Before adventure bikes took the limelight to become a motorcycle brand's go-to option to have fun off-road, dual-sports and dirt bikes used to be the best way to have an adventure on two wheels. In fact, they still are, as a lightweight dirt bike is much more manageable off the beaten track compared to a fully loaded adventure bike with all the latest technological bells and whistles.
Yeah, sure a modern adventure bike promises a more cozy ride when you go the distance, but drop a Triumph Tiger 900 while off-road, and you’re sure to have a bad day trying to get that thing upright again. Do the same thing on a Yamaha XT250, sure the fairings might get banged up, but you’ll quickly pick it up and be back on your way in no time. And when you opt for a dual-sport instead of a dirt bike, you have the luxury of also legally riding it on the road as it has all the basics to be a street bike.
If you’re looking for your first forte in off-road two-wheeling, we suggest opting for a lightweight (below 500 cc) dirt bike or dual-sport to build your skills and get accustomed to standing on the pegs before dedicating yourself to a full-fledged adventure bike. Here are 10 of the latest dual-sport dirt bikes that offer great value for money and are sure to leave a huge smile on your face when you go sideways on the gravel.
10 Husqvarna FE450
MSRP: $11,749
The best way to describe the Husqvarna FE450 is a dirt bike that is a bundle of fun to ride both aggressively or casually off-road. The engine delivers its power in what some might describe as near perfect, as the bike is able to trudge along without feeling heavy among rocky and gravel terrain. With a WP XPLOR 48mm coil-spring fork in the front and WP XACT shock in the rear which is fitted to stable chassis, this bike focuses on a more comfortable and stable platform than the typical dirt bike.
The 2023 Husqvarna FE 450 is an enduro race version of the 2022 Husqvarna FX 450, hence it not being a street-legal dual-sport or an EPA-legal trail bike. So you can forget about it complying with any sound or emissions restrictions. Overall, the FE 450 has an engine that is unbelievably good, and the chassis is super comfortable making it a high-level bike for either play, trail, or enduro riding.
9 KTM 350 EXC-F
MSRP: $12,149
The first thing you may notice when you ride the KTM 350EXC-F is that it is much lighter compared to any other dual-sport in its class. Even when compared to the KLX230S, this bike is around 60 pounds lighter. When a lightweight bike is paired with great suspension, you find yourself with a highly maneuverable two-wheeler that also promises a cushy saddle for long rides (relatively speaking).
KTM’s line of motorbikes is known to offer great excitement, but for some reason the KTM 350EXC-F, although still fun, just feels like it lacks in the power department. This is probably due to the many emission and sound restrictions that the bike must meet to be legal on US roads. Despite this fact, it is still a highly capable bike that can be enjoyed off-road as well on asphalt.
8 SWM RS 300R
MSRP: $8,299
SWM may not be as commonly known, but this Italian-based brand is supported by Chinese manufacturing giant Shinray, and once produced motorcycles for Cagiva and Husqvarna. An acronym for Speedy Working Motorcycles, SWM has produced renowned enduro bikes since the 80s. One of its latest productions is the RS 300R.
The RS 300R is a dual-sport that is reasonably priced for a dirt bike coming out of Italy and comes well-equipped with an EFI 6-speed liquid-cooled engine which offers a highly manageable power band for off-roading. Fitted with KYB suspension in the front and rear, plus strong Brembo brakes, and DOT Michelin tires. Unlike Benelli, SWM’s bikes are still produced in its factory in Varese, Italy.
7 GasGas MC450F
MSRP: $12,099
GasGas is a Spanish motorcycle manufacturer which started off producing trial bikes in the 80s but has grown to be a contender in World Enduro Championships. With that pedigree and now under the watchful eye of KTM since being purchased back in 2019, the brand only continues to dish out some great dirt bikes. One of GasGas’s latest offerings is the MC450F which will be raced by Justin Barcia in the 2023 Pro Motorcross.
When compared to its Austrian counterparts, the MC450F offers an engine that is softer making it great for beginners as well as off-road veterans. Out of the box, this bike offers a smooth throttle response at the bottom, but some may find it lacking at the low end to midrange. Thanks to its lightweight chassis and softer suspension setup, riders will find that this dirt bike corners exceptionally well.
6 Husqvarna FC250
MSRP: $10,099
Some may argue that the FC250 is the clone of KTM’s 250 SX-F, but Husky offers a lower suspension setup compared to its Austrian sibling, which makes it much more approachable for shorter riders. Boasting improved midrange performance over previous models, the power of the latest engine is very usable. It may not rev as quickly or pull as long as before, but it still offers some of the best high-rpm power in its class.
Although this updated model has been found to be 4 pounds heavier than last year’s model, the FC250 is still as nimble as before and is better at cornering due to its lower stance. Compared to other bikes in its class, this Husky makes the most peak horsepower at 41.7 horsepower and 19.3 pound-feet of torque then add to that all the technologically advanced features of the KTM, and you have yourself a great little dirt bike.
5 Suzuki DR-Z400S
MSRP: $7,099
Suzuki’s DR-Z400S is a versatile two-wheeler that pretty much does everything you would expect from a dual-sport, and then some. Lightweight and nimble for inner city commuting, and has enough grunt to go for an off-road run through some fire roads for when you want to go off the beaten track. Although it might not have as much power as a 450 dirt bike, the DR-Z-400S is still able to compete.
Some may be turned off by its carburetted engine, but there are still some advantages to Suzuki’s choice of not upgrading to fuel injection. For one, it cuts on costs making the DR-Z400S more affordable, and it’s much easier to maintain than fuel injection, albeit you may want to learn to clean your own carburetor if you do decide to get this bike. Suzuki promises 39 horsepower at 29 pound-feet of torque for this dual-sport, making it a good entry for some into off-road riding.
4 Kawasaki KLX 300
MSRP: $6,099
Bikes like Kawasaki’s KLX300 are not only a great starting point for new riders looking for an approachable, do-it-all machine, but also a fun, practical option for more experienced riders to get out and enjoy trail riding or asphalt commuting without breaking the budget. The KLX300 is powered by a 292cc liquid-cooled four-stroke single with a six-speed transmission.
Out of the other dual sports in its class, like the Honda CRF300, this bike offers the most suspension setting options. Although they might not be the best options available for a dual-sport, it’s good to know you have the options. Riders can easily dial the settings that will suit them for riding on asphalt or for more challenging terrain.
3 Yamaha XT250
MSRP: $5,299
If you’re looking for an affordable dual sport that is not only great to ride on the road, but also provides fun for those casual off-road outings, Yamaha’s XT250 is probably the one for you. Maintaining its classic round headlight, Yamaha’s go-anywhere-anytime dual sport uses a modern 249cc fuel-injected single-cylinder and chain final drive. The bike’s power delivery is docile for new or returning riders, making it great for weekday rides around town or hitting up the trail on the weekend.
Not much has changed on the 2023 model of the XT250, but what it lacks in upgrades, Yamaha promises an all-rider-friendly dual sport with the chops for dirt or paved roads. When out on rugged terrain, the 11.2 inches of ground clearance provides a substantial buffer of space to easily clear obstacles. With dirt-bike-size 21- and 18-inch wheels help carry the dual sport over obstructions on the trail, and the long-travel suspension tames the bumps with little chance of bottoming out. A safe choice for conservative riders.
2 Honda CRF300L
MSRP: $5,399
Like the Yamaha XT250, Honda’s CRF300L sees no major updates for 2023, but despite that fact, it is still an extremely accessible lightweight dual sport that offers a great blend of performance, comfort, and quality one would expect from big red. A quick-revving engine with linear power delivery makes the CRF300L manageable and highly capable off-road.
Its soft and progressive suspension is enjoyable over a large variety of terrain, feeling plush in the initial part of the stroke while maintaining plenty of holdups and bottoming resistance at low-to-medium riding speeds and on mild impacts. This approachable dual sport has so much to offer a variety of riders be they new or experienced.
1 Yamaha TW200
MSRP: $4,899
The Yamaha TW200 is the best definition of a beginner dual sport if ever there was one. Its iconic big wheels and reputation of a never-say-die engine, make the Yamaha TW200 one of the best value off-road motorcycles to date. Not only affordable and easy to maintain, but this bike is also renowned for the ability to ride on virtually any terrain, thanks to its large tires.
Its low seat height is also highly favorable to many new riders making it much more approachable for a variety of newbies wanting to go off-road. Its 200 cc air-cooled 4-stroke engine with a 5-speed manual transmission may seem ancient when compared to other bikes on this list, but the durability of this engine has been proven time and time again. One major downside of the TW200 is its small fuel capacity of only 1.8 gallons making it less desirable for long adventures.