10 Dual-Sports That Blend Urban Agility With Trail Toughness 

Owning a top-spec dual-sport, like the KTM 500 EXC-F Six Days, sounds fantastic. That is until you start riding it in the city. This is where you realize that, even though the bike has a license plate and lights, it’s best kept for off-roading. Most hardcore dual-sports are not the most practical city bikes, and not everyone wants to spend so much money on a motorcycle that can only do one task.

That’s where versatile dual-sports come into action, combining urban agility with trail toughness. These bikes may not be the most capable on a trail, but they get the job done for most bikers, except the most seasoned ones. Plus, they are much easier to live with and don’t always demand a gnarly trail to have fun. Here are ten such dual sports that are terrific off-roaders but also respectably decent city bikes.

To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from each manufacturer’s website, such as KTM, Kawasaki, and other authoritative sources.

Honda XR150L

Starting Price: $3,299

The Honda XR150L is the entry-level dual-sport perfect for beginner riders looking for something simple, frugal, and versatile. For just over $3,000, the XR150L is hard to beat, thanks to its tried-and-tested single-cylinder engine and nimble handling. Although the engine may only produce 12 horsepower and around 10 pound-feet of torque, it does punch above its weight class and can be plenty of fun to throw around on trails.

The engine also makes it a great commuter, producing enough power to keep up with city traffic while gently sipping on gas. The relatively low seat height and light curb weight make it even more approachable for city riding, especially through traffic. The bike features a standard rear carrier, too, so you can easily strap on small luggage to it. The XR150L is a certified workhorse, only if you are not after power figures.

Performance Specs

Kawasaki KLX 300

Starting Price: $5,449

If you want a light, approachable dual-sport without sacrificing performance and tech, the KLX 300 makes more sense. This motorcycle features a modern, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine that produces more torque than the KLX 230, and it is straddled by a basic, semi-double cradle frame. The bike sits 11 inches above the ground with a balanced suspension setup, so getting it stuck is not easy.

The same features also make the KLX 300 a decent city bike. It’s light, so navigating through narrow streets won’t be a problem, and the tall stance will give you a good view of the traffic. The only downside is that the seat is a bit tall, which may feel intimidating for newer riders, but with a bit of practice, it shouldn’t be a problem.

Performance Specs

Yamaha XT250

Starting Price: $5,499

The Yamaha XT250 isn’t for everyone, unless you’re looking for something light and simple enough that a monkey can work on. It’s an old-school dual sport that packs a humble air-cooled single-cylinder engine and a simple chassis. Although it may not put a grin on your face when you open the throttle, it takes you where you want to go without complaints, whether you’re navigating dirt roads or city streets.

The XT250 is also a great first bike if you want to learn the ropes of what it means owning a motorcycle. It’s simple enough to work on, and being an old model, finding support for it will be straightforward. It also has a low seat height, forgiving power, and light handling. If only Yamaha could go soft on its pricing, as it’s not the most bang for the buck dual-sport out there.

Performance Specs

KTM 390 Enduro R

Starting Price: $5,499

The KTM 390 Enduro R is essentially a stripped-down 390 Adventure, so what you get is a light trellis frame, a chirpy single-cylinder engine, and adjustable suspension, without any of the bells and whistles of the ADV. It only has the essentials that make it an entertaining bike to ride on both streets and dirt. Plus, its adjustable suspension allows you to fine-tune the ride quality for tarmac or trails.

While it may not please everyone, this orange dual-sport is perhaps the most bang-for-the-buck model in the segment for riders who want it all. It features a sub-10-inch suspension travel, which is a bit more tarmac-oriented than its more serious rivals. And it’s more than capable of handling some serious dirt.

Performance Specs

Kawasaki KLX 230 Sherpa S

Starting Price: $5,699

The KLX 230 is the yin to the KLX 300’s yang, bringing a more basic engine but a high-end perimeter frame with a linkage rear shock. The engine is simple and air-cooled, producing humble power figures that won’t wow anyone, but it promises to just work. Plus, it’s got a sixth gear so that you can carry decent speeds in the city, too. And weighing under 300 pounds, it’s also pretty light to pick off the ground if you drop it.

For city streets, the KLX 230’s Sherpa S variant makes more sense. It comes with reduced suspension travel, ground clearance, and seat height, making it an easier and more accessible bike for beginners. Don’t worry, the difference between this and the standard KLX 230 is not significant enough to make a difference on trails unless you’re absolutely thrashing it.

Performance Specs

Honda CRF300LS

Starting Price: $5,749

Similar to the KLX 230 Sherpa S, this Honda dual-sport is the tamer version of the standard CRF300L. Even this one features a lower seat height courtesy of reduced suspension travel, making it easier to manage in the city. The bike’s slim profile and light frame also help new riders get familiar with off-roading without much issue.

Coming to the engine, it is powered by a single-cylinder engine that produces 27 horsepower, which is enough to have fun in the trails and zip around town without feeling too lazy or drinking too much fuel. It’s a peppy little Honda that can do chores during the weekdays and get gnarly during weekends.

Performance Specs

Beta Alp 4.0

Starting Price: $6,490

The Beta Alp is a hidden gem of a dual sport, bringing everything we love about Beta’s dirt bikes in a more road-friendly package. What makes the bike even more special is that it blurs the lines between ADVs and dual sports and won’t hesitate to stretch its legs on the highways once in a while. However, we wouldn’t expect proper long-distance comfort from it, given its dirt-bike-like design and lack of a windscreen.

Like the 390 Enduro R, even the Beta Alp isn’t the most capable dual-sport in the segment and comes with its compromises. It features a more conservative suspension setup with seven inches of travel, complemented by 10 inches of ground clearance. Additionally, the engine on this Italian dual-sport is of Chinese origin, which may not sit well with some motorcyclists.

Performance Specs

Honda XR650L

Starting Price: $6,999

The Honda XR650L is one of the three 650 dual-sports from Japan, and in 2025, it makes the most sense. Unlike the KLR 650, the XR650L is more nimble and lighter on the trails, thanks to its lack of fairing, and offers more ground clearance and simplicity than the Suzuki DR650S. Since it remains virtually unchanged since the 90s, it’s an indestructible motorcycle that will continue to run with minimal maintenance.

It’s powered by an old-school thumper engine with a carb and five-speed gearbox, so outright performance isn’t its shining trait. And rest assured, it lacks any modern features you can think of, including a slipper clutch and LED lights. However, it makes up for it with decent torque and plenty of suspension travel for off-roading.

Performance Specs

Suzuki DR-Z4S

Starting Price: $8,999

The DR-Z4S is a significant dual-sport motorcycle for Suzuki, as it receives its first extensive update in over 23 years, bringing the legendary dual-sport model into modern times. This dual-sport now features an entirely new single-cylinder engine with titanium intake valves, ride-by-wire throttle, and fuel injection, housed in a brand-new steel perimeter frame.

That’s not where it ends, though. The bike sits on fully adjustable KYB suspension with over 11 inches of travel on either end. Weighing at under 350 pounds, it should be easy to manage on trails and tarmac. However, it has a few kinks in its armor, including a tall seat height, no sixth gear, and steep pricing. If that’s alright with you, there’s hardly anything better than this dual-sport.

Performance Specs

Zero FX

Starting Price: $12,496

It’s not easy to justify the Zero FX, a dual-sport with such steep pricing. However, it does make sense if you want to experience the instant torque delivery of an electric motor or the frugal running costs of an EV. This lightweight EV produces a whopping 78 pound-feet of torque, making for an exciting ride every time you wring the throttle.

What makes the package even better is its adjustable Showa suspension setup, a seat height of under 35 inches, and a curb weight of only 289 pounds. According to Zero, the bike delivers up to 102 miles of city riding, which is plenty for commuting or off-roading. However, you may run out of charge quickly if the trail is far from your home.

Performance Specs