The Most Reliable Dual-sport Motorcycle, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the dual-sport motorcycle you think is the most reliable!

Updated on May 7, 2024 06:55

Choosing the right dual-sport motorcycle can be a crucial decision for riders who enjoy both on-road and off-road adventures. Reliability is a key factor, as it determines how often you'll be riding versus how much time you'll spend maintaining your bike. A list that ranks these motorcycles based on reliability can help simplify this decision, ensuring you spend more time on the trails or the street, and less in the shop. This live list reflects current user ratings on the durability and dependability of various models. By participating in the voting process, you contribute valuable insights that assist fellow enthusiasts in making informed choices. Through collective input, this list continually updates to reflect real-time changes and new user experiences. Your vote helps shape this constantly improving guide to selecting a trustworthy dual-sport motorcycle.

What Is the Most Reliable Dual-sport Motorcycle?

1

54
votes
Honda CRF450L

Honda

This bike is known for its exceptional handling and durability. It has a lightweight frame, powerful engine, and advanced suspension system, making it an excellent choice for off-road adventures.
The Honda CRF450L is a highly reliable dual-sport motorcycle designed for both on-road and off-road adventures. It combines the ruggedness of off-road performance with the practicality of street riding. With its durable construction and powerful engine, the CRF450L is built to handle various terrains and provide a thrilling riding experience.

Engine: 449cc Unicam four-stroke

Power: Approximately 41 horsepower

Fuel System: Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)

Transmission: Wide-ratio six-speed

Suspension: Fully adjustable Showa suspension
2

27
votes
Wikidraht · CC BY-SA 3.0

Yamaha WR250R

Yamaha

This bike is a perfect blend of on-road and off-road capabilities. It has a liquid-cooled 250cc engine, advanced suspension system, and excellent handling, making it an ideal dual-sport bike for beginners and experienced riders.
The Yamaha WR250R is a versatile and reliable dual-sport motorcycle designed for both on-road and off-road adventures. It offers a balance between nimble handling on pavement and excellent off-road capabilities, making it ideal for riders seeking a blend of both worlds.

Engine: 249cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-stroke single

Power: approx. 30 horsepower

Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Transmission: 6-speed

Suspension: Adjustable inverted fork front suspension and rear single shock
3

9
votes
KTM 500 EXC-F

KTM

This bike is known for its high-performance engine, advanced suspension system, and excellent handling. It is designed for serious off-road enthusiasts who want the best dual-sport motorcycle on the market.
The KTM 500 EXC-F is a highly regarded dual-sport motorcycle known for its reliability and off-road performance. It is designed for riders who seek a versatile bike that can handle both on and off-road adventures. With its powerful engine and excellent suspension, the 500 EXC-F is capable of tackling tough terrain while still providing a comfortable ride on the road.

Engine: Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, fuel-injected

Displacement: 510.4 cc

Power Output: Around 60 horsepower

Transmission: 6-speed

Weight: Approximately 253 lbs (115 kg)
KTM 500 EXC-F in other rankings
- Position 8 of 10 in Most reliable KTM
4

21
votes
Suzuki DR650SE

Suzuki

This bike is a classic dual-sport motorcycle that has been around for decades. It has a powerful engine, sturdy frame, and excellent suspension system, making it an ideal choice for adventure riders.
The Suzuki DR650SE is a reliable dual-sport motorcycle designed for both on-road and off-road adventures. It offers a balanced combination of power, durability, and versatility making it popular among riders seeking a capable all-terrain vehicle. With its robust build, the DR650SE can handle various terrains and withstand the challenges of long rides.

Engine Type: 644cc, four-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled

Power Output: 36 horsepower

Transmission: 5-speed constant mesh

Front Suspension: Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped

Rear Suspension: Link type, coil spring, oil damped
5

11
votes
Yzflyboy · Public domain

Kawasaki KLR650

Kawasaki

This bike is an affordable and reliable dual-sport motorcycle that has been popular for many years. It has a powerful engine, comfortable seating position, and excellent suspension system, making it an ideal choice for long-distance rides.
The Kawasaki KLR650 is a popular dual-sport motorcycle known for its reliability and versatility. It is designed to excel both on and off-road, making it suitable for various riding conditions. With a strong and durable engine, it offers a balance of power and efficiency.

Engine Type: 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, single cylinder

Displacement: 651cc

Bore x Stroke: 100.0 x 83.0 mm

Compression Ratio: 9.8:1

Fuel System: Keihin CVK40
Kawasaki KLR650 in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most reliable motorcycle
- Position 3 of 10 in Most reliable motorcycle engine
- Position 5 of 10 in Most reliable dirt bike ever made
6

17
votes
Beta 430RR-S

Beta Motorcycles

This bike is a high-performance dual-sport motorcycle that is designed for serious off-road enthusiasts. It has a powerful engine, advanced suspension system, and lightweight frame, making it an ideal choice for adventure riders.
The Beta 430RR-S is a highly reliable and versatile dual-sport motorcycle designed for both on-road and off-road adventures. It combines rugged durability with exceptional performance to tackle a wide range of terrains. With its powerful engine and advanced features, the Beta 430RR-S is a top choice for adventure enthusiasts.

Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, 4-stroke

Displacement: 431cc

Bore and Stroke: 95mm x 60.8mm

Fuel System: Keihin EFI

Transmission: 6-speed
7

4
votes
Husqvarna FE 501s

Husqvarna Motorcycles

This bike is a high-performance dual-sport motorcycle that is designed for serious off-road enthusiasts. It has a powerful engine, advanced suspension system, and lightweight frame, making it an ideal choice for adventure riders.
The Husqvarna FE 501s is a reliable dual-sport motorcycle known for its capable performance on both off-road trails and city streets. It offers a perfect balance between power and agility, making it suitable for a wide range of riding conditions.

Engine Type: Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, fuel-injected

Displacement: 510.9 cc

Power: Fuel-injected, 58 horsepower

Transmissions: 6-speed wide-ratio gearbox

Suspension: Front: WP Xplor 48 mm inverted fork, Rear: WP Xplor shock absorber with linkage
8

8
votes
Stuetze9 · CC BY-SA 4.0

BMW F 850 GS

BMW Motorrad

This bike is a high-performance dual-sport motorcycle that is designed for serious adventure riders. It has a powerful engine, advanced suspension system, and comfortable seating position, making it an ideal choice for long-distance rides.
The BMW F 850 GS is a reliable dual-sport motorcycle designed for adventurous riders seeking both on-road and off-road capabilities. It offers a balance between power and agility, making it suitable for various riding conditions.

Engine: 853 cc parallel-twin

Power: 95 hp

Torque: 68 lb-ft

Suspension: Front: Upside-down telescopic fork; Rear: Cast aluminum dual swing arm

Brakes: Dual disc front brakes; Single disc rear brake
9

7
votes
Ducati Multistrada 950

Ducati

This bike is a high-performance dual-sport motorcycle that is designed for serious adventure riders. It has a powerful engine, advanced suspension system, and comfortable seating position, making it an ideal choice for long-distance rides.
The Ducati Multistrada 950 is a versatile sports touring motorcycle designed for comfort and performance. It combines the thrilling experience of a crotch rocket with the practicality of an adventure bike. With its ergonomic design and advanced features, it offers an exceptional riding experience on both city streets and long-distance journeys.

Engine: 937 cc, Testastretta L-Twin

Power: 113 horsepower

Torque: 72.2 lb-ft

Transmission: 6-speed

Weight: 456 lbs
Ducati Multistrada 950 in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most comfortable 'crotch rocket'
10

4
votes
Olivier Vignes · CC BY-SA 3.0

Triumph Tiger 800

Triumph Motorcycles

This bike is a high-performance dual-sport motorcycle that is designed for serious adventure riders. It has a powerful engine, advanced suspension system, and comfortable seating position, making it an ideal choice for long-distance rides.
The Triumph Tiger 800 is a versatile and highly capable adventure motorcycle that offers a comfortable riding experience both on and off-road. It combines powerful performance with excellent handling and a range of advanced features to ensure a smooth and enjoyable ride.

Engine: 799 cc, liquid-cooled, inline three-cylinder

Power: 95 hp

Torque: 58 lb-ft

Transmission: 6-speed

Seat Height: 31.9 inches
Triumph Tiger 800 in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most comfortable Superbike

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Ranking factors for reliable dual-sport motorcycle

Brand Reputation

A motorcycle from a reputable brand is likely to be more reliable than a lesser-known or less reputable brand.
Build Quality

Look for a motorcycle that is well-built and has a strong frame, durable suspension, and strong engine components.
Reliability Track Record

Check for the motorcycle's reliability track record, including any reported issues or recalls, as well as reviews from other owners.
Maintenance and Repair

Consider the ease of maintenance and repair of the motorcycle. A bike that has easily accessible parts and a strong dealer network can make servicing easier.
Price

Consider the cost of the motorcycle, as more expensive models may have more features or higher quality components.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most reliable dual-sport motorcycle. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or dual-sport motorcycle is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1330 views
163 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each dual-sport motorcycle once every 24 hours. The rank of each dual-sport motorcycle is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most reliable dual-sport motorcycle

Dual-sport motorcycles are versatile machines that are designed to handle both on-road and off-road conditions. They are typically lightweight, with a high ground clearance, and have features such as long-travel suspension, knobby tires, and a high-performance engine. Dual-sport motorcycles are a popular choice for those who enjoy adventure riding and want to explore both paved and unpaved terrain. When it comes to reliability, choosing the right dual-sport motorcycle is crucial. A reliable machine will ensure that you can enjoy your ride without worrying about breakdowns or mechanical issues. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most reliable dual-sport motorcycles on the market today.