Finding the best dual sport bikes for men can be difficult, especially with so many options to choose from. If you’re an adventure junkie looking for your next adventure, then a dual sports motorcycle is a must-have. These bikes can conquer on-road and off-road travel which is something not every bike comes outfitted for.
Luckily, manufacturers have come up with this dual-sport genre blending street-savvy commuters with their off-road counterparts. In recent years, the motorcycle industry has put a great deal of effort into designing off-road bikes with all the characteristics of the street-ready motor bike. With aggressive styling, enhanced suspension and capable engines now you can have the jack-of-all-trades in the motorcycle world.
Discover the Best Dual Sport Motorcycles on the Market
1. Suzuki DR-Z400S
Source: suzukicycles.com
Choose your own adventure with the 2019 DR-Z400S. This bike has over 15 years of tested use on city streets, backtrails and mountains. It features all the bells and whistles required to compete with any dual sports bike on the market. Even though this bike rolled off the assembly line in 2000, it has undergone minimal changes since its first production run. This means that its dependable chassis, carbureted engine and heightened suspension are all among the best in the world.
The Suzuki DR-Z400S features impressive torque, crisp handling, an easy-to-read instrument cluster and an electric start. Although this bike favors off-road driving, it is street legal and weighs only 317 lbs. Whether you’re on the highway or a twisty dirt path, this bike is an ultra-reliable dual sports bike that will get you out and having fun just as it has been for nearly 20 years.
2. Kawasaki KLX 250
Source: kawasaki.com
The Kawasaki KLX 250 is one of the best dual sport motorcycles if you’re just starting out. Although this bike is small, it is very well-rounded and should not be underestimated. This bike features a complete suspension system, boasting a 249cc engine and provides a superior ride for navigating on and off-road travel. Its elaborate suspension system garners up to 10-inches of travel in the front and in the rear, you’ll be treated to a gracious 9.1-inches of travel.
The KLX 250 has a seat height of 35 inches and a weight of 304 lbs. Its fuel capacity is 2 gallons offering ultra-fine atomization of fuel with its 10-hole injector. This dual purpose motorcycle is a great bike for riders of varying skill levels. Even better, this Kawasaki bike comes in at a very affordable price tag which means you can splurge on additional trips and gear.
3. Honda CRF450L
Source: honda.com
The Honda CRF450L has been touted as one of the most well-rounded dual purpose motorcycles in the industry. This street-legal machine boasts a powerful body style with great looks and an enhanced suspension system making it a valued bike among the motorcycle community. The suspension on this bike is fully adjustable both in the front and rear, allowing riders to adjust the setup to their liking. With 12.4-inches of ground clearance, this bike is ready to push the limits.
The CRF450L offers a light-weight body style, superior handing and loads of power. It features a powerful 449cc Unicam engine, a wide-ratio six-speed transmission, premium long-travel suspension, a twin-spar aluminum CRF chassis, electric start and 18-inch rear wheels making it an excellent choice for on/off road adventures. Having superior ergonomics, you’re guaranteed to be comfortable throughout the ride. It is also entirely street legal in all 50 states which means you won’t have to worry about traveling cross-country with this dual sport bike.
4. KTM 690 Enduro R
Source: ktm.com
Instantly feel the adrenaline build with the KTM 690 Enduro R. This specific model is one of the best dual sport motorcycles on our list when it comes to technology. It comes complete with two ride modes, motor slip regulation, lean angle sensitive switchable ABS and Quickshifter+ which allows for clutch-less up and down shifting.
The KTM 690 Enduro R features a lightweight chassis, a trusted 690 LC4 motor, aggressive styling and WP XPLOR suspension. These features allow you to master more challenging terrain while still maintaining a smooth and comfortable ride. With an updated single-cylinder LC4 engine with 67 horsepower, you are guaranteed a high-performance ride that’s ready for anything.
KTM is a generational manufacturer that has reigned supreme. They have helped define the genre of off-road and dual-sport racing while also innovating some of the industry’s most prolific platforms. The 690 Enduro R has remained one of the most capable bikes ever created. It certainly raises the bar when we’re talking about some of the best dual sport motorcycles on the market.
5. Yamaha WR250R
Source: yamahamotorsports.com
The Yamaha WR250R is the ultimate dual purpose powerhouse designed to continue the adventure when the road stops and the trails begin. Its race-oriented and off-road capabilities makes it one of the best dual sport motorcycles for both beginners and pros. This particular bike is great for riders who ride off-road more than on-road with its dirt-focused performance qualities like 10.6-inches of travel, a fully adjustable front fork, and linkage-mounted shock to the chassis.
The WR250R has a liquid-cooled, four-valve 250cc engine with a 6-speed transmission tailored toward dirt. The seat sits at 36.6in in height and features a narrow, gripper-type saddle cover for improved connection to the machine.
One disadvantage of this bike is its extremely lightweight body style where you might top 70 mph if you’re lucky. This bike is primarily built for off-roading and handles very well in dirt, making it an uncomfortable ride on paved roads if you’re riding longer than a few miles.
6. KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
Source: ktm.com
KTM brought out the big guns for this king of adventure dual sport bike. This bike is considered the most hardcore, long distance dual sport bikes ready to take on any terrain. The Super Adventure 1290 R features knobby tires on 21-inch front and 18-inch rear-spoked wheels, Brembo brakes with ABS, cruise control, traction control, engine crash bars and an adjustable windscreen. The seat height is 35 inches, with the front suspension travel at 8.7 inches, and close to 10 inches of ground clearance in total.
This is a large bike built for more experienced riders. It weighs in at 529lbs with a six-gallon gas tank. While this bike is one of the more expensive dual sport bikes on the market, but its large, sturdy and versatile body makes is one of the best dual sport motorcycle bikes in the industry.
7. Honda XR650L
Source: honda.com
Adventure is just the push of a button away with the Honda XR650L. The electric start feature in this bike takes all the hassle out of restarting off-road or getting going on a cold morning. This model first made its debut in 1992 and not much has changed since then. Its 644cc air-cooled four-stroke engine, 2.8-gallon gas tank, five-speed transmission and 11.6-in front suspension travel are all the same specs and features of the bike today.
With one look at the tires on this bike, you’ll quickly realize that it’s made more for dirt than hardtop. The front and rear disc brakes provide optimal stopping power. The front and rear disc rotors are made for lightness and enhanced wet-weather performance. The XR650L weighs in at 356lbs and is fully equipped for the street. There’s even a grab strap and foot pegs for a passenger making this such a versatile dual purpose motorcycle.
8. Husqvarna FE450
Source: husqvarna-motorcycles.com
Husqvarna is a Swedish brand that has been making motorcycles that are a staple in the dual-sports community. This model has been expertly crafted to offer the combination of precision and agility. This bike features a chromium molybdenum frame that truly stands out, a lightweight engine, WP suspension, an endure specific rear linkage and innovative electronics.
This variant boasts of its Magura brakes, lightweight composite subframe and hydraulic components which will keep it running at high-performance for an extended period of time. The chassis and shock each have a unique linkage that makes this dual purpose motorcycle a force to be reckoned with. With a parent company like KTM, the Husqvarna comes in with stellar performance. The FE 450 is pushing the boundaries of progression to a whole new level making it a race-ready dual-sport in its own way.
9. Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin
Source: honda.co.uk
Compared to the Adventure Sports model, the CRF100L Africa Twin features a minimalistic look. With a 009cc parallel-twin water-cooled engine, it is one of the lightest, smallest and most affordable dual sport bikes in the heavyweight category. This bike features a fully adjustable front and rear suspension, selective torque control with three settings and a choice of either manual or automatic six-speed transmission. The three rider modes make this bike accessible in all areas of terrain. Simply choose the ride that suits your mood and you instantly have full control with the push of a button.
This bike weighs 511lbs and is ready to ride with 5 gallons of gas in the tank. The seat height has two positions one at 33.5 inches and one with 34.3 inches.
10. KTM 500 EXC-F
Source: ktm.com
As one of the most powerful off-road competition bike on the market, the KTM 500 EXC-F packs a thrilling 4-stroke punch while also delivering incredible rideability. This series is completely street legal although it barely looks like it with its runway trim frame. Thanks to its completely updated chassis and its compact high-tech engine, this dual sport power machine is surprisingly light with optimal agility.
This bike is happy on the highways and byways, but a powerhouse in the dirt, sand and gravel. You’ll be racing to new extremes with its 6-speed transmission and Xplor WP suspension. The KTM 500 EXC-F also features an engine cooling system that maintains the engines temperature and consistent horsepower throughout the ride. This provides the highest performance with nothing less than the most dynamic enduro experience available.
What is the fastest dual sport motorcycle?
Only the best dual sport motorcycles come with some serious speed. The Suzuki DR-Z400S can go 0-60 in as little as 4.5 seconds.
Another fast, dual sport bike on our list is the Yamaha WR250R. This bike is not only affordable, but also fast. The bike weighs only 295lbs with a 250cc fuel-injected single-cylinder engine making it plenty powerful to rip down any trail. It has a record of going 0-60 time in only 6.7 seconds.
When should I get a dual sport bike?
If you’re looking to heighten your motorcycling adventures, getting one of the best dual sport motorcycles is an excellent idea. The main advantage of a dual sport bike is its lightweight build and agility off-road. These bikes are great off-road bikes, especially for beginners or the thrill-riders since the body of the bike is less likely to get damaged when crashed and since they’re lightweight, they can be easily picked up after falling.
Is a dual sport a good first motorcycle?
Yes, a dual sport bike is a great first motorcycle. Since they are light, easy to handle and versatile, you can do just about everything you want whether it’s street riding or off-roading. In terms of power, they are great for beginners and since they’re built to take punishment, they’re great learning bikes if you’re worried about dropping it.
How big of a motorcycle should I get for the first time?
There are several factors to consider when looking for the best dual sport motorcycle for the first time. First and foremost is the size of the bike. Most bikes can be configured to fit your individual wants and needs. There are seat upgrades, handlebar risers, and other accessories that can improve ergonomics and rider comfort.
One of the best ways to find out how big of a motorcycle you should get for the first time would be to visit a motorcycle dealer and try out several models for size reference. Get a good feel on the weight of the bike, the seat to foot and hand controls, as well as how easily you can touch the ground.
What is high mileage for a dual sport motorcycle?
This generally depends on how the bike has been rode and the maintenance upkeep. Dirt miles are much harder on the bike than paved miles. Some of the best dual sport motorcycles can expect to go around 100,000 miles.
Take On Any Terrain with the Best Dual Sport Motorcycles for Men
Think of dual sport motorcycles as dirt bikes, but with enough equipment and comfort that can be ridden on payment. They have turn signals, taillights, a license plate mount and other additional gauges and add-ons needed for on-road riding. Although they are street legal, they also have all the off-road luxuries including extra suspension travel, skid plates, crash protection and fuel-efficient engines.
Finding the best dual sport motorcycle can be a difficult task, but I’m hoping this list will guide you in the right direction of finding your way to your next big adventure.
