Get down and dirty with these five mega mud-pluggers! I know you'll agree they're used bargains
Winter is a time when you can’t help but question the logic in taking a bike out of your garage. The roads are so full of grime that you spend as much time cleaning your bike as you do enjoying it! So how about swapping road tyres for something chunkier…
Plugging your way up a muddy green lane is not only great exercise but will also teach you better bike control. And who cares if a dual-purpose bike gets muddy – that’s what they are designed for, after all. Tempted? Check out these five for some filthy fun.
- Related: Adventure riding gear buying guide
Read on for our expert guide to used adventure bikes!
MCN Recommended: 2019 – 2024 Yamaha Ténéré 700 – £5000 – £9000
A proper dual-purpose bike from Yamaha
Spec:
- Power: 72.4bhp
- Engine capacity: 689cc
- Seat height: 880mm
- Kerb weight: 203kg
Yamaha’s fantastic dual-purpose Ténéré 700 has been a massive hit with riders who like to cover both road miles and enjoy a bit of green lane action. An extremely competent off-roader that is far from intimidating to ride, what makes the Ténéré so good is the fact that its CP2 engine and comfortable riding position mean that it can be used as a day-to-day ride that is also more than happy to cover big miles on an adventure tour. A true jack of all trades.
Yamaha Ténéré 700 used buying advice
- Connectivity was added to the dash in 2023 alongside the ability to add a quickshifter and upgraded three-mode ABS.
- Check the sidestand cut-out switch, its position makes it vulnerable to damage if the bike is used off-road. Yamaha have moved its position on the 2025 model.
- The engine is solid but needs 24,000-mile valve clearance checks and the radiator can be prone to damage. A new radiator is more than £400 from Yamaha.
- Hot starting issues are usually traced to the charcoal canister. There are removal guides online.
2001 – 2009 Suzuki DR-Z400S – £2000 – £4000
Suzuki’s spirited dual-purpose bike
Spec:
- Power: 39bhp
- Engine capacity: 398cc
- Seat height: 935mm
- Kerb weight: 143kg
Suzuki’s mud-plugger has been reborn for 2025 but the old model still makes for a fabulous dual-purpose bike. Although its single-cylinder engine isn’t that great for long-distance work, the DR-Z400S is a solid commuter that is light and easy to manage when off-road. If you are after a cheap, reliable, A2-legal entry point into the world of green lane riding, it’s a sound option.
Suzuki DR-Z400S used buying advice
- The original 2000 DR-Z400 is a kickstart-only enduro and while the E model added an electric boot, it is far less refined than the S.
- Check all of the electrics work (you will need an MoT for green lane riding) as the wiring loom can start to fail on older bikes.
- Ensure that the steering lock works because a lot of DR-Zs get stolen. Always do an HPI check.
- Watch out for any smoke on start-up, especially if the engine has performance upgrades.
2017 – 2020 Honda CRF250L Rally – £3500 – £4500
Honda’s semi-hardcore, bulletproof adventurer
Spec:
- Power: 24bhp
- Engine capacity: 250cc
- Seat height: 895mm
- Kerb weight: 157kg
The CRF250 Rally takes Honda’s bulletproof CRF250L and adds not only longer travel suspension but also a larger 10.1-litre tank (up 2.4 litres) and more weather protection. A light and peppy off-roader, it’s better than the L when it comes to road miles (and will cover nearly 200 miles on a tank while recording 80mpg). It looks great, is competent off-road and used prices are remarkably stable.
Honda CRF250L Rally used buying advice
- If you want a bit more punch, you can swap the 14/40 sprockets to 14/42 or even 13/40. Just remember it will make it revvier at high speed and the speedo will misread.
- A lot of owners do home maintenance, so check for leaks from the oil filter cover (right-hand side of the motor) and cracks around the sump plug area.
- The standard CRF250L is cheaper, more widely available and has a lower seat height than the Rally. Prices start at £2000.
2008 – 2016 Yamaha XTZ660Z Ténéré – £3500 – £5500
Yamaha’s punchy single-cylinder is a champion choice
Spec:
- Power: 48bhp
- Engine capacity: 660cc
- Seat height: 895mm
- Kerb weight: 205kg
Yamaha reintroduced the Ténéré name in 2008 on the go-anywhere single-cylinder XTZ660Z. Powered by the XT’s famously reliable SOHC single, the Z model has an all-new chassis, long-travel suspension and a big 22-litre tank. An excellent adventurer that can have luggage added, its tall seat height can be an issue for smaller riders.
Yamaha XTZ660Z Ténéré used buying advice
- If money is tight, the XT660R is a great alternative. It’s not as hardcore as the Ténéré but it is incredibly rugged and reliable.
- Check the subframe for damage, especially if panniers are fitted. It can get bent if the bike is dropped.
- Feel for worn cush drive rubbers, a common issue on all XT models. Fitting heavy duty rubbers is a good idea to prolong their life.
- Rust can be an issue on the spoked wheels and also the frame. Check both areas well.
2018 – 2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan – £2000 – £4000
Cheap, rugged and very friendly with bags of character
Spec:
- Power: 24.3bhp
- Engine capacity: 411cc
- Seat height: 800mm
- Kerb weight: 199kg
If you are after a dual-purpose bargain, look no further than the first-gen Royal Enfield Himalayan. Armed with just £2500 you can bag a bike that is less than three years old and will even have panniers! It’s far from the most high-tech machine but the Enfield will keep plodding on and is just as happy on tarmac as it is a green lane. It’s designed to survive the terrain in India, so the UK is a breeze.
Royal Enfield Himalayan used buying advice
- Bikes built from 2021 come with a Tripper navigation unit, which is handy but not a deal-breaker.
- Oddly, the Himalayan requires its valve clearances checking every 3000 miles but an oil change every 6000 miles. Most owners do both jobs at 3000 miles. Adjusting the valves is cheap and easy due to their ‘nut and screw’ design. Check the service history.
- Avoid early 2018 bikes, they had a lot of reliability issues that 2019-onwards models resolved.
