The Ultimate Guide to Buying a 2019 Dual-Sport Bike

Dual Sports Bikes are growing fast as one of the most popular breeds of bike available. There is no doubt there is a growing interest in off-road biking, but what makes dual-sport bikes so popular is their adaptability in city life scenarios. Being able to switch quickly from city mode, the off-road mode is a priority for many riders, and manufacturers certainly have added more features every year to existing models, to make the transition more manageable than ever before. 2019 is approaching fast, and that means, many new models will pop up, and further improvements on existing models create an excellent opportunity for you to upgrade. There are already many adaptations for off-road accessories available that will suit next years’ models. Here are some of the great new additions and upgrades to the collection of Dual-Sport bikes available for 2019.

HUSQVARNA 701 ENDURO

As one of the most powerful single-cylinder motorcycles made, there is no question why the Husqvarna 701 is so popular. It features a downdraft EFI system powered, single OHC motor with a fly-by-wire throttle and boasts the most advanced technology ever seen on an off-road motorcycle. The four-stroke benefits from traction control with electric starters fitted as standard with an EMS featuring an ECU. This ECU is accountable for a range of functions like determining the amount of fuel and oil injected, ignition timing, as well as receiving information from the ambient air and intake pressure sensors, throttle position sensor, water temperature sensors, and crankcase pressure. The newly attached WP Xplor 48 front fork is designed specifically for Enduro riding and is used almost entirely across the board on high-end Enduro bikes for 2019. The 701 also sees brake upgrades and branding updates.

KTM 690 ENDURO R

KTM made zero changes to its dual-sport bike in 2018, but the 2019 model sees the engine dispersion to revitalise supermoto and Enduro versions. NewL4 690 engine changes give a power boost to 54kW, and a six per cent torque increase to 74 Nm. The Enduro features a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel, enhanced ride feel with all new chassis, fewer vibrations and more power with the WP Xplor suspension with 250mm travel, cornering and off-road ABS braking, cornering sensitive MTC with the advanced off-road mode, and a straightforward switch change between the street and off-road modes.

KAWASAKI KLR650

True Enduro fans will remember how back in 2008 Kawasaki redesigned one of their oldest motorcycles (the KLR650) into a new formula, with a large fuel tank, sturdy luggage plate, frame-mount fairing, and affordable price. The bike hasn’t been as popular as was expected, unfortunately, and in 2019 it will be discontinued. No matter how slow sales have been in this particular bike, however, the quality is outstanding, making it the most effective dual-sport bike ever. If you’ve been contemplating this bike as a purchase, get in now before they are gone for good.

SUZUKI DR650S

The 2019 DR650SE is one of the most adaptable motorcycles ever made. The DR650SE’s 644cc, SOHC, oil-cooled four-stroke, the single counterbalanced engine is armed with Suzuki Advanced Cooling System (SACS). This engine is specially tuned for powerful performance and low-to-mid rpm range for outstanding performance on the trails and the streets. The 290mm with twin-piston calliper-front floating-disc brake and the 240mm rear disc brakes provide steadfast stopping power with exceptional feel at the lever. The bike also features a digitally mapped ignition system delivering pin-point accurate ignition timing to maintain efficient combustion. This bike also features very specific tyres for the purpose of Enduro.

SWM SUPER DUAL 650

Created in the ex-Husqvarna factory in the north of Italy, the new gen SWM models are born from previous Husqvarna models, making the SWM instantly reputable.
The dominant 6-speed transmission and the liquid-cooled DOHC 4-valve single cylinder four-stroke 600cc engine allows the Superdual to give both comfort for road cruising and unrelenting adventure possibilities. This is the territory of the SWM Superdual. With a great range of accessories available, this is a great bike to own.

Honda CRF450 Rally

Honda has created a little brother masterpiece by remaking the CRF250L into a little rally bike. In 2019, however, the best little bike gets a bigger sister with the CRF450 Rally coming available, Honda is overhauling its 2019 off-road lineup and includes an all-new CRF450L dual-sport that is also street-legal. Being that the CRF250L Rally has been so popular, there is no doubt the 450 will be even more popular still. It will feature the 449.7 cc, Unicam, four-valve engine, but with many internal tweaks that will make it a far better off-road bike. The compression ratio on the 450L is down to 12.0:1. For smooth power delivery during technical riding, the 450 will also have dedicated valve timing. It is also getting 12% higher crank inertia over the CRF450R, which means a heavier flywheel, allowing stricter loads at lower revs. It features a lower seat height than the other 450 models and a much longer wheelbase.