Best Dual-Sport Motorcycles to Buy in 2027: 8 Top Picks

2027 KTM 690 Rally vs 690 Enduro R: What’s New and What Really Sets Them Apart Reading Best Dual-Sport Motorcycles to Buy in 2027: 8 Top Picks 24 minutes

Quick Verdict


For most riders, the best dual-sports are the Honda CRF300L (beginners and budget), the Yamaha Ténéré 700 (long-distance comfort) and the Suzuki DR650S (simple, affordable workhorse). For aggressive trail riding with plates, choose the KTM 500 EXC-F, Husqvarna FE 501s or Honda CRF450RL. For a quiet, low-maintenance option, the Stark VARG EX is a street-legal electric dual-sport.

1. What to Consider Before Buying a Dual-Sport Motorcycle

A dual-sport is a compromise by design. You are asking one motorcycle to be a commuter on Monday, a trail bike on Saturday and a gravel-road explorer on Sunday. The right compromise depends on you, so work through these questions before you look at a single price tag.

🏍️Your real riding split:

Be honest about the percentage of time you will spend on pavement versus dirt. A rider who is 80 percent street and 20 percent fire road needs a very different bike from someone who trailers to the woods but wants the option of riding home legally. 

🏍️Weight and seat height:

Weight decides how confident you feel when the trail gets tight, and how much a tip-over hurts. Seat height decides whether you can put a foot down at a stop sign. On this list, seat heights run from about 34 inches on the friendliest bikes to roughly 38 inches or more on the tallest. 


🏍️Street legality and registration

Not every bike that looks like a dual-sport is easy to register. Some models are sold as street-legal from the factory in every state, some vary by market, and some off-road platforms are offered in a street-legal version only through specific trims. Before you buy, confirm that the exact model comes with the paperwork your state requires, and ask your dealer about plates, insurance and any emissions restrictions in your area.


🏍️Electronics and rider aids

ABS that can be switched off for dirt, ride modes and a readable dash matter more than most first-time buyers expect. Conversely, riders who want a simple machine they can fix in a barn may prefer fewer electronics. Decide which camp you are in.

2. 8 Best Dual-Sport Motorcycles for 2027 at a Glance

# Motorcycle Engine Weight (basis) Seat height Latest official U.S. base MSRP 2027 status
1 Honda CRF300L 286cc liquid-cooled single 311 lb (curb, full tank) 34.7 in $5,749 (2025 listing, plus $600 destination) 2027 to be announced
2 Yamaha Ténéré 700 689cc liquid-cooled inline twin 459 lb (wet) 34.4 in $10,999 (2026, excludes destination) 2027 to be announced
3 Suzuki DR650S 644cc air/oil-cooled single 366 lb (curb) 34.8 in $7,299 (2026, plus $600 destination) 2027 to be announced
4 KTM 500 EXC-F 510.9cc liquid-cooled single 253 lb / 114.8 kg (without fuel) 37.9 in $13,499 (2027, plus $690 freight) Official 2027 listing
5 KTM 390 Enduro R 398.7cc liquid-cooled single 350 lb / 159 kg without fuel; 364 lb / 165 kg fueled 35.0 in $6,049 (2026, plus $600 freight) 2027 to be announced
6 Husqvarna FE 501s 510.9cc liquid-cooled single 256 lb / 116.2 kg (without fuel) 37.5 in $13,599 (2027, plus $690 freight) Official 2027 listing
7 Honda CRF450RL 450cc liquid-cooled single 289 lb (curb, full tank) 37.2 in $10,199 (2027, plus $600 destination) Official 2027 listing
8 Stark VARG EX (electric) Electric, 7.2 kWh battery, up to 80 hp 264 lb (manufacturer claim) About 38 to 39 in $13,040 (Stark U.S. site) No separate 2027 designation announced

 

Quick picks:

Best for first-time dual-sport riders: Honda CRF300L or KTM 390 Enduro R
Best for long days and mixed surfaces: Yamaha Ténéré 700
Best simple, old-school workhorse: Suzuki DR650S
Best for aggressive trail riding with plates: KTM 500 EXC-F or Husqvarna FE 501s
Best Honda for serious dirt with street legality: Honda CRF450RL
Best for quiet, low-maintenance high performance: Stark VARG EX

 

3. Detailed Reviews of the 8 Best Dual-Sport Motorcycles

(1) Honda CRF300L

⭐Key specs:

  • Engine: 286cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder, DOHC, four valves, PGM-FI fuel injection, six-speed manual
  • Suspension: 43mm inverted fork with 10.2 inches of travel, Pro-Link rear shock with 10.2 inches of travel
  • Brakes: 256mm front disc and 220mm rear disc with ABS that can be turned off
  • Wheels: 21-inch front, 18-inch rear
  • Seat height: 34.7 in; ground clearance: 11.2 in
  • Curb weight: 311 lb with all fluids and a full tank; fuel capacity: 2.1 gal

⭐Performance and key strengths:
The CRF300L is the friendly face of the category. Honda describes the engine as counterbalanced, which helps it run smoothly for a single, and it delivers easy, tractable power rather than raw speed. Fuel injection means quick starts in cold weather. The chassis is light and forgiving, the clutch is easy to modulate and the ergonomics are upright and neutral. For 2025 Honda stiffened the fork springs and reworked the internals in response to rider feedback, and added LED lighting and improved heat management. The result is a bike that is easy to ride slowly in technical terrain and easy to live with around town.

⭐Pros and cons:

  • Pros: Approachable weight and seat height; simple, reliable-feeling engine; ABS you can switch off for dirt; low entry price; broad tire choices thanks to the 21/18 wheel combination
  • Cons: Modest power for sustained highway speeds; small 2.1-gallon tank limits range; stock suspension is built for comfort rather than aggressive riding

⭐Best terrain and riding comfort:
The CRF300L is at its best on fire roads, forest trails, farm tracks and city streets. It is comfortable enough for a daily commute, and its narrow, flat seat makes standing on the pegs natural. It is not a highway cruiser; expect to work the throttle to keep up with fast traffic, and plan fuel stops on longer rides.

⭐Who should buy it:
New and returning riders, commuters who want a weekend trail option, and riders who value low weight and low cost over outright performance. If you are shorter, Honda also sells the CRF300LS with a seat about two inches lower.

⭐Recommended upgrades:
Skid plate, handguards and enduro footpegs are the practical first steps, and Honda lists genuine accessories in these categories. Radiator guards, crash protection, a more aggressive tire for dirt, and a comfort seat for longer rides are also popular. 

(2) Yamaha Ténéré 700

⭐Key specs:

  • Engine: 689cc liquid-cooled, DOHC inline twin with crossplane crankshaft, six-speed with wet multiplate clutch, chain final drive
  • Suspension: 43mm fully adjustable inverted fork with 8.3 inches of travel; rear shock with 7.9 inches of travel and remote preload adjuster
  • Brakes: dual 282mm front discs and a 245mm rear disc with selectable ABS; Brembo calipers front and rear
  • Tires: 90/90R21 front and 150/70R18 rear
  • Seat height: 34.4 in; ground clearance: 9.4 in; fuel capacity: 4.2 gal
  • Wet weight: 459 lb

⭐Performance and key strengths:
The Ténéré 700 is the adventure-leaning end of this list. Its twin is smooth and linear, with the kind of usable mid-range that makes long days feel effortless. Yamaha's ride-by-wire throttle, a TFT dash with a five-way joystick and smartphone connectivity keep the cockpit modern without turning it into a computer, and the bike is pre-wired for an accessory quickshifter. The real headline is range and stability: a 4.2-gallon tank and a long wheelbase make it a confident partner on gravel roads and mixed-surface routes.

⭐Pros and cons:

  • Pros: Smooth, torquey twin; excellent range; fully adjustable fork; strong Brembo brakes; comfortable for all-day riding; proven platform.
  • Cons: Heavy at 459 lb wet, which shows up in tight technical trails and when the bike is dropped; premium price; rear suspension travel is modest for hard off-road use.

⭐Best terrain and riding comfort:
Think dirt roads, desert tracks, gravel passes and long backcountry routes with pavement in between. It is one of the most comfortable bikes here on the highway. In tight, rocky single-track it demands skill and strength, so it is a better fit for riders who prioritize distance over technical difficulty.

⭐Who should buy it:
Riders who want one bike for touring, commuting and exploration, and who will spend more time on roads and graded dirt than on tight trails. It also suits riders who like the idea of carrying luggage.

⭐Recommended upgrades:
A proper bash plate, hand guards, crash bars and a tougher rear rack are near-essentials. Many owners also add a taller windscreen for highway comfort, rally-style footpegs, luggage and a tire tailored to their terrain. The suspension is adjustable, so a spring and setup tune to your weight is money well spent.

(3) Suzuki DR650S

⭐Key specs:

  • Engine: 644cc air- and oil-cooled SOHC single with a Mikuni BST40 carburetor, five-speed transmission, electric start
  • Suspension: about 10.2 inches (260 mm) of travel front and rear, with a height-adjustable fork
  • Brakes: 290mm front floating disc and 240mm rear disc
  • Tires: 90/90-21 front and 120/90-17 rear
  • Seat height: 34.8 in (33.2 in with the optional lowering kit); ground clearance: 10.4 in
  • Curb weight: 366 lb; fuel capacity: 3.4 gal (3.2 gal in California)

⭐Performance and key strengths:
The DR650S is a survivor in the best sense. Its big single is tuned for low-to-mid-range torque with a gear-driven balancer shaft to tame vibration, and the design has stayed remarkably consistent for years. That consistency is exactly why riders love it: parts are plentiful, the engine is understood by mechanics everywhere, and the aftermarket is enormous. It is comfortable at a steady pace and happy on gravel, though it will never feel modern.

⭐Pros and cons:

  • Pros: Mid-range price; rugged and simple; huge aftermarket; comfortable seat and long-travel suspension; adjustable seat height with a factory accessory kit; easy to service.
  • Cons: Carbureted and air-cooled, so it feels dated and can be sensitive to altitude changes; five-speed gearbox; weight is noticeable off-road; basic brakes and lighting by modern standards.

⭐Best terrain and riding comfort:
Fire roads, gravel, and long stretches of pavement between trails. The tall gearing and torquey motor suit relaxed riding rather than aggressive technical work. Vibration is well controlled for a large single.

⭐Who should buy it:
Riders who want an affordable, no-frills dual-sport they can fix themselves, or a dependable platform for a custom adventure build. It is a popular base for long-distance setups.

⭐Recommended upgrades:
Bigger tank options, a skid plate (Suzuki lists a cargo rack and skid pan as accessories), handguards, upgraded lighting, a better seat, a tuned carburetor setup and adjustable suspension springs. Tires matched to your surface make a big difference.

(4) KTM 500 EXC-F

⭐Key specs:

  • Engine: 510.9 cm³ liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke, six-speed, Keihin EMS
  • Suspension: WP XACT 48mm USD fork with 300mm (11.81 in) of travel; WP XPLOR shock with PDS and 310mm (12.2 in) of travel
  • Brakes: 260mm front disc and 220mm rear disc
  • Seat height: 963 mm (about 37.9 in); ground clearance: 347 mm (about 13.7 in)
  • Weight without fuel: 114.8 kg (about 253 lb); tank: 8.2 L (2.17 gal)
  • Wheelbase: 1,489 mm; wheels: 21-inch front and 18-inch rear

⭐Performance and key strengths:
This is the closest thing to a race bike with a license plate on this list. KTM describes the 500 as a large-displacement powerhouse that is surprisingly usable, with strong torque across a wide rev range. The chassis is light, with a chromoly frame and tool-free suspension adjustment at both ends, a lithium starter battery and an LED headlight. The tires are Continental TKC 80s. Suspension quality is a highlight, and it is what makes this bike feel so controlled at speed off-road.

⭐Pros and cons:

Pros: Very light for its power; premium WP suspension with tool-free adjustment; enormous ground clearance; strong torque; race-proven platform
Cons: Tall seat that is intimidating for shorter riders; small fuel tank limits range; premium price; race-derived engine expects diligent maintenance; not a comfortable highway cruiser; one-year warranty

⭐Best terrain and riding comfort:
Technical single-track, rocky climbs, sand, hard-packed desert and any trail where weight and suspension matter. Pavement is a connecting section, not a destination. KTM notes that its enduro imagery shows the competition version rather than the homologated version, so check what you are actually buying.

⭐Street legality check:
KTM's U.S. site places the 500 EXC-F in its Dual Sport range, but availability of a plated, street-legal configuration can depend on your state and dealer. Confirm registration eligibility before you commit.

⭐Who should buy it:
Experienced riders who want maximum off-road capability and occasional road access. It is a poor choice for a first bike or for riders who mostly commute.

⭐Recommended upgrades:
Skid plate, hand guards and radiator guards are the first purchases. Riders who cover long distances often add a larger fuel tank, a more comfortable seat and a tire suited to their mix of surfaces. Keep spare levers and a tool roll on board.

⭐2027 model:
KTM's U.S. site lists the 2027 KTM 500 EXC-F at a base MSRP of $13,499, plus $690 freight. A special-edition 2027 KTM 500 EXC-F 6DAYS is also listed, priced at $14,699 in industry reporting of KTM's announcement.

 

(5) KTM 390 Enduro R

⭐Key specs:

  • Engine: 398.7 cm³ liquid-cooled single, six-speed, Bosch EMS with ride-by-wire; 45 PS (about 44 hp) and 39 Nm (about 28.8 lb-ft)
  • Suspension: WP APEX 43mm open-cartridge fork and WP APEX shock, both with 230mm (9.06 in) of travel
  • Brakes: 285mm front disc and 240mm rear disc; ABS with an off-road option and a dedicated ABS-off button
  • Seat height: 890 mm (35.0 in); ground clearance: 272 mm (10.7 in)
  • Weight: 159 kg (about 350 lb) without fuel; 165 kg (about 364 lb) fully fueled
  • Fuel tank: 9 L (2.38 gal)
  • Electronics: 4.2-inch TFT dash, STREET and OFFROAD ride modes, USB-C charging

⭐Performance and key strengths:
KTM's newest LC4c engine gives the 390 Enduro R a punchy, eager character that feels bigger than its displacement. It is a road-friendly platform with a genuine dirt bias: spoked 21/18 wheels, a steel trellis frame, aggressive ergonomics inspired by the 690 Enduro R, and an ABS system that can be adapted for the trail. It also brings features that are rare at this price, including a TFT display and ride modes.

⭐Pros and cons:

  • Pros: Affordable for a KTM; modern electronics; adjustable suspension; strong warranty coverage on street-legal models; good balance of road manners and trail ability
  • Cons: Heavier than the race-derived EXC bikes; 230mm suspension travel limits speed in rough terrain; 2.38-gallon tank; power is modest for riders who want big-bike performance

⭐Best terrain and riding comfort:
Urban commuting, backroads, forest tracks and moderate trail riding. It is comfortable and stable on pavement and lively in the dirt. Expect it to feel out of its depth in aggressive, rocky enduro terrain.

⭐Who should buy it:
Newer riders stepping up to a European-styled bike, commuters who want a fun weekend option, and riders who value technology and warranty coverage. KTM states that the Premium Manufacturer's Warranty offers up to four years of coverage on street-legal models from model year 2025 onward, subject to servicing conditions.

⭐Recommended upgrades:
Bash plate, hand guards, crash protection and a luggage rack. Off-road tires transform the bike if your riding is dirt-heavy. A touring or gel seat helps on longer commutes.

 

(6) Husqvarna FE 501s

⭐Key specs:

  • Engine: 510.9 cm³ liquid-cooled single (95mm bore, 72mm stroke), 12.75:1 compression, Keihin EFI with a 42mm throttle body, six-speed, Brembo hydraulic clutch
  • Suspension: WP XACT 48mm closed-cartridge fork with 300mm of travel; WP XACT shock with 300mm of travel
  • Brakes: Brembo calipers, 260mm front and 220mm rear
  • Seat height: 952 mm (about 37.5 in); ground clearance: 343 mm (about 13.5 in)
  • Weight without fuel: 116.2 kg (about 256 lb); tank: 7.7 L (about 2.03 gal)
  • Tires: Continental TKC 80

⭐Performance and key strengths:
The FE 501s is Husqvarna's most powerful street-legal dual-sport, and the brand's own description centers on strong, controllable power and stability for riders who want to cover more distance and push deeper into the backcountry. It shares its basic engine with the KTM 500, but the ergonomics, styling and detailing are distinct. For 2027 the bike keeps its mechanical package and gains a white powder-coated frame and new Swedish-inspired graphics. Brembo brakes and a Brembo hydraulic clutch give it a refined feel.

⭐Pros and cons:

  • Pros: Excellent power-to-weight; refined controls; excellent suspension; tool-free adjustments; street-legal from the factory; distinctive look.
    Cons: Tall seat; small fuel tank; premium price that rose $600 for 2027; one-year warranty; race-derived engine calls for careful maintenance.

⭐Best terrain and riding comfort:
Technical single-track, forest roads, mountain climbs and desert trails, with legal connections between trailheads. It is comfortable enough for short road stretches but is not a touring machine.

⭐Who should buy it:
Experienced riders who want a plated, high-performance enduro for backcountry exploration and are comfortable with the maintenance a race-derived bike demands. Premium fuel is listed in third-party spec data, so check the owner's manual.

⭐Recommended upgrades:
Skid plate, hand guards, radiator guards and a stronger rear rack for a small bag. Add a larger fuel solution or a more comfortable seat if you plan long days.

⭐2027 model: 
Husqvarna's U.S. site lists the 2027 FE 501s at a base MSRP of $13,599 plus $690 freight. Husqvarna announced the 2027 FE 350s and FE 501s in July 2026 and said they would reach authorized dealers that summer, so the bike should be arriving now. 

 

(7) Honda CRF450RL

⭐Key specs:

  • Engine: 450cc liquid-cooled single with Unicam cylinder head, 12.0:1 compression, PGM-FI (46mm throttle body), electric start, wide-ratio six-speed transmission
  • Suspension: 49mm inverted Showa fork with 12 inches of travel; Pro-Link Showa shock with 11.8 inches of travel
  • Brakes: 260mm front disc with twin-piston caliper; 240mm rear disc
  • Wheels and tires: IRC 80/100-21 front, 120/80-18 rear
  • Seat height: 37.2 in; ground clearance: 12.6 in; wheelbase: 58.9 in
  • Curb weight: 289 lb including a full tank; fuel capacity: 2.0 gal

⭐Performance and key strengths:
The CRF450RL takes a championship-winning motocross architecture and makes it street-legal. Honda says the Unicam engine is lighter, lower in center of gravity and higher in compression than earlier designs. Practical touches include an electric fan, a factory skid plate, integrated handguards, a fuel-mileage display, an 18-inch rear wheel for tire flexibility and an electric starter. Honda states the bike is street-legal in all 50 states with a catalytic converter, and the wide-ratio gearbox is tall enough for highway hops to the trailhead.

⭐Pros and cons:

Pros: Serious off-road performance with a factory street-legal package; lower price than the European 500s; Honda reliability reputation; useful factory protection
Cons: Tall seat; small 2.0-gallon tank; no ABS or ride-mode electronics in Honda's spec highlights; race-oriented ergonomics are tiring on long pavement rides

⭐Best terrain and riding comfort:
Single-track, desert, hill climbs and tight trails. Road sections are fine for connecting rides, but sustained highway travel will be tiring on a 450 with a small tank.

⭐Who should buy it:
Skilled riders who want a Honda-backed, plated 450 for aggressive off-road riding, and riders who want to avoid trailering. Beginners should look elsewhere.

⭐Recommended upgrades:
Larger fuel capacity, an upgraded seat, a rear rack, radiator guards, bark busters and tires tuned to your terrain. The factory skid plate and handguards are a good start, but many riders upgrade for harder use.

⭐2027 model:
Honda's U.S. site lists the 2027 CRF450RL at a base MSRP of $10,199 plus a $600 destination charge, for a total MSRP of $10,799. 

 

(8) Stark VARG EX (Electric Dual-Sport)

Which VARG is this? The Stark VARG EX is the street-legal electric dual-sport enduro. It is not the same as the VARG MX, which is the off-road-only electric motocross bike, and it is not the VARG SM, the supermoto version.

The EX shares much of its platform with the MX but adds lights, a horn, a license plate mount and a larger 7.2 kWh battery. Stark states that the EX is homologated for road use in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Canada. If you are shopping for a plated trail bike, the EX is the one you want.

⭐Key specs:

  • Powertrain: electric, adjustable power curve from 10 to 80 hp; 60 hp and 80 hp configurations exist; 764 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheel
  • Battery: 7.2 kWh with a magnesium case; 3.3 kW charger included; about 2 hours to charge on 240V and 3.5 hours on 120V
  • Suspension: KYB fork with 300mm of travel and KYB shock with 303mm of travel
  • Brakes: Brembo, 260mm front and 220mm rear
  • Tires: 90/90-21 front and 140/80-18 rear
  • Seat height: about 39.0 in fully extended and 38.0 in at static sag; ground clearance: about 14.5 in
  • Weight: 264 lb (120 kg), manufacturer claim

⭐Performance and key strengths:
The VARG EX is remarkable on paper and in most first impressions. There is no clutch and no gearbox, so riders concentrate purely on throttle and line, and the power delivery can be tuned through the phone-style dash. Stark says the bike feels lighter than a 125 in the trail, thanks to a very low weight and a low center of gravity. Crawl mode lets you move at walking speed forward and reverse, which helps on tight switchbacks. There is no exhaust, radiator noise or fuel to carry. Stark also highlights built-in navigation and trail recording, and over-the-air updates.

⭐Pros and cons:

  • Pros: Very light for the performance it delivers; instant, adjustable power; nearly silent, so it is welcome on more trails; low routine maintenance; strong suspension and brakes; smartphone-style connectivity.
  • Cons: Range is limited compared with a gas bike, particularly when riding hard; charging infrastructure is your outlet, not a fuel station; premium price; service and dealer support are less widespread than the big brands; highway use is not its forte; some connected features sit behind an optional paid. subscription

⭐Best terrain and riding comfort:
Technical trails, hard enduro, forest riding and neighborhood-friendly access to trailheads. Stark's published ride-time estimates in its enduro scenarios range from about two hours at pro pace to over four hours at a beginner pace, so plan around the way you ride. This is a bike for trails and connecting roads, not for touring.

⭐Who should buy it:
Riders who want a very lightweight, quiet, low-maintenance trail machine and can plan rides around charging. It also suits riders who face noise restrictions or who dislike gearbox and clutch management.

⭐Recommended upgrades:
A rugged skid plate, hand guards, a rear rack and upgraded footpegs are common. Consider a second charger for a trailhead or camp setup, and check with Stark about approved accessories, because the battery is a structural part of the chassis.

 

4. How to Choose the Right Dual-Sport Motorcycle for Your Riding Style

Use these profiles as a shortcut, then confirm with a test ride whenever possible.

🏍️You are new to dual-sport riding?

Start with the Honda CRF300L or the KTM 390 Enduro R. Both are manageable in weight and seat height, forgiving in power delivery and reasonably priced. The Honda is simpler and cheaper; the KTM adds a TFT display, ride modes and stronger road performance.

🏍️You commute most days and ride dirt on weekends?

The KTM 390 Enduro R and Honda CRF300L are natural fits. If your commute includes a lot of highway, consider the Suzuki DR650S or the Ténéré 700, which are more comfortable at speed.

🏍️You want to cover long distances?

The Yamaha Ténéré 700 is the standout, thanks to its 4.2-gallon tank, smooth twin and stability. The DR650S is a budget alternative with a huge accessory market.

🏍️You ride technical single-track and want plates?

The KTM 500 EXC-F, Husqvarna FE 501s and Honda CRF450RL are in their element. The KTM and Husqvarna offer the most refined suspension and controls. The Honda is the more affordable option with a strong reliability reputation. All three have tall seats and small tanks, so they reward experienced riders.

🏍️You are short or have a lower inseam?

Look first at the Honda CRF300L, and consider Honda's lower-seat CRF300LS if you need extra confidence. The Ténéré 700 and DR650S have moderate seat heights, and the DR650S can be lowered with a factory kit. Tall enduro bikes such as the KTM 500 EXC-F and Husqvarna FE 501s are challenging.

🏍️You value low maintenance and quiet operation?

The Stark VARG EX is the only bike here that removes clutch, gearbox and exhaust. It suits riders who can plan around charging and who want access to noise-sensitive areas.

🏍️You are on a strict budget?

The Honda CRF300L, KTM 390 Enduro R and Suzuki DR650S offer the lowest starting prices. Add protective accessories and gear to your budget before you decide.

A five-question shortlist test:
What percentage of my riding is pavement, gravel and true single-track?
Can I comfortably touch the ground at a stop, and can I pick this bike up alone?
Do I enjoy maintaining a bike, or do I want to ride more than I wrench?
How far do I ride between fuel stops or charges?
What is my all-in budget, including gear, insurance and protection?

Answer those honestly and the shortlist usually narrows to two bikes.

 

5. Final Thoughts

The best dual-sport is the one that matches your terrain, your skill and your patience for maintenance. 

Once you have chosen, invest in protection and gear before you invest in power. A good skid plate, hand guards and a solid pair of boots will do more for your enjoyment than any horsepower figure. Always confirm that any accessory is compatible with your exact model and year before ordering.

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