The best Enduro motorcycles 2022. For true fans of extreme sports: rating of the best enduro motorcycles 2022

Updated: 02/28/2021 15:52:12

Expert: Boris Vladimirovich Filatov

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Lightweight and reliable motorcycles are required for long cross-country races. Enduro attracts novice bikers with its freedom of movement, stylish appearance, and affordable price. The motorcycle forgives mistakes for beginners, and rarely fails when falling or jumping. Historically, enduros are closely related to motorsports, but in the course of evolution, various modifications have appeared for riding in the city, country roads, etc. With the help of our experts, we will try to highlight the main criteria for selecting this bike.

Motorcycle is better!

A car, of course, is a comfortable form of transportation and has a lot of advantages, but it will never replace a motorcycle. "What's better?" - an eternal argument, like the skier and snowboarder in the movie “Yolki”. But any car in this dispute will get stuck on the first bump. There are, of course, questions about the bike regarding winter riding, but there are also undeniable advantages:

high speed and maneuverability - whatever one may say, in traffic jams and off-road the bike looks like a more useful transport;
garage for a motorcycle - how much less space is required for a motorcycle is visible to the naked eye;
price - if you don’t take fancy models, motorcycles cost much less than a car;
gasoline - you will need much less of it to travel the same distance by car;
maintenance - less demanding in terms of repairs and maintenance, spare parts also cost less than car parts;
style and beauty - the motorcycle loves the desperate, the strong, the young in spirit, that’s why girls like bikers.

Dual purpose bikes

Motorcycles designed for normal and overcoming bad roads, riding in their complete absence, belong to the “enduro” class (endurance). Enduro is one of the first off-road motorcycles. The entire motorcycle industry began with him. Asphalt was rare at the beginning of the 20th century, so a vehicle was needed that could drive over rocks, mud, virgin soil, and forests. At the same time, it is important that the equipment does not fall apart on the next bump and does not hit the driver with shaking. This is how the enduro motorcycle appeared.

Now these bikes are divided into touring and racing. Tourists do not ride long distances very quickly on dirt roads and light off-road conditions. The racers manage to rush along vertical rocks, overcome the swamp, and not get stuck in the sand, but on the asphalt it’s a bull in a china shop.

Enduro features are:

Design:

for driving over bumps and uneven surfaces, the suspensions are made with long travel;
the steering wheel is high with a crossbar, hand protection is present;
semi-duplex frame (strength rings combined);
the front wing has been increased in size.

Wheels: The tread has a pattern that helps you ride both on asphalt and dirt. Casting is not encouraged - knitting needles are better.
Engine: most of them run on one cylinder, tourist ones (from 650 cm3) are two-cylinder V-shaped. The exception is Yamaha and BMW bikes.

Several important differences between a sports bike and a pleasure bike:

the sportak has no headlights;
starts with kickstarter;
has no right to ride on the roadway.

Varieties of “household” enduro

The design is based on a powerful engine, a lightweight frame, a progressive suspension, and a comfortable pilot position. Non-sporting types of these motorcycles are registered as vehicles and can be safely ridden on the streets and highways; a frame is provided for hanging a license plate.

Of course, these bikes are equipped with quieter mufflers to avoid rattling in populated areas. Their rear wheel is an inch smaller than a motocross wheel. But there are some technical differences between different “endurics”.

Hard enduro is a cross bike adapted for use in non-competitive life. It has a sporty orientation, rigid suspension, but has headlights, a dashboard, an electric starter, a side stand, and a brake light. In terms of cubic capacity, they are produced from 400 to 650 cm3, and are air-cooled. On such a motorcycle you can drive through thicket forests, mountains, sandy areas, and overcome water obstacles (swamps, river mouths, puddles). Due to its great similarity to a sports crosser, problems with the traffic police may arise.

2. “Soft” (civilian) - differs from cross-country in soft suspension, the ability to sit two people, dual-purpose tires, the presence of a trunk, powerful brakes, a battery and a modified engine. Engine capacity from 125 to 650 cm3. Speed is not very important here, the emphasis is on safety.

3. “Tourist” - a unit for the Paris-Dakar rally, long off-road driving. It has a powerful plastic body kit, a windshield, a powerful engine, a large tank, a light that allows you to move in the fog, a comfortable seat, and luggage space. But this trucker has more weight and less maneuverability. Only an experienced pilot can operate such equipment.

4. “Parquet” (semi-passable) - the ability to drive on good and bad roads equally successfully. This type has an engine from 650 to 1200 cm3 and a weight of ∓ 200 kg. Short-travel suspensions, low ground clearance, wheels with wide-profile tires and alloy discs, powerful brakes, enlarged windshield, maximum body kit. Comfortable double seat, luggage racks with panniers.

Engine KTM 690 Enduro R 2022

The 2022 KTM 690 Enduro R gets the latest version of the LC4 engine, which features dual balancers for smoother performance throughout the rev range. KTM engineers installed one balancer in front of the crankshaft and a second in the cylinder head, both driven by the timing chain.

When riding on the highway, the smooth operation of the motorcycle is more like a two-cylinder bike than a single-cylinder bike - there is almost no vibration. Another feature of the new model is the semi-automatic gearbox mechanism, which allows you to smoothly change gears without using a clutch. KTM electronics have two levels of traction control - off-road and on-road. ABS adjusts its operation depending on the angle of inclination of the motorcycle, and with the remote control on the left side of the handlebar you can select one of two maps of engine operating modes.

We tested the 690 Enduro R on the dyno and it produced 59.2 hp. and 58.7 n/m. The new engine is very good, delivering plenty of torque and incredible power with smooth delivery. The LC4 engine allows the speedometer to reach triple digits already in third gear. The map switch and traction control button are located on the same remote control.

Map 1 has more low-end torque, while Map 2 is more aggressive. Map 1 was good in sand and mud, while Map 2 was better on gravel and dirt roads.

The updated 690 Enduro R is equipped with a WP Xplor 48 fork and WP Xplor shock absorber, which have a full range of settings. The factory settings are clearly designed for aggressive driving. The rear shock is set quite harshly, which makes the fork feel overly soft and the bike itself feel unbalanced. This is aggravated by the low position of the steering wheel.

Despite these features, I managed to find settings that were convenient for me - I tightened the fork compression force by three clicks. Thanks to this, the front end did not sag when driving, especially during aggressive driving.

Manufacturers and brands

There are not many clear leaders in the SUV market; Asians and Europeans are fighting for the palm. The East is still ahead, the list looks like this:

Kawasaki is a Japanese concern, the largest manufacturer of motorcycle equipment and equipment;
BMW is a German brand where everything is assembled by hand, finished models are checked by computer diagnostics of the main parameters;
Suzuki - unique Japanese quality and highest technical performance;
Yamaha is another Japanese corporation that deals exclusively with light, fast motorcycles;
Honda is a company that produces not very budget, but very high-quality units;
KTM (Kraftfahrzeuge Trunkenpolz Mattighofen Sportmotorcycle AG) is an Austrian brand that produces mainly enduro sports bikes.

Some motorcycle models recommended for Enduro

Suzuki DRZ400S

(the same Kawasaki KLX400). The car is cool, but it is heavy and weighs a lot. Cheap aftermarket parts, bulletproof motorcycle is really good. The carburetor, 5-speed gearbox, is designed from the factory for legal driving on public roads.

Suzuki DRZ400E

the same bike, but a little lighter and with more performance. Still very good. Mostly trashed by previous owners, difficult to find in good condition.

Yamaha xt225

Nice bike but they are very expensive so you are paying a lot of money for an old bike. The technology is stone age, but as far as we know, this is one of the easiest bikes for beginners, and they are very low.

Kawasaki KL250 Super Sherpa

Basically the same attributes as the Yamaha XT225. Low, soft and amazing motorcycle for beginners.

Honda CRF250L

From the factory it is designed for legal driving on public roads. Good suspension, 6 speeds, injection, tons of cheap spare parts.

Yamaha WR250R

Lightweight, designed from the factory for legal driving on public roads. Very reliable, but a bit more expensive than the CRF KLX.

There are still many models of enduro motorcycles suitable for beginners. But unfortunately we cannot include the entire list.

European models

European manufacturers are struggling to keep up with their competitors from Japan and China. And even despite the fact that Europe cannot boast of the same extensive range, in their model ranges you can still find very worthy representatives of the enduro class, and with a good price-quality ratio. To prove this, we bring to your attention the three coolest motorbikes from Europe.

KTM 500 EXC-F SIX DAYS

RUB 1,300,000

The dream of every motorcycle racer. This powerful and durable motorcycle has repeatedly proven its leadership in many international competitions. The Austrian enduro pleasantly surprises not only with its aggressive, cool design, but also with the same chic characteristics.

Engine capacity: 510.4 cc. cm paired with soft suspension and sensitive controls easily produces 41 “horses”, making the driving process incredibly exciting and dynamic. In addition, the enduro is equipped with a six-speed gearbox, a spacious gas tank and ergonomic steering. In general, he definitely has something to please you with.

9.9 /10 rating

pros

Power 41 l. With.
8.5 l tank
Optimal weight
Trouble-free operation
Amazing endurance
Chic design
Excellent handling and maneuverability
Reliable, durable design
Excellent traction even at low revs

Minuses

Is that an astronomical price tag?

Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled

1,000,000 rub.

The presence of a self-release clutch cannot but please us.

Great option for off-road racing. The Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled has a lot of features that have made it famous. According to experienced motorcycle racers, these include high-quality universal tires, a reinforced frame, protected optics and a reliable, trouble-free engine. And the main feature of the bike lies in its engine, equipped with crankcase protection and an L-shaped configuration in accordance with Euro4 requirements.

RACER PANTHER RC200GY-C2

Simple and affordable, the Racer Panther is ideal for country walks on moderate off-road terrain: the motorcycle will not pass through mud swamps, but otherwise shows decent results.

Enduro is also convenient because it allows you to equip yourself with additional luggage and panniers. Transport has many features:

high rider position;
low gasoline consumption;
agility and obedience;
soft suspension;
presence of PTS.

By purchasing Racer Panther, you are purchasing an enduro with the following technical characteristics:

1-cylinder and 4-stroke engine;
volume 200 cubic meters;
power – 14.3 l. With.;
starting system – electric type starter;
tank capacity – 10 liters;
weight – 118 kg;
parameters: 2070/770/1160 mm;
Manual transmission – 5-speed;
maximum speed – 120 km/h;
consumption per 100 km – 3 liters;
permissible load weight – 150 kg.

The Chinese model is almost identical to the Japanese Honda XR 125, but it turned out to be more powerful and adapted to the functional features of enduro. The RACER Panther RC200GY-C2 outperformed the Honda so much that the latter was discontinued in 2013, the same time the competitive Chinese was released.

The cost of the enduro RACER Panther RC200GY-C2 is 70,000 rubles.

Watch the video review of the RACER Panther RC200GY-C2 in the video below:

A test drive of this enduro is presented in the following video:

The best luxury enduro motorcycles

Professional bikes are distinguished by increased power, strength of the frame and chassis elements. They are intended primarily for participation in competitions. It is better to choose one of two models.

DUCATI SCRAMBLER DESERT SLED

A complete enduro bike for off-road racing. The positive features of the model include: universal rubber, a protective coating on the optics and an increased strength frame. The bike is based on an L-shaped engine, made in accordance with Euro 4 requirements, with a volume of 803 cm3 with auxiliary crankcase protection. Also, a self-release clutch came to the driver’s aid during races.

pros

everything you need for off-road travel;
powerful engine;
6-speed gearbox;
modern design;
There are optics and an electric starter.

Minuses

relatively high cost of maintenance;
high cost of the model.

DUCATI SCRAMBLER DESERT SLED – successfully combines the characteristics of a highway and off-road motorcycle.

ZERO FX

One of the first representatives of the enduro class to run on electricity. An electric bike visually differs little from classic motorcycles, but in terms of richness of equipment and abundance of electronics, it is significantly superior to its competitors. True, it is not designed for traveling on difficult off-road conditions. This is an ecological transport that belongs on highways or light rough terrain. It has a powerful 46 hp electric motor. s., and weight is 131 kg.

pros

environmental cleanliness;
no need to visit gas stations;
powerful 46 hp engine. With.;
economy of movement;
There is a unique application for control from a smartphone.

Minuses

low autonomy - the battery lasts for 66 km;
Weak brakes, you won’t be able to stop quickly at high speed.

The ZERO FX is a pioneer among electric enduro bikes, so you can't expect the same performance from it as a professional motorcycle.

Loncin LX 250GY-3

Loncin LX 250GY-3 is a nimble enduro motorcycle that even those who are on a budget can afford. The buyer will become the owner of a worthy “partner” on the off-road journey. It makes no sense to say that the motorcycle passes over asphalt surfaces easily and maneuverably.

The discreet style with the correct smooth geometry in the forms makes the Loncin LX 250GY-3 deceptive to others. In fact, this modest-looking bike delivers competitive performance on the racetrack.

Technical equipment of the motorcycle:

dimensions: 2190/800/1440 mm;
ground clearance – 285 mm;
dry weight – 150 kg;
fuel tank capacity – 9 liters;
single-cylinder 4-stroke engine;
engine capacity – 250 cubic meters. cm;
power – 18 l. With;
Manual transmission – 6-speed;
per 100 km consumption is 2.5 liters;
maximum speed – 110 km/h.

The budget Loncin LX 250GY-3 will contribute to better off-road driving training, but it is somewhat weak in performing tricks. A special feature of this model is that it does not require mandatory registration if used exclusively in conditions where there are no roads.

You can buy this motorcycle for 120-130 thousand rubles.

Watch the video review and test drive of the Loncin LX 250GY-3 enduro:

Rating of the best Enduro motorcycles - our top 10

Our rating of “TOP 10 best Enduro motorcycles” presents motorcycles of different price categories. In addition, we tried to take into account the complexity of the route that one or another model can overcome (5 is the easiest, 1 is the highest level of difficulty).

KAYO T2 250

One of the best options for a beginner. The 4-stroke engine provides optimal power for inexperienced motorcyclists, and the ideal price-quality ratio makes this unit one of the most popular among young riders. The weight of the motorcycle is 105 kg, the fuel tank volume is 9 liters, the seat height is 89 cm. Of course, for more experienced riders this cross bike will be a little weak, but for universal use in the first stages of learning, it’s just right.

Honda Transalp XL600V

This Enduro bike is perfect for both moderate off-road and public roads. The Honda Transalp XL600V has been produced since 1987, but even the models of the late 90s are quite viable to this day. This is a reliable, economical, powerful unit with good controllability. Newer models have been maximally adapted to driving on road surfaces, so the 1997 Honda Transalp XL 600V is one of the latest “off-road” options.

Honda AX-1

This Japanese product first hit the market in 1987 and enjoyed good popularity until it was discontinued in 1994. Honda ax-1 copes well with both moderate off-road conditions and regular asphalt. Particular attention should be paid to the reliability of this model - the manufacturers stated (and many motorcyclists have tested this on themselves) that this Enduro motorcycle can travel about 100,000 km without the need for major engine repairs, which can be considered a very good indicator. Tank capacity – 9 l, seat height – 81 cm, steel frame.

Yamaha XT660R

An ideal horse for moderate off-road use. Japanese quality makes itself felt - the build quality is excellent, the driving performance is excellent. Steel frame, fuel tank – 15 l, total weight – 181 kg, seat height – 85 cm. The model was discontinued in 2016, so there may be a problem with new spare parts. At the same time, you can buy a used motorcycle for spare parts.

Honda XR250R

Start of production - 1981. Every year the company introduced certain innovations into the design and construction of the bike, due to which its performance regularly improved. The model has been discontinued since 2007, but its popularity does not go away. Thanks to the high reliability and excellent performance of this unit, the Honda XR 250R is still in good demand today. Experienced motorists (who have something to compare with) claim that the unit is quite decent, but there are questions about fuel consumption. Also, this Enduro bike is not very suitable for riding on regular roads.

Suzuki DR-Z 400

This is a truly universal soldier in terms of travel geography. The manufacturer made sure that buyers had a choice - buy a bike exclusively for off-road (version E), or opt for a more universal option (version S).

The quality and incredible popularity of this Enduro bike is confirmed by the fact that the model is still being produced as usual. Of course, since 2000, the Suzuki DRZ 400 has undergone several restylings, but this has not made it any worse - the scrupulous Japanese think through everything down to the smallest detail, so each new version is better than the previous one.

Steel frame, adjustable sports suspension, weight -119 kg (for a beginner this is, frankly, a lot), 10 liter tank, saddle height - 94 cm (more suitable for tall guys).

Geon 250R

The first and only “Chinese” in our ranking. It is worth noting that this motorcycle creates the first impression of a very worthy unit, but in reality the euphoria from the purchase wears off quite quickly, since “China” is “China”. While the bike is new, it provides excellent value for money - power, performance, efficiency. But over time, having exhausted their service life, the engine, suspension and chassis begin to mope. In general, the build quality leaves much to be desired. But, it’s worth paying tribute to the price - for $1,500 you can buy a practically new bike, ride it for 1-2 seasons, get better, improve your driving and repair skills. And only then switch to an expensive motorcycle from Japan or Europe.

KTM 690 Enduro R

The enduro motorcycle of the Austrian brand is considered one of the best in its class. Stylish appearance, power, performance, reliability - these are the main characteristics of this cross-country bike. This Enduro can be called truly universal - it feels equally confident both on regular roads and on any off-road. But the price, frankly speaking, is biting - for a new 2019 model you will have to pay at least $13,000, as for used options - you can find a bike for $5,000-7,000.

Yamaha WR 250F

The unit is equipped with an aluminum or steel half-duplex frame, 5 or 6-speed gearbox, suspension (both front and rear) is fully adjustable, seat height – 98 cm, tank capacity – 7-10 l, motorcycle weight – 115-136 kg . The model has been produced from 2001 to the present, the appearance and performance characteristics have been constantly improved, so at the moment this motorcycle fully meets the requirements of professional participants in enduro competitions.

What is an Enduro motorcycle?

Enduro is one of the types of motorsports that involves driving off-road, as well as on specially equipped tracks. To participate in such competitions, special motocross motorcycles are used - lightweight, with a durable frame, reliable suspension and a powerful engine, powered by a kickstarter (started from the foot).

Initially, these units were developed specifically for racing, so the design of most of them lacked unnecessary electronics and light elements, but over time, the demand for this equipment led to the appearance of Enduro models on the market, perfectly suited for driving on the most ordinary roads.

At the same time, the essence of the design has not changed, but headlights, some electronic elements, and a manual starter have been added.

Today, all Enduro motorcycles can be classified as follows:

Hard enduro
. These models are closest in design to their predecessors - cross-country motorcycles - however, they have significant improvements in the form of lighting elements, additional electronics, a manual starter, as well as the ability to issue a vehicle passport for driving on public roads.

The chassis of these Enduros is very durable, the suspension is indestructible. The low weight of the motorcycle ensures excellent maneuverability and maneuverability. A powerful engine allows you to overcome even the most serious obstacles on the way or move along a flat road surface with equal success. However, owners of these units should be prepared for the need for frequent maintenance due to the short service life of the motor.

Soft enduro
. This type of motorcycle is perfectly adapted for riding on moderate off-road conditions and is suitable for lovers of hunting and fishing. Lightweight and maneuverable soft enduro bikes will allow you to easily overcome small obstacles in the form of holes or bumps, and also feel great on road surfaces of any quality.

Touring Enduro
. Fans of long-distance travel will undoubtedly appreciate these comfortable and convenient motorcycles. Unlike cross bikes, touring Enduro bikes are characterized by more impressive dimensions and greater weight. For this reason, they are unlikely to overcome serious obstacles and obstacles along the way. At the same time, these units are equipped with powerful engines and good suspensions, allowing them to transport cargo and passengers. The main advantage of these motorcycles is the ability to install additional equipment: windshields, headlights, protective elements, navigation devices.

The best enduros from China

It is no secret that Chinese manufacturers have been systematically capturing the market for a long time. And if 30 years ago only low-quality fakes came from the Middle Kingdom, today these are quite worthy products that can compete with Japanese and European brands. But one thing remains unchanged - the most affordable price.

BSE J5-250E

★ Decent water cooling Country: China Average price: RUB 214,000.
Rating (2022): 4.6 Another little-known Chinese brand that is quickly gaining popularity. The manufacturer has only two models in the enduro line, and they differ in engine power and displacement. This version has a 250 cc engine with 27 horsepower. This is quite enough for racing and small jumps, but given the little-known manufacturer, you should understand that if some parts break, it will not be easy to find them on sale. Therefore, you should not load your bike too much. Still, this is not a full-fledged motocross motorcycle, and it does not participate in real competitions. But it’s perfect for rides and travel, and the price is good, and this is already a huge advantage.

ZERO FX

★ Full-fledged enduro with an electric motor Country: China Average price: RUB 300,000.
Rating (2022): 4.7 Enduro motorcycles are not very powerful. As a rule, they are equipped with 250 cc engines, and an electric motor is quite capable of producing such power. Before us is a full-fledged electric bike. Of course, only the appearance differs from the classic enduro. You won't be able to compete on it in cross-country racing. But you can comfortably move around the city. The speed is quite sufficient, and there are no exhaust fumes, as well as the engine roar inherent in motorcycles of this class. Simply put, this is the best technique for those who just like motocross bikes, but do not want to compete and race over rough terrain, performing incredible somersaults.

GR GR7

★ The most reliable replica from China Country: China Average price: 290,000 rubles.
Rating (2022): 4.7 Chinese manufacturers are famous for their replicas, that is, copies of famous brands, and this is one of them. This is an analogue of the popular bike from Sweden, which we will look at below, and unlike it, the price here is quite affordable. Yes, this is just a replica and you should understand this from the very beginning. You shouldn’t place high hopes on such a technique, and it’s inferior in power to the original. However, not only does it have what you need for driving around the city or rough terrain, but also the driving characteristics are excellent. The bike passes all tests one hundred percent, which is confirmed by numerous tests and runs that can easily be found on the Internet.

Kayo T2 250

★ Lots of body kits and useful little things Country: China Average price: 135,000 rubles.
Rating (2022): 4.8 Enduros are not distinguished by powerful engines. There is simply no need for them here. 250cc is the norm and we have just such a bike in front of us, producing 27 horsepower. This is a little-known Chinese brand that quickly gained popularity. The most attractive thing here is the price, but the characteristics of the motorcycle are more than excellent. You can easily perform sports races and small jumps on it. But don't expect much. After all, this is a bike for beginner athletes, although according to testers, all its indicators are normal. In particular, the elasticity of the suspension and driving characteristics. You will also be pleased with the presence of various useful little things that are included in the kit, but it is better to get acquainted with them on the official website of the manufacturer.

LIFAN LF200GY-5

★ Best price Country: China Average price: RUB 64,864.
Rating (2022): 4.9 The cheapest bike in our rating. Yes, you can't expect much from him. A rather weak 15 horsepower engine with a volume of only 200 cubic meters is installed here. This is an ideal technique for beginner athletes or people using a motorcycle for short trips around the city. By the way, the company independently develops all the parts of its motorcycle, so it lasts much longer, and finding spare parts is not difficult. Simply put, this is the best bang for your buck. The manufacturer has surpassed even its competitors from China, and today it is the most inexpensive enduro that we could find.

The best mid-class enduro motorcycles

In terms of functionality and quality of components, the mid-price niche is the most optimal. Motorcycles often use spare parts from leading companies that provide better cross-country ability and wear resistance. All components are easy to find, but they are also expensive.

SUZUKI RM-Z450

The enduro bike from Suzuki perfectly combines quality and price, comparable to Japanese models. One of the significant advantages of the motorcycle is the sensitivity of the controls. There is absolutely no play, and the wheel accurately responds to the smallest movements of the steering wheel. The sharpness of maneuvers makes the device more suitable for confident endurists. This is a fairly heavy motorcycle weighing 112 kg with an injection type engine and a displacement of 449 cm³ (53 hp).

pros

unpretentiousness in repair and maintenance;
attractive design;
can overcome even difficult routes;
designed for off-road racing;
high-quality assembly.

Minuses

rigid suspension;
loud engine sound;
excessive sharpness of the steering is both a plus and a minus, but beginners often fall.

SUZUKI RM-Z450 is intended only for competitions; in everyday life it is inconvenient to use, there is not even a footrest.

HONDA CRF450RX

This is an original model from Japan in the “hard enduro” series, developed completely from scratch. It lacks optics for moving around the city and other minor electronics. The main task of the motorcycle is competitions where there is already artificial or sunlight. But it has a foot and electric starter. An interesting feature of the bike is that the rear wheel is smaller (18 inches) and the front wheel is 21 inches.

pros

there is an automatic engine start;
rich equipment;
high acceleration speed (4.2 seconds to 100 km);
durable body that is not afraid of falls;
failsafe motor.

Minuses

no lighting fixtures;
does not easily overcome rocky, swampy and broken sections of the road.

HONDA CRF450RX is a highly specialized enduro bike that belongs in semi-professional competitions.

SHERCO 450 SEF-R

This is a model from a well-known brand that produces enduro motorcycles of exclusively professional class. Racers value the byte for its ease of maintenance; all its components are located so that they can be reached with minimal effort. Replacing any parts can be done in a few minutes with just a set of keys. The positive side is the driving performance: the motorcycle is powerful at 450 cm3, maneuverable and passable. Plus, it also costs an order of magnitude cheaper than competitors from the professional niche.

pros

lightness of the motorcycle - 109 kg;
ease of repair, often possible to perform in the field;
reliable design;
high-quality case;
Great possibilities for tuning.

Minuses

in driving characteristics cannot be compared with market leaders;
narrow specialization – competitions.

Due to the low prevalence of SHERCO 450 SEF-R, problems may arise with the selection of some spare parts, although most of them are always in stock.

YAMAHA WR450F

The updated version of the Yamaha WR450F, introduced in 2022, is even faster and lighter than its predecessor. Visually and from a technical point of view, the motorcycle is more reminiscent of a sports bike, which is facilitated by its elegant design. In the new model, the manufacturer has improved the aluminum frame, due to which, without sacrificing strength, it was possible to reduce the weight by 10 kg. One of the features of the motorcycle is a 5-speed gearbox.

pros

excellent handling;
there is optics;
can be used to move around the city;
powerful 53 hp engine. With.;
increased engine compression (12.8 versus 12.5).

Minuses

short people are not very comfortable riding a bike;
harsh control does not forgive mistakes.

A characteristic feature of the YAMAHA WR450F bike is that it does not move at low speeds, but by slightly increasing their number, it abruptly takes off. Requires skill in driving from the driver.

KAWASAKI KX450

This is a time-tested Japanese motorcycle that first appeared on the market in 2010. Since then, he has constantly taken part in competitions and often takes prizes. The latest version from 2022 does not have the main drawback of previous modifications - insufficiently flexible front fork settings. The bike can withstand even the most difficult off-road conditions. Drivers on it do not have to worry about jumping from great heights or falling.

pros

full access to equipment setup;
advanced adjustable suspension;
many possibilities for tuning;
a choice of several engine operating modes is available;
fault tolerance.

Minuses

relatively high cost of service;
many spare parts have to be ordered.

KAWASAKI KX450 is a sports bike on which you can take part in various competitions, absolutely not inferior to competitors with higher-class motorcycles.

Bison GS250

The stylish design of this enduro motorcycle makes it attractive to buyers: sporty and laconic, without unnecessary body kits.

According to reviews from owners of this racer, it is more suitable for public roads, mainly due to the tread pattern on the tires. But the complete absence of road surface does not frighten Bison. Driving through mud, potholes and hummocks, jumping on springboards and simple tricks - all this is possible with the Bison GS250.

Technical equipment of the motorcycle:

1-cylinder 4-stroke engine;
volume – 249 cubic meters;
power – 16 l. With.;
electric starter start;
fuel tank capacity - 14 liters;
Manual transmission – 5-speed;
lightweight - 124 kg;
maximum cargo equipment – up to 188 kg;
maximum acceleration speed – 110 km/h.

The presented model is widespread on the Russian motor market in both basic and more equipped configurations.

The cost of the “iron horse” does not exceed 110,000 rubles.

Loncin LX 250GY-3

The discreet style with the correct smooth geometry in the forms makes the Loncin LX 250GY-3 deceptive to others. In fact, this modest-looking bike delivers competitive performance on the racetrack.

Technical equipment of the motorcycle:

dimensions: 2190/800/1440 mm;
ground clearance – 285 mm;
dry weight – 150 kg;
fuel tank capacity – 9 liters;
single-cylinder 4-stroke engine;
engine capacity – 250 cubic meters. cm;
power – 18 l. With;
Manual transmission – 6-speed;
per 100 km consumption is 2.5 liters;
maximum speed – 110 km/h.

You can buy this motorcycle for 120-130 thousand rubles.

Watch the video review and test drive of the Loncin LX 250GY-3 enduro:

ASIAWING LX450 ENDURO

The Aziving LX450 is a powerful enduro with excellent off-road and trail bike characteristics. It attracts attention due to the following features:

bright aggressive design;
powerful engine;
mud tires with deep tread;
economical in fuel consumption.

Technical equipment:

4 stroke engine;
volume – 499 cubic meters;
power – 43 l. With.;
maximum speed – 150 km/h;
weight – 120 kg;
starting with electric starter and kickstarter;
tank volume – 8.5 liters;
Manual transmission - 6-speed;
maximum weight with load – 220 kg.

ASIAWING LX450 ENDURO is equipped with reliable suspension: front – telescopic inverted fork, rear – monoshock. Disc type brake system.

The presented motorcycle is expensive compared to previously presented Chinese analogues - 295-315 thousand rubles.

Watch the video review of the ASIAWING LX450 ENDURO enduro:

Stels 250 Enduro

The presented model of the Chinese manufacturer easily competes with Japanese enduros in this segment. Affordable in price, unpretentious to use, simple in design and perfectly performing its functions - all this is about the Stels 250 Enduro.

This two-wheeled off-road vehicle has many advantages:

reliable, but at the same time simple design, the repair of which can be repaired even by a novice motorcycle racer;
suspension: front – inverted telescopic fork, rear – pendulum with monoshock absorber;
powerful traction at low speeds allows you to overcome off-road conditions at low speeds;
The durable “upholstery” plastic of the case can withstand impacts when dropped.

Specifications:

dimensions: 2090/815/1200 mm;
technically permissible weight of the motorcycle is 285 kg;
four-stroke engine;
engine capacity – 225 cubic meters;
power – 15 l. With.;
gas tank volume – 15 liters;
5-speed manual transmission;
limited speed – 130 km/h.

Stels 250 Enduro is economical while driving: fuel consumption per 100 km is only 3 liters. This indicator allows you to fully use the motorcycle in cross-country racing.

This motorcycle has an affordable price of 76-80 thousand rubles.

A review of the Stealth 250 Enduro is presented in this video:

What are dual-purpose enduro motorcycles? Differences from sports enduro

When I am asked to help with choosing an enduro off-road motorcycle, I always immediately ask several important questions that will help the future owner determine the required type of enduro motorcycle. First of all, for what purpose do you need a motorcycle and where do you plan to ride it: local weekend rides, so to speak, to relieve your soul, or relatively long-distance rides, for example in the mountains. Well, the second question is, of course, the planned budget.

For rides around the house, sporty enduros are perfect. They are also called cross-enduro. Although, apart from their similar appearance, they have nothing to do with the cross. These are true off-road vehicles in the enduro world. Sturdy frame, reinforced rims, hubs and handlebars; narrow seat, primarily designed for riding in a standing position; a small plastic tank and the absence of unnecessary off-road elements, such as turn signals, tail lights and, very often, instrument panels. These motorcycles, as a rule, are not afraid of falls (in moderation, of course) and are excellent for serious off-road conditions, rocks, logs and jumps.

By the way, on the topic of Chinese sports enduros, I have a separate article: TOP 5 Chinese cross-enduro motorcycles

If an off-road motorcycle is needed for motorcycle touring and travel, as well as leisurely trips on light off-road conditions, dual-purpose enduro motorcycles, or another name - dual-sport or soft enduro, would be an excellent choice. As a rule, motorcycles of this class have a large tank coupled with economical fuel consumption, a comfortable seat for long-distance riders and rare service intervals.

Excellent representatives of this class can be called the “great Japanese trinity” - Honda XR250, Suzuki Djabel 250 and Yamaha TTR250, as well as their modern counterparts Kawasaki KLX250S, Honda CRF250L and CRF250 Rally, as well as the Yamaha WR250 in the R version. This also includes the legendary and perhaps the most versatile of all, the Suzuki DRZ400, as well as the modern and very technological KTM 690 Enduro and Husqvarna 701 enduro.

All these motorcycles are light touring enduros, created for motorcycle touring and traveling and not particularly suitable for hard enduro. They are not intended for rough off-road use. If you use them for their intended purpose, they will give you a lot of unforgettable impressions and memories and, of course, will disappoint you in hard enduro, primarily due to their considerable weight.

You may be interested in the article “Modern soft enduro Yamaha WR250R, Kawasaki KLX250S and Honda CRF250L”