7 Best Unicorn Motorcycles Available New Today 

Nice realistic review of these bikes. I bought an XR650L new in 1994 and rode it until 2019, a true unicorn that could run singletrack all afternoon and then cruise the highway back home without issue. While the weight was a downside it was more the placement of the weight than the amount of it that could give you fits, a high center of gravity has a way of making crashes not only more common but also more aggressive (it was good to be young!). 25yrs of enjoyment without a single major mechanical failure is something special indeed.

I have a 2023 650l, which I got specifically because of its, "unicorn" status, after a lot of research, and chose it specifically because of its 30 year old tech. I love it. 12k miles in my first year.

The DR650 has one of the largest aftermarket ever and you can make it into almost anything you want. Pick up a used one and it will leave you plenty of room for lots of upgrades.

I've been riding my XR650R since 2001. I haven't done a thing to it except to uncork it. I've been on many trail adventures with that bike.

Why no love for the DRZ400? That would of been my number two choice. 319 lbs, 33HP, 25 LB-FT, full suspension etc.

The unique unicorn is the AJP PR7. Absolutely perfect. The Voge 300 rally also outstands the Crf300.

The XR650 and DR650 analysis is pretty good. I have owned both and the DR is not for single track but will do 90mph all day on the highway and the XR will hold it's own in the woods if you don't mind wrestling a Bear and being very careful with wheel placement and throttle control.

My Kove seems like a better more powerful Honda CRF300 Rally, which is what I was searching for when I bought it. So far, I'm pretty impressed with the build quality and the performance. Surprisingly nimble and less vibey than my Honda 450L, which I never bonded with despite the mods I threw on it. The engine has been around for a while so I am not too worried about it.

My unicorn is the Honda Xr190l (not available in the U.S.). It’s small and light, but for touring South America’s slow mountain roads it’s perfect. I can keep up on local highways but it’s also light enough for trail riding. It’s also super simple and cheap. This bike does everything I need without hassles and excessive costs. I’d feel comfortable riding my Xr190l around South America. It would suck on US highways because it’s going to top out around 65 mph and suffer whenever a heavy truck passes at 80, but it’s just the right size for where I live.

3 unicorns in my garage, KTM 690 Enduro R, KTM EXC 530 and Yamaha XT660R. 690 is a hard hitting race bike, and 530 even more so, but XT660R really is a relaxing and reliable bike for all possible uses, from single track to forest roads to gravel roads to freeways. Everything goes.

DR650!! Not too tall. A bit heavy stock, but easily trimmed. Stable on highways. Good low end grunt. Tons of aftermarket stuff/good parts availability. Reliable. Steel frame holds luggage well. Suspension needs work, but can be improved for a little cash. Ride anywhere your skills can take you. Cush hub. I had a DRZ 400S, but almost as heavy and not good on highway/crosswinds and down on power. Sold it when I found a mint DR650. Couldn't be happier with my mods. She's a keeper! Got a XCF-W 500 for trail/enduro days.

I dig the Kove 450 Rally. If they make it a bit more usable for everyday riders - lower the seat height, soften the suspension a bit and make it more supple - they would be a big hit! One future Unicorn perhaps are future models from Ducati, using their new 659cc single-cylinder motor. Would love to see that motor in a Desert Sled or Desert-X platform.

YES Sir! The King, is defiantly the mighty DR650. AkA "The Doctor", AkA "BushPig"

My BMW HP2 Enduro was 386lbs Dry, but outfitted with the Titanium exhaust and LFP battery it was around 400lbs wet. Light enough (for me) and awesome in 250km enduro races. But, for price around unobtainium. It was my unicorn. Around 120hp and 120nm. On road a good traveler, (a bit small on the gastank)

No mention of the KLR 650?… especially in the U.S. and Canada. My local dealer has 2023 models selling for $4,600 USD. It’s arguably the best value dual sport. I’d also argue there are more aftermarket parts, forums, and dealership support for the KLR than just about any mass produced motorcycle. Hard to believe you missed this one.

Maybe mentioned in other comments, but AJP PR7 should be on the list. I had one. Briefly. Tall seat height, but super capable, much in the same vain (vane?) as the Kove. Mostly limited by limited dealers. A boutique bike for sure, but isn't that Kove as well?

Man I’m from Spain and I cannot be more jealous of u still having de DRZ available. Such a dreambike

Excellent video and dialog. I think 400lbs is the magic number. KTM 490 twin looked like the bike before being canceled. I hope the upgraded 390 with adjustable suspension does it and rules as the ultimate unicorn.

Intro - 0:00 What is a Unicorn Motorcycle? - 0:52 1. Royal Enfield Himalayan - 3:14 2. Honda CRF300L Rally - 4:15 3. Kawasaki KLX300 - 5:07 4. Honda XR650L - 6:00 5. Suzuki DR650 - 7:00 6. KTM 690 Enduro R, Husqvarna 701 Enduro, GasGas ES 700 Enduro - 8:44 7. Kove 450 Rally - 10:09

Wow, someone talking about the dr650 for once. Nice!

I miss my 97 Honda CRM250AR. The thing was a beast on and off road. Did lots of day long rallies. Could keep up with the Dakars on the road and the dirtbikes off road. A true go anywhere bike which made me feel like a hooligan every time I road it. It love going down stairs and wheelied at the drop off a hat.

Great video mate! I roll a DR 650 in Australia with all the fruit mods done, it's my unicorn. Sadly, the DR 650 is no longer on sale here.

Yeah, well it seems any bike Noraly rides turns into a unicorn, maybe she ought to get one of those Chineses bikes. And, how is that Chinese "Sportster" doing? Cheers from the Pacific West Coast of Canada.

Good review man. As I’ve been watching other vid commentary on some of bikes in your vid, i have to agree with you. Including comments about the Chinese mc. Unfortunately, my politics prevent me from giving that bike any consideration. 😊

I am loving my klx300. Iam on a 1000 mile tour of southern arizona right now and it is crushing it.

Good video. Your quick pace and open preference for more offroad capability make for a useful and entertaining review. Well done, but let's face it, none of these are much fun on big roads for very long

Still holding out hope to see a CRF600 Rally one day with real 890 style rally tanks and the passenger pegs that seem to be disappearing from new DS models. Thanks for another great video.

Thanks for another great video. 20,000 kms on my 2019 DR650 now. Cogent suspension from Bush Pig made it a keeper likely forever. Too bad you are east and I am west or you could have it for a week to do a review on.

Suzuki Dr z400 ?? nice bike too

Love the dr650. If i was going to buy a new bike im pretty sure it'd be the winner.

Would be interesting to know your thoughts on the AJP PR7

Great video and choices of bikes. I think you got it correct.

What a good video. In Australia we were fortunate that the XR650R was sold as street legal, and they are still my favourite bikes. However, I anticipate a 701 will likely be my next bike.

I agree with your thoughts and views, it's all designed, engineered and manufactured by people who give us these vehicles to enjoy 😊

Love the 701!

Since I own a Husky 701 Enduro I agree with you 100%.

I’d like to try a Suzuki DR650 though Tuareg 660 which I currently own is a bike that made me happy.

I think you miss the AJP PR7 a great motorcycle for people more OffRoad oriented and the SWM Super dual for a more Dual Sport balance. They both Share the same reliable and strong Husqvarna 600cc engine and in the mix both have good protection, Confort and the best Weigth for the Job.

Great video pal

Best tag line is at 09:27… “You’re better getting home on a Honda than a KTM!” I’m off to my Honda Motorcycle Dealer. 👍

Here for the Honda's!😎

Absolutely right! Right now, if I had t replace my rally or it just became too underpowered or boring I would get the Kove. Nobody has a problem with Chinese parts or engines just Chinese bikes. Looking at the Kove story so far it has obviously been developed and tested by some serious enthusiasts. However I do like the look of the CF moto MT 450. Great looks,all the electronics, crash bars and rack, tubeless spoked rims and a 270degree 450. What’s not to like? Hopefully you will get your hands on one for a test.

the klr650 is the real unicorn and at the same time its a tank.

I love my KTM 640 Adventure, but both the 701 and kove 450 sure have my attention.

So buy a used or left over CRF450L and Rally -mod it ?

would a versys x300 fit this criteria?

Good, interesting comparison 👍

i'm struggling to understand why you'd put two entirely unsuitable bikes on the list (crf300, klx300) when there is a bike that has more power and torque, higher top speed, same weight, better parts quality, far better suspension, more parts availability, proven reliability and a similar price. the drz400e or drz400s with some upgrades like a safari tank and comfort seat are closer to unicorns than anything on this list. the 690 could be better but it's not cheap, parts aren't cheap and the reliability isn't there. there's a reason why so many people use drz400e's for adv riding in outback australia, cape york and the high country. because they can do all of them and they're all wildly different terrains.

Happy DR owner since 08 ❤

I love your dissertation on China not being the only country that has done questionable things. Every other country (including my country the United States) has done horrific things in the past. I love my country but have to admit where we went wrong. And when it comes down to motorcycles, we're just people all around the world who love this thrilling, peaceful and fearless lifestyle.

I had an XR600 right though the 90s (and my 30s). Awesome fun off road and doing stupid stunts in the city, but even 100km on the highway wiped me out. Now I have a 250 Rally and while it won't do the stunts the XR could do it will go anywhere, and I find 300 km on the road at 110 km/h (70 mph) on it perfectly fine. The Kove looks cool but the new HImalayan might actually fit my riding mix perfectly and at a great price. But for now the 250 Rally only owes me $4200 plus a $900 suspension upgrade and with 12k km on it has many years of fun still ahead.

Little suggestion: AJP PR7

I wish for a DR 650. It looks so cool

I like my honda XRE 300, i know it’s not available overseas but it still deserves a shoutout

If you have the chance to get a DR650 in your country, just get it. Would be my first choice for a to go around the Wolrd Bike. Here in Germany it is not available so I have a Tenere 700.

The current Kawasaki Versys 300x with solid skid plate is a low price unicorn mc for HWY rides and MILD all road-0ffroad- VERY MILD single track slow speed exploring trails. But agree with UR take on a possible KV500 MC,- K, WTH ???!!! Great reviews / opinions found here, keep up the good work !!!

Saved the best for the last?❤ good job!

Nice to see you mention Kove!

I will be headed to the Toronto Motorcycle and Powersport show specifically to check out the Kove in person, though right not a DR650 leads my list.

I had a H 701 2020 - super happy when offroads but I sold It to buy a WR Tenere. In fact one must consider and evaluate honestly how much time is spent in and off the blue roads - this is the core matter of the unicorn concept.

Cool video but you did miss the Honda CRF450RL - I have a 2022 model with over 11,000 miles split between dirt and highway.

Dual sport bikes are oil and water in the same container. They can share the same space, but they do not mix well.

The Kove 800 Adventure is the one I’m really looking forward to

So cool, liebe Caro💪💪

Great adventure bike review 👌 I can't believe you find your Yamaha 700 heavy... I'm riding a 1200 GS... Clearly, the best option is to buy a Suzuki DR650, spend what's needed for personal modifications and GO 🏁 ANYWHERE, affordably and reliably✌️.... The GS eats road miles like it's nothing... But it's a crawling battle tank off road, quickly stuck in soft terrain 💀

U gotta check out the Fantic Caballero 500 Rally but Im not shure if they sell it in America

I still think the Himalyan 450 is a good candidate. RE sets in high on... ACCESSIBILTY, maybe a category you overlooked. As you know heavy weight is relative and also has its advantages. Where is the weight, how easy can you get your feet down, is it difficult to pick up the bike from the ground, does the weight feels intimidating? These are the questions I ask myself. Furthermore I think the average adventurer justs wants to GET THROUGH as easy and save as possible and actually forget about the bike.

There is still one bike just coming back as T version, the SWM Superdual with 19/17 setup and 54hp. Former X (21/18) version seems unfortunately not to be brought back. I have a T version since 16k km and happy with it. The base is the 2012 Husky TE630 ifi am not wrong. I love that bike with few customize items. Price in EU about 6000 Euros

If you are including the XR650L and DR650, you need to include the KLR650. No, it isn't light...but makes up for it with highway chops and aftermarket support

Paul from Australia, I have a Rally - with better suspension, full FMF suspension, ECU ungraded and loads of other stuff 😂😂😂, but a great 👍 bike. I agree ☝️ the Husky 701 is a fantastic bike ( my mate has 25,000 km on his now and very little trouble in that time .

Oil change intervals for the 500exf is only if you race hard enduro. 4x that if just riding adventure

I ride a DRZ400S. Plenty of power to entertain even a former semi-pro racer like me, decent suspension for anyone under 250 pounds off the showroom, not excessively heavy, and absolutely stupidly reliable and low maintenance. I originally wanted an XR but they were out of stock and my two nearest Honda dealers didn't know when or if they'd see more XRs so I went with my 2nd choice. I wouldn't touch the Kove with a 20 foot pole. I saw a guy on one at a local hare scramble race and his engine blew up on the first hill climb. He wasn't a bad rider either. He was one race season away from moving to pro-am but he screwed up and swapped his XR650R for the Kove and it cost him a DNF on the first race of the season

what about the XT660?

So the Kove is an out-of-the-box race bike, but I thought you were considering bikes that could do it all, so how is it on the road ? Speaking of road use, as a former owner I feel it's worth mentioning that the DR650 has one of the most uncomfortable saddles you will ever plant your nether parts on.

Little personal bias but the Klx 230 is fantastic as well but the interstate is a bit scary, overall fantastic bike on and off road

Can i suggest the Fantic Caballero Rally? 450cc, 160 kg with fuel, 40 horsepower, 20 cm suspension travel, great looks.

There is a legend called Honda XR650R. Dry weight is under 300lb with the legendary single 650 EFI cam engine from Honda. If you can find it, buy it.

Transalp 400 - GOAT and Unicorn

To me the potential unicorn is in the CFMoto MT(IBEX) 450 (with a twin) -> can't wait to do a test drive

I ♥my T-Dub.

did i miss something? Drz 400 not worth a mention?

I think you should mention de Voge 300 Rally

I will stick with my Yamaha Tenere 700 thank you very much.

Yamaha Wr250r was my choice. Several reasons, weight, massive service intervals loads of parts & mods can be done. Also option of Supermoto wheels which I’ve since bought so now 2 bikes in 1. Just needs a bigger fuel tank, it reads 92mph on clock does 50mpg & does not eat tyres or chains n sprockets. It is a quarter of a R1 engine I’m told & it revs like it now it’s unrestricted 😊 I like the CRf but think the WR will be better bike all round with a 300 kit added. If I was to change it I’d just get a newer one & do same mods😊

AJP PR7? Why does everyone forget about AJP? 600cc, 58 bhp, 49 ft-lb torque, 165 kg, 920 mm seat height, fully adjustable suspension...

Im in Australia and the only bike on your list that i have access to that interest me are the crf300L and not the dr, but the drz400e. A lot of people who've ridden or owned both tell me the drz is the better choice but it's harder to justify to paying more than a new honda for a 30 year old bike 🙃

You left out the most obvious one, the DRZ 400. As much HP as the DR650, and much lighter, much better suspension, cruise all day at 65mph with power left to pass, maybe the most reliable bike ever built, and more after market products than all the others combined.

what about xt660 r?

Triumph scrambler 400? I personally like some reserve power on the highway. I have used it many times to gas out of a situation.

Although it is a twin, the soon-to-arrive CFMOTO MT 450 looks interesting.

Drz400e??

Here is the issues with the KTM690 and siblings. You touched on 2 of them the price and reliability but there are more if you plan on using it as a unicorn or light weight ADV bike. Although service intervals are good compared to other bikes in KTM/Husky lineup they are still not as good as Japanese DualSports and parts/ maintenance is more expensive too. However my biggest beef is the Steering setup and fuel tank. Steering angle is steep making steering “jittery” or “twitchy” for lack of a better term and steering radius is very limited made worse by the rear weight bias of the rear fuel tank. This combined with a very tall seat height makes low speed and 180 turns on the trails difficult, very difficult if your inseam is on the shorter side. The plastic fuel tank replaces the traditional rear subframe making pannier choice difficult as well as fueling when carrying rear luggage as it will need to be removed to access the fuel cap. Think tank bag on a sport bike but much worse if it’s attached to saddlebags and well secured for an extended bumpy trip… Adding fuel capacity is an expensive affair as a simple tank swap with an aftermarket Safari or Acerbis unit is not possible. There are front Tank kits however they are expensive to purchase and most require modification of the stock airbox intake and/or seat driving the cost even further not to mention complicated “Y” fuel line setups and in some cases a second fuel pump (not an item known for reliability on a KTM). It’s a real shame KTM hasn’t made the 690 more ADV friendly as most in the Dirt biased sphere seem to complain that it and it’s cousins are too heavy for serious off road use and opt for the 500’s you have dismissed instead.

The KTM 390 adventure is under 400 lbs wet. $7k, adjustable suspension, rider modes, can cruise all day at 75mph and is incredibly capable off road.

As a future rider, God willing, the more videos I watch about the bikes the more confused I get. I always loved the look of these bikes (eg KLR650) and wanted to own one. I just want to buy one bike and one bike only, that could drive in city, highway, and also trails and gravels sometimes, and is a smooth ride because of my broken back which has a few titanium plates installed in my spinal cord. The bike has to be light to pick up when dropped. I will be looking to buy an affordable used one and I think a KLR (easy to work on) might be a good one, and hopefully it'll be capable to carry two people on adventure. Hopefully an old rider who have ridden a few bikes throughtout the years can provide me with a better solution if there is one.

Versys-X 300?

Hm. No Versys-X 300?

I want Honda to make CRF450L but with CRF300L maintenance intervals. Hell, slap 500X on that chassis but that Kobe 450 does look interesting

You missed the AJP PR7

What about the DR 400

Thanks for another awesome vid ! If you’re including the Himi 450 then the KTM 390 ADV should also get a nod. 379 lbs. including EFI, ABS, engine guards, hand guards. The suspension doesn’t match the others but it’s very good. Folks complain about the foot peg angle but that can be easily changed if it’s bothersome.