Adventure bikes surely are the hottest segment right now, because this bunch offers the highest number of do-it-all motorcycles, by excelling both on tarmac and dirt. However, the sheer size of some ADVs hinders capabilities in some instances. This is where a much less appreciated segment of motorcycles comes into play. Dual-sports, due to their aggressively slim profile, compact form factor, and low curb weight, also make for solid commuter bikes for all-day riding. This list focuses on Suzuki and Kawasaki bikes that balance commuter comfort and fun trail ruling capabilities. While this list is mainly populated with the respective Japanese dual-sports, there is one exception. It is a forgotten budget adventure bike that blends in well.
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from authoritative sources, including Suzuki Cycles USA and Kawasaki Motorcycles USA. This list is organized in decreasing order of pricing, from the more expensive to the most affordable bikes that blend commuter comfort with trail capabilities. All prices mentioned here are of the 2025 models unless mentioned otherwise.
Suzuki DR-Z4S+
Price: $9,299
This is a brand new trim level based on the standard DR-Z4S. The Plus differs from the standard model with features like an aluminum skid plate, front and rear disc brake covers, and handguards. These bits elevate its off-roading appeal, both visually and from a practicality point of view. Everything else is similar to the standard trim.
That includes a peppy 398 cc single-cylinder engine that produces 38 horsepower and 28 pound-feet of torque. Its slim form factor, a compact wheelbase of 58.6 inches, and low curb weight of 333 pounds help ace the urban riding side. Off-roading duties are taken care of by long-travel KYB-tuned suspension with over 11 inches of travel at both ends. Moreover, it is properly modern, with features like ride-by-wire and electronic fuel injection.
Suzuki DR-Z4S
Price: $8,999
The 2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S is special because it gets a notable upgrade in 23 years! Yup, that’s how old this nameplate is. The engine is all-new and features ride-by-wire and electronic fuel injection. This adds refinement and reliability to the already solid-performing single-cylinder mill.
Couple this engine’s versatility with its compact form factor, curb weight of 333 pounds, and long-travel KYB-tuned suspension, and we have a bright yellow Suzuki that can ace daily urban duties and challenging trail runs with equal vigor. You’ll have to spend a lot more than its rivals, though.
Suzuki DR650S
Price: $7,199
The Suzuki DR650S has been in production and has received few updates since the 1990s. However, it is the DR650S’s “outdated” tag that also impresses with urban and trail-going skills that still put it on the pedestal with modern rivals. It packs one of the biggest engines in this bunch, producing 34.3 horsepower and 33.4 pound-feet of torque.
Its robust chassis and long-travel suspension with over 10 inches of travel at both ends make up for a capable off-roading package. Breezy urban going duties are courtesy of its slim profile and relatively compact dimensions, with a curb weight of 366 pounds.
Suzuki DR-Z400S
Price: $7,199
While this “old” Suzuki might not be as popular as the DR650S, it holds a very important place in the automaker’s lineage of dual-sports. Suzuki claims the DR-Z400S to be the foundation of the modern dual-sport movement. This is still evident with its powerful 398 cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine, producing a grin-worthy 39.7 horsepower.
It sure is intimidating, and its performance is well-utilized for its trail-ready side, by offering meaty low- and mid-range torque. It has a low curb weight of 317 pounds, is slim, and has a compact form factor with a wheelbase of 58.5 inches. These attributes help this Suzuki be a comfortable all-day urban runabout, too.
Kawasaki KLR 650 S
Price: $6,899
This is one of those rare instances where a dual-sport is capable of being a fully-fledged ADV. Even Kawasaki offers an “Adventure” trim level for this KLR. However, we will be focusing on the “S” trim, which makes the KLR 650 more accessible and urban-friendly, with a lower seat height of 32.1 inches.
While the suspension travel is also slightly sacrificed here, it is still ample—6.7 inches up front and 7.0 inches at the rear—to tackle trails. Powering this go-anywhere dual-sport/ADV is a well-matured 652 cc single-cylinder engine producing 40 horsepower and 39.1 pound-feet of torque, which, for the record, is nearly 40 years old!
Kawasaki KLX 230 DF
Price: $5,999
This is one of two new trim levels that Kawasaki has sprouted out of the popular KLX 230. The DF focuses on making this KLX a more capable off-roader, with features such as a bashplate, handguards, an engine crash guard, and even a luggage rack for added practicality.
Powering this versatile bike is a 233 cc single-cylinder mill, the same as the standard KLX 230, producing 17 horsepower and 13.3 pound-feet of torque. It is compact enough with a fairly low seat height of 33.3 inches and a curb weight of just 302 pounds, making this off-road-focused Kawa an equally solid urban runabout.
Kawasaki KLX 230 Sherpa S
Price: $5,899
Based on the standard KLX 230, the Sherpa S is yet another new trim level for 2025. While the aforementioned DF focuses more on trails, the Sherpa S is designed to be more tarmac-friendly. It gets similar features like a bash plate and handguards, but differs with a lowered seat height and shorter suspension travel.
Its seat height of 32.5 inches is at the lower end of the dual-sport spectrum, making this Kawa a more accessible offering. It even weighs less than 300 pounds, adding to a nimble riding character on tight city roads. Despite its lowered suspension travel, this Kawa still offers 7.9 inches of front and 8.8 inches of rear travel, making it more than capable of tackling those trails.
Kawasaki KLX 300
Price: $5,449
The KLX 300 is one of the more affordable dual-sports in Kawasaki’s arsenal, punching above its weight. It is designed to seamlessly blend on-road and off-road capabilities without compromising on both sides. Its compact form factor, with a wheelbase of 56.7 inches and a low curb weight of 302.1 pounds, makes it a nimble urban runabout.
Couple this with its peppy 292 cc single-cylinder engine with 18.1 pound-feet of torque and long travel suspension with 10 inches of travel up front and 9.1 inches at the rear, and we have a “green goblin” that can still whip up some serious dirt. It’s surprisingly cheaper than the smaller 230, too.
Kawasaki Versys X-300
Price: $5,699
This is the exception that we have mentioned in the introduction. The Versys X-300 is currently an outdated rival to the modern likes of the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and the tech-savvy KTM 390 Adventure R. However, it still stands tall because of a versatile 296 cc parallel-twin engine (shared with the now-defunct Ninja 300 sports bike), a slim form factor with a relatively compact wheelbase of 57.1 inches, and a manageable curb weight of 385.9 pounds.
The mill’s peppy nature, coupled with its relaxed rider triangle and manageable weight, makes the X-300 a comfortable urban runabout. Furthermore, its robust underpinnings, coupled with long-travel suspension, spoked wheels, and trail-ready rubber, make it a fun ride on the beaten path as well.
Kawasaki KLX 230 S
Price: $4,999 (MY2025)
This is the most affordable dual-sport on this list, and in Kawasaki’s arsenal. It is powered by a peppy 233 cc single-cylinder engine that produces 17 horsepower and 13 pound-feet of torque. For 2025 and beyond, it is only offered in an “S” trim that gets a lowered seat height.
This helps in its urban riding capabilities by offering elevated access for shorter riders. While the ground clearance is just 9.4 inches, it’s not a bummer —it’s still ample for moderate trail runs. A unique differentiating factor of this affordable Kawa compared to others is that it is available in both non-ABS and ABS versions. The former can help experienced riders have a lot more fun.