Top 5 Best Cheap Dual Sport Motorcycles 2023

The dual sport motorcycle segment has expanded greatly in recent years, especially if you lump in adventure bikes. Price disparities between the highest-end models and the most budget-friendly are pretty vast as a result, with options out there below two-grand all the way up to over $20,000 (again, being loose with the definition of “dual sport”). As is often the case, the top-end bikes get most of the attention, so this time around we’re going to take a look at five of the most affordable dual sport new motorcycles on the market. Looking for more options, check out our Affordable Dual Sport Motorcycles in 2022 article.

We should note that many of the most beloved dual sports won’t be on this list (think DR-Z400, KLR650, XR650L, etc.) since these bikes have been priced out by the selections below. The bikes we’ve selected are for the truly budget conscious, for new riders who don’t yet want to make a more generous investment, or riders who want a low-cost kick-around bike.

CSC isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but the brand is always budget-friendly, and the TT250 Enduro has more going for it than a pretty price tag. The bike utilizes a 230cc single based on the CG engine design that has proven itself overseas for decades. It rolls on 18-inch rear and 21-inch front spoked wheels, has a 2.9-gallon fuel tank, five-speed transmission, damping adjustment on the fork along with preload and damping adjustability on the rear shock. It weighs in at a claimed 309 pounds and has both electric and kick starts.

Remarkably, the Honda CRF300L is the most expensive model on this list. It provides a smooth-running 286cc single, 18-inch rear and 21-inch front spoked wheels, hydraulic brakes, a 43mm Showa fork and Pro-Link rear suspension, excellent ground clearance, and a comfortable cockpit. This bike is fantastic for riders who want to push a little harder off-road with the confidence that their machine can take it. During rides on earlier editions, the 300L has felt compliant, capable, and comfortable. It’s not going to win any races, but will definitely get you well off the beaten path.

Honda’s XR150L is a great option for new riders, or riders on the smaller side, who want to get out in nature. The 149cc single-powered machine is a slight 282 pounds and offers 2.8 gallons of fuel capacity. The setup is very basic, with a carburetor, nonadjustable telescopic fork, spring preload-adjustable shock, drum brake at the rear and 240mm disc at the front, 19-inch front and 17-inch rear tire configuration, and a five-speed transmission. Experienced riders can have some fun on this one too, especially if your dual sport plans include lots of fire roads.

Kawasaki’s KLX230 is a great all-around dual sport whether you’re price conscious or not. The 233cc single-powered bike proved capable of standard on-road riding during our test a few years back, and was even better once we hit the dirt. The suspension was a little soft during hard riding, but overall it is a great bike for riders getting their bearings on two wheels. It has a six-speed transmission, DFI, a 21-inch front and 18-inch wheel setup, disc brakes front and rear, and weighs in at a claimed 291 pounds ready to ride. This is a bike you can put a lot of miles on before you need to upgrade, so you’ll be sure to get your money’s worth.

The Yamaha TW200 hits the same price-point as the Kawi, but offers a different experience for the rider. Its retro styling is obvious from the start, and the chunky 18-inch front and 14-inch rear tires aren’t going to provide as nimble a ride as the 230. The saddle is a little bit wider than the other bikes listed previously as well. However, as far as performance goes, we’ve found the platform to be a whole lot of fun. It’s fully capable of comfortable on-road riding, even if it gets vibey at higher speeds, but the low seat height, reliable suspension, decent braking setup, and resale value make the TW200 a great choice for newer riders. It’s also a fantastic option for experienced riders who want to explore the hills; it just might be a bit tricky once you hit that single-track.