
Last big not least is the venerable KLR 650, Kawasaki's unkillable tractor that's introduced more people into the world of dual sport adventure than any other bike we can think of.
Of the big three 650s, the Kawasaki is by far the least thrilling of the bunch. Even compared to the DR or XR, the KLR's lumpy motor feels agricultural, never wanting for torque but always wanting for pep.
"Even a couple of the guys on the RIDE Adventures team still rock the old school KLR 650 from time to time."
Where the KLR shines, however, is out on the highway.
While KLRs have always been geared for comfortable highway speeds, the latest generation benefits from a better fairing and a two-way adjustable windshield, making it the most long-haul worthy KLR yet.
Combine that with a neutral riding position and a surprisingly comfortable seat and you've got a dual sport that's plenty capable of honest touring duty. Sheepskin seat cover, anyone?
"If you're looking for a dual sport that's not afraid of long empty highways, the KLR is comfortable, reliable, and dirt cheap."
As for the off-road experience, the KLR is both softly sprung and overweight, so while it's plenty capable of playing in the dirt, we'd consider it an acquired taste for most. Luckily there's a fairly robust aftermarket for this dual sport to help mold it in your image.
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9. Yamaha TW200
- Horsepower: 16 hp @ 8,000 rpm
- Torque: 11 lb-ft @ 7,000 rpm
- Weight: 278 lbs
- Seat Height: 31 in
- Fuel Capacity: 1.8 gallons
- Price: $4,999
Not everyone buys a dual sport for the sole purpose of hauling ass. If you're not looking to get anywhere fast but still want to go literally anywhere, the TW200 will take you there.
Photo credit: Yamaha
Thanks to its torque-rich little engine, oversized tires, and absurdly low seat height, even the most novice rider can traverse the sketchiest terrain aboard this beloved farm bike.
The price is low, maintenance is simple, and reliability has been well-proven over the TW200's nearly 40-year production run.
While nothing about this bike screams performance from its slow-turning engine to its buttery-soft suspension, the little T-Dub is tough to beat for versatility.
We've taken TW200s out to run errands around town, used them as pit bikes on race weekends, and have taught our fair share of riders how to work a clutch on this porky little tractor. It's fun, street legal, and positively oozing with character.
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Closing Thoughts on the Best Dual Sport Motorcycles...
The best dual sport bike is the one that gets you out to the dirt and back, no truck required. What you choose to do in said dirt is your business, but suffice it to say there's no one perfect bike for every application.
Enduro-based models rarely make for good dual sport camping rigs, and farm bikes aren't the kind of thing you want to send off a drop at 40 mph.
"Enjoying the view on our Peru Tours"
We recommend starting with the bike that checks the most important boxes, and then building it to your liking from there in the aftermarket.
You can always upgrade your seat, replace your bars, or have your suspension re-valved for your weight, but things like scheduled maintenance, engine output, and highway manners can't always be corrected.
Choose wisely.
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Best Adventure Motorcycles for Beginners
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