For a long time, motorcycling enthusiasts who loved to go on off-road riding adventures had to invest in a bike specifically for the dirt road. Since dirt bikes are not street legal, a rider needed to have a second bike for their day-to-day commutes on public roads. Thankfully, manufacturers have come up with the dual-sport genre made of street-legal dirt bikes that can traverse both the city and the mountains.
Dual-sports are some of the most competent off-road motorcycles you can buy today. These bikes make life a lot easier for adventurers since they do not have to invest in a second ride or incur the costs of transporting the off-road bike to the riding site. Let's look at ten of the best dirt bikes, dual sports, and adventure motorcycles this year.
10 Kawasaki KLX230
The KLX230 is the latest addition to Kawasaki's dual-sport lineup and one of the best beginner motorcycles money can buy. It is designed for riders who need some performance off-road but don't want a full MX-style bike.
The KLX230 features a 233cc air-cooled four-stroke SOHC engine paired with a non-adjustable Showa 37mm telescopic fork suspension and a Showa shock. The best thing about this bike is that it's insanely affordable, meaning buyers will be left with enough for additional gear, trips, or even a second platform.
9 Yamaha WR250R
The WR250R is Yamaha's flagship dual-sport motorcycle and one of the best Japanese bikes anyone would love to own. As anyone would expect, the WR250R is quite a powerhouse thanks to a 250cc liquid-cooled four-stroke DOHC engine paired with a six-speed transmission.
This machine is a beast on the dirt track thanks to a fully-adjustable front fork suspension, 10.6-inches of travel, and linkage-mounted shock to Yamaha's dependable chassis. Yamaha's innovative implementation of the semi-double-cradle frame makes the WR250R a great all-rounder for beginners and pros.
8 KTM 500 EXC-F
The 500 EXC-F is KTM's flagship dual-sport bike, and its highest-displacement street-legal dirt bike one can buy. The latest version of the 500 EXC-F comes with a host of updates, including a revised suspension and a stiffer frame to improve its off-road performance. It also has a reworked chassis and bodywork that's lighter and better-looking than its predecessor.
Engine-wise, KTM made a few tweaks to bring its performance to more acceptable levels. The new engine has a different port shape, a shorter and lighter cylinder head, a higher-compression piston, a reinforced clutch cover, shorter valves, and new rocker arms.
7 Husqvarna FE 501s
When building the FE 501s, Husqvarna wanted a bike that could compete with the more popular KTM 500 EXC-F, both in looks and performance. The FE 501s turned out great and came with similar power and stellar off-road performance to the KTM 500 EXC-F.
However, the FE 501s varies from the KTM 500 EXC-F with Husqvarna-specific components such as a Magura hydraulic clutch, different swingarm, carbon composite subframe, ProTaper handlebars, Magura brakes, and a different seat. The FE 501s is also equipped with linkage rear suspension with preload adjustment on the fork for an improved off-road experience.
6 KTM 790 Adventure R Rally
Throughout the dual-sport motorcycle's rich history, KTM has reigned supreme and continues to raise the standards for alternative off-road bikes. The manufacturer has created some of the most prolific platforms, one of which is the 790 Adventure R Rally.
KTM touts the 790 Adventure R Rally as the absolute most capable off-road bike in its 2020 lineup, and it's easy to see why. The bike comes with upgrades like a new, more powerful single-cylinder engine, a twin-plug ignition, and ride-by-wire. Sadly, KTM plans to make only 500 of these bad boys.
5 Suzuki DR-Z400S
Introduced in 2000, the Suzuki DR-Z400S is a time-tested dual-sport icon with all the chops it needs to compete with the best. Though the DR-Z400S has been in production for two decades, not much has changed in its architecture, which means that its heightened suspension, dependable chassis, and 398cc liquid-cooled engine are still among the best on the planet.
Suzuki's minimalist approach to the DR-Z400S is a breath of fresh air, reminding enthusiasts that the shiniest model is not always the most fun. But, with plenty of aftermarket support for this bike, those who don't like anything about it can change it at will.
4 Honda CRF450L
Introduced in the 2019 model year, the CRF450L is the newest dual sport bike in Honda's lineup. It is based on the iconic CRF450R motocross bike and is touted as one of the industry's most well-rounded bikes.
The CRF450L boasts excellent looks, a robust architecture, and enhanced suspension systems, making it a valued platform in the motorcycle community. 12.4 inches of ground clearance, a fully adjustable Showa suspension system, and 37 horses catapult the CRF450L into the limelight as one of the most capable bikes in Honda's lineup.
3 Moto Guzzi V85 TT Travel
After multiple requests from its fans, Moto Guzzi finally decided to add a new bike to the V85 TT family. Dubbed the V85 TT Travel, the new dual-sport bike builds off the success of the old V85 TT adventure bike and offers a complement of standard equipment and touring accessories, including a tall windscreen, spacious panniers, LED driving lights, and heated grips.
At the heart of the V85 TT, Travel is a shaft-driven 853cc air-cooled engine with a power output of 80 horsepower. This, combined with the bike's tubular steel frame, created a light and connected motorcycle riding experience that every purist will love.
2 Suzuki V-Strom 650XT Adventure
The 650XT Adventure is Suzuki's latest addition to the V-Strom 650 family. This fantastic bike builds off Suzuki's XT platform, which is a lot more off-road capable than the stock V-Strom 650 thanks to its spoked, tubeless tires.
The 650XT Adventure comes with a 645cc V-Twin engine that fans love. Off-road performance is top-tier thanks to Suzuki's Advanced Traction Control system, Low RPM Assist, Easy Start system, and a six-speed gearbox that provides plenty of torque when needed. Buyers can opt for extra accessories like handguards, 37-liter aluminum panniers, an accessory bar, a center stand, and mirror extensions.
1 BMW F 850 GS Adventure
The BMW Motorrad group continues to push motorcycle engineering limits with the latest F 850 GS Adventure. This bike is designed for long-distance trips and demanding terrains without any limitations on riding freedom whatsoever.
Whether on asphalt or off-road, every trip on the F 850 GS Adventure is a joy thanks to various enhanced standard equipment like ABS Pro, BMW Motorrad Connected, a TFT display, a USB charge port, and DTC. Powering this bike is an 853cc water-cooled engine with an impressive power output of 90 horsepower.