Great Dual Sports and Trail Bikes for Under $5,000

Get ready to hit the trails and experience adventure with the best affordable dual sport and trail bikes

Motorcycling is an expensive hobby and sport, and you may think going off-roading or trail riding would be even more costly. It is natural to believe that — for off-roading, you need specialized machines with off-road-oriented components and ergonomics, and as with any other specialized bike, most dual sports aren't cheap.

However, if you are on a budget but still want to explore the paths less traveled, you are in luck because you can purchase some fantastic dual sports and trail bikes for under $5,000. These bikes include some brand-new bikes that double-up as beginner motorcycles, high-end dual sports that can let you experience the thrill of off-roading without putting a hole in your wallet, and one that you can even tour on.

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The Honda Trail 125 is the brand's attempt at filling a gap in its lineup of go-anywhere bikes, and being a low-displacement, utilitarian motorcycle, the Trail 125 features a simple design and robust components. Here, function leads and form follows, and it's no surprise, given this is based on the Super Cub platform.

This motorcycle features the 124.9cc engine that's already tried and tested in the Grom, but when paired with bigger wheels and an off-road-oriented design, it performs way better than you would expect. It is not a powerful engine, but it can easily push the lightweight bike around without making you work hard. This is the kind of bike you would use if off-roading wasn't a sport for you, but you needed a useful tool to get around on the trails.

The Honda CRF125F is a terrific trail bike for beginners, short riders, and teenagers since it is the smallest offering with a clutch by Honda in this segment. This motorcycle features a low seat height, accessible for riders within the 4' 8" to 5' 4" range; anyone taller would find this bike a bit cramped. And you can choose between two size options, distinguished by the wheel sizes. The CRF125F also features an electric start (rare in this segment) and fuel injection, so you don't have to work out your legs every morning and mess around with the carb jet all the time. You should get this bike if you want something reliable and easy to ride off-road without feeling intimidated.

If you find Honda motorcycles a bit too composed (read: tame) for your taste, then a terrific alternative to the CRF125F is the Yamaha TT-R125LE, a trail bike that's just as good but offers a bit more excitement. This motorcycle features the same height and size as the one above, so beginners and teenagers can quickly get the hang of this. Along with that, you get a potent 125cc engine with a strong mid-range, but you will miss out on an EFI and disc brakes at the rear — not a big deal for a 125cc trail bike.

Related: 10 Best Trail Bikes For Beginners

One of the most recognized dual-sport motorcycles in the world, the Honda XR650L is a terrific off-roading thumper, but the 37-inch height and the big engine aren't for everyone. If you want a motorcycle that offers similar levels of off-roadability but with a lower seat height and a smaller engine, consider the Honda XR150L. This all-new dual sport from Honda is affordable and approachable, made possible by its carburetted SOHC 149cc engine, disc brakes at the front and drum at the rear, and a low seat height of only 32.8 inches. And since this is a Honda, you can expect excellent reliability and more than enough power to tackle technical trails for as long as you want.

Fat tires are usually reserved for drag bikes or clapped-out Busas, but if you like this aesthetic, the Suzuki VanVan 200 will tickle your fancy. This little bike sold between 2017 and 2019 is unique in the brand's lineup, offering much more than just chubby tires. It is amazingly supple, has a low seat height of only 30.3 inches, EFI, and can go off-road comfortably but don't get too technical with it since it is a semi-dual sport at best. It retailed for an MSRP of $4,649, and you may be able to find one at a dealership; if not, the used market is full of well-maintained VanVan 200s for sale around the $4000 mark.

The KLR650 is the kind of motorcycle you would have to work hard to kill, and even then, it would tread along if you use enough zip ties and duct tape — that's how bulletproof this motorcycle is. Yes, it's an old motorcycle with a big thumper engine, but if you want a utilitarian dual sport motorcycle that doubles up as an adventure motorcycle, nothing can beat the KLR650 (although the Royal Enfield Himalayan does come close). This motorcycle is roomy, nimble, and torquey for mild off-roading and long rides. With hundreds of options on the market and endless aftermarket support, you can turn this bike into anything you want. In any variation, the KLR650 will always be a rugged bike that stands in the face of abuse.

The TW in Yamaha TW200 stands for Trail Way, and this bike lives up to its moniker. Since the late 80s, the TW200 has helped beginners get their legs over a motorcycle and explore trail roads. This bike is known for being super easy to ride, so much so that the Japanese adventure rider Shinji Kazama famously rode it to the North and South Poles. Don't expect any fancy equipment with this bike; it features a thumper engine, 5-speed transmission, a narrow frame, and fat tires, which gives this bike an ATV-esque feel, especially on soft terrain like sand. If you want an easy, predictable bike to explore loose terrains like river washes or the beach, the Yamaha TW200 is the one for you.

Related: 2023 Yamaha TW200: Performance, Price, And Photos

The Kawasaki KLX230 is the smallest displacement dual sport from Kawasaki, featuring an air-cooled SOHC 233cc engine paired with an EFI and a six-speed transmission. The engine provides enough grunt to tackle even the most technical trails without running out of breath. But the whole bike comes together thanks to the Showa suspension on the front and back, with decent travel and the proper composure.

At 34.9 inches, the seat height of the KLX230 isn't the most approachable for many riders, but fortunately, the brand also offers the KLX230 S with a seat height of 32.7 inches; remember, your inseam length will matter, but the S variant is easier to ride. In the S variant, the suspension travel is a little shorter, but everything else is the same as the KLX230, including the explosive off-roading experience.

If you want something more than the KLX230, you can choose the Kawasaki KLX250 S, which brings 6.1 more horses with it, and at 35.2 inches, this bike is an excellent trail bike for taller riders. Again, Kawasaki has nailed the suspension on this bike; the 43mm inverted KYB forks are adjustable for compression damping and KYB shock for rebound damping and preload. And unlike Honda or Yamaha, Kawasaki didn't focus this bike on beginners — even an experienced rider can find this bike capable of tackling anything that comes under its tires. The KLX250 S is a remarkable dual sport motorcycle with some street-legal add-ons tacked onto it.

All the bikes listed above are great for beginners, but if you are looking for a top-spec, serious dirt bike under $5,000, you must look at the used market. Here, the KTM 450 EXC is what you should look at, but only ones manufactured after 2007, as they are street-legal. The KTM 450 EXC line of motorcycles are extremely capable, responsive off-roading machines, and it's hard to beat them in this segment. The components vary, depending on the model year, but all the 450 EXC models offer a potent engine, excellent suspension, tall seat height, and a light chassis that can handle even the most technical terrains without making you feel like you are steering an elephant in a river.

Meet Aayush, a motorcycle-loving writer from Goa. With almost a decade of riding experience and a (not so) trusty Dominar 400, you can find him exploring the Western Ghats on Sundays or tinkering with motorcycles during his free hours. From touring tips to DIY maintenance, he's got you covered. So, grab your helmet and join the ride!