Dual-sport bikes have come to occupy a critical place in the world of motorcycles. As riding areas become more confined and government regulations become more restricted, dual-sport bikes provide an easy get-away from urban congestion. Bikes from companies like Honda, KTM, GasGas and Beta lean heavily toward the dirt side of the spectrum, while Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawasaki and SWM offer more street oriented products. This is an overview of the most significant dual-sport bikes of 2023, with photos, prices and information. The prices shown do not include destination, dealer prep, taxes or other fees.
For a 2023 buyer’s guide of motocross bikes, click here.
For a 2023 buyer’s guide of off-road bikes, click here.
For a 2023 buyer’s guide of two-strokes, click here.
HUSQVARNA 701 ENDURO: $12,099
The Husqvarna 701 Enduro is most definitely an overcharged dual-sport machine. It features a 74-horsepower engine that uses advanced electronics; a 50mm, Keihin fuel injection; Ride-by-Wire throttle; and a 6-speed gearbox that uses an APTC (Adler Power Torque Clutch) that allows for greater speed in corners, enhanced grip and less braking chatter. It’s wrapped around a trellis frame and a rear subframe that houses a 13-liter (3.4-gallon) plastic fuel tank. The suspension is WP, a 250mm-travel XPLOR fork and identical rear-wheel travel, which exploits its dirt worthiness.
KTM 690 ENDURO R: $11,999, 2022 MODEL
This machine really fits in the adventure category, but is minimalist enough to qualify as a big-boy, dual-sport machine. The 690 Enduro R’s LC4 single-cylinder engine features two balancer shafts, Ride-by-Wire and electronic systems that feature switchable modes: Off-Road, Street and Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC), while the ABS system offers an optional Off-Road mode. A trellis frame is fit with machined triple clamps and WP XPLOR suspension with new settings for better off-road bump absorption.
KAWASAKI KLR650: $6899, BASE; $7199, WITH ABS
Last year Kawasaki gave the KLR650 a heap of new features in addition to electronic fuel injection. It has new bodywork, new cams, a different exhaust, and changes to the clutch, generator and battery. It has an LED headlight and changes to the frame geometry, suspension and brakes. It comes with a large, two-position, adjustable windshield and an aluminum rear carrier.
The KLR 650S model has lower suspension (32.1 inches versus 34.3 inches) and a new saddle for improved comfort. It sells for the same price.
KAWASAKI KLR 650 TRAVELER ABS: $7599
The KLX 650 Traveler features the same chassis and suspension as the KLR 650 but comes equipped with a top case (optional one-key system), a DC socket and an optional USB socket, and anti-lock braking system (ABS). Up front, the 41mm fork has just under 8.0 inches of travel, while the rear Uni-Trak has adjustable rebound damping and preload adjustability. The fuel capacity is 6.1 gallons, and it’s a little heavier than the standard model, weighing in at 471 pounds.
SUZUKI DR650S: $6999
Suzuki’s DR650S is a basic dual-sport machine with its air-cooled, 40mm, Mikuni carbureted powerplant. The 644cc 5-speeder has long travel (10.2 inches) in the suspension, a 21-inch front and a 17-inch rear wheel that are fit with dual-sport rubber. It holds 3.4 gallons of fuel and has good range for those long rides with generous sections of tarmac. This year there are two new colorways available.
HONDA XR650L: $6999, 2022 MODEL
This machine has not witnessed a whole lot of technological gains in decades, but in 2022 Honda gave it a new graphic makeover, and the good news is that the price is unchanged for 2023. The XR650L remains an air-cooled, 5-speeder that uses a CV carburetor. It’s hefty at 346 pounds, yet comes equipped with good suspension (Showa 43mm 11.6-inch travel fork and Pro Link rear at 11.0 inches) and above-average off-road traits.
HUSQVARNA FE501S: $12,649
Husqvarna’s FE501S rates as one of our favorites. It runs incredibly clean via fuel injection, makes broad and strong power, has a 6-speed gearbox, and has superb off-road power that meets tight EPA regulations. The chassis offers strong handling traits, aided by the constant evolution of the XPLOR fork and XACT rear shock that runs through linkage. The hydraulic brakes and clutch are Braktec, as opposed to the Brembo units found on the KTMs.
BETA 500RR-S: $11,799
This year the Beta RR-S line gets updated Sachs suspension settings and new profile tank shrouds that are narrow for improved cornering ergos. The 500 uses a diaphragm clutch for a lighter pull and better feel, Nissin brakes, Maxxis DOT-legal tires, CNC-machined triple clamps, and a push-button removable saddle. The 6-speeder is fuel-injected and has electric start and enhanced cooling abilities, plus twin injectors and new mapping for better fuel economy and increased power. It comes fit with a Trail Tech Voyager GPS and handguards.
KTM 500 EXC-F: $12,549
KTM’s 500 EXC-F is still at the top of the game with a chromoly frame, PDS rear suspension (no linkage) and focused settings for both the XPLOR fork and XPLOR rear shock. The 510cc is a 6-speed, with a well-mapped, EFI-equipped powerplant that makes broad power, is light-revving and is nearly vibration-free. Brakes are Brembo, as is the hydraulic clutch. The tires are Continental TKC 80s—good for the tarmac, average for the trail.
CHRISTINI AWD 450DS: $12,995
Christini’s all-wheel-drive system uses telescoping drive shafts to power the front wheel at a reduced speed so that it only engages when there is wheelspin in the rear. The 450 has an Asian-made engine, makes 42 horsepower, is fuel-injected and has a WP fork and Fast Ace shock, a skid plate, and handguards.
HONDA CRF450RL: $9,999
The Honda 450RL features a twin-spar aluminum frame, full Showa suspension, electric start and fuel injection. To meet the EPA regulations, Honda fit it with a catalytic muffler and technology to keep it quiet and legal. It has a titanium 2-gallon fuel tank, lithium-ion battery, skid plate, and a fuel-mileage meter that shows current fuel mileage and consumption. It has black D.I.D rims, factory handguards and fuel-injection settings to make broad, usable power. More good news is that the price did not go up!
BETA 430RR: $11,199
All Beta dual-sports retain the DNA that makes them strong, do-it-all machines. They include a Voyager GPS, a narrower frame, a techno-polymer subframe, new Sachs suspension fore and aft, and a 2.4-gallon fuel tank. The new engine is lighter, uses new injectors for a power increase, and has a new diaphragm clutch material for smooth action and enhanced feel. The Nissin brakes are strong. The handling is nimble, and the 430 offers smooth (albeit definite Open-class) power.
SUZUKI DR-Z400S: $7099
The Suzuki DR-Z400S sells for a bit more than the DR650S, because it’s a far more focused dual-sport machine. It’s powered by a carbureted, water-cooled engine with a 5-speed gearbox. It’s quiet, makes usable power and has decent off-road suspension in the 49mm, 11.3-inch-travel fork and 11.6 inches of travel in the rear end. Braking is via dual disc systems, and the fuel tank totes 2.6 gallons of fuel.
BETA 390/350RR-S: $11,599/$11,499
Both bikes are built on the same platform and are fit with all the changes to the 2023 RR-S line, including all-new Sachs suspension settings and a thinner mid-section via newly designed tank shrouds. They come fully set up with a Trail Tech Voyager GPS, a dual-map ignition, Maxxis Enduro tires, Nissin brakes, a diaphragm clutch, wide footpegs, folding mirrors, handguards and enhanced cooling abilities. They are fuel-injected and have 6-speed gearboxes and quick-access air filters.
HUSQVARNA FE350S: $12,249
Husqvarna’s FE350S is a dual-sport favorite via its balanced power, light feel and advanced handling traits. The WP XPLOR fork and XACT shock focus on comfort and ease of adjustment. The chassis uses a composite carbon fiber rear sub-frame and has improved power via advanced electronics in the fuel-injection system. It uses Braktec hydraulics at the clutch and brakes and has D.I.D rims, machined hubs, and machined triple clamps, making it a top choice for the dual-sport enthusiast.
KTM 350EXC-F: $12,149
The 350EXC-F is KTM’s lightweight, super-clean-running and smoothly powered mid-bore, dual-sport machine. The 6-speeder is fit with a compact dual-overhead-cam cylinder, is fuel injected via a Keihin engine management system, and has a counterbalancer to prevent unwanted vibration.
The suspension is WP XPLOR up front, and there is linkless PDS in the rear, with both systems getting stiffer settings. It uses Brembo brakes, Galfer Wave rotors, CNC-machined hubs, Giant rims and Continental TKC80 tires.
SWM RS 300R: $8299
SWM’s dual-sport RS300R is priced right and comes well equipped. The engine is a liquid-cooled, EFI-equipped 6-speed. The suspension is KYB front and rear, with strong Brembo brakes, and the tires are DOT Michelins. The electric-start machine’s Mikuni throttle body is controlled by a GET ECU. It comes standard with a radiator fan to help with cooling under a load. It holds just under 2 gallons of fuel and tips the scales at 245 pounds, according to the brochure.
HONDA CRF300L RALLY: $5999, ABS MODEL; $6399, 2022 MODEL
Honda’s CRF300L Rally gets the factory look of a true rally racer. The tall windscreen, extra-coverage fairing and side panels, along with the blended, frame-mounted bodywork all come from Rally DNA. It features a steel-perimeter frame. Suspension is handled by a 43mm fork with 10.2 inches of travel, with the rear Pro-Link receiving the same. It has front and rear disc brakes, a 3.4-gallon tank, and weighs 331 pounds.
KAWASAKI KLX300: $5899
The KLX300 is a well-setup, entry-level, dual-sport machine. The suspension is adjustable via a 43mm cartridge fork with 10.0 inches of travel in front and a 9.1-inch Uni Trak rear suspension setup. It’s fit with a low seat height and smooth, easy-to-manage power. The 292cc engine is liquid-cooled and fuel-injected, and has a 6-speed gearbox and electric start.
YAMAHA XT250: $5299
Yamaha’s 250cc dual-sport model, the XT250, is a budget-friendly machine and uses a fuel-injected, air-cooled, 5-speed powerplant. It features electric start and has decent travel in the suspension—8.9 inches up front and 7.1 inches in the rear. It comes fit with dual disc brakes and gets 76 mpg.
SSR XF250: $3459, 2022 MODEL
The SSR XF250 has an air-cooled motor, a low saddle height, and is equipped with an 18-inch front wheel, a 17-inch rear wheel and a rear rack. It is a carbureted 5-speeder with a manual clutch and weighs 328 pounds. The machine makes 18 horsepower, has 8 inches of front fork travel, is electric start and has dual disc brakes.
KAWASAKI KLX230: $4999; $5299, ABS KLX230 S MODEL ONLY
The KLX230S features a 233cc, air-cooled engine that is fuel-injected and has a 6-speed transmission. It has a 37mm fork with 8.7 inches of travel. Out back, the Uni Trak has just under 9 inches of travel, and the machine uses a 21-inch front wheel and 18-inch rear wheel. With a low seat height and a torquey motor, the KLX230 is an around-the-town scoot with just a pinch of off-road DNA. The S-model features a lower seat height (32.7 inches) and suspension that offers under 7 inches of travel.
YAMAHA TW200: $4899
Yamaha’s TW200 is a returning classic and is powered by an air-cooled, 196cc, carbureted engine featuring electric start, a five-speed gearbox and manual clutch. It is counterbalanced to keep vibrations down. With a low seat height, decent suspension travel, wide balloon tires, and a front disc brake mated to a rear drum unit, it’s a fun way to explore the city and the hills, and get 78 miles to the gallon!
