Dual sport motorcycles are the ultimate jack-of-all-trades — street-legal, off-road capable, and engineered to tackle everything from fire roads and forest trails to highway miles and backcountry explorations. In 2026, the dual sport category continues to thrive, offering everything from lightweight trail weapons to big-single all-rounders built for long distances.
Below is our curated list of the best dual sport motorcycles of 2026, focused on true street-legal off-road machines — not adventure bikes, supermotos, or trail bikes without plates.
What Makes a True Dual Sport?
A proper dual-sport motorcycle typically offers:
- Street-legal equipment from the factory
- Long-travel suspension and upright ergonomics
- Real off-road capability (not just gravel-road styling)
- Manageable weight and strong low-end torque
- Gearing that works on pavement and dirt
Unlike large adventure bikes, dual sports remain closer to their dirt-bike roots — lighter, narrower, and more capable when the pavement ends.
The Best Dual-Sport Motorcycles of 2026
1. KTM 500 EXC-F: The Benchmark Lightweight Dual Sport
Estimated Price (2026): ~$13,500–$14,200
The KTM 500 EXC-F continues to define what a modern performance dual sport can be. Built around a race-bred 510cc four-stroke single, it delivers explosive torque, exceptional suspension performance, and a chassis that feels right at home on technical trails or fast desert roads. Despite being street-legal, the 500 EXC-F feels far closer to an enduro race bike than a commuter, making it a favorite among riders who prioritize off-road performance above all else.
- Extremely light for its displacement
- Broad, torque-rich powerband
- Top-tier suspension and handling
2. Husqvarna FE 501s: Premium Feel, Dual Sport Capability
Estimated Price (2026): ~$13,700–$14,400
Mechanically similar to the KTM 500 EXC-F, the FE 501s offers a slightly more refined ride thanks to its linkage rear suspension and Husqvarna-specific chassis tuning. It feels composed at speed and forgiving over rough terrain, while remaining fully street-legal. For riders who want KTM-level performance with a more polished feel, the FE 501s is one of the best dual sports money can buy.
- Linkage suspension for improved compliance
- Excellent balance of power and control
- Premium fit and finish
3. Beta 500 RS: Rugged Italian Dual Sport With Modern Capability
Estimated Price (2026): ~$12,500–$13,500
The 2026 Beta 500 RS is the flagship of Beta USA’s reintroduced RS four-stroke dual-sport lineup. Built around a torquey ~477.5 cc liquid-cooled single and infused with Beta’s off-road pedigree, the RS models are designed to be go-anywhere, do-anything dual sports that remain fully street-legal across all 50 states. The RS range also includes the 350 RS, 390 RS, and 430 RS, offering riders a variety of displacements and personalities under the same capable chassis ethos.
The 500 RS pairs plenty of usable torque with agile handling and a lightweight feel for its size, while quality suspension and modern features keep it competent on technical trails, open fire roads, and everyday road miles alike.
- User-friendly, torquey 500 cc four-stroke dual-sport engine
- Agile chassis with confidence-inspiring handling
- Modern features like EFI, traction control, and long-travel suspension
4. Honda CRF450RL: Hardcore Off-Road, Street-Legal
Estimated Price (2026): ~$10,300–$10,800
The CRF450RL blurs the line between plated dirt bike and rally-inspired dual sport. It’s heavier and more durable than many race-based dual sports, making it well-suited for aggressive riding over long distances. While less flickable than a 500 EXC-F, it rewards riders who push hard in demanding terrain.
- Excellent durability
- Strong torque and stability at speed
- Rally-inspired chassis feel
5. KTM 690 Enduro R / Husqvarna 701 Enduro: Big-Single Dual Sports
Estimated Price (2026): ~$12,900–$14,000
These bikes sit at the upper edge of what most riders consider a dual sport, but they remain legitimate dirt-capable machines with exceptional street performance. Their powerful single-cylinder engines deliver sportbike-like acceleration while still handling trails, fire roads, and backcountry routes with confidence. They’re ideal for riders who want to cover serious mileage without giving up off-road capability.
- Massive torque and strong top-end
- Excellent highway comfort
- Still capable off pavement
Balanced & Practical Dual Sports for Everyday Riding
6. Suzuki DR-Z4S: The Modern Successor to the DR-Z400S
Estimated Price (2026): ~$8,900–$9,500
The all-new Suzuki DR-Z4S replaces the long-running DR-Z400S with a thoroughly modern platform. It retains a 398cc liquid-cooled single but adds fuel injection, ride-by-wire, updated suspension, and modern electronics while preserving the DR-Z’s reputation for durability and usability. The DR-Z4S is more comfortable and forgiving than race-derived dual sports, making it an excellent everyday option.
- Balanced street and trail performance
- Modern electronics without complexity
- Easy to ride, easy to live with
7. Honda CRF300L
Estimated Price (2026): ~$5,700–$6,100
The Honda CRF300L continues to be one of the most approachable and well-rounded dual sports on the market. With its 286cc liquid-cooled single, low seat height relative to the class, and famously smooth Honda power delivery, it’s a bike that invites confidence rather than intimidation. While not built for outright speed, the CRF300L excels as a dependable, everyday dual sport that’s equally happy commuting, exploring back roads, or tackling light trails.
- Exceptionally approachable for new and returning riders
- Smooth, reliable engine with excellent fuel efficiency
- Comfortable ergonomics for daily riding and travel
8. Kawasaki KLX300
Estimated Price (2026): ~$5,900–$6,400
The Kawasaki KLX300 remains one of the most approachable dual sports on the market. Its lightweight chassis, smooth power delivery, and manageable seat height make it especially appealing to newer riders or those who value confidence and comfort over raw speed. While not fast by modern standards, it’s a bike that encourages exploration and longer days in the saddle.
- Lightweight and unintimidating
- Excellent trail manners
- Comfortable for daily riding
Lightweight & Accessible Dual-Sports
9. Kawasaki KLX230 Sherpa S / KLX230 DF
Estimated Price (2026): ~$5,699–$5,999 MSRP
The 2026 Kawasaki KLX230 Sherpa S ABS and KLX230 DF ABS are closely related trims of Kawasaki’s modern 233 cc air-cooled dual-sport platform, designed to be approachable, fun, and capable in both trail and street settings. Both models share a torquey, low-to-mid-range single-cylinder engine, six-speed transmission, lightweight perimeter frame, tubeless 21″/18″ wheels, disc brakes with switchable ABS, skid plate, handguards, and digital instrumentation for everyday usability.
The Sherpa S ABS emphasizes rider comfort and confidence with a lower seat height (~32.5″) and slightly shorter suspension travel (front ~6.2″ / rear ~6.6″), making it ideal for riders who want a friendly dual-sport that’s easy to manage on trails and urban roads. The DF ABS variant uses taller suspension (front ~7.9″ / rear ~8.8″) and slightly more ground clearance (~9.4″), along with standard engine guards and a rear cargo rack, giving it a bit more capability and practicality for longer rides or more rugged terrain.
- Accessible dual-sport capability
- Light handling
- Smooth power delivery
- Confidence-inspiring ergonomics
- Comfort, versatility, and exploration over outright performance.
10. Yamaha WR125R: Entry-Level Dual Sport with Modern Engineering
Estimated Price (2026): ~$5,000–$5,500 (market dependent)
The Yamaha WR125R represents the lightweight end of the dual-sport spectrum, offering modern styling, fuel injection, and a high-revving small-displacement engine in a very manageable package. Designed primarily for newer riders and regions with tiered licensing, it emphasizes ease of use and efficiency over outright performance. It’s not fast, but it’s agile, economical, and unintimidating — making it an excellent stepping-stone into dual-sport riding.
- Lightweight and extremely easy to handle
- Modern chassis and suspension for its class
- Ideal for beginners or urban-focused riders
11. Honda XR150L: Simple, Affordable, Go-Anywhere Dual Sport
Estimated Price (2026): ~$3,000–$3,300
The Honda XR150L represents the most approachable end of the dual-sport spectrum. Built around a simple, air-cooled 149cc single-cylinder engine, the XR150L prioritizes reliability, ease of use, and low cost of ownership over outright performance. It’s a true street-legal dual sport designed for commuting, light trail riding, and everyday transportation in a wide range of conditions.
While it lacks the speed and suspension sophistication of larger dual sports, the XR150L excels as an entry-level machine or practical runabout — especially for newer riders or those who value simplicity above all else.
- Extremely affordable and accessible
- Proven Honda reliability and simplicity
- Lightweight and easy to manage
- Ideal for beginners, commuters, and light trail use
Quick Comparison: Best Dual Sports of 2026
| Motorcycle | Engine | Power (approx.) | Weight (approx.) | Estimated Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KTM 500 EXC-F | 510cc single | ~58–60 hp | ~250–260 lb (dry) | $13.5k–$14.2k | Hardcore trail performance |
| Husqvarna FE 501s | 510cc single | ~58–60 hp | ~255–265 lb (dry) | $13.7k–$14.4k | Premium off-road balance |
| Beta 500 RS | 477.5cc single | ~47–50 hp | ~250–260 lb (dry) | $12.5k–$13.5k | Versatile Italian dual-sport |
| KTM 690 / Husqvarna 701 Enduro | 693cc single | ~72–75 hp | ~340–350 lb (wet) | $12.9k–$14.0k | Long-distance dual sport |
| Honda CRF450RL | 449cc single | ~41–45 hp | ~280–290 lb (wet) | $10.3k–$10.8k | Durable off-road touring |
| Suzuki DR-Z4S | 398cc single | ~38 hp | ~340 lb (wet) | $8.9k–$9.5k | Everyday dual-sport use |
| Honda CRF300L | 286cc single | ~27–30 hp | ~330 lb (wet) | $5.8k–$6.3k | Balanced street & trail |
| Kawasaki KLX300 | 292cc single | ~26 hp | ~300 lb (wet) | $5.9k–$6.4k | Lightweight versatility |
| Kawasaki KLX230 Sherpa / DF | 233cc single | ~18 hp | ~290 lb (wet) | $5.2k–$5.7k | Entry-level exploration |
| Yamaha WR125R | 125cc single | ~10–12 hp | ~304 lb (wet) | $3.9k–$4.4k | Affordable all-terrain fun |
| Honda XR150L | 149cc single | ~15–16 hp | ~265–280 lb (wet est.) | $3.2k–$3.6k | Simple & accessible dual sport |
The Dual Sport Renaissance of 2026?
2026 continues a strong era for dual sport motorcycles. Builders are embracing the spirit of versatile riding, offering bikes that feel at home in singletrack switchbacks, on dirt roads, and on freeway sweeps. Whether you want lightweight agility or big-bike torque in a nimble package, this year’s lineup gives riders genuine choices across the spectrum.
From the trail-taming 500s to classic stalwarts like the WR250R and DR, dual sports remain one of the most exciting and fulfilling categories in motorcycling — capable of taking you almost anywhere the road (or lack thereof) leads.
The dual-sport category in 2026 remains one of the most authentic and rewarding segments in motorcycling. Whether you want a race-bred trail weapon, a long-range big single, or a comfortable everyday explorer, there’s a true dual sport that fits the bill.
From the razor-sharp KTM 500 EXC-F to the friendly KLX300 and the newly modernized DR-Z4S, these bikes represent freedom in its purest form — the ability to ride wherever the road ends.
