10 Dual-Sport Bikes Built For Riders Who Hate Limits

With the rise in popularity of dual-purpose motorcycles, riders from all walks of life are now discovering, or rediscovering the value of more capable dual-sport bikes as opposed to adventure bikes. While ADVs certainly offer more touring comfort, even the lightest, most capable ADV won’t be able to keep up with a dual-sport off-road. The compromises in other areas are telling, though.

Lightweight off-road bikes are pretty awful tourers. That is just part of the deal, but if you are willing to accept this fact and deal with a little discomfort from time to time, you might well discover that it is all you actually need. Once you do get off-road, all those limits just melt away.

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Kawasaki KLX300

MSRP: $5,649

Kawasaki

Looking at the specs of the KLX300 may lead some to believe that this is nothing more than a beginner bike. The reality is somewhat different because, at its core, this is the KLX250R from the early 90s. Back then, it was considered a dirt bike with lights and could hold its own against contemporary motocrossers. It is still a pretty competent off-road bike, and the addition of fuel injection means it is emissions-compliant.

Kawasaki

Specifications

KTM 390 Enduro R

MSRP: $6,049

Rudi Schedl For KTM

This is cheating just a little because this is pretty much an ADV dressed up to look like a dual-sport. The 390 Enduro R represents fantastic value, though, thanks to its flickable street-bike chassis and downright impressive off-road electronics suite. Like the ADV version, it is a little heavy compared to the pure dual-sport bikes in this class.

KTM via Rudi Schedl

Specifications

Honda CRF300L Rally

MSRP: $6,499

Honda

Just like the aforementioned Kawasaki, you shouldn’t let the spec sheet deceive you. In recent times, this has become the platform of choice for would-be explorers all over the world undertaking cross-continent adventures. It is reliable, comfortable enough on the road, and pretty handy off of it, but above all else, it is affordable.

Honda

Specifications

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Beta Alp 4.0

MSRP: $6,790

Beta

Although this is a genuine Beta product, it doesn’t have a Beta engine. The small Italian manufacturer is well versed at building highly strung, high-performance singles that don’t really work for a bike that is supposed to be approachable and reliable. The Alp 4.0 engines are outsourced to China. Only time will tell how reliable these engines really are, but for now, this presents itself as a great alternative option for those who want something different.

Beta

Specifications

Kawasaki KLR650

MSRP: $6,999

Kawasaki

For riders looking for a genuine exploration tool, the KLR650 offers some semblance of wind protection, which helps on the highway, and an enviable reliability record. While the base model may not offer the same level of specification as the Adventure version, all you need to do is strap a bag to it and go. It also comes with a built-in community, which is actually an underrated feature.

Kawasaki

Specifications

Honda XR650L

MSRP: $6,999

Honda

With a massive 13 inches of ground clearance, the XR650L is certainly pretty useful off-road. It is also one of the few bikes that still makes use of a carb, and while it has a rugged charm to it, this is not a bike that will appeal to everyone. A tall seat height is rather obviously part of the deal, and the only feature you get is an electric start. If you have ever tried to kickstart one of these big thumpers, then you will know why that is a feature worth mentioning!

Honda

Specifications

Suzuki DR-Z4S

MSRP: $8,999

Suzuki

The latest DR-Z is an expensive dual-sport, but to the right buyer, it is certainly worth the price of admission. It offers all the latest tech features backed up by Suzuki’s reputation for reliability. Unlike the more dedicated enduro bikes, it has street bike maintenance intervals, but is almost as capable as those machines off-road.

Suzuki

Specifications

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Kove 450 Rally

MSRP: $9,299

Kove

In an effort to win over customers, Kove entered the grueling Dakar Rally. Not only did these bikes finish the event, but one of the bikes even snagged a stage victory. This entry-level model has more than a little in common with the actual rally bike, and if you want the actual rally bike, it isn’t that much more expensive, all things considered.

Kove

Specifications

Honda CRF450RL

MSRP: $10,099

Honda

So, this is a genuine dirt bike with lights. The maintenance intervals are short, it is almost too powerful for its own good, and the stock emissions-compliant fueling is infamously poor. The caveat here is that the bike is one tune away from enduro perfection. It is still a Honda, and while you might need to learn how to take care of some maintenance tasks, it is well worth the effort for those who want something more fleet-footed.

Honda

Specifications

2024 GasGas ES 700

MSRP: $12,699*

GasGas

If power is what you are after, then you might want the most powerful dual-sport on the market… which is technically the new KTM 690 Enduro R. This is actually the old – slightly less powerful – version of that bike, just dressed in red. With GasGas looking to offload these bikes, some dealers are knocking as much as $1k off the asking price listed here. That is a pretty incredible value.

Campelli M.Milagro For GasGas

Specifications