For the fans of motocross and every bike lover around the world who enjoys the thrill of blazing across a trail on a powerful motorcycle, we bring you a list of the best dual sport bikes around the world right now.
While you can expect to see some of the top expensive road legal dirt bike brands like the Husqvarna FE and the KTM line of dual sport bikes, we also bring you the best of the good old Asian players like Yamaha, Honda, and Suzuki who have always been reliable and readily affordable.
For those who may be wondering why the term dual sport is used here, a simple explanation of the term will be given. For a motorcycle to be called dual sport, it has to pretty much move efficiently on a smooth hard trail of the regular tarmac that constitutes our road network in a city. As well as the rather rugged mountainous terrains that are fun to ride on.
RELATED: Rare ’70s Bikes You Need To See
Table of Contents
The Best Dual Sport Bikes Right Now
Suzuki DR650S
Price: $6700
The evergreen Suzuki’s DR650S has been around for years now, but it still one of the best dual sports motorcycle around. Probably the best 644 cc motorcycle at it’s price level. With a nice 3.4 gallon fuel tank, a five speed gear box and over 10 inches of travel suspension you are definitely getting your money’s worth
HONDA XR650L
Price: $6999
The Honda XR650 is considered as the best bike in the 650 cc category from the Asian region. It uses a CV carburettor and has an electric starter. But what truly sets this bike apart is it’s incredible suspension that makes it a highly efficient dirt bike. For a 650 cc motorcycle, this bike is moderately priced if you don’t mind the weight.
Beta 500 RRS
Price: $10,900
The Italian company Beta has continued their impressive run competing with other top brands in the dirt bike market, with the Beta 500 RRS being their most powerful bike yet. If you are familiar with the previous beta models like the MY20, you will see that it has an improved yet lighter engine with a larger fuel capacity thanks to it’s twin fuel injectors. The cooling system is top notch thanks to it’s improved water pump that functions with high efficient radiators. At an output of 47 hp 8100rpm you know you have a great bike in your hands.
KTM 500 EXC – F
Price: $11,200
For those who have been following up on the best dual sport bikes, the KTM 500 was arguably the best of 2019. Well, they did make a few changes to this year’s version which includes improved chassis and bodywork, better camshafts, stiffer frames matched with better suspension settings. The engine has shorter valves, improved Konig compression piston, reinforced clutch cover, a new camshaft, and a shorter cylinder head.
KTM 500 EXC – F Six Days
Price : $12,400
The Six Days special edition version of the 500 EXC was made in honor of the ISDE Event (International Six Days Enduro) and just as you would expect, it is an upgraded orange version of a standard 500 EXC – F. It features a grippy six days seat, a six days puller, a powder coated orange frame, an orange chain guide, powerful rear brake discs, and an orange CNC triple clamp. With the six days logo engraved at the rims, the handlebars and the mufflers. Its WP fork also comes with preload adjusters which you clearly wouldn’t find in the standard version. The six days version of the 500 EXC – F has a starting price of $12,400 which is $1000 more than the standard version.
Husqvarna FE 501s
Price: $11,500
The FE 501s is Husqvarna’s flagship road legal dirt bike just like the KTM 500 EXC – F. And while they do have a lot in common, the FE 501s does have a set of different components like a different seat, a different swingarm, Magura brakes and hydraulic clutch, a carbon composite subframe, and a different body work. Another notable difference is the preload adjustment you find on the fork of the linkage rear suspension that separates it from the 500 EXC – F which only has a PSD shock.
Honda CRF 450L
Price: $10,450
A true trailblazer, the Honda CRF 450L is one of several bikes released by Honda in 2019. It features a full Showa suspension, a fuel injector, a twin spar aluminum frame and an electric starter. It also has a two gallon tank and a fuel meter that shows your current fuel consumption and mileage. To make it road legal, a catalytic muffler was added to help keep it silent and adhering to EPA regulations. For a 450 cc, this is as good as it gets, but you might be a little concerned about the weight.
Christini AWD 450 DS
Price: $9600
If you have been wondering about the technology behind An All Wheel Drive bike, then you should take the Christini AWD 450DS for a spin. The front wheel is powered by telescoping shafts that will only engage when the rear wheel starts to spin. The engine looks exactly like that of Honda’s CRF 450 X but a WP suspension, a fuel injector and a skid plate that differentiates it.
Suzuki DR-Z400S
Price: $6800
One of Suzuki’s mainstay, the DR-Z400S has been proven to be a more powerful dirt bike than the DR650S. It uses a water cooling carbureted 5 speeder that keeps relatively powerful and pretty quiet on any trail. It also features a great 11.3 inch travel suspension that makes it a pretty decent bike on both trails.
Husqvarna FE350s
Price: $11,100
The Husqvarna FE350s is arguably the best 350 cc road legal dirt bike available right now. The 2020 version saw a few modifications, a new suspension, a new frame, a better body work, and lower radiators.
Kawasaki KLX250
Price: $5399
With six speed gears, a fuel injector, adjustable travel suspensions and a liquid cooled engine, all in an entry level motorcycle, the KLX250 has some very interesting features that makes it one of the best bikes around.
Yamaha WR250R
Price: $6699
Another great entry-level dual sport bike. The Yamaha WR250R is another proven performer in the 250 cc category. For some, it is the best entry-level Japanese motorcycle thanks to it’s powerful engine and suspension. It’s chassis is made up of steel down-tubes in cast aluminum sections. While the travel suspension is 10.6 inches and there are wave rotors on the dual disc brakes. This powerful motorcycle can really go the distance, giving you up to 71 miles a gallon.
Buying a Road Legal Dirt Bike?
After going through our list of the best dual sport bikes available, it is excellent to consider your options carefully before purchasing one. After all, a bike is only as good as it’s rider gets.
