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.
"Garrett tackling the WABDR on his trusty KLR 650 dual sport."
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-friendly suspension and handling characteristics.
"If it's got one cylinder and doesn't mind getting dirty, it's cool with us."
Some folks say "true" dual sports are only those bikes modeled after hardcore enduro racers (Betas, KTM EXCs, etc.).
Others beg to differ and prefer easier-going 50/50 machines like the big 650s (XR650L, DR650) and frugal 300s (KLX 300, CRF300L).
We're fans of both camps, which is why we've selected the best dual sport 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. 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: 254 lbs (without fuel)
- Seat Height: 37.4 in
- Fuel Capacity: 2 gallons
- Price: $13,149
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 few machines 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 hard enduro bike.
"Ultralight, rev-happy, and loaded with premium components: the FE 350S is the dirt-focused dualie we drool over." photo: Husqvarna
Everything about the FE350S is top-notch: the WP Xact suspension is the best in the segment, the chassis is sharp and nimble, the hydraulic Brembo brakes are smooth, powerful, and fade-free.
We also love the 348cc DOHC engine, which pairs a solid 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.
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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.
2. KTM 690 Enduro R
Quick Specs:
- Horsepower: 78 hp
- Torque: 54 lb-ft
- Weight: 357 lbs
- Seat Height: 36.8 in
- Fuel Capacity: 3.51 gallons
- Price: $13,399
KTM's latest 690 Enduro R is what we'd consider the modernized, high-performance alternative to a classic "big thumper" like Honda's XR650L.
It's not laser-focused on dirt or pavement, yet it excels at both like no other dual-sport on the market.
"The 690 gets more horsepower, an upgraded oil delivery system, and new engine covers for 2026." photo: KTM
The 690 R is expensive, but there's no question where your money's going either.
Massive power, adjustable WP suspension, advanced electronics, full color dash... You name it, the 690 has it, and yet it still weighs the same as an air-cooled 650.
"We've found the 690 R is tough to beat as a do-it-all dual sport or mini-ADV build."
It's also worth noting that because the 690 does have such long legs, it makes a great candidate for a lightweight ADV build.
We've built a few ourselves in the past, and with an aftermarket seat and a set of soft luggage, there ain't much you can't do on a 690.
That being said, the 690 Enduro R's name can be a bit misleading, as it's nowhere near as capable off-road as KTM's actual enduro models.
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Still, if you don't mind riding a bigger/heavier dual sport, this is the one to have when money is no object.
3. Honda CRF300L 
Quick Specs:
- Horsepower: 27hp @ 8,500 rpm
- Torque: 19.6 lb-ft @ 6,500 rpm
- Weight: 311 lbs (wet)
- Seat Height: 34.7 in
- Fuel Capacity: 2.1 gallons
- Price: $5,749
On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, you have the Honda CRF300L. Simple, affordable, low-maintenance, and reliable as an anvil. Ride it to work all week, then go hit the trails on the weekend.
The CRF300L is the ideal canvas for any build, whether you're looking for a user-friendly singletrack machine or a BDR-slaying backcountry camp rig.
Of all the modern, fuel-injected options, this one takes the cake when it comes to aftermarket support.
"Honda has updated the CRF300L's suspension for a firmer, better damped ride, something the previous version desperately needed." Photo credit: Honda
If you can imagine it, someone makes it for the CRF. Bigger fuel tanks, bash plates, suspension, seats, engine upgrades: for those of us who love building a simple bike into a turnkey dual sport, the Honda is the obvious choice.
We use the CRF extensively on our tours through Vietnam, and it's never once let us down.
It's nowhere near as light or powerful as something like the Husky above, but we have yet to find terrain the little Honda can't get up, over, and through.
Recent updates from Honda have only sweetened the pot. The cosmetic update is much appreciated, as is the firmer suspension.
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Smaller/newer riders will also appreciate that Honda offers a lower seat height model at no additional charge.
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 its 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.
"If you want a performance dual-sport, but want to keep it Japanese, the 450L is the only game in town." Photo credit: Honda
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.
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 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.
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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.
5. Stark Varg EX
Quick Specs:
- Horsepower: 80 hp @ 1 rpm
- Torque: 764 ft-lbs
- Weight: 264 lbs.
- Seat Height: 38.9"
- Battery Size: 7.2 kWh
- Price: $12,990
We took the new Stark Varg EX on an all-day enduro ride last year, sampling some of the best single-track Spain's Pyrenees mountains have to offer. We're absolutely sold on what Stark Future is selling here.
Eighty horsepower, 264-pounds, and fully street legal: that's what the new Varg EX brings to the table.
Combine that with absolutely dialed KYB suspension, Brembo brakes, and a razor-sharp chassis, and you'll start to get the picture.
"An absolutely insane off-road weapon that happens to have a license plate." Photo credit: Stark Future
The single-speed electric motor means there's no clutch to worry about, and zero possibility of killing the engine on technical terrain. An adjustable power curve allows you to turn the bike from beginner-friendly to absolutely mental with a single button.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Varg EX is that it's every bit as capable as any flagship KTM, but has zero maintenance or reliability issues to worry about. Just change the gear oil once a year, and you're good to go.
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The Varg EX's only real drawback is range. It's perfect for a day of serious enduro-style riding, but it's not the kind of thing you can travel on.
Still, for the dirt-focused side of dual sport, the Varg EX is an absolute revelation to ride.
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 XR650L.
"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.
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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.
7. Kawasaki KLX 300
Quick Specs:
- Horsepower: 25 hp @ 8,000 rpm
- Torque: 17.7 lb-ft @ 7,000 rpm
- Weight: 302 lbs
- Seat Height: 35.2 in
- Fuel Capacity: 2.0 gallons
- Price: $5,649
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 in 2024 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.
It's a better all-rounder right out of the box, but your farkling options will be limited to the basics.
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Crash protection, footpegs, fuel tanks, seats, and bars are readily available.
Big-bore kits, performance tunes, and suspension upgrades for these bikes are much harder to come by, however. If you'd rather not mess with any of it, the KLX is your girl.
8. Kawasaki KLR 650
Quick Specs:- 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: $6,999
Last but 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.
"If you're looking for a dual sport that's not afraid of long empty highways, the KLR is comfortable, reliable, and dirt cheap."
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?
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.
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Luckily there's a fairly robust aftermarket for this dual sport to help mold it in your image.
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.
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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.
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. Whether you're starting from the bed of your truck or your own front door will largely depend on the bike you choose.
There's no one perfect bike for every application.
Enduro-based models rarely make for good dual sport camping rigs, and running them on the highway just feels like a waste of tires. The porkier, more pavement-friendly models will always feel like a fish out of water on proper single track.
"Enjoying the view on our Peru Tours"
So what's the best dual sport for you? We recommend starting with the bike that checks your 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.
→Read More:
Best Adventure Motorcycles for Beginners
ADV Offroad & Street Training
