10 Budget Motorcycles That Can Do Soft Off-Roading

There’s no denying the excitement of carving through smooth paved roads with speed and ease. But there’s something special about venturing beyond the asphalt. You’re not heading into extreme enduro territory here. Think gravel paths, forest trails, fire roads, or dry riverbeds. These are mild and manageable terrains that call for a motorcycle built for soft off-road conditions. What you need is a bike with longer suspension travel and solid ground clearance to keep things comfortable and controlled, such as adventure motorcycles.

If you love exploring beyond the pavement but find yourself working with a tight budget, soft off-roading offers the perfect middle ground. That’s where these ten budget-friendly machines come in. They are built to handle light dirt and uneven surfaces while keeping you comfortable on paved roads. Each one brings its own flavor to the mix, and all are ready to get a little dirty without putting a dent in your wallet.

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 Royal Enfield, Husqvarna, KTM, Triumph, Suzuki, Moto Morini, Benelli, and Honda Powersports. The models are listed based on their starting prices, from lowest to highest.

Royal Enfield Scram 411

Starting Price: $5,099

While the Himalayan stands as Royal Enfield’s most off-road-ready adventure model on a budget, the Scram 411 builds on that foundation with a more urban-friendly approach. It uses the same trusted chassis and engine as its adventure-focused sibling but reshapes the package for street use while retaining off-road capability. The suspension setup is generous, with a 41 millimeter telescopic front fork and a rear monoshock with linkage. A 19-inch front wheel and 7.9 inches of ground clearance make it well-suited for uneven terrain without overwhelming the rider.

Performance Specifications

Husqvarna Svartpilen 401

Starting Price: $5,899

Next up is the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401, a bike that blends sleek Scandinavian design with real-world versatility. It’s light on its feet, easy to maneuver, and surprisingly confident when the pavement ends. The upright riding position and WP suspension give it just the right amount of poise for soft off-road detours. With blocky tread tires and solid ground clearance, it feels right at home on fire roads and hard-packed trails. You also get a smart electronics package that includes Supermoto ABS, which lets the rear wheel lock up for better control when riding on loose surfaces.

Performance Specifications

KTM 390 Adventure X

Starting Price: $6,499

Even though the KTM 390 Adventure X shares its engine with the Svartpilen 401, it’s built with a different mission in mind. This one leans into light trails and weekend escapes with a more adventure-focused setup. Compared to the 390 Adventure R, the X variant has less suspension travel, only preload adjustability at the rear, a basic LCD, and a road-friendly 19 and 17-inch wheel combo. That simplicity is what makes it so budget-friendly.

Performance Specifications

Triumph Scrambler 400 XC

Starting Price: $6,695

The Triumph Scrambler 400 brings all the heritage and style of the Scrambler family into a price range that’s refreshingly accessible. Among the new 400 cc models, the XC stands out as the most off-road-ready of the bunch. You get a larger 19-inch front wheel and slightly longer suspension travel at both ends compared to its road-focused sibling. Spoked wheels, dual-purpose tires, and a bash plate add to its trail-friendly attitude. It also comes with switchable traction control and a dedicated off-road ABS mode that lets you disable the rear ABS.

Performance Specifications

Honda SCL500

Starting Price: $6,799

When it comes to capable scramblers, the Honda SCL500 stands out for its reliability and versatility. This retro-modern machine borrows its efficient parallel-twin engine from Honda’s well-known 500 series, making it a solid choice for city riding with just enough grit for weekend off-road adventures. The high-mounted muffler adds extra ground clearance compared to its road-focused siblings. You’ll find a 19-inch front wheel paired with a 17-inch rear, a setup commonly seen on off-road-friendly bikes.

Performance Specifications

Honda NX500

Starting Price: $7,399

If you’re looking for a little more adventure capability than what the SCL500 offers but still want to avoid stepping into heavyweight territory, the Honda NX500 makes a smart move. It’s a fresh take on the beloved CB500X, nudging the design further toward off-road readiness while keeping things budget-friendly. The parallel-twin engine is tuned for smooth power delivery and puts out 47 horsepower, paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox and a slipper clutch for added control. Upright ergonomics, dual-channel ABS, and 7.1 inches of ground clearance, combined with a 19-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear, give it the confidence to tackle forest roads and uneven terrain.

Performance Specifications

Moto Morini X-Cape 700

Starting Price: $8,299

The Italian ADV that brings serious value to the middleweight segment is the Moto Morini X-Cape 700. It delivers premium European styling and quality components at a price that undercuts many of its direct rivals. With a tall stance and a torquey 693 cc parallel-twin engine, it feels right at home on soft off-road terrain. You also get some impressive features, like Brembo brakes, adjustable Marzocchi and Kayaba suspension, and heated grips for added comfort. The front suspension offers a generous 7.1 inches of travel through its adjustable upside-down fork. It may be heavier than some of the other bikes on this list, but it makes up for that with a smooth ride and solid capability.

Performance Specifications

Benelli TRK 702X

Starting Price: $8,799

The Benelli TRK 702X is equipped mid-weight adventure touring motorcycle that stands apart from its road-focused sibling, the TRK 702. That X in its name tells you right away it’s built with off-road intentions. Its parallel-twin engine delivers strong mid-range torque, while the suspension setup features an upside-down front fork with 5.5 inches of travel and a rear monoshock offering 6.8 inches. This combination is tuned to handle mixed terrain with ease. You also get a 19-inch front wheel as standard, which helps absorb the bumps and stresses of unpaved roads and trails.

Performance Specifications

Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT

Starting Price: $9,799

If you’re after a proven platform, the Suzuki V-Strom 650 has been a longtime favorite among budget-conscious adventure riders. It may not turn heads with flashy styling, but it delivers reliability and versatility in spades. The XT version is the one geared for off-road use, and it comes equipped with a 19-inch front wheel that helps roll over uneven terrain. Its 90-degree V-twin engine is known for strong low to mid-range torque, which gives you solid drive on loose surfaces. Suzuki also includes a sturdy engine undercover and hand guards right from the factory, adding to its soft off-road readiness.

Performance Specifications

Honda XL750 Transalp

Starting Price: $9,999

Adding the same reliability and versatility with a stronger adventure orientation, the XL750 Transalp is the perfect upgrade you can get over the NX500 for under $10K. It is a full-fledged adventure bike and stays approachable for soft off-roading. The off-road capability starts with a large 21-inch front wheel, in addition to a high-quality Showa suspension system with long travel. Despite its power, the lightweight chassis keeps it nimble and easy to handle, which makes a big difference when you’re navigating softer trails with confidence.

Performance Specifications