Many riders initially overlook Dual Sport Bikes, perhaps associating them primarily with off-road adventures. I used to be one of those riders. Before clocking around 44,000 miles, with a significant portion on paved roads, I confess I chased after sportbikes and supermotos, influenced by my friends’ rides. I questioned whether a dual sport could truly handle the road. However, experience proved me wrong, and convincingly so. I even recall confidently passing a couple of sportbikes on Ohio SR164!
Motorcycle magazines consistently highlight the surprising on-road capability of dual sport bikes, even with their knobby tires. They often praise their handling and cornering prowess. And it’s true. Depending on the tire tread, these bikes can lean into corners with impressive agility. On my dual sport, equipped with the tires pictured, I’ve kept pace with friends riding an XR650R supermoto, a DRz400SM, and even a skilled rider on an Aprilia. In fact, I’ve put about 27,000 miles on these tires out of my total mileage because their performance is genuinely remarkable across diverse terrains.
The true strength of a dual sport bike shines when you live near varied landscapes, especially hilly or mountainous regions with winding roads. These areas often feature unpaved roads – gravel or dirt tracks – that you might typically avoid on a conventional motorcycle. But on a dual sport bike, these roads become an invitation to adventure, transforming mundane routes into thrilling rides.
Dual sport bikes are also exceptional “urban assault” vehicles. Their maneuverability and upright riding position make navigating city traffic a breeze. However, it’s worth acknowledging that the flat, straight highways prevalent in flatter regions might not be where a dual sport bike delivers maximum enjoyment, much like sportbikes can also feel somewhat constrained in such environments. I’ve kept my KLX specifically because my travels frequently take me eastward, where the roads become more engaging.
One often-understated advantage of a dual sport bike is the reduced risk of attracting unwanted attention from law enforcement compared to high-speed supersport machines. Furthermore, their lighter weight and responsive handling make them incredibly fun in corners. Flicking a dual sport bike from turn to turn is as quick and effortless as on many sportbikes. In the 250cc category, models from Kawasaki and Yamaha are highly regarded for their capabilities and ability to hold their own in various riding situations. Personally, I believe the Suzuki DRz400 represents exceptional value in the dual sport category. I have several friends who own them, and they consistently cruise at 80 mph without issue.
The upright riding posture of a dual sport bike is fantastic for visibility in traffic and offers a surprisingly comfortable experience compared to the aggressive lean of sportbikes. Typically weighing well under 400 lbs for the larger 650cc models, and even dipping below 300 lbs for the 250cc class, they are lightweight and nimble. Legroom is generous, surpassing almost any other motorcycle type, contributing to an overall enjoyable ride.
However, there are downsides. Dual sport bike seats are often criticized for being narrow and firm, which can become less comfortable on long, straight highway stretches. If you opt for dual sport tires like the ones I use, expect to replace them roughly every 4,000 miles due to wear, especially with significant road use. Alternatively, for riders prioritizing pavement, road-oriented tires are available that fit the 21″ front wheels common on dual sport bikes, along with suitable rear tire options.
With over 40 years of riding experience and 22 years in motorcycle sales, having ridden an extensive range of bikes, if I had to choose just one to keep, it would undoubtedly be a dual sport. They truly are capable of “doing it all.” Imagine trying to tackle a rough trail on a streetbike – it’s simply not feasible. On my 650 dual sport, I know I can easily attach soft panniers and a tail bag and confidently venture almost anywhere.
Is a dual sport bike a good choice for a beginner? Absolutely! As a motorcycle salesperson, I would readily recommend a dual sport to a novice rider, perhaps even more so than other types. They are remarkably easy to ride, and in the inevitable tip-overs or drops that beginners experience, damage is usually limited to bar ends and perhaps turn signals. The same cannot be said for a sportbike like a Ninja. For overall versatility, ease of handling, and sheer riding enjoyment across diverse conditions, the dual sport bike is exceptionally hard to beat.
