Motorcycle Riding to Alaska an Epic Adventure Through Stunning Landscapes

15 Best Dual Sport Motorcycles 2025

Motorcycle Riding to Alaska an Epic Adventure Through Stunning Landscapes

Dual sport motorcycles are the ultimate all-rounders, equally at home on highways and rugged trails. In 2025, riders can choose from lightweight, beginner-friendly bikes to more powerful adventure-ready machines. Below are the 15 best dual sport motorcycles for 2025, each with specs, highlights, and drawbacks to help you decide which one fits your riding style.

1. Honda CRF300L

Honda CRF300L dual sport motorcycle 2025, which is a beginner-friendly bike.

The Honda CRF300L remains one of the most versatile dual sports. Lightweight, reliable, and fuel-efficient, it’s perfect for riders who want a mix of trail fun and street usability.

Price: ~$5,500
Engine: 286cc
Seat Height: 34.7 in
Weight: 309 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 2.1 gal
Transmission: 6-speed
Top Speed: ~80 mph

Why Is It the Best Dual Sport Motorcycle?
It’s affordable, easy to handle, and ideal for beginners who want a capable on/off-road bike.

Image credit: Honda

2. Kawasaki KLX300

Kawasaki KLX300 dual sport bike 2025 with nimble off-road performance

The Kawasaki KLX300 blends nimble off-road performance with solid street comfort, making it a well-rounded choice for adventure riders.

Price: ~$5,649*
Engine: 292cc liquid-cooled single
Seat Height: 35.2 in
Weight: 302 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 2.0 gal
Transmission: 6-speed
Top Speed: ~85 mph

Why Is It the Best Dual Sport Motorcycle?
Its strong suspension and lightweight frame make it agile on trails yet smooth on pavement.

Image credit: Kawasaki

3. Yamaha WR250R

Yamaha WR250R dual sport motorcycle 2025 built for trail riding
Image credit goes to Yamaha

The Yamaha WR250R is known for its dirt-focused DNA, offering trail-ready performance while remaining easy to handle for daily commutes.

Price: ~$9,199
Engine: 250cc liquid-cooled single
Seat Height: 36.6 in
Weight: 295 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 2.0 gal
Transmission: 6-speed
Top Speed: ~85 mph

Why Is It the Best Dual Sport Motorcycle?
It excels in off-road terrain thanks to high ground clearance and long suspension travel.

Image credit: Yamaha

4. Suzuki DR-Z400S

Suzuki DR-Z400S rugged dual sport motorcycle 2025, ideal for off-road
Image credit goes to Suzuki

The Suzuki DR-Z400S is a proven legend—rugged, powerful, and reliable—making it perfect for serious off-road and mixed-surface adventures.

Price: ~$7,099*
Engine: 398cc liquid-cooled single
Seat Height: 36.8 in
Weight: 317 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 2.6 gal
Transmission: 5-speed
Top Speed: ~94 mph

Why Is It the Best Dual Sport Motorcycle?
It’s durable, powerful, and supported by a huge aftermarket for endless modifications.

Image credit: Suzuki

5. KTM 500 EXC-F

KTM 500 EXC-F 2025 dual sport motorcycle, that has high-performance
Image credit goes to KTM

The KTM 500 EXC-F is a high-performance, street-legal dirt bike built for riders who crave maximum off-road capability while staying road compliant.

Price: ~$9,985*
Engine: 510cc single-cylinder
Seat Height: 37.8 in
Weight: 246 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 2.3 gal
Transmission: 6-speed
Top Speed: ~100 mph

Why Is It the Best Dual Sport Motorcycle?
It’s race-ready right out of the box, offering unmatched off-road performance for advanced riders.

Image credit: KTM

6. Husqvarna FE 350s

Light-weight and powerful Husqvarna FE 350s dual sport motorcycle 2025
Image credit goes to Husqvarna Motorcycles

The Husqvarna FE 350s is lightweight, powerful, and agile, delivering excellent trail performance while remaining fully street legal.

Price: ~$12,749*
Engine: 349cc single-cylinder
Seat Height: 37.4 in
Weight: 243 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 2.3 gal
Transmission: 6-speed
Top Speed: ~95 mph

Why Is It the Best Dual Sport Motorcycle?
It offers smooth power delivery with professional-grade off-road handling.

Image credit: Husqvarna

7. Beta 390 RR-S

Beta 390 RR-S Italian-engineered dual sport motorcycle 2025 with balanced off-road performance.

The Beta 390 RR-S blends Italian engineering with rugged dual sport performance, giving riders a refined yet powerful machine.

Price: ~$10,599*
Engine: 386cc single-cylinder
Seat Height: 37 in
Weight: 270 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 2.0 gal
Transmission: 6-speed
Top Speed: ~90 mph

Why Is It the Best Dual Sport Motorcycle?
It’s smooth, well-balanced, and highly capable in technical off-road conditions.

Image credit: Beta USA

8. Kawasaki KLR650

Kawasaki KLR650 adventure dual sport motorcycle 2025
Image credit goes to Kawasaki

The Kawasaki KLR650 is an adventure-ready dual sport with a reputation for being a long-distance workhorse.

Price: ~$6,900*
Engine: 652cc single-cylinder
Seat Height: 34.3 in
Weight: 456 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 6.1 gal
Transmission: 5-speed
Top Speed: ~100 mph

Why Is It the Best Dual Sport Motorcycle?
It offers excellent touring range and comfort for adventure riders.

Image credit: Kawasaki

9. Yamaha XT250

Yamaha XT250 2025 beginner-friendly dual sport motorcycle with low seat height.

The Yamaha XT250 is lightweight, beginner-friendly, and designed for both trail rides and urban commuting.

Price: ~$5,499*
Engine: 249cc air-cooled single
Seat Height: 31.9 in
Weight: 291 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 2.6 gal
Transmission: 5-speed
Top Speed: ~75 mph

Why Is It the Best Dual Sport Motorcycle?
It’s approachable for new riders thanks to its low seat height and simple handling.

Image credit: Yamaha

10. Suzuki DR200S

Suzuki DR200S 2025 budget-friendly dual sport motorcycle with excellent fuel efficiency.

The Suzuki DR200S is a budget-friendly dual sport with exceptional fuel efficiency and approachable ergonomics.

Price: ~$4,900
Engine: 199cc air-cooled single
Seat Height: 33.3 in
Weight: 278 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 3.3 gal
Transmission: 5-speed
Top Speed: ~70 mph

Why Is It the Best Dual Sport Motorcycle?
It’s affordable, reliable, and ideal for beginners learning both street and trail riding.

Image credit: Suzuki

11. KTM 350 EXC-F

KTM 350 EXC-F 2025 street-legal dual sport motorcycle with pro-level off-road agility.

The KTM 350 EXC-F is a high-performance option that offers a balance of power, agility, and off-road dominance in a street-legal package.

Price: ~$11,200
Engine: 349cc single-cylinder
Seat Height: 37.8 in
Weight: 243 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 2.3 gal
Transmission: 6-speed
Top Speed: ~95 mph

Why Is It the Best Dual Sport Motorcycle?
It delivers pro-level performance with a lightweight chassis that’s agile and trail-ready.

Image credit: KTM

12. Husqvarna 701 Enduro

Husqvarna 701 Enduro 2025 powerful dual sport motorcycle for serious adventure riders.

The Husqvarna 701 Enduro blends raw power with high-end engineering, making it a top pick for serious adventure riders.

Price: ~$12,800
Engine: 692cc single-cylinder
Seat Height: 36 in
Weight: 346 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 3.4 gal
Transmission: 6-speed
Top Speed: ~120 mph

Why Is It the Best Dual Sport Motorcycle?
It’s incredibly powerful and capable of long-distance touring and serious off-road terrain.

Image credit: Husqvarna

13. Honda CRF450RL

Honda CRF450RL 2025 dual sport motorcycle offering race-inspired performance

The Honda CRF450RL is a race-bred dirt bike tuned for street legality, delivering high performance on trails and rugged roads.

Price: ~$10,400
Engine: 449cc liquid-cooled single
Seat Height: 37.2 in
Weight: 289 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 2.0 gal
Transmission: 6-speed
Top Speed: ~90 mph

Why Is It the Best Dual Sport Motorcycle?
It offers professional-level performance with Honda’s legendary reliability.

Image credit: Honda

14. Kawasaki KLX230

Kawasaki KLX230 2025 entry-level dual sport bike with approachable design

The Kawasaki KLX230 is a budget-friendly dual sport designed for comfort, ease of use, and everyday adventure.

Price: ~$4,999
Engine: 233cc air-cooled single
Seat Height: 34.8 in
Weight: 291 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 2.0 gal
Transmission: 6-speed
Top Speed: ~75 mph

Why Is It the Best Dual Sport Motorcycle?
It’s affordable, approachable, and versatile for both city commutes and light off-road exploration.

Image credit: Kawasaki

15. GasGas ES 700

GasGas ES 700 2025 high-performance dual sport motorcycle with KTM engineering

The GasGas ES 700 combines KTM engineering with Spanish flair, offering a high-performance dual sport for adventure seekers.

Price: ~$12,500
Engine: 692cc single-cylinder
Seat Height: 36.8 in
Weight: 349 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 3.4 gal
Transmission: 6-speed
Top Speed: ~120 mph

Why Is It the Best Dual Sport Motorcycle?
It’s powerful, stylish, and designed for riders who want both performance and uniqueness.

Image credit: Sklep GASGAS

Which Among These Is the Most Affordable Dual Sport Motorcycle?

Among the listed 15 best dual sport motorcycles of 2025, the Suzuki DR200S and Kawasaki KLX230 stand out as the most affordable. Both are priced under $5,000, making them excellent choices for budget-conscious riders who want a dependable and lightweight dual sport for both trails and city commuting.

Which Is the Best Starter Dual Sport Motorcycle?

The Yamaha XT250 is widely regarded as the best starter dual-sport motorcycle. With its low seat height, lightweight frame, and smooth handling, it’s perfect for new riders who want an easy transition between pavement and dirt trails.

Tips to Buy Dual Sport Motorcycles

When buying a dual sport motorcycle, keeping a few key factors in mind will help you make the right choice:

1

Set Your Budget

Decide if you want an entry-level option like the Suzuki DR200S or a high-performance machine like the KTM 500 EXC-F.

2

Consider Seat Height

Shorter riders may prefer bikes like the Yamaha XT250, while taller riders can opt for the Honda XR650L.

3

Check Your Riding Style

If you’ll do more highway riding, consider larger bikes like the Kawasaki KLR650; for trails, lightweight models like the Honda CRF300L work best.

4

Fuel Capacity & Range

Adventure riders should look for larger tanks, such as the 6.1-gallon Kawasaki KLR650.

5

Test Ride Before Buying

Comfort, balance, and fit matter as much as specs.

6

Look at Maintenance Needs

European models (KTM, Husqvarna, Beta) may need more frequent servicing compared to Japanese bikes.

7

Factor in Resale Value

Proven models like the Suzuki DR-Z400S hold their value well over time.

Conclusion

Dual sport motorcycles are the perfect blend of street practicality and off-road adventure. Whether you’re seeking a budget-friendly beginner bike like the Suzuki DR200S or a high-performance machine like the Husqvarna 701 Enduro, there are plenty of good dual sport motorcycles to match every rider’s needs in 2025.

FAQs About Dual Sport Motorcycles

What is the average price of a dual sport motorcycle in 2025?
Most dual sport motorcycles cost between $5,000 and $12,500, depending on engine size, features, and brand.
Are dual sport motorcycles good for long-distance touring?
Yes, larger models like the Kawasaki KLR650 and Suzuki DR650S are great for long-distance rides thanks to their big fuel tanks and highway stability.
What’s the difference between dual sport and adventure motorcycles?
Dual sports are lighter and more off-road focused, while adventure motorcycles are heavier, with more comfort and luggage options for touring.
Do I need a license to ride a dual sport motorcycle?
Yes, since dual sport bikes are street legal, you need a motorcycle license or endorsement in most states.
Which dual sport motorcycle has the lowest seat height?
The Yamaha TW200 and Yamaha XT250 offer some of the lowest seat heights, making them beginner-friendly.
How often should I service a dual sport motorcycle?
It depends on the model. Japanese dual sports often go 3,000–5,000 miles between services, while high-performance European bikes may need maintenance more often.
Are dual sport motorcycles good for daily commuting?
Absolutely. Lightweight models like the Honda CRF300L and Kawasaki KLX300 are fuel-efficient and agile for city rides while still trail-capable on weekends.

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