The 7 Best Dual Sport Bikes
If you’ve always wondered, “Where does this road go?” there might be a dual sport bike waiting for you out there. That’s the type of curiosity that leads to so many great adventures, whether on the pavement or trail.
Dual sport bikes check a lot of boxes for bike lovers. Plus, these options get the adrenalin coursing through your entire body!
In this article, we look at 7 of the best dual sport bikes on the market. These offerings can turn a seemingly innocent quest into a wild and unplanned exploration. So, unless you want to experience impulsive adventures on a bike, I strongly suggest you proceed with caution.
1. HONDA CRF450L
Many things about the CRF450L earned it its popularity as one of the best well-rounded ADV bikes in the industry. This model offers the refinement that Honda is famous for, coupled with superior handling.
Besides its appealing looks, it has a powerful build and superior suspension systems. Its twin-spar aluminum CRF chassis, powerful 449cc Unicam engine, along with an electric start feature, makes it a preferred choice among Honda’s teeming fan base and the motorcycle community at large.
This street-legal dirt bike is incredibly lightweight and has plenty of power with a wide-ratio 6-speed transmission. It features a premium long-travel suspension – fully adjustable front and rear suspension system – with more than 12 inches of ground clearance.
As anyone who’s had the chance of riding the CRF450L would understand why this highly capable variant from Honda is taking the dual-sport scene by storm and giving other more seemingly more experienced competitors a good run for their money.
Engine: Liquid Cooled, Unicam Overhead Camshaft (OHC ), Four-Stroke
Displacement: 449cc
Fuel capacity: 2.01 gallons
Price: Check here for the current price
2. SUZUKI DR-Z400S
If you are looking for one of the best dual sport bikes that have been around for over a decade and a half, you might want to take a look at Suzuki’s DR-Z400S offering. This ride isn’t one of those new kids on the block. The old lady has been tested on countless mountains, back trails, as well as all types of city streets. The result? A time-tested machine that hasn’t really changed in terms of architecture since it stormed the market back in the early 2000s.
Here’s what all that means. The bike’s heightened suspension, reliable chassis, and 398cc engine are among the most valued in the industry. This beast has all the chops it takes to stand toe-to-toe with other leading dual-sport bikes in the industry.
This model is most suitable for riders who prefer something simple. Suzuki has retained its minimalist approach to this early dual-sport model without crowding it with all the nuances that usually feature more contemporary options.
Engine: Liquid Cooled, Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC ), Four-Stroke
Displacement: 398cc
Fuel capacity: 2.6 gallons
Price: Check here for the current price
3. YAMAHA WR250R
Anyone familiar with Yamaha knows that the manufacturer is a giant in the industry. The company’s WR250R is a perfect blend of the YZ motocross and WR Off-road platforms. As expected, this sweetheart packs quite some power!
This mixture outfits the bike with the capabilities of a reliable off-road motorcycle and the top-notch race-oriented architect of a street bike. Besides a dependable chassis, you will find a three-way fully adjustable suspension front and rear, 10.6 inches of travel, dual wave-type disc brakes, and a linkage-mounted rear shock.
WR250R’s semi-double-cradle frame and highly durable steel down tubes give the bike incredible strength and excellent rigidity. All of these, combined with several trail-savvy components, easily makes it a suitable platform for beginners. And if you are a pro, you will also find this an excellent purchase, particularly if extreme dirt capability ranks high among the things you want in a dual sport bike.
Engine: Liquid Cooled, Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC), Four-Stroke
Displacement: 250cc
Fuel capacity: 2.0 gallons
Price: Check here for the current price
4. HUSQVARNA FE450
The FE450 stands tall among Husqvarna’s FE line, as well as the company’s other offerings. It features a unique carbon composite subframe that showcases the manufacturer’s advanced engineering. It also boasts of a Magura braking system that delivers superb stopping power while providing a modulated feel.
This sled has hydraulic components that keep it running smooth and strong, even during extended usage. The shaft arrangements in the power and refined engine are geared toward enhancing handling and mass centralization. And like other models in the FE line, the FE450 uses Husqvarna’s trusted WP suspension, a large bore and stroke, and a dependable enduro-specific rear linkage to distinguish itself as one of the very best dual sport bikes any biker would love to own.
Engine: Single-Cylinder, Four-Stroke
Displacement: 450cc
Fuel capacity: 2.25 gallons
Price: Check here for the current price
5. KAWASAKI KLX250
Here’s an excellent dual sport bike I would personally recommend to any beginner. Although the KLX250 from Kawasaki is one of the smallest displacement options around, the ride is well-rounded enough to compete with some of the best models available.
Kawasaki did quite a commendable work on the architecture of the KLX250 model. This platform is as reliable and trusted as any other top-notch dual sport bike, and that’s not surprising considering the build quality. It boasts of an exceptional 11.2 inches ground clearance with an elaborate suspension system that gives it up to 9.1 inches of travel at the rear and 10 inches of travel in the front.
Although this model is more affordable than other options, it is by no means short on performance. Little wonder the KLX250 is Kawasaki’s largest dual sports bike. Riders of all skill levels will find the model’s on- and off-road performance quite impressive. The price is another reason you should consider this as a solid option. You can save a lot of cash with this model and have enough change for gears and other whatnots.
Engine: Single-Cylinder, Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC), Four-Stroke
Displacement: 249cc
Fuel capacity: 1.9 gallons
Price: Check here for the current price
6. KTM 690 ENDURO R
It’s quite a tall order to find a bike that delivers the exceptional off-road performance of the KTM 690 Enduro R. This dual sports beast comes into its own when the trail gets insanely extreme!
KTM’s unrivaled performance is no news to enthusiasts who’ve always known that the company has consistently topped the charts and raised the bar when it comes to the dual sport motorcycle industry. KTM brought all to bear in building the 690 Enduro R, so you’ll expect nothing than the best with this model.
It features aggressive styling and boasts of a single-cylinder 690 LC4 motor engineered to generate about 67 horsepower, a twin-plug ignition, lightweight chassis, and ride-by-wire – all of which are improved by cutting-edge WP XPLOR suspension and latest electronics.
You would naturally expect a bike of this class to be heavy. But surprisingly, this sweetheart is lightweight, making it incredibly easy to maneuver, even in extreme terrains. In a nutshell, the KTM 690 is one of the most reliable and prolific platforms to ever grace the pavement and trail – and you can take that to the bank!
Engine: Single-Cylinder, Four-Stroke
Displacement: 690cc
Fuel capacity: 3.2 gallons
Price: Check here for the current price
7. ZERO FX ZF3.6
The Zero FX ZF3.6 is a unique dual sport bike and obviously different from the rest of the options on this list. If a nuanced bike is something of interest to you, you may as well take a good look at this model. Unlike the other dual sports on this list, the Zero FX ZF3.6 is an electric model. The beast is as powerful as they come, which explains why it is found on almost every list dual sports motorcycle list online.
It has aggressive styling with impressive suspension and body panels. When it comes to power, Zero FX ZF3.6 can go toe-to-toe with any 450cc sled without breaking a sweat. Its modular battery system, although seemingly small, provides all the power it needs. Interestingly, the battery can be swapped, even on the go.
The bike features different riding modes, allowing you to choose between commute, performance, and off-road power dispersal. That means you can take on whatever the path brings no matter where you are.
Engine: N/A (Modular Battery Technology
Displacement: N/A (20 kW/27HP)
Fuel capacity: N/A (3.6 kWh Battery)
Price: Check here for the current price
Questions to Ask Before Choosing the Best Dual Sport Bikes
Here’s my candid advice to anyone thinking about investing in such an expensive machine: be smart and ask a few questions before you pull the purchase trigger. And since you’re here, I presume you’re already asking the right questions, so here are my answers.
What’s Your Skill Level?
You have to be brutally honest with yourself here because it can save you a whole lot of money. Here’s how. If you are a beginner, you don’t need a new bike. No. You don’t need anything close to new or best. Simply buy a clapped-out bike or rent one and start learning. Don’t be shy about this or feel than anyone – once upon a time, even the world’s greatest biker didn’t know the first thing about bikes.
Give yourself a couple of months to get comfortable on your old bike. Learn how to manage and maneuver it. Go get your endorsement after taking the motorcycle safety course, and then you can start fishing for a new dual sport bike that you can grow into.
Of course, if you are already proficient with sport bikes, you can go right ahead and get a brand new bike, but doing so as a beginner would be a huge mistake. You’re likely going to end up with several broken bike parts, a few bruises (if you’re not properly geared up), and a severely bruised ego. These things have an uncanny way of embarrassing you at the most ill-opportune moments, especially in public!
What’s Your Height?
The last thing you ever want is to make a huge investment in this expensive machine only to discover that your feet won’t touch the ground when you sit on it.
If you are short or anywhere below 5-feet 6-inches tall, you might have a small problem with dual bikes. No, you’re not short. But in the world of dual-sport motorcycling, riders need to be taller than average to enjoy adventure bikes.
Dual-sport bikes are built to efficiently handle different terrains, explaining the need for the long-travel suspension and ample ground clearance. These machines are generally a leggy bunch and are more suited to those among us with impressive heights or long limbs.
But don’t let your dream of going anywhere the path leads to go up in a puff just yet. Some short guys, I assume, also had similar challenges and came up with several brilliant aftermarket solutions to modify the bikes and improve the situation for short riders. So, if your height seems to be a problem, you can still enjoy an adventure bike with extra purchases. You can buy lowering kits to shorten the suspension on many models.
Lots of models in the 250 range can be easily modified to suit not-so-tall riders. Excellent offerings include the WR250R from Yamaha and the KLX250 model from Kawasaki.
You may have heard about smaller and lightweight dual sport bikes in the 230cc range. While there’s nothing wrong with these models (it’s actually legal to use them on the road), I suggest you resist the temptation to opt for these smaller models just because you want to ride an adventure bike. Consistently hitting 50 mph on these lightweight, undersized machines is not the sexiest idea you can come up with.
What Type of Riding Are You Planning To Do?
The truth is, you’re probably not going to ride to all the places you’ve fantasized about because, well, the bike you’re eyeing isn’t quite built for such paths. You may imagine riding all the way from Connecticut to Ushuaia on a BMW GS, but if you end up with a Redmond, the only trails you’ll probably be riding are horse trails.
The point is, the trail where you will use your bike mostly can have a huge impact on your choice of a dual sport bike. What path do you plan on plying the most? Would it be gnarly, narrow tracks that can hardly let your handlebars through? Or unpaved roads in the forest? The narrower, rougher, and more aggressive your off-road riding, the more dirt-oriented and smaller your choice of dual sport bike should be. Because some options are called best dual sport bikes doesn’t necessarily mean they are all created equally. Choose the one that works well on the trail you plan on riding the most.
Where Do You Want to Go?
Similar to the previous question, you need to get a precise answer to this one before choosing a dual sport. It’s like checking the travel advisory before setting out on a journey halfway across the world. It is always a smart move to chat with other dual sport buddies who have traveled internationally. They’ll be in the best position to tell you what models can withstand such road conditions. Not every bike can handle the ever-changing conditions on international trips.
What’s Your Budget?
Dual sports bikes can be as cheap as $500 (for used options) to more than $20,000 for more high-end options. As with most things, you can only get what you pay for. However, regardless of your budget, it is important to look for reliability and safety before investing in any dual sport bike.
So, if you opt for a used bike, for example, don’t just throw away $700 because it seemed like a great bargain. That’s an awful lot of money for a broken-down old motorcycle. It is best to speak with someone if you don’t know anything about bikes, whether used or brand new.
Tips for Solo Riding
Buying an adventure bike is redundant if all you do is use it for your commute to work. Heck! These beasts are made for the trails, too. Traveling in a group is fun, but don’t always have to wait for someone or a group to enjoy your bike, even when you plan on going far away from civilization.
But is it dangerous to ride solo? You betcha!
But you didn’t particularly buy one of these sleds just to play it safe, right? However, before you set off for a solo ride, here are some practical tips that will save you a lot of pain and can even save your life.
Prep Your Bike
Never start your trip without prepping your bike first, whether it is a sparkling new bike or you’ve had it for longer than you care to admit. Do a full nut and bolt check, and ensure your bike is not overdue for maintenance. Gas up, check the tire pressures and get the air pump ready. A tire repair kit can be priceless on solo trips. A 6-hour trip can quickly turn into an unplanned journey of several nights if you can’t fix a flat tire. And remember to bring spare tubes for both the front and rear tires.
Tell Someone Where You’re Heading
Perhaps the most important tip when riding solo is to let a family member, a friend, or a ridding buddy know what you plan on doing. You may not know exactly where you’ll get to, but you can give them a general idea of where you are heading and what time to expect you back. When you head off, remember to check-in via text every hour or let them know everything is ok.
Limit Your Speed
Be smart. Speed kills even on the trail. Regardless of how well you know a path, it doesn’t usually make sense to blast off at high speed. You’ll be safer at a mild pace if accidents should ever occur.
Get a GPS
Your chances of getting lost are greatly reduced with a GPS. If you don’t have a dedicated GPS and unsure if your phone’s GPS will work when out of range, you can use a digital GPS watch like the Traverse Alpha Watch, specifically built for the outdoors. If you have a dedicated GPS, don’t forget to bring extra batteries. These things are useless without batteries!
Listen To Your Gut
Exploring the trail can be fun until it isn’t. Follow your gut – you have it for a reason. If you ever have a funny feeling about a trail, do yourself a world of favor and turn around. Keep an eye out for tire tracks. If you don’t see any, it is probably because of some sort of danger ahead. When in doubt, it is better to err on the side of caution than to get stuck on the side of a steep mountain or in a deep canyon.
Be Prepared
Solo riding means you have no one but yourself to depend on while going down a trail. It is best to have everything you need. Because even the best dual sport bikes can break down too, you know. You never can tell what jam a keychain multi-tool can get you out of, so don’t ignore those, too. Bring enough snacks and water for the day’s refreshment, and never go on an adventure without a first aid kit. Lastly, remember that ATGATT (all the gear, all the time) is not just a fancy acronym. Practice it.
Final Thoughts
It doesn’t matter if the map was wrong, and all of a sudden, the blacktop turns into a dirt path with gaping potholes. That’s not enough to end your exploration as long as you are astride one of the best dual sport bikes. Dual sport bikes are built to let you continue your adventure wherever the road stops and the trail begins.
These machines are designed to be very agile and open a world of endless possibilities for any enthusiast. So, gear up, pack your bags, and start riding because there’s a path out there waiting to be explored!
