2020 Dual Sport Shootout - Dirt Bike Magazine

#dirtbike #offroad #motorcycle #adventure
The 2020 Dual Sport Shootout by Dirt Bike Magazine. Beta vs Husqvarna vs SWM vs KTM vs Honda. After all this time, we admit: we still don’t know what the heck a dual-sport bike is supposed to be. Manufacturers and riders use the term freely, as if everyone has the same interpretation, yet the bikes sold under that banner are wildly diverse. Just look at the current 500 category. The Beta 500RR-S, Husqvarna FE501S, KTM 500EXC and SWM RS500 represent a broad range of designs and capabilities. We’ve gathered those four to explore their differences and also included the Honda CRF450L as the nearest candidate offered by Japan.

All five bikes are fully street legal in all 50 states. All are quiet and clean, as defined by the EPA and various state authorities. The main point of contention, of course, is dirt versus street bias. These are the most dirt-oriented dual-sport bikes offered in years, but even they cover a wide range of capabilities. For 2020, three of the five are new. The Beta, KTM and Husqvarna have redesigned frames, new bodywork and significant engine changes. The Honda and SWM are completely unchanged, although they were new models in 2019. Here’s how they line up.

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[KTMsteve]

Kinda wish they would compare the machines on the basis of basic maintenance requirements. It’s certainly a factor to consider when choosing your next bike.

[Heckenlively]

It's funny how I go straight to the comments before I even watch the video. You guys crack me up 🤘

[DavyRo]

I honestly wouldn't care which one of these I got, I would love anyone of them.

[coderedcamaro]

The dualsport sector of motorcycle riding is on fire!!!

[OGPokey]

I have a CRF450L all uncorked. VORTEX, full exhaust, smog delete, thermostat delete etc. What a different machine. I love it

[brockhalter]

The most valuable part of the dual purpose...the license plate. hahahahaha.

[thatstyte]

Yeah idk, I still think the DR and XR 650's are the kings of dualsport. Bulletproof with minimal maintenance, as comfortable on the freeway as on the trail, cheap, and far more capable than most riders are skilled.

[tbahry]

I've owned a 2014 KTM 350 exc-f, a 2017 Beta 390 rr-s, a 2019 Beta 430 rr-s, and now a Honda CRF450L. After changing out the exhaust system, and installing a Vortex EFI, the Honda is, by far my favorite. Why? Because is is the best balanced for dirt AND hiway, easily has the best stock suspension (closed cartridge). I can take rough lines with the Honda I would stay away from on any of the other bikes. The Vortex lets the bike rip, and it has great torque and powerful rev-out. The quality of build is superior also, especially the wiring systems. The very conservative Honda maintenance schedule is proving to be overkill, most riders are seeing no or little valve movement, and no problems at all with more mileage being logged on. I pulled the excess sound plastic, and with the exhaust change the weight dropped about 15 pounds (making it similar to how a KTM or Beta equips). This bike I plan to keep for a while.

[pinktacotuesday]

Just bought a 2020 exc500 and I absolutely love it!!!

[ka]

All these bikes called here "race ready competition bikes" ! A Dual Sport doesent need every 500 miles oil change (Oiltanks are very small around "1 quart" ), every 40 Hours change the piston, crankshaft bearings . This are part of the maintance plan for this bikes here in Europe .DR650 i called a Dual Sport you can travel on the street 200miles or 100 of miles through the Desert and maybe some thougher trails. Dual for street and dirt use. Dual Sport was first named by Suzuki DR 350S 1990 (like i can remember).with passenger pegs and possibel to carry stuff for camping. Blinker and mirrors doesent make them Dual Sports.

[photographerjonathan]

I wish at the end of this video that they asked all the riders which bike they would buy with there own money. I think that is the best conclusion you can get from a comparison video. instead of this bike is good at this, and this other bike is good at that. which leaves you having to weigh a bunch of things you can't really weigh because you haven't personally ridden any of them.

[gonzo]

Love my DR650 but that KTM has me drooling 🤤

[Hugeroost]

they forgot to mention one thing, maintenance, the KTM needs as much as a motocross bike, constance, much more than any bike on here. The Beta hands down best bike here

[jonbooth]

I've had lots of bikes in the past 30 years. The last one I had was a 2016 Beta 430RR with LED lights all around. Hands down the best bike I have ever ridden for an "everything" bike. I swore if I bought another bike it would be a Beta or nothing. They are just simply amazing machines!

[garygrinkevich]

I hope your paying your production crew well these shots, edits, and motion graphics look slick AF, makes me want to grind up 10k and buy a bike.

[hammerhead]

Personally 2 of those bikes would interest me if I were on the market at the minute...

The Beta for its shear off-road performance. That thing is a beast and a beauty.

The SWM for its balance between road and off-road. Plus with its low price you could add a few accessories and make it a perfectly acceptable lightweight ADV motorcycle for the cost of the KTM/HVA. For me that's what a dual-sport motorcycle is all about.

[jeffstinchcomb]

By far one of the best analysis / reviews I've ever seen. Far better than some of the chin-strap camera stuff that is all over the interenet. (Don't get me wrong... I dig those too.) I loved watching these guys carve up these trails. Thanks.

[eastbaymauiboy]

You know you got a quiet bike when you hear more mechanical sounds than exhaust from 30 feet away. The beta sounded like it had some thump though

[jasenhicks]

OMG, using the same tires across all bikes. What a concept! I hate it when bikes get dinged in comparison reviews based on something the owner is going to change as soon as they get it. Thanks for the apples to apples comparison.

[worstteammate]

Performance? Beta. Durability? Honda. Price? SWM. Winner? KTM

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