Affordable Dual Sport Motorcycles For 2021

The dual sport motorcycle is a fantastic way to enjoy riding both the pavement and the dirt. Commonly equipped with spoked rims, large knobby tires, and long suspension travel, not to mention dirt bike-like looks, the dual sport makes it easy to take on the road less traveled. Headlights, turn signals, license plate, and taillight accommodations make it road legal as well. With all that do-it-all versatility taken into consideration, it warrants the question: “But at what cost?” Well, a dual sport can be reasonably affordable. Here’s a list of the 2021 dual sports announced thus far that slide in under a $10,000 MSRP, listed from least to most expensive.

© Kawasaki
The KLX230 is offered in an ABS-equipped version that doesn’t break the bank.

© Yamaha
The 2021 Yamaha TW200 is available in Radical Gray.

Related: The Best Dual Sport Motorcycles For Sale In 2020

2021 Kawasaki KLX230

© Provided by Dirt Rider
The KLX230 is offered in an ABS-equipped version that doesn’t break the bank.

Kawasaki has one machine in the dual sport ring and that is the KLX230, which comes in ABS and non-ABS versions, both of which are affordable with sub-$5,000 price tags. The compact steel frame, 10.4-inch ground clearance, and long 8.7-inch front and 8.8-inch rear suspension travel make this Kawi suitable for the trails. Its 233cc fuel-injected air-cooled engine, smooth-shifting six-speed transmission, and front and rear disc brakes deliver power and stopping capability appropriate for street riding.

2021 Kawasaki KLX230 non-ABS Price: $4,599

2021 Kawasaki KLX230 ABS Price: $4,899

2021 Yamaha TW200

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The 2021 Yamaha TW200 is available in Radical Gray.

For a little less power, but no less fun, Yamaha has its fat-tired TW200 dual sport. Both its 196cc four-stroke engine and low 31.1-inch seat height make it an approachable option for beginners. Riders will shift through a five-speed transmission and the engine’s counterbalancer will help minimize vibration down the road or in the dirt. A front disc and rear drum brake work together to bring the machine to a stop, while a 33mm conventional fork and single shock with 6.3 and 5.9 inches of travel, respectively, round out the suspension specs.

© Yamaha
Equipped with a spark arrestor, the XT250 dual sport is ready for trail riding.

2021 Yamaha TW200 Price: $4,699

2021 Yamaha XT250

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Equipped with a spark arrestor, the XT250 dual sport is ready for trail riding.

With longer suspension travel than its dual sport stablemate, the TW200, the 2021 Yamaha XT250 brings even more off-road capability. With 8.9 (front) and 7.1 (rear) inches of travel and an 11.2-inch ground clearance, the XT is ready for some dirty days. A 249cc four-stroke motor and five-speed transmission deliver applicable power for both dirt and street conditions. Yamaha commends this machine’s trials-like turning capability to its 51-degree handlebar turning angle, so you can maneuver in and out of even the most confined spaces while riding it.

2021 Yamaha XT250 Price: $5,199

2021 Suzuki DR-Z400S

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The DR-Z400S sports new colors and graphics for 2021.

Sharing the DR-Z moniker with the off-road-specific models of Suzuki’s lineup, the DR-Z400S merges off-road capability with on-road versatility. It sets its pace with the rest of the dual sports via a 398cc four-stroke engine and five-speed transmission. Its 49mm conventional fork is fully adjustable and offers 11.3 inches of travel. The shock is compression and preload adjustable with 11.6 inches of travel. Dunlop D208 rubber is wrapped around the 21- and 18-inch blacked-out aluminum rims. Both its long suspension travel and large spoked rims contribute to its off-road intent while the Dunlops provide a connection to the pavement or dirt, although they lean more toward on-road capability being that they are not a knobby tire. The Suzuki DR-Z400S returns for 2021 with new colors and graphics.

© Suzuki
The DR-Z400S sports new colors and graphics for 2021.

2021 Suzuki DR-Z400S Price: $6,899

2021 Honda CRF450RL

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The most expensive dual sport on this list is Honda’s rebadged CRF450RL.

Previously known as the CRF450L, the street-legal dirt bike from Honda that was first introduced for the 2019 model year has been rebadged as the CRF450RL for 2021. It is powered by a 449cc four-stroke engine that shares DNA with the CRF450R motocrosser. It is also claimed to have a crankshaft with 13-percent more inertia than the CRF450R for a smoother power delivery and a more user-friendly response on technical trails. Hand guards now come standard for a little added protection. Along with its claimed 291-pound wet weight, long-travel Showa suspension, and full-size 21-inch (front) and 18-inch (rear) wheel, this machine can take on the tighter trails and then romp down the open road.

© Honda
The most expensive dual sport on this list is Honda’s rebadged CRF450RL.

2021 Honda CRF450RL Price: $9,999

We are still awaiting the announcements of some models, such as the Kawasaki KLX250 and Yamaha WR250R, as well as the lineup announcements for Suzuki’s 2021 DR650S and DR200S, and Honda’s CRF250L/Rally and XR650L. So stay tuned.

It is also worth noting that if money is not an issue, the 2021 KTM 350 EXC-F ($11,199) and 2021 KTM 500 EXC-F ($11,599) are available dual sport options from the Orange Brigade. Husqvarna has the FE 350 and FE 501 models that start at $10,699 and go up to $11,699, and Beta has its RR-S lineup of four displacement offerings that start at $10,599 and go up to $10,899.

Whatever and wherever you decide to ride, the 2021 model year is looking to have quite a spread.