While there are always exceptions to the rule, Japanese manufacturers take quality control very seriously. The vast majority of the bikes we get from “the big four” are overengineered and will last a lifetime. As such, getting a new bike is not expressly necessary.
Japanese motorcycles generally tend to hold up rather well over time, and while certain models might develop a little corrosion here and there, mechanical reliability is almost a given. Older bikes with a lot of wiring are a different story, and might have a few electrical gremlins. If longevity is a priority, then the simpler, the better.
Buying a used motorcycle always has an element of risk attached, so please do your research and proceed with caution. The motorcycles on this list go from oldest to newest.
2000 Suzuki Hayabusa (1st Generation)
Price Range: $3,000 – $5,000
In the wrong hands, one of these old speed queens can be fairly dangerous. Even more so if it has been neglected. But, there are good bikes out there, and at this price offer incredible bang for the buck. With all the components engineered to withstand the rigors of near 200 MPH high-speed runs – not something your average Joe will ever get the chance to do – they will remain astronomically reliable.
1996 Kawasaki Vulcan 750
Price Range: $2,000 – $4,000
While most people were waiting to see which new superbike would be the fastest in the 90s, metric cruisers were quietly taking over the city streets. Out of all the bikes that came out throughout the 80s and 90s, it is the Vulcan 750 that has really stood the test of time. Although it was not the most powerful twin, its 66 horses were more than enough to get up to highway speed and stay there for several hours at a time. It is a simple, reliable, comfortable motorcycle, and as long as the previous owners have taken care of basic maintenance, these bikes will remain reliable for years to come.
2001 Honda Gold Wing GL1800
Price Range: $4,000 – $6,000
The Gold Wing had already become the benchmark touring bike by the early 00s. Older bikes are also pretty solid, but spending just a little more will get you a bike that actually has the same engine as the current model. Naturally, the rest of the bike has certainly dated a little, but the comparative lack of features will only serve to prolong its life. With great wind protection, comfortable seating for two, and more luggage than most people will ever need, this is still a great budget tourer all these years later.
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2008 Honda VFR800 Interceptor
Price Range: $4,000 – $6,000
If you are after a touring bike that is a little more nimble, the VFR800 is a significantly sportier option. While initially developed as a sportbike back in the early 80s, it had evolved into one of the very best sport tourers money could buy by the 00s. Honda has long since given up on the V4 engine configuration, which is a shame, because this is a bike that is well worth buying for its engine alone.
2010 Yamaha FJR1300
Price Range: $5,000 – $7,000
By 2010, the FJR1300 was more or less the finished article. It is a bike that is most certainly capable of doing over 100,000 miles, as long as you avoid the model with electronic suspension. Although it might be a nice-to-have feature, at this end of the market, it is likely near the end of its service life, and replacing it – yes, you need to replace, not fix it – will cost around the same price as another bike.
2015 Kawasaki Versys 650
Price Range: $2,000 – $4,000
By the time this rolled off the production line in 2015, it had already become the default choice in the middleweight touring space. While far from perfect, the old Versys is super reliable. A new version offers more features, but those features also add complexity. There is nothing complex about this version, and as long as you don’t outright neglect the bike, it will serve you well.
2016 Kawasaki Concours 14
Price Range: $7,000 – $9,000
The Concours 14 is famed for being able to accumulate more miles than just about any other motorcycle on the market. Unfortunately, these bikes are not immune to neglect, and if you find a high-mileage bike, some form of service record is a must. Most owners look after these bikes, though. So, as long as you are also willing to look after the machine, it will most likely outlive you.
2017 Honda Africa Twin
Price Range: $7,000 – $9,000
It is pretty hard to believe that the first-generation Africa Twin came out almost a decade ago now. Over the years, this ADV has proven to be one of the most reliable bikes on the market, well and truly living up to Honda’s reputation for building reliable motorcycles. While you won’t get all the latest tech features the new bike has, it is no less competent and no less comfortable.
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2022 Yamaha Tenere 700
Price Range: $6,000 – $8,000
Even though the Tenere 700 is a relatively new ADV, the CP2 is as proven as any motorcycle engine currently in production. The used market is also slowly starting to “wake up” after the new bike received several updates. We still like the back-to-basics approach of the original, and it represents good value on the used market, especially if you are able to find one with a few decent bolt-on modifications.
2022 Suzuki SV650
Price Range: $4,000 – $6,000
We are listing a 2022 model purely because it offers the most value at around $5k. In reality, any bike made after 2017 is pretty much the same aside from a few different color options. The SV650’s small, rev-happy V-twin combined with a taut steel trellis chassis makes it a genuinely engaging bike to ride. It also just so happens to be one of the most reliable motorcycle engines around, and has enjoyed a long, esteemed production run.
Source: KBB