Top 5 Affordable Dual Sport Motorcycles for 2025

Top 5 Affordable Dual Sport Motorcycles for 2025

Prices are rising everywhere, but there are still some great deals out there, especially for those looking for a new dual-sport bike. You can look at five options coming out in 2025, all priced under $6,000 new. Again, the selections are made by well-known and generally respected manufacturers. Of course, there are cheaper bikes out there, but why take the risk?

These parameters rule out a lot of great options. If you have a budget, a whole different world opens up when you consider bikes in the $7,000 to $8,000 range. You are talking DR-Z, KLR, and XLR, some of the most popular dual sport bikes in the industry. But there’s something notable about one particular model: the new Suzuki DR-Z4S. This bike is expected to be a dual sport bike to watch, but as of this writing, Suzuki has yet to announce its MSRP. And if the label on the current DR-Z400S is any indication ($7,199), we expect the DR-Z4S to surpass the upper price limit of this article anyway.

Honda XR150L: $3,099 (2024 prices)

Honda’s XR150L is a simple and completely accessible dual sport that’s perfect as a rider’s training bike as well as a fun cruising platform in the great outdoors. The air-cooled 149cc single-cylinder engine won’t win races, but its spirited ride at low revs makes it perfect for trail exploring. The light weight makes this machine easy to handle, and every detail, from clutch pull and response to cockpit comfort, engine reliability and suspension performance, punches above its weight for bikes in this price range. The lack of modern electronic systems also makes it a great choice for hobby mechanics learning their craft. Performance-wise, it’s a highway bike, but it’s perfectly fine on dirt roads. A rear carrier is also standard. This model has not yet been “officially” announced in the United States as a 2025 model, but we’re including it here because it’s still new to the U.S. market and has been on a widely used platform since its launch in 2023. You will sure to see it in the next few years.

Honda CRF300L: $5,449 (2024 price)

You are still waiting for the official price of the latest version of the Honda CRF300L, but considering the slight updates that the model has received in 2025, you are risking to predict that it will be under $6,000. Honda has revised the damping rates of the front and rear suspension, added a new LED headlight and indicators, changed the position of the radiator fan, and updated the graphics of the bike. There are notable updates, but there will probably not be a significant increase in cost. Looking at the bike as a whole, its versatile characteristics, easy-to-handle design, and excellent off-road performance make it a leader in the segment in the United States. For example, in 2023 American Honda claimed that this platform has sold more than all other dual-sport bikes of all brands in the United States. It also serves as the base platform for Honda’s CRF300L Rally and CRF300LS, which feature a seat height two inches lower than standard. In short, the CRF300L is positioned not only as the best affordable dual-sport bike, but also as the best dual-sport bike overall.

Kawasaki KLX300: $5,499

Kawasaki is competing with Honda with the KLX300, the first addition to the family in 2021. This year, it makes the list thanks to Kawasaki’s $6,199 price cut. It features a 292cc liquid-cooled single engine, adjustable long-travel suspension, a cockpit that’s comfortable for all days, and a design that’s designed to line up with its KX sibling. Kawasaki has updated the platform slightly for the 2024 model year, equipping the bike with a new LED headlight fairing, two-tone seat, updated taillight and fenders, and an updated cover that reduces the bike’s width by an inch. In practice, the KLX300 is a true all-rounder, comfortable on asphalt and very capable in a variety of off-road scenarios.

Yamaha TW200: $4,999

The Yamaha TW200 offers a different price-performance ratio than the other bikes on this list. It’s a relaxed dual-sport bike, perfect for exploring forest trails and campsites, but definitely not suited to tighter, more technical terrain. It’s been in production for over 30 years and boasts retro simplicity. The last major update came in 2001, when it got an electric starter. It’s a retro 5-speed 196cc single-engine machine with wide tires, a wide seat and simple suspension parts. It has drum brakes at the rear and disc brakes at the front, and it can carry one passenger comfortably. You tested the new 2023 TW200 and were pleasantly surprised by its torque, braking performance and shock absorption on the road. If you only plan on doing light off-roading and prefer a less mechanically complicated machine, the TW200 is a great addition to your garage.

Yamaha XT250: $5,499

Yamaha offers riders a more agile dual-sport bike with the XT250, an air-cooled 249cc machine with plenty of ground clearance, fuel injection, a five-speed transmission, and front and rear disc brakes. It strikes a good balance between the more powerful options on this list, such as the CRF300L and KLX300, and the beginner-friendly TW200 and XR150L. Components are simple, such as a suspension kit that includes non-adjustable 35mm telescopic forks and shock absorbers with adjustable preload. This machine is easy to ride and offers smooth performance, making it a great choice for beginner riders. It also has a relatively low seat height, at 32.7 inches. This is a great machine for riders who want the opportunity to tackle a little more challenging terrain here and there, but aren’t looking to do it every weekend.

Share This Post