Dual Sport bikes have declined in popularity in recent years due to the rise in the adventure motorcycle segment, but that doesn't mean there aren’t plenty of great dual sport models that are still kicking it.
The primary difference between a dual sport bike and an adventure bike is that while both are capable of riding on and off-road, a dual sport motorcycle is made to thrive in off-road riding conditions. A dual sport bike doesn’t offer all the accessories that an adventure bike offers either, making it a bit more inconvenient to use on long-distance trips. Dual sport motorcycles also have a more aggressive riding position compared to adventure bikes more upright seat, making the dual sport ideal for off-road rough terrain.
When it comes to price, Dual sport bikes range anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 for a new bike and even cheaper for a quality pre-owned one. Dual sport bikes have pretty short maintenance windows, similar to other off-road bikes, due to how beat up they can get, so it’s important to keep that in mind when considering this segment.
If you’re new to riding it’s hard to know where to begin your search for a new dual sport bike. Although there isn’t one bike that’s better than all the rest, there are some models that we see riders gravitating to more frequently. Two of the most popular choices are the Honda CRF450X and the Yamaha WR250R. The Honda CRF450X is a great choice for beginners because it is a lightweight bike that is easy to handle. It is also a very versatile bike that can be used for both off-road and on-road riding. The Yamaha WR250R is another great choice for beginners. It is a little bit heavier than the CRF450X, but it is still easy to handle. It is also a very versatile bike that can be used for both off-road and on-road riding.
There’s more where that came from, so we’ve compiled a full list of dual sport motorcycles that are perfect for beginners.