Best Used Dual Sport Motorcycle Guide

With the option of all types of adventure bikes, from simple, air-cooled dual sports to race-proof, liquid-cooled powerhouses, this class of adventure bikes can do almost everything. Best of all, many of these can be resold at nearly their purchase price, making them a worthy investment. This list encompasses adventure bikes from 650cc thumpers up to 900cc of multiple cylinders, so famous giants in the 1,200cc range are not included.

A few of these are dinosaurs hailing from the bygone era of big-bore single-cylinder glory when they were the most fire breathing four strokes available. In addition to these, there are newer bikes that have taken adventure riding platforms into the 21st century with fuel injection, ABS, spacious fuel tanks and big power. The choices here range from those ready for long highway miles in nearly stock form to those with an uncompromising dirt bias, so there can be something here for almost everyone.

BMW F800GS/GS Adventure

Featuring, at the time of its release, a new 798cc fuel-injected parallel-twin motor putting out power numbers comparable to the older R1150GS, this is a welcome alternative to the massive 1000cc+ adventure bikes associated with this market. These are modern contenders in the world of adventure bikes that offer the power and smoothness of multiple cylinders but don’t weigh quite as much as the bigger giants.

Instead of the iconic shaft drive found on the R-GS series, the F800GS uses a chain drive, which is easier to service in the field, but will also need consistent maintenance. For an extra cost, there are the fully-loaded F800GS Adventure models that were released a few years after the standard F800GS. Those can be had with a convenient Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) system and Automatic Stability Control (ASC) for traction management. Fortunately, the ASC and optional ABS can be turned off for dirt riding.

Keep in mind that these modern electronic systems won’t be as easy to troubleshoot in the back country as the simpler bikes. The suspension has limited adjustability that might inhibit really aggressive high-speed riding.

The Adventure model features different cosmetics, a bigger 6.3-gallon fuel tank up from the standard 4.2 gallons, a bigger windscreen, a luggage rack, engine guards and around 30 additional pounds over the standard 800. If all you need are engine guards and a skid plate, it may be more cost-effective to just upgrade a standard model.

The F800GS puts out 400 Watts of Farkle-ready power and has a respectable 9.5 inches of ground clearance, which results in a 35-inch seat height that can be lowered to just under 33 inches.

These bikes are on the heavy end of the spectrum for sub-900cc adventure bikes, with the Adventure option barely passing the 500-pound mark, but they still have obstacle-friendly 21-inch front wheels like the Tiger 800 XC. These can be excellent adventure-touring bikes that will eat up highway miles and still be very capable off-road, assuming they’re in the hands of an experienced rider.

PROS

Big 400 watt stator output for accessories
Good 9.5 inch ground clearance for bigger bikes
Options for accessories between F800GS models

CONS

Limited suspension adjustability
Small early recalls, check to confirm warranty work

Triumph Tiger 800XC

Released as a direct competitor to the F800GS, the Tiger 800XC is another option in the field of adventure bikes that have more than a single cylinder but don’t break the quarter-ton mark on the scale. The smooth 799cc inline triple makes more power than the BMW, but it doesn’t offer the same low-end torque as the parallel-twin on the F800GS.

It has more adjustable suspension than the F800GS, with roughly 8.5 inches of similar travel, but less ground clearance at 8.5 inches. Still, the differences in off-road performance will only become noticeable at the margins of speed, both high and low, where the tighter steering geometry and more forward weight bias can make the Tiger slightly more challenging to control. The suspension is also slightly softer than what’s on the BMW.

All Tiger 800 motors put out a monstrous 645 watts of electricity to power any accessories short of a microwave oven. As far as electronics go, the Tiger 800 gets the standard modern fuel injection, switchable ABS and then traction control in later models starting with 2015. As with any modern bike, the electronic systems can be more difficult to troubleshoot if, for example, water floods the instrument panel during a river crossing tip-over.

The comparably low and adjustable seat height of 33.3 to 34.1 inches makes it more manageable when loaded with luggage, and the midsize 5-gallon fuel tank makes for a good range between fill-ups on the highway.

The highway is also where the powerful motor does very well, as the smooth triple doesn’t vibrate as much as engines with fewer cylinders. Loads of options for luggage and protective hardware solidify this as another good option in the modern adventure bike category that can still do impressive things off-road when in the right hands.

PROS

Smooth, powerful engine
Low, adjustable seat at 33.3 - 34.1 inches
Huge 645-watt stator output

CONS

Ergonomics not as well suited for technical riding
Occasional electrical issues

Suzuki DL650 V-Strom

Technically not considered a dual-sport because of the chassis geometry and cast wheels, the DL650 V-Strom can actually be a surprisingly capable machine off the pavement. It will be most comfortable on paved and gravel roads, but skilled riders can do amazing things with this bike.

This is the most highway-friendly 650 on this list, thanks to the v-twin engine that doesn’t vibrate quite like the thumpers, wind protection, and the more street-friendly 19-inch front wheel. The ABS and a low seat height can also appeal to newer riders, as can the less maintenance-intensive fuel injection, but the ABS is more challenging to turn off for dirt riding.

These bikes really do have adventure riding potential, as shown by the plentiful aftermarket skid plates, engine guards and luggage racks. With just under 7 inches of clearance between the ground and nearly 490 pounds of weight, a skid plate can be a good investment depending on where you’ll be riding.

The relatively large 5.8-gallon fuel tank will keep the 645cc liquid-cooled engine fed for quite a while, and the upright riding position is comfortable for longer rides. Some changes have happened since its release in 2004, with dual spark plugs and optional ABS in 2007, and the next year a bump in stator output from 375 watts to 400.

In 2012 it got heavily revised and is our recommended pick if you have the money. New cosmetics, larger and stiffer forks, longer rear suspension travel, power increases and a half-gallon drop in fuel capacity make for a very worthy set up updates.

The 650 V-Strom platform has been around for more than a decade, and that shows in the aftermarket and in online resources. The stator can handle electronic accessories and the comfortable riding position can have you enjoying them for long periods of time, especially if you choose to replace the stock seat. While more street biased, the Kawasaki Versys is an additional option you may want to explore in this direction.

PROS