Top Dual Sport Motorcycles for On and Off-Road Adventures

While their bigger-bore. more-civilized Adventure bike brethren have been all the rage in recent years, Dual Sport motorcycles are still the beasts of choice for a certain sort of rider.

In particular, those who demand that their bike behave like a proper offroad machine – not merely a street bike capable of some light trails duty – while still being both capable and adept at highway runs continue to call o Dual Sport motorcycles.

As a rule, enduro-inspired Dual Sport bikes are smaller (in terms of dimension, weight, and displacement) and much closer related to genuine motocross machines than Adventure bikes. As one would expect, this means they are considerably stronger on dirt and more maneuverable in traffic. On the flip side, they also provide less wind protection, less stability, and less comfort for longer rides.

Even if you know you need a machine that can tackle pavement and dirt, the precise ratio will dictate which mode of all-arounder will work best for you.

And even if you already know Dual Sport is the type of bike for you, you’re still going to have to drill down a little deeper to figure out which will best scratch your itch.

Let’s break it down by selecting a few of the leading examples by type:

Best Dual Sport Motorcycles for Off Road Riding

Husqvarna FE350S

MSRP: $12,749

If you’re looking for what’s effectively the closest thing to a full-blown motocrosser that you can legally ride on the road, the Husqvarna FE350S is your ride. 

With that comes all the pluses you would expect – incredibly light weight, proper off-road suspension, and a smooth and powerful engine. As an added bonus, all of those features make it a blast to ride on pavement too.

However, with that comes all the minuses you would also expect. It’s expensive, requires significant maintenance, and is less-than-ideal for longer stints on the road.

Honda CRF450L

MSRP: $10,099

Honda’s CRF450L boasts an impressive race heritage as well, with close ties to the marque’s fabled enduro racers.

While the harsh edges have been smoothed off to some degree, the CRF450L still brings hard-core performance to the dirt and pavement.

However, like the Husqvarna, with that comes hard-core maintenance requirements and manners that never feel quite at home on the street.

Best Dual Sport Motorcycles for Street Riding

KTM 390 Adventure R

MSRP: $7699

It’s right there in the name. The KTM 390 Adventure R brings that Adventure bike attitude and packs it in a smaller, lighter package. 

With that comes enhanced wind protection, pavement-ready engine performance and speed, and the ability to go longer distances with ease.

However, while better suited for off road riding than some genuine Adventure machines, it doesn’t sport the kind of ground clearance nor suspension to go toe-to-toe with its MX-ier competitors.

Honda CRF300L Rally

MSRP: $6199

The Honda CRF300L pulls a similar trick with better wind protection, greater fuel capacity and added torque, allowing it to carry you long distances in relative comfort.

And while it doesn’t have as many off-road compromises as the KTM 390 Adventure, it’s fair to say it lacks that razor-sharp feel on dirt.

Kawasaki KLR 650

MSRP: $6899

This one is almost a cheat. The Kawasaki KLR 650 is the most ‘adventurous’ of the Dual Sport bikes and sits on the fine line separating the two related categories.

As a result, the KLR 650 is very much at home taking long tours across the country and will do so reliably and in relative comfort.

But as you might have guessed, it’s also limited on dirt; it’s basically limited to trails and light off-road work in the same way most Adventure bikes are.

Best Dual Sport Motorcycles for On and Off Road Adventurers

KTM 690 Enduro R

MSRP: $12,999

Refined, ultra-capable, and powerful, the KTM 690 Enduro R is a true do-it-all superstar. With dirt-ready chassis and suspension and road-worthy engine performance, this KTM is ready for whatever you throw at it.

What’s the catch? Well, it’s expensive, of course, and marginally compromised on dirt compared to the most hard-core racer-with-lights Dual Sports. But that’s about it.

Suzuki DR-Z4S

MSRP: $8999

The Suzuki DR-Z4S follows up the much beloved DRZ400 and has snatched that baton with improvements upon a legend in just about every area imaginable.

As a result of the chassis, suspension, engine, and electronics upgrades, the DR-Zs elevates an already excellent all-arounder and attacks the dirt and pavement with equal aplomb.