To give you the most current and accurate information, the data used to compile this article is from authoritative sources including Suzuki Cycles USA and Kawasaki Motorcycles USA. This list is arranged in descending order of price, from the most expensive to the most affordable bikes that combine commuting comfort with trail capabilities. All prices mentioned here are for 2025 models unless otherwise stated.
Suzuki DR-Z4S+
Price: $9,299
This is a brand new equipment level based on the standard DR-Z4S. The Plus deviates from the standard model with features such as an aluminum skid plate, front and rear disc brake covers and handguards. These parts increase the off-road appeal, both visually and from a practical point of view. Everything else is similar to the standard version.
That includes a punchy 398cc single-cylinder engine that produces 38 horsepower and 28 pound-feet of torque. Its sleek form factor, compact 58.6-inch wheelbase and low curb weight of 333 pounds help conquer the urban driving side. Off-road duties are handled by a long-travel KYB-tuned suspension with over 11 inches of travel at both ends. Plus, it’s quite modern, with features like ride-by-wire and electronic fuel injection.
Suzuki DR-Z4S
Price: $8,999
The 2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S is special because it will receive a remarkable upgrade in 23 years! Yes, that’s how old this nameplate is. The engine is completely new and features ride-by-wire and electronic fuel injection. This adds refinement and reliability to the already solid performing single-cylinder mill.
Couple this bike’s versatility with its compact form factor, 333-pound curb weight and long-travel KYB-tuned suspension, and we have a bright yellow Suzuki that can tackle daily city tasks and challenging trail runs with equal force. However, you will have to spend a lot more than its rivals.
Suzuki DR650S
Price: $7,199
The Suzuki DR650S has been in production and has received few updates since the 1990s. However, it’s the DR650S’s ‘legacy’ tag that also impresses with urban and trail prowess that still puts it on the pedestal of modern rivals. It has one of the largest engines in this bunch, with a power of 34.3 hp and a torque of 33.4 Nm.
The rugged, long-travel chassis and suspension with over 10 inches of travel at each end make for a capable off-road package. Breezy city duties are thanks to the sleek profile and relatively compact dimensions, with a curb weight of 366 pounds.
Suzuki DR-Z400S
Price: $7,199
While this ‘old’ Suzuki may not be as popular as the DR650S, it holds a very important place in the automaker’s line of dual-sports. Suzuki claims the DR-Z400S is the foundation of the modern dual-sport movement. This is still evident from the powerful liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine of 398 cc, which produces a grin-worthy 39.7 hp.
It’s certainly intimidating, and its performance puts its trail-ready side to good use, offering meaty low- and mid-range torque. It has a low curb weight of 317 pounds, is sleek and has a compact form factor with a 58.5-inch wheelbase. These features ensure that this Suzuki can also drive comfortably in the city all day long.
Kawasaki KLR650 S
Price: $6,899
This is one of the rare cases where a dual sport can be a full-fledged ADV. Even Kawasaki offers an “Adventure” equipment level for this KLR. However, we will focus on the ‘S’ trim, which makes the KLR 650 more accessible and city-friendly, with a lower seat height of 32.1 inches.
While suspension travel is also sacrificed somewhat here, it’s still sufficient – 6.7 inches up front and 7.0 inches in the rear – for tackling trails. This dual-sport/ADV is powered by a well-aged 652cc single-cylinder engine that produces 40 horsepower and 39.1 pound-feet of torque, which, for the record, is almost 40 years old!
Kawasaki KLX230DF
Price: $5,999
This is one of two new trim levels that Kawasaki has brought forth from the popular KLX 230. The DF focuses on making this KLX a more capable off-roader, with features such as a bash plate, handguards, motorcycle crash protection and even a luggage rack for added convenience.
This versatile bike is powered by a 233cc single-cylinder mill, the same as the standard KLX 230, that produces 17 horsepower and 13.3 pound-feet of torque. It’s compact enough with a fairly low seat height of 33.3 inches and a curb weight of just 302 pounds, making this off-road-focused Kawa an equally solid urban runabout.
Kawasaki KLX 230 Sherpa S
Price: $5,899
Based on the standard KLX 230, the Sherpa S is yet another new trim level for 2025. While the aforementioned D.F focuses more on trails, the Sherpa S is designed to be more asphalt friendly. It gets similar features such as a bash plate and handguards, but differs by having a lower seat height and shorter suspension travel.
The 32.5-inch seat height is at the lower end of the dual-sport spectrum, making this Kawa a more accessible offering. It even weighs less than 300 kilos, contributing to an agile driving character on tight city roads. Despite the reduced travel, this Kawa still offers 7.9 inches of front and 8.8 inches of rear travel, making it more than capable of tackling those trails.
Kawasaki KLX300
Price: $5,449
The KLX 300 is one of the more affordable dual-sports in Kawasaki’s arsenal and punches above its weight. It is designed to seamlessly combine on-road and off-road capabilities without compromising on either side. Its compact form factor, with a 56.7-inch wheelbase and a low curb weight of 302.1 pounds, makes it an agile urban runabout.
Couple this with its punchy 292cc single-cylinder engine with 18.1 pound-feet of torque and long-travel suspension with 10 inches of front travel and 9.1 inches of rear travel, and we have a “green goblin” that can still kick up some serious dirt. It’s also surprisingly cheaper than the smaller 230.
Kawasaki versys x-3
Price: $5,699
This is the exception we mentioned in the introduction. The Versys pound.
The mill’s snappy character, combined with its relaxed rider triangle and manageable weight, makes the X-300 a comfortable urban runabout. Plus, the rugged underpinnings, combined with the long-travel suspension, spoked wheels and trail-ready rubber, also make it a fun ride on the beaten track.
Kawasaki KLX230 S
Price: $4,999 (model year 2025)
This is the most affordable dual-sport on this list and in Kawasaki’s arsenal. It is powered by a punchy 233cc single-cylinder engine that produces 17 horsepower and 13 pound-feet of torque. For 2025 and beyond, it will only be offered in an “S” trim with a lowered seat height.
This helps with urban riding options by providing increased access for shorter riders. Although the ground clearance is only 9.4 inches, that’s not a negative: it’s still sufficient for moderate trail runs. A unique differentiator of this affordable Kawa from others is that it is available in both non-ABS and ABS versions. The former can make experienced riders have a lot more fun.
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