We often consider a motorcycle with some glaring compromise attached to it. For instance, a beginner-friendly motorcycle might have everything you need when you're getting to grips with motorcycles in general, but you're left in a lurch once you've outgrown its potential. Similarly, off-road-centric bikes are great, but for the most part, they suffer when you have to ride the smooth roads back home.

UPDATE: 2024/02/15 00:22 EST BY RAUNAK AJINKYA

Dual-sport motorcycles are dime-a-dozen, and while it's great to have the options, it can sometimes get a little overwhelming to pick the right one. Given that, we have updated this list to include the most relevant dual-sports on sale today.

And this is where dual-sport motorcycles slot in. Their purpose is clear: be as adept off the road as on it. Granted, it's not completely multipurpose, but it's about as close to not compromising as it's possible. And some manufacturers do it better than others. This list goes to show just that: the likes of Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, and Suzuki, among others, make some incredible dual-sport motorcycles that you need to consider if you're thinking of bringing one home.

How we got our model selections: To compile this list, HotCars thoroughly scanned the latest dual-sport motorcycles on the market. The list has been narrowed down based on their capability. While this list is not exactly for the budget-conscious, every entry's starting MSRP has nevertheless been included, along with a few other key parameters. All the motorcycles on this list are currently in production, and they've been organized in increasing order of their current market value.

15 Yamaha TW200

Starting MSRP: $4,999

The Yamaha TW200 is a quirky little motorcycle with a big heart. Its 31.1-inch seat height makes it one of the dual sport motorcycles best suited to shorter riders. The fat tires help to absorb any bumps in the road and make the TW200 a good trail bike.

The smooth air-cooled single-cylinder engine uses a smooth five-speed gearbox to deliver impressive low to mid-range torque. It also gives the TW200 approachable power on the road. Thanks to a small engine, the TW200 delivers an impressive 78 MPG from its small 1.8-gallon fuel tank.

2024 Yamaha TW200 Specs

(Specs referenced from Motorcycle Specs)

14 Yamaha XT250

Starting MSRP: $5,399

Somehow, Yamaha managed to cram in 11 inches of suspension travel in a bike with a seat height of 32 inches. It is a pretty impressive trick for an otherwise bargain-basement offering. The XT250 is the ultimate learner bike, and the 19-hp air-cooled XT is both approachable and low maintenance.

2024 Yamaha XT250 Specs

(Specs sourced from WebBikeWorld)

13 Honda CRF300L

Starting MSRP: $5,449

The Honda CRF300L is a very well-rounded dual-sport motorcycle that has seen steady upgrades over the years.

Its upright riding position makes it very comfortable and gives the rider an optimal view ahead, whether navigating traffic or finding the fastest route through the woods. The 286cc motor offers a good low-end punch and is incredibly capable on the road. Its smooth powerplant offers 27 hp and 19.6 lb-ft of torque.

2024 Honda CRF300L Specs

(Specs referenced from Motorcycle Specs)

12 Kawasaki KLX300

Starting MSRP: $6,199

The Kawasaki KLX300 is the perfect balance between off-road capability and budget. It has a better suspension than the CRF and a more approachable seat height than the DR-Z.

Not everyone needs an Enduro championship-winning bike, and the little KLX is not that. What you get is the right amount of capability for a trail bike. It is arguably the best dirt-oriented entry-level dual sport and a great beginner bike.

2024 Kawasaki KLX300 Specs

(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs)

11 Kawasaki KLR 650

Starting MSRP: $6,899

The KLX300's big brother is the Kawasaki KLR 650. The mid-size motor is simple, straightforward, and does the job. The KLR 650 uses a 652cc single-cylinder engine that produces 40 hp and 39.1 lb-ft of torque.

This results in a bike with plenty of low-end grunt and linear power delivery. The KLR 650 doesn't offer ride control features, but it does help you enjoy a rowdy but honest ride on and off the road.

2024 Kawasaki KLR 650 Specs

(Specs sourced from WebBikeWorld)

10 Honda XR650L

Starting MSRP: $6,999

There's a very good reason behind the Honda XR650L's rather lengthy production stint: it's got the fundamentals just right and has only improved since its inception.

Its 644cc single-cylinder engine is carbureted, extremely light, and thoroughly capable. If you're looking for something fancy, the XR650L isn't for you. It gives you the basics, and really well, but that's about it. Its affordable price tag reflects that, too. Ideal bike for beginners to hone their skills, then.

2024 Honda XR650L Specs

(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs)

9 Suzuki DR650S

Starting MSRP: $7,099

Even though the Kawasaki's KLR 650 has been dubbed the ultimate dual-sport motorcycle, it has a worthy rival in the Suzuki DR650S.

Its torquey four-stroke uses a Mikuni carburetor for very smooth power delivery. This middleweight dual-sport may seem too large for shorter riders, but Suzuki can lower the seat up to 1.6 inches, making it easier to swing a leg over. Suzuki also fits the DR650S with strong aluminum spoke-style rims with tires that can easily handle the street and dirt.

2024 Suzuki DR650S Specs

(Specs sourced from WebBikeWorld)

8 Suzuki DR-Z400S

Starting MSRP: $7,199

The DR-Z has been around for more than two decades and is one of the last bikes of any sort that you can still buy equipped with a carburetor. Suzuki fans desperately want them to update this machine, and they might, but if they do, the price will have to go up.

One of the best adventure bikes for beginners, the DR-Z400S is a popular vote for one of the best dual-sport motorcycles of all time. The 398cc motor makes an ample 32 hp, plenty for commuting and tackling your favorite forest route.

2024 Suzuki DR-Z400S Specs

(Specs sourced from WebBikeWorld)

7 Honda CRF450RL

Starting MSRP: $10,099

The Honda CRF450RL is one of those down the middle-ground options, as it is excellent on the road (for what is basically a dirt bike) with good gearing and more than enough power. Off-road, an experienced rider will keep up with the expensive Enduros, and even the average trail runner will benefit from the extra punch.

2024 Honda CRF450RL Specs

(Specs sourced from WebBikeWorld)

6 Yamaha Ténéré 700

Starting MSRP: $10,799

Yamaha entered the middleweight fight by making one of the best dual-sport motorcycles ever. The Ténéré is a level above its rivals in refinement and technology. It borrows the twin-cylinder powerplant from the Yamaha MT-07, producing 74 hp.

But as far as potency goes, the Tenere is quite a complete machine. It's well-equipped, great off-road, good on it, and quite a decent-looking motorcycle to boot. What's not to like?

2024 Yamaha Ténéré 700 Specs

(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs)

5 Beta 390 RS

Starting MSRP: $11,599

Straight out of left field comes the Beta 390 RS. It may look like the CRF300L, but this is a totally different machine altogether — the price tag alone indicates this!

The 390 RR-S is the first dual-sport motorcycle on this list, essentially a street-legal Enduro bike. What it lacks in comfort and long-distance practicality, it makes up for in performance.

2024 Beta 390 RS Specs

(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs)

4 Beta 500 RS

Starting MSRP: $11,799

The 2023 500 RS is no different from its smaller dual-sport siblings, the 430, 390, and 350, sharing pretty much everything, including the rolling chassis, red bodywork with new graphics, brakes, and more. However, the 500 RS has more power and better performance thanks to the 478cc engine that it shares with the 480 RR.

2024 Beta 500 RS Specs

(Specs sourced from Beta)

3 KTM 350 EXC-F

Starting MSRP: $12,499

KTM reigns supreme when it comes to off-road motorcycles, and they also know how to build an amazing adventure bike. The KTM 350 EXC-F may look like a full-on enduro bike with indicators and a license plate, and that's because it is.

It features a lightweight, high-tech Chromoly steel frame with optimal stiffness, race-derived geometry, unparalleled feedback, and a playful handling character. The 350 EXC-F also has an extra light and ultra-stable aluminum subframe that helps offer rear fender stability.

2023 KTM 350 EXC-F Specs

(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs)

2 Husqvarna FE 350S

Starting MSRP: $12,599

The Husqvarna brand belongs to KTM; therefore, the FE 350S gets to tap into their knowledge while remaining unique. This Husqy is virtually identical to KTM's 350 EXC-F underneath.

Its 350cc motor churns out an impressive 45 hp. Competition-spec WP suspension makes easy work of any obstacle, and the rarer Husqvarna emblem positions it as the discerning choice over its KTM twin. The FE 350s is an incredibly versatile motorcycle with a 250 light and agile feel and a power-to-weight ratio more similar to a 450.

2024 Husqvarna FE 350S Specs

(Specs sourced from WebBikeWorld)

1 GasGas ES 700

Starting MSRP: $12,699

As far as the core aspect of dual-sport motorcycles goes, the GasGas ES 700 is one of those bikes that tries its best to adhere to the philosophy of being good on the road and off it simultaneously and does a good job of it, too.

Its rather large displacement (for a single-cylinder engine) produces healthy power and torque figures. It also has a slipper clutch, a quickshifter, and even rev-matching on downshifts!

2023 GasGas ES 700 Specs

(Specs sourced from GasGas)

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• Source for features: Respective manufacturers' websites
• Source for technical specifications: WebBikeWorld, Motorcycle Specs