Motorcycles are usually purchases of passion, and things that are a result of a lot of passion tend to burn hotly, brightly… and have a short life. It doesn’t help that today’s marketing tells us that there’s always something better in the newer versions and that our life will get better if we only trade up to the latest and greatest. However, there is a section of us who like to keep their bikes for a very long time.
There are motorcycles that cater to this section of clientele, and they are not just tough and easy to maintain, but they are also surprisingly fun as well. The list of ten motorcycles built for riders who plan to keep them forever has the usual suspects, but there are a few pleasant surprises as well!
Honda NX500
Price: $6,899
The NX500 is the smallest multi-cylinder Honda ADV today, and if you’re interested in covering large distances on a small budget, it doesn’t get much better than this. The parallel twin engine is extremely reliable and is capable of sitting at highway speeds all day long. It also helps that it is extremely efficient. The latest update has given it a 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth and navigation. There is also ABS and switchable traction control. The best part is the fact that the price has reduced compared to a year or two ago!
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Engine Type |
180° I2 |
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Displacement |
471 cc |
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Max Power |
46.9 HP @ 8,600 RPM |
|
Max Torque |
31.7 LB-FT @ 6,500 RPM |
Kawasaki KLR650
Price: $6,999
The KLR650 being on this list is a no-brainer. It is the default choice for those wanting a motorcycle that is unbreakable. Over the years, it has put on pounds to the extent that it can’t really be classified as a dual sport anymore. Kawasaki has leaned into this as well, giving it ABS (non-switchable), hard luggage, aux lights, frame sliders, a 12V charging socket, and a tank pad, and calling it the KLR650 Adventure. Instrumentation remains a simple LCD screen, and the gearbox remains a five-speed unit.
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Engine Type |
Single cylinder |
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Displacement |
651 cc |
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Max Power |
42.1 HP @ 7,000 RPM |
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Max Torque |
34.7 LB-FT @ 5,000 RPM |
Suzuki DR650S
Price: $7,299
The DR650S is what you get if you want a dual-sport like the KLR650, but a much lighter one. This is a simple, rugged bike with an air-cooled, SOHC engine, carburetion, and a five-speed gearbox. The suspension offers compression damping adjustment for the rear monoshock, and a lowering kit is available for those who desire a lower seat. Its USP is its reliability – and its ability to do everything you ask of it without complaint.
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Engine Type |
Single cylinder |
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Displacement |
644 cc |
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Max Power |
43.5 HP @ 6,400 RPM |
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Max Torque |
39.8 LB-FT @ 4,600 RPM |
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Suzuki SV650 ABS
Price: $8,149
The SV650 remains relevant today, even though it hasn’t really changed at all since its launch. You get a simple and fun package, and this is the only affordable V-twin street bike. It has matured over the years to the point where it is extremely reliable. Emission norms might demand a change from this driveline soon, but as it stands, it delivers equally on the reliability as well as the fun fronts.
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Engine Type |
90° V-twin |
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Displacement |
645 cc |
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Max Power |
73 HP @ 8,500 RPM |
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Max Torque |
47.2 LB-FT @ 8,100 RPM |
Honda Shadow Phantom
Price: $8,669
The Shadow has much to offer seasoned riders. The 3-valve V-twin has character, the shaft drive makes it quite fuss-free, and nothing breaks. Honda has discontinued the Shadow Aero, which means you get only tubeless tires and alloy wheels with the Shadow Phantom now. A rear disc brake and ABS are standard on the Phantom. The cost and ease of maintenance are a joy with a Shadow just as much as riding one.
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Engine Type |
52° V-twin |
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Displacement |
745 cc |
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Max Power |
44.9 HP @ 5,500 RPM |
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Max Torque |
47.9 LB-FT @ 3,500 RPM |
BMW F 900 R
Price: $8,995
The F 900 R often gets lost in the shadows of the other two models powered by the same engine – the F 900 GS and F 900 XR – but it is a great motorcycle in its own right. It is one of those rare products that has a combination of premium badge, value pricing, and reliability that is at the top of its segment. It helps that the F 900 R is a genuinely fun motorcycle to ride, and with great customization potential thanks to a long options list.
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Engine Type |
270° parallel twin |
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Displacement |
895 cc |
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Max Power |
105 HP @ 8,500 RPM |
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Max Torque |
68 LB-FT @ 6,750 RPM |
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Yamaha Bolt R-Spec
Price: $8,999
The Bolt R-Spec was developed as an alternative to Harley’s Evolution-powered Sportster. While the Sportster series has changed dramatically, the Bolt has stayed true to its roots. Not only does this mean it is reliable and fun because it is a Yamaha, but it is also a very capable customization platform. Should you want to leave it stock, though, you will be pleasantly surprised by its performance and reliability.
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Engine Type |
60° V-twin |
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Displacement |
942 cc |
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Max Power |
65 HP |
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Max Torque |
59.3 LB-FT @ 3,000 RPM |
Kawasaki Vulcan 900
Price: $9,599
The Vulcan 900 is another Japanese cruiser like the Bolt that took aim at Harley by imitating it. It has been successful for the brand, with the midsize variant remaining on sale even today. It even has a belt drive and a long-stroke V-twin. The Vulcan 900 Classic is the cruiser with the chrome and the long, low stance. The Vulcan 900 LT adds a bolt-on windscreen and soft luggage to give it touring capabilities. The Vulcan 900 Custom looks like a drag bike, thanks to its 21-inch front alloy wheel, drag bike bars, and blacked-out everything. All three will last forever.
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Engine Type |
55° V-twin |
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Displacement |
903 cc |
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Max Power |
50 HP @ 5,700 RPM |
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Max Torque |
58.2 LB-FT @ 3,500 RPM |
Ducati Multistrada V4
Price: $19,995
The Multistrada V4 is one of the great hidden gems of modern motorcycling. It has shed Ducati’s reputation for high ownership costs and frequent maintenance, and it offers it at a very competitive base price. Sure, you know you want to add accessories to it, but it doesn’t change the fact that this is now a genuine option for those continent-crossing rides. The sky’s the limit with its higher-priced versions like the Multistrada V4 S and V4 Rally, but even in base form, it is bike enough for anyone.
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Engine Type |
90° V4 |
|
Displacement |
1,158 cc |
|
Max Power |
170 HP @ 10,750 RPM |
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Max Torque |
91 LB-FT @ 9,000 RPM |
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BMW R 1300 GS
Price: $20,395
BMW continues to make its own road with the flagship GS, and it continues to enjoy sustained success with it. That’s because the GS has earned its reputation as a hard-nosed ADV that will keep going no matter the conditions. It has become a little civilized now, with options like an automated manual gearbox on the menu. But just because you have tech like intake valve VVT and electronic suspension doesn’t mean that it has gone soft. It will last no matter what you throw at it.
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Engine Type |
Longitudinal boxer twin |
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Displacement |
1,300 cc |
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Max Power |
145 HP @ 7,750 RPM |
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Max Torque |
110 LB-FT @ 6,500 RPM |
Sources: BMW USA, Honda Powersports