Playing In The Dirt: 5 Best Dual Sport Models

The best of both worlds.

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Honda CRF450L

Introduced in 2019, Honda’s CRF450L has injected variety back into the full-size market. As the only 450 cc dual-sport offered by the big four, the Honda can keep up with the likes of KTM, Husqvarna, and Beta while retaining its legendary reliability.

The CRF450L’s four-stroke 449 cc single benefits from reliable features like electric start and fuel injection while the 12:1 compression ratio helps pump out a respectable 38 horsepower. Suspension is key for dual-sports and the 49mm Showa front forks and Pro-Link rear shock provide stable handling on the tarmac and in the dirt. If you’re looking for a full-size dual-sport that isn’t always ready to race, Honda’s CRF450L is a great option.

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Husqvarna 701 Enduro

With the Kawasaki killing the KLR650, our list lost a perennial powerhouse, but Husqvarna’s 701 Enduro can certainly pick up the slack for the big singles. As a cousin of the KTM 690 Enduro, the 701 benefits from more than a decade of development and market success.

While most joke that Husqvarnas are just painted white KTMs nowadays, differences between the two models do exist. Though the they share the same engine and chassis, the 701 and 690 have differed in tuning, suspension, electronics, weight, fuel capacity, and bodywork over the years. With the announcement of the 701 Enduro LR, we couldn’t help but add the Husky to our list.

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KTM 500 EXC-F

A proper top 5 dual sport bike wouldn’t be complete without a little something from the “Ready to Race” brand. While there is some debate between the 350 and the 500 both being worthy of a place in the top five, we opted for the 500 simply because the extra displacement adds to the bike’s on-road ability.

For 2020, KTM reworked the chassis and made the four-stroke 510 cc mill even more compact. The power to weight ratio makes the 500 EXC-F one of the most thrilling rides on our list and the addition of a new 42mm throttle body, airbox, and exhaust also optimize the power characteristics of the dual-sport.

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Suzuki DR-Z400S

This one’s an oldie but a goodie. The DR-Z400S has been around for 2 decades and has remained virtually untouched. Facing some mean competition from more modern bikes, the model did receive a few updates to keep it somewhat current.

The bike is fitted with suspension that provides a massive 11-inch of travel at the front and back which is a great feature on gnarly surfaces but also means the bike is jacked up and not exactly short-rider friendly. Though the DR-Z lacks the grunt and flair of the Honda, KTM, and Husqvarna, it’s one of the most reliable models on our list and definitely has the largest aftermarket support.

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Yamaha WR250R

The WR250R is a bit of a sleeper, providing comfort and power in a package that would lead you to think otherwise. Despite the narrow saddle, the WR is easy to travel on despite a more dirt-oriented personality—traveling from one trail to the other or even just around town.

Weighing in just below the 300-lb mark, its lightweight and narrow silhouette makes it easy to whip around on the trails. With electronic fuel injection, a fuel economy of 71 mpg, and 30 horsepower, the WR250R is another reliable (and affordable) candidate for dual-sport riders of all skill levels.

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May 05, 2020 at 1:28pm ET

By: Dustin Wheelen

Most motorcycles specialize in a particular activity: sport bikes handle well, tourers pound the pavement, and dirt bikes tear up the trails. Dual-sport models, however, take a more generalist approach. As the jack of all trades in motorcycling, dual-sports are half road bike, half dirt bike, and 100 percent fun.

Despite what a lot of people say, dual-sports are more than just dirt bikes with lights and a plate hanger. With a combination of reliability and versatility, dual-sport motorcycles are in a league of their own—and these are the five best examples on the market today.