The good news is that the market has a range of dual-sport bikes that offer a variety of things, from small ones that let you take your first steps in the mud, to fire-breathing dragons that will spit you out if you so much as look at them wrong. We will not consider the latter type in this list, because we are looking for ten dual-sport bikes that are both practical and versatile. Here they are below.
2025 Honda XR150L
Price: $3,299
The XR150L has the ‘practical’ bit nailed. This is the most fuel-efficient full-size motorcycle you can buy today, and it has no electronics to speak of. Everything about it is simplicity itself: a cradle frame, suspension with adjustable rear preload and a rear drum brake are all present. It is a very popular model in emerging markets, which is a testament to its rock-solid reliability. Oh, and it can easily commute or go off-road thanks to its light weight.
Engine type | Air cooled, 2V, carb |
Displacement | 149cc |
Maximum power | 12.5 hp at 7,750 rpm |
Maximum torque | 9.3 LB-FT @ 6,000 rpm |
Transfer | 5 speeds |
2026 Yamaha WR125R
Price: $3,999
The WR125R is the opposite of the XR150L. You might get less displacement, but on paper it’s better in every other way imaginable. The 125 cc engine has four valves, with Yamaha’s patented variable valve timing, liquid cooling and a six-speed gearbox. The chassis is a semi-double cradle frame and the rear shock is a link type. ABS is present on disc brakes at both ends and is switchable. The LCD screen also has Bluetooth connectivity.
Engine type | Liquid cooled, 4V, VVA |
Displacement | 125cc |
Maximum power | 14.4 hp at 10,000 rpm |
Maximum torque | 8 LB-FT @ 6,500 rpm |
Transfer | 6 speeds |
2025 Honda CRF300LS
Price: $5,749
Honda has turned component sharing into an art form. The 286cc engine that powers the CRF300LS is definitely one of its masterpieces. It powers quite a few small Hondas, and the dual-sport chassis serves three motorcycles. This is the most beginner-friendly of them all, thanks to the lower seat height. It comes at the cost of reduced suspension travel and ground clearance, but unless you’re serious about off-roading, it won’t make much of a difference. The feature set includes switchable ABS, a USB-C charging socket and LED lighting all around.
Engine type | Liquid-cooled DOHC 4V |
Displacement | 286cc |
Maximum power | 27 hp @ 8,500 rpm |
Maximum torque | 19.6 LB-FT @ 6,500 rpm |
Transfer | 6 speeds |
10 versatile bikes for commuting and weekend rides
The most affordable motorcycle on this list is a cool looking street fighter from Yamaha, which costs less than $5,000.
2025 Kawasaki KLX230DF
Price: $5,999
The KLX230 is a great little runabout. The 233cc engine may not seem like a big upgrade over the Yamaha when you look at the power, but the torque is where it’s at. It is also simple and reliable. Thanks to the six-speed gearbox, it can also handle short stints on the highway. ABS is an optional extra, but it’s switchable and worth the price of admission. The DF is a variant that costs $800 more and brings a luggage rack and motorcycle crash protection. This is the only KLX230 on sale in the US with longer travel suspension and better ground clearance.
Engine type | Air-cooled, 2V |
Displacement | 233cc |
Maximum power | ~17 hp at 8,000 rpm |
Maximum torque | 13.0 LB-FT @ 6,400 rpm |
Transfer | 6 speeds |
2026 KTM 390 Enduro R
Price: $6,049
The 390 Enduro R is the gateway to more serious dual-sport machines. It is an unbeatable prospect for its price due to the sheer number of features and performance it offers. The power and six-speed gearbox are enough to encourage highway stints, and the optional two-way quickshifter only makes the experience better. You get a full electronics suite with a six-axis IMU and by-wire throttle. That means cornering ABS and traction control. This is also the first dual-sport with a TFT color display and also offers Bluetooth and navigation!
Engine type | Liquid-cooled DOHC 4V |
Displacement | 399cc |
Maximum power | 44 hp at 8,500 rpm |
Maximum torque | 28.7 LB-FT @ 7,000 rpm |
Transfer | 6 speeds |
2026 Beta Alp 4.0
Price: $6,790
The Beta Alp 4.0 occupies a space somewhere between a dual-sport and an adventure bike. This is reflected in the choice to have a front mudguard that fits closely to the front wheel rather than a high-mounted one as in a regular dual-sport. Despite this visual clash of ideas, it’s a very capable product from a manufacturer very experienced in designing pretty good off-road motorcycles. The Alp 4.0 is more civilized, with two engine maps and switchable ABS.
Engine type | Liquid-cooled DOHC 4V |
Displacement | 348cc |
Maximum power | 35 hp @ 9,500 rpm |
Maximum torque | THAT |
Transfer | 6 speeds |
10 versatile motorcycles, perfect for both workdays and road trips
From weekday chores to weekend road trips, these bikes can do it all
2025 Honda CRF450RL
Price: $10,099
The CRF450RL occupies the space between the civilized, smaller-displacement dual-sport bikes and the fire-breathing, race-ready enduro machines. It has a quite powerful 449cc engine with a Unicam SOHC head that makes it compact and thus has good ground clearance. The curb weight is also a good figure, thanks to the use of lightweight materials such as titanium for the tank and aluminum for the chassis. The fully adjustable Showa suspension suspends the wheels, and Nissin the brakes.
Engine type | Liquid-cooled Unicam SOHC 4V |
Displacement | 449cc |
Maximum power | 52.9 hp at 9,000 rpm |
Maximum torque | 35.4 LB-FT @ 7,000 rpm |
Transfer | 6 speeds |
2026 KTM 690 Enduro R
Price: $13,399
The 690 Enduro R has been due for an update for a while, and instead of an entirely new model like the 390 Enduro R, KTM has opted to update things. That’s not a bad thing, as it was a good product to begin with. KTM has retained its layout, along with the under-seat fuel tank that doubles as a subframe. The engine has been given a step-by-step update to help meet upcoming emissions standards. In doing so, KTM managed to get more power out of it and regain the title of the most powerful single-cylinder currently in production.
Engine type | Liquid-cooled DOHC 4V |
Displacement | 693cc |
Maximum power | 78 HP @ EN RPM |
Maximum torque | 58 LB-FT @ NA RPM |
Transfer | 6 speeds |
2026 Husqvarna 701 Enduro
Price: $13,399
The 701 Enduro is a sibling of the 690 Enduro R, so everything we said about it applies here too. What sets it apart from the KTM is the lack of orange, and that will certainly appeal to a wider audience. Like the orange bike, it has also received a major update for model year 2026. Therefore, like the KTM, it gets all the electronics of the 390 Enduro R, i.e. a by-wire throttle, riding modes, six-axis IMU, cornering ABS and traction control, switchable ABS, a USB-C charging socket and a TFT display with Bluetooth and navigation.
Engine type | Liquid-cooled DOHC 4V |
Displacement | 693cc |
Maximum power | 78 HP @ EN RPM |
Maximum torque | 58 LB-FT @ NA RPM |
Transfer | 6 speeds |
10 versatile motorcycles for riders who want one bike for every terrain
From dual sport to adventure touring bikes, these bikes can do almost anything you ask of them.
2026 Strong Wolf EX
Price: $13,990
Electric dual-sport bikes weren’t exactly practical… until the Stark Future Varg EX came along. This takes the next step with electric two-wheeler technology. It has a carbon fiber shell motor with water-cooled aluminum housing and integrated inverter. It also gets OTA updates and has IP69K waterproofing and shock resistance. In addition to the traditional components, it features a fully adjustable KYB suspension, Brembo brakes and a dazzling 764 LB-FT at the rear wheel. That must be fun.
Engine type | Liquid-cooled electric motor |
Maximum power | 80 hp |
Maximum torque | 764 LB-FT (rear wheel) |
Range | NA (max. 6 hours running time) |
Charging time | 2 hours (min, 0-100%) |
Sources: Honda Powersports, KTM USA
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