Top 6 Used Dual Sport Bargains Under £5K! [250 - 500 cc]

If you're a thrill-seeker, off-road adventurer, or simply someone looking for a reliable commuter with a spirit of exploration, a dual sport motorcycle could tick all the boxes. The great news? You don't need to spend a fortune to get in the saddle. We've explored the UK used bike market extensively to bring you six of the best dual sport machines between 250cc and 500cc — all easily found for under £5,000.

Whether you're a new rider just cutting your teeth or a seasoned biker looking for a second machine, this list delivers the perfect blend of affordability, performance, and versatility. These bikes are particularly suited for DIY motorbike enthusiasts, young professionals craving weekend adventure, tradesmen needing a rugged ride, and urban commuters alike.

1. Honda CRF250L / CRF300L

Honda's CRF250L and its updated sibling, the CRF300L, are known UK-wide for reliability, simplicity, and surprising off-road prowess. With a lightweight chassis and manageable powerband, this small-capacity dual sport is a fantastic entry point for new and budget-conscious riders.

The fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine is low maintenance and extremely durable — a favorite among professional mechanics for its ease of servicing. Whether you’re tackling a commute through congested London streets or exploring green lanes across rural Yorkshire, the CRF delivers.

Spare parts are widely available thanks to Honda’s strong UK dealer network, making it an attractive choice for the DIY tinkerer. You’ll often find these bikes with low mileage and full service history for around £3,500 to £4,500.

A used CRF250L is generally sold with minimal off-road abuse as many owners use them for casual city riding. It’s worth checking fork seals, chain condition, and rear shock wear — particularly if it’s seen trail duty.

2. Yamaha WR250R

The Yamaha WR250R is legendary among dual sport enthusiasts for blending near-enduro performance with V5C-papered legality for the UK road. This means top-end suspension, a well-tuned fuel-injected powerplant, and durable components that stand up to regular trail use.

At under 134kg wet, it’s agile and confidence-inspiring on gravel and tarmac alike. With around 30 horsepower, it’s no highway missile but will easily cruise at 65-70mph when needed. This is a go-anywhere, do-anything machine with the DNA of Yamaha’s off-road lineage.

WR250Rs are rarer in the UK than Honda's options — but well cared-for used examples can be found between £4,000 and £5,000. Be ready to move quickly if one pops up; they are in high demand.

Common upgrades include heavier-duty sprockets, Barkbusters, and upgraded tyres — all seldom add much to the resale cost but drastically improve trail manners.

3. Kawasaki KLX 250 / 300

The KLX range sits comfortably between beginner and intermediate performance. A bike for the practical enthusiast, the KLX250 (and newer KLX300) is ideal for tradespeople commuting through country routes or young professionals seeking weekend escapes beyond city limits.

It’s light, reliable, and friendly — yet it can handle more aggressive trails with the right tyres and suspension setup. The carbureted versions (pre-2009) require a bit more DIY know-how but are well loved by tinkerers and cheap to service. Later models move to fuel injection for easier cold starts and improved road manners.

You can regularly find KLX250s for £3,000 – £4,000 in the UK, with KLX300s nearing the £5K mark depending on condition. Look for factory plastics and upgraded handguards, which often signal a cared-for bike.

The KLX is a very popular bike for green laning in areas like Wales or the Lake District, making local resale and parts accessible and community support strong.

4. Suzuki DR-Z400S

The Suzuki DR-Z400S has earned cult status in the UK dual sport world — and for very good reason. Offering more torque and highway readiness than the 250cc class, but without the weight and bulk of a full-sized adventure bike, it’s the ideal middleweight dual sport performer.

With a 398cc liquid-cooled engine producing around 39hp, it's smooth yet punchy on both road and off-track adventures. The DR-Z400 is a favorite among skilled tradesmen and city dwellers looking for one bike that does it all — from weekday job sites to muddy weekend escapades.

Used DR-Z400S bikes hold their value well, so you may need to negotiate smartly — but clean examples can be found just under the £5,000 ceiling. A well-kept 2008–2018 model with upgrades like oversized tanks or bash plates represents a top-shelf used buy.

Important tip: watch out for supermoto-converted DR-Zs if you're searching for a true dual sport. While they’re great fun, they can be harder to reconvert to trail-ready condition if you plan to off-road seriously.

5. Beta Xtrainer 300 (Road Legal Models)

Beta may not be a household name in the UK yet, but this Italian manufacturer builds semi-enduro machines with bulletproof motors and top-tier components. The Xtrainer 300 is a slightly unorthodox choice as it technically leans toward enduro territory — but there are UK-registered and road-legal examples available used.

Its two-stroke engine provides incredible torque low down, perfect for steep lanes, forestry routes, and muddy climbs. While not ideal for heavy city traffic due to less smooth engine behaviour, riders living rural will find it unbeatable value for performance.

Because these bikes are often used by skilled off-roaders, condition varies widely. Look for service receipts, piston hours, and gearbox inspection. But if you find one in solid condition for under £5,000, it’s a serious steal.

Parts and support are growing in the UK, and with lightweight chassis and adjustable suspension, the Beta Xtrainer offers an exciting step up from lower-output 250cc machines.

6. KTM EXC-F 250 / 350 (Used and Registered)

Now, this pick comes with a small caveat — KTM’s EXC-F range leans more toward dedicated off-road riding, so finding a fully road-registered, MOT’d, and treated-right version under £5K can require patience. But they exist, and they're gold for dual sport riders wanting premium performance.

The EXC-F 250 and EXC-F 350 are four-stroke powerhouses with surprisingly light chassis and adjustable high-end suspension. These are not beginner bikes — but if you're confident with clutch control and looking to play hard in the dirt while still carving A-roads legally, this might be your ticket.

These bikes often include premium upgrades from owners, such as Rekluse auto clutches, trail-tech headlights, and full wrap-around guards. However, watch for signs of neglect — raced-out suspension, engine leaks, or “ring-dinging” engines are red flags. KTM’s critical components don’t come cheap.

Expect to pay £4,000–£5,000 for a well-kept, service-documented EXC-F, ideally less than 8,000 miles and fewer than 200 engine hours. Bargain hunters should focus on winter months when demand dips, and you’re more likely to find sellers looking to shift inventory.

Comparison Table: Used Dual Sport Bargains under £5K

Model	Engine Size	Known For	Price Range (Used)	Weight
Honda CRF250L / 300L	250cc / 286cc	Reliable, beginner-friendly	£3,500 – £4,500	145kg (wet)
Yamaha WR250R	250cc	Top-tier suspension, rare	£4,000 – £5,000	134kg (wet)
Kawasaki KLX 250 / 300	250cc – 292cc	Practical & versatile	£3,000 – £5,000	138kg (wet)
Suzuki DR-Z400S	398cc	Middleweight legend	£4,000 – £5,000	146kg (wet)
Beta Xtrainer 300	300cc (2-stroke)	Enduro power in small frame	£4,000 – £5,000	98kg (dry)
KTM EXC-F 250 / 350	250cc / 350cc	Premium off-road weapon	£4,000 – £5,000	110 – 113kg (dry)

Final Thoughts

Picking up a used dual sport bike under £5K in the UK doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or capability. Whether you’re a DIY mechanic looking for a low-maintenance ride to rebuild, a tradesman needing a trustworthy machine to get to rural jobs, or just itching to hit a trail after your work week — there's something in this class for everyone.

Before buying, take the time to inspect frame welds, ask for service history, and verify the V5C shows proper road registration. Sites like Gumtree, Autotrader Motorcycles, Facebook Marketplace, and UK-based motorcycle forums are goldmines for a smart bargain hunter.

These bikes won’t just take you to work — they’ll take you through it and beyond. Hit the trails, conquer that commute, and enjoy the grin that only a dual sport bargain can deliver.