The case to be made for a dual-sport motorcycle isn't uni-dimensional. More than suiting just one category of riders, the beauty of the segment is that it's very close to being a one-size-fits-all deal. For a start, they're very close to providing the ability of a dedicated dirt bike. They also give you the flexibility of not being committed to just one form of riding, which is always a bonus. And depending on what kind of dual-sport you pick, you can also cram in a decent amount of performance and tech on board, too.
UPDATE: 2024/01/17 18:18 EST BY RAUNAK AJINKYA
With the used market continuously evolving, there's no shortage of great options to pick from when it comes to dual-sport motorcycles of all shapes and sizes. Given that, we have updated this list to reflect a few more entries of the best options out there.
That said, dual-sport motorcycles can get expensive. With technology advancing and dual-sports getting ever more capable by the day, their sticker prices are getting more exorbitant. Which, in theory, would restrict your ability to get astride some seriously capable motorcycles. Fortunately, there's a way out. The used market is currently a treasure trove for dual-sport enthusiasts. This list then rounds up some of the best-used offerings from KTM, Husqvarna, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and many more, all at stellar prices.
How we got our model selections: To compile this list, HotCars scoured used motorcycle portals for the best dual-sport offerings currently. This list prioritizes a low budget, and the entries reflect that accordingly. However, there was no restriction on displacement or performance while narrowing down this list. It should also be noted that most of the entries on this list are of motorcycles that are no longer in production, with a few exceptions. Lastly, the entries have been organized in increasing order of their value.
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13 Suzuki DR-Z400S
Used Price Range: $1,600-$6,000
The Suzuki DR-Z400S is certainly one of the best dual sport motorcycles money can buy. Its design may look outdated, and with 32 hp coming from the 398cc engine, it won't win many races.
All that said, it can do everything and does it all with ease. It's more than capable as a weekday commuter and loves to rip up a forest track on the weekend! The simplicity means there's little to go wrong, and it's a steal for the price you can get it at right now.
2017 Suzuki DR-Z400S Specs
Displacement | 398cc |
Engine Type | Single-cylinder |
Power | 39.7 hp |
Torque | 28.8 lb-ft |
Curb Weight | 321 lbs |
Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs
12 Kawasaki KLR650
Used Price Range: $2,400-$6,400
The Kawasaki KLR650 is a slightly slicker rival to the XR650L. Extremely popular and well-supported, the KLR is right up there as one of the best dual-sport motorcycles there is.
On the second-hand market, there are lots of options. Some resemble highly modified rally raid machines; you should probably avoid them. However, plenty have never even seen a rainy day, never mind a dirt track. A clean KLR650 is hard to beat!
2017 Kawasaki KLR650 Specs
Displacement | 651cc |
Engine Type | Single-cylinder |
Power | 42.1 hp |
Torque | 34.6 lb-ft |
Curb Weight | 432 lbs |
Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs
11 Kawasaki KLX250S
Used Price Range: $2,800-$5,500
Kawasaki's KLX250S is a strong contender for the Honda CRF250L in the fight for the small-capacity dual sport crown. It's comparable in almost every single way, offering a decent amount of power, aggressive styling, and off-road capability for a relatively low financial outlay.
It's lightweight and narrow, making it easy to handle, and its soft suspension can take on almost everything you can throw at it. With a new update in 2016, the KLX250S is still a good proposition.
2018 Kawasaki KLX250S Specs
Displacement | 249cc |
Engine Type | Single-cylinder |
Power | 21.5 hp |
Torque | 18.5 lb-ft |
Curb Weight | 304 lbs |
Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs
10 Honda CRF250L
Used Price Range: $2,800-$6,000
The Honda CRF250L revived the small-capacity dual sport market. It remains one of the best dual-sport motorcycles out there.
The CRF250L is a fantastic all-rounder equally adept at skipping the traffic as it blasts through the mud. They're bulletproof, and the fact that you can pick a clean one up for under $5,000 makes them hard to resist. Plus, that Honda badge means they'll hold their value.
2017 Honda CRF250L Specs
Displacement | 249cc |
Engine Type | Single-cylinder |
Power | 23 hp |
Torque | 16.2 lb-ft |
Curb Weight | 322 lbs |
Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs
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9 Suzuki DR350SE
Used Price Range: $3,000-$3,700
The Suzuki DR350SE might have faded from most people's memory today, but back in its prime, it was quite the dual-sport. Suzuki got a lot of aspects right about the DR350SE, with one big stumbling block.
This was an air-cooled dual-sport, with nice touches like an electric start, a good amount of power and torque for the time, and a very capable suspension. Unfortunately for the DR350SE, its biggest issue was the weight, which didn't exactly suit the bike's characteristics or what riders expected from it. That said, you can find plenty of options under $4,000, which is a great bargain.
1998 Suzuki DR350SE Specs
Displacement | 349cc |
Engine Type | Single-cylinder |
Power | 30 hp |
Torque | 21.4 lb-ft |
Dry Weight | 287 lbs |
Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs
8 Yamaha TW200
Used Price Range: $3,000-$4,500
The Yamaha TW200 is a motorcycle that's been around for ages now. It debuted in 1987, and its first major update came way later in 2001 when it got an electric start and a front disc brake.
At its heart, the Yamaha TW200 is quite basic. An air-cooled, carburetted 196cc single-cylinder engine, coupled to a 5-speed gearbox, is doing duty. Other notable bits include an analog instrument cluster, rugged suspension, and supreme reliability. For the price it's going for, not a lot else comes close if you want a no-nonsense motorcycle.
2002 Yamaha TW200 Specs
Displacement | 196cc |
Engine Type | Single-cylinder |
Power | 16 hp |
Torque | 11.1 lb-ft |
Curb Weight | 278 lbs |
Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs
7 Yamaha XT250
Used Price Range: $3,000-$8,000
Yamaha hasn't changed the XT250 in years, which is good. It's a great entry-level dual-sport motorcycle.
Its rugged off-road looks are the real deal, and it's a strong choice for a first motorcycle. The 249cc engine is plenty for you to zip around but isn't powerful enough to scare you. Lots of ground clearance and a relatively low seat height make it ideal for shorter riders looking to take on some trails!
2010 Yamaha XT250 Specs
Displacement | 249cc |
Engine Type | Single-cylinder |
Power | 18 hp |
Torque | 14 lb-ft |
Dry Weight | 271 lbs |
Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs
6 Honda XR650L
Used Price Range: $3,000-$8,900
If you're looking for an affordable, go-anywhere dual-sport motorcycle, then look no further. The Honda XR650L is an absolute workhorse.
You can explore trails all day and still rely on the big XR taking you home without missing a beat. With 43.6 hp on tap, it's no slouch and can still return over 50 MPG.
2012 Honda XR650L Specs
Displacement | 644cc |
Engine Type | Single-cylinder |
Power | 43.6 hp |
Torque | 38.2 lb-ft |
Curb Weight | 348 lbs |
Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs
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5 Yamaha WR250R
Used Price Range: $3,500-$7,000
Yamaha's WR250R throws a cat among the pigeons in the arena of 250cc dual sport motorcycles. While it looks similar to the previous dual sport bikes, the WR250R is a totally different machine.
Laser-focused on performance, the WR250R is a highly capable motorcycle. This dual-sport is clearly designed more for the trail than the street, so don't confuse it with the gentler alternatives!
2018 Yamaha WR250R Specs
Displacement | 249cc |
Engine Type | Single-cylinder |
Power | NA |
Torque | NA |
Curb Weight | 258 lbs |
Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs
4 KTM 450 SX-F
Used Price Range: $4,000-$12,500
KTM's status as a manufacturer that shakes things up in the segment is unparalleled. The 2007 450 SX-F was built in the same vein. The 2007 450 SX-F was devoid of a kick-starter, with only an electric start available, a brand-new engine (for the time), and some very unique inclusions to the bike.
For instance, the engine was designed to be very rigid to support high-rpm running, so everything from the counter balancers to the cam drive system was built with stability and multitasking in mind. Even today, prices for the 450 SX-F can get slightly high, but if you're lucky, you can bag one for under $5,000.
2007 KTM 450 SX-F Specs
Displacement | 449.3cc |
Engine Type | Single-cylinder |
Power | N/A |
Torque | N/A |
Dry Weight | 229.3 lbs |
Specs sourced from Bikez
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3 Suzuki DR650
Used Price Range: $4,500-$8,900
Suzuki aced it with the DR-Z400S, and the DR650 is essentially its bigger brother. Similar to the other 650s here, it provides a simple, raw experience with plenty of power to put a smile on your face.
The recipe hasn't really changed since its introduction in 1990, and that's because it's pretty much perfect. Picking up a clean DR650 that's only a few years old will give you a spectacular all-rounder at a discount!
2019 Suzuki DR650 Specs
Displacement | 644cc |
Engine Type | Single-cylinder |
Power | 43.5 hp |
Torque | 39.8 lb-ft |
Curb Weight | 357 lbs |
Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs
2 KTM 500 EXC-F
Used Price Range: $5,000-$14,000
KTM's 500 EXC-F is one of the main dual-sport motorcycles best suited to tearing through forest tracks while also staying road-legal. Dual-sport may seem a stretch here, as the 500 EXC-F is a proper off-road monster. KTM has attached the minimum equipment required for roadworthiness and nothing else.
With 58 hp on tap, it's got plenty in the tank to bring out your inner enduro champion. If you get a 500 EXC-F that's a few years old, you'll save a ton, which makes this great value.
2018 KTM 500 EXC-F Specs
Displacement | 510.4cc |
Engine Type | Single-cylinder |
Power | N/A |
Torque | N/A |
Curb Weight | 234.7 lbs |
Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs
1 Husqvarna FE501S
Used Price Range: $7,600-$13,500
Another one of the best dual-sport bikes on the second-hand market comes from Husqvarna. The FE501S is very similar to its cousin from KTM, which can only be good. This lightweight trail hunter is the perfect choice to take you for a blast through the mountains.
It doesn't matter whether you're on tarmac or dirt. The FE501S will cover any ground. If you find a clean one with low mileage, you'll save a few dollars and have an incredible dual-sport motorcycle on your hands.
2015 Husqvarna FE501S Specs
Displacement | 510.4cc |
Engine Type | Single-cylinder |
Power | 45 hp |
Torque | N/A |
Dry Weight | 250.2 lbs |
Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs
- Source for technical specifications: Motorcycle Specs, Bikez
- Source for used prices: Cycle Trader