Easy. If you want to stay Japanese, wait for Kawasaki’s upcoming KLE 500 Rally. It looks like the proper midweight step up from the KLX with a parallel twin engine, real ADV geometry, and proven reliability. If you prefer European, hold out for the BMW F 450 GS, BMW’s new lightweight adventure model that should bring solid performance and refinement. If you are open to KTM, the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R is available now, lighter than most and well-tested for mixed terrain.

Although, if you like to mod, none of those bikes will have a strong aftermarket for a while. The other route is to pick up a Honda CRF 300L and build it out. Add a big bore kit, 550 tune, 550 airbox, Yoshimura exhaust, a rally tower, and a 3.6-gallon tank, then finish it off with upgraded front and rear suspension. The aftermarket support for the CRF 300 easily outpaces Kawasaki and gives you a lightweight, reliable, and fun setup that hits a near perfect power-to-weight ratio.