10 Dual-Sports That Combine City Commuting With Backcountry Exploration

In recent times, adventure bikes have become incredibly popular. So much so, that some have forgotten about dual-sport bikes, which are often the better tool for the job, depending on what you want from your motorcycle. Dual-sports are not the most comfortable vehicles, but they are light, fuel efficient, and more competent off-road than any ADV.

If you are looking for a commuter that can also take on the backcountry over the weekend, a dual-sport will always be better suited to the off-road part of the journey. You will just have to decide how much pain you are willing to endure to get there, because none of these bikes are particularly good on the highway. Alternatively, you could avoid the highway altogether, and enjoy the scenic route, which is precisely the point of adventure riding in the first place.

To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from authoritative sources, such as KTM, Kawasaki and Honda. The motorcycles on this list are rated according to MSRP.

Kawasaki KLX230 Sherpa S ABS

MSRP: $5,899

If you are a new rider looking for your first bike, this is an ideal entry point into the world of off-road riding. While the KLX230 S should be suitable for most riders, the Sherpa just adds a few nice-to-have features that you would most likely turn to the aftermarket for anyway. It is effectively a ready-made lightweight travel package, but with only 20 horsepower at your disposal, you will need to plan your travels carefully.

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KTM 390 Enduro R

MSRP: $6,049

Earlier this year, KTM came out with a quartet of new 390-based offerings, all aggressively priced, all while the company looked to be on the verge of bankruptcy. Bajaj has since bailed KTM out, but the price has gone up, effectively rewarding those brave first-movers who took a bit of a gamble. The 390 Enduro R still represents fantastic bang for the buck, with a fun, flickable street-bike chassis and fantastic off-road electronics.

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Honda CRF300L Rally

MSRP: $6,499

At present, this is the default choice in this space. While it might seem somewhat underpowered with only 27 horses, it has more than enough power to get up to highway speed and stay there for as long as you need it to. Its windshield adds a semblance of wind protection, and Honda recently revised the rear suspension, which was criticized for being chronically undersprung in the past.

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Beta Alp 4.0

MSRP: $6,790

If you don’t like following the herd, this represents something of an alternative choice. Unlike its highly-strung stable-mates, the Beta boasts an engine proudly made in China. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as it has been sourced in an effort to modernize this platform which used to use an old, outdated Suzuki engine. It is also both lighter and more powerful than the aforementioned Honda.

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Kawasaki KLR650 S

MSRP: $6,999

For those of you who are more experienced, but still on the shorter side, this might be the best bet. Much like the CRF300L Rally, it offers some semblance of wind protection, which certainly helps, but it is a little on the porky side, and for those that want to do more serious off-roading there are better options. In terms of reliability, it is almost impossible to fault.

Specifications

Honda XR650L

MSRP: $6,999

If the KLR is for shorter folks, then the XR650L is for taller folks. Its tall seat height affords 13 inches of ground clearance, which is on par with some of the more dedicated enduro machines out there. Its massive thumper will most likely drive you to distraction if you stay on the highway for an extended period, but like most things Honda, it won’t let you down.

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Suzuki DR650S

MSRP: $7,299

To be very honest, we are not sure how to justify the $300 premium you need to pay over the XR650L. Both bikes offer pretty much the same simplified package – air-cooled, carb-fed, neigh on indestructible. It really will come down to which brand you prefer, or which dealer offers the better after-sales service. If the decision comes down to budget, $300 is a pretty decent amount of money to spend on riding gear.

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Suzuki DR-Z4S

MSRP: $8,999

There was a lot of buzz surrounding the updated DR-Z4S… until the price was announced. At the end of the day, $9k is a lot of money to spend on a dual-sport bike. For this kind of money, you really can go out and buy a pretty decent used ADV. So it will only appeal to a very specific kind of rider, somebody who wants the off-road performance of an enduro, the reliability of a traditional Japanese dual-sport, and modern tech features.

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Kove 450 Rally

MSRP: $9,299

Kove went to great lengths proving the durability of these machines. Nothing tests a bike more than a rally raid event, and the Dakar rally represents the pinnacle of that particular discipline. The race spec version – which you can actually buy for another $4k – finished that grueling race, yet long-term reliability, not to mention support, remains something of an unknown. One thing is for certain, though, it is a very competent off-roader.

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Husqvarna 701 Enduro

MSRP: $13,399

If you want the best backcountry exploration bike, you simply need to consider one of the three LC4-based bikes. As much as the Gas Gas red is tasteful, and the KTM orange is bold, we feel the white and blue Husky is the best looking of the three. All three are expensive, but if you want the best, you will need to pay for it.

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