The used motorcycle market is full of once-exotic motorcycles that have now depreciated into cheap bargains. But there’s a reason why most of us would never go around an old Ducati or Moto Guzzi motorcycle. As amazing as these exoticas can be, they can be incredibly expensive to own.
That’s why the smarter thing to do is convince your heart otherwise and pick a motorcycle that won’t burn a hole in your wallet. You need something affordable to own, and that comes down to reliability and how economical the bike is to run. Fortunately, there are plenty of bikes across the segments that offer easy and cheap ownership without compromising on fun.
Triumph Speed 400
Starting MSRP: $5,595
Triumph rocked the boat with the launch of the Speed 400, and one ride will show you why. This neo-retro roadster is a terrific beginner bike, powered by a tractable TR-Series 398cc single producing 39.5 horsepower. It also features a remarkable suspension that’s supple and composed, and the ergonomics are perfect for puttering around town every day.
What makes the Speed 400 even better is how easy it can be to own. It’s an entry-level bike that benefits from cheap Indian manufacturing, which translates to inexpensive parts. Don’t get us wrong, the build quality is still good. Triumph also offers a long 10,000-mile service interval with this bike, and while the engine is relatively new, initial reports show solid reliability.
Royal Enfield INT 650
Starting MSRP: $6,149
The Royal Enfield INT 650 may look like just another retro bike, but it’s much more than that. Sure, it’s a sight to behold, but it offers a pure riding experience that’s simply hard to match by most modern bikes. The 648cc parallel-twin engine is a peach to ride, complete with a throaty exhaust note thanks to its 270-degree firing order. Handling is also nimble. There’s a reason why the INT 650 is one of the best-selling bikes in Europe.
The Royal Enfield INT 650 should also be pretty easy and affordable to own, thanks to its simple construction. The parallel-twin engine is understressed and uses a simple design, and the bike lacks pretty much any modern tech, save for LED lights, a USB port, and ABS. Over the years, the INT 650 has also proven to be quite reliable, offering a mostly stress-free ownership experience.
Honda CBR500R
Starting MSRP: $6,399
The Honda CBR500R sits at the bottom end of the Big Red’s sports bike lineup, yet it manages to stay true to the CBR philosophy of Total Control. The parallel-twin engine focuses on real-world performance, and it’s paired with high-end Showa suspension that should be comfortable on the road. It’s these qualities that make the CBR500R such an excellent all-rounder sports bike in this segment.
At the same time, the CBR500R should be much easier to own, thanks to its tried-and-tested engine and Honda’s build quality. The engine is derived from the NX500, previously known as CB500F, which has earned a reputation for being bulletproof. The same reliability factor should translate onto the CBR500R. You also get a typical Honda fit and finish with this bike.
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Kawasaki KLE 500
Starting MSRP: $6,599
Upon its launch, the KLE 500 caused a storm on online forums and social media for its low ground clearance. While there’s some merit to this criticism, it only actually matters if you take it for hard off-roading. Everywhere else, including moderate trails, the KLE 500 should feel just at home. It’s a genuinely good, balanced package with a decently powerful parallel-twin engine.
Like the CBR500R, the KLE 500 may be a new motorcycle, but the engine isn’t. It borrows the parallel-twin engine from the Eliminator, Ninja 500, and Z 500 motorcycles. Owners report that the KLE 500 returns good fuel economy and is about as reliable as you’d expect a Kawasaki to be. So, if you’re looking for a sub-500cc ADV, don’t let its low ground clearance stop you.
Honda XR650L
Starting MSRP: $6,999
If you’re looking for an easy-to-own yet capable dual sport, there’s hardly a better option than the XR650L. This old-school Japanese 650cc dual sport is essentially a tractor on two wheels, featuring a big-bore thumper engine and long-travel suspension that’s designed for technical off-roading. Of the three Japanese 650cc dual sports, the XR650L also benefits from the highest ground clearance.
The XR650L is also one of the most reliable motorcycles you can buy today, since it has been virtually unchanged since the 90s. Honda has had enough time to fix all the niggles, and its simple construction has earned it a reputation for being indestructible. As long as you feed it good-quality engine oil as per the owner’s manual, the XR650 should keep on running for years to come.
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Kawasaki Ninja 650
Starting MSRP: $7,599
The Kawasaki Ninja 650 is the default option when you want a middleweight sports bike that’s also easy to own. It’s a practical sports bike that features a 67-horsepower 649cc parallel-twin engine and a trellis frame. It’s not-so-committed ergonomics let you attack corners as well as relax on other occasions. Few sports bikes can strike this balance of versatility quite like the Ninja 650.
The Ninja 650’s engine is an old unit that has been updated over time, and Kawasaki has had time to iron out the niggles with it. As a result, the parallel-twin engine is often regarded as a very reliable mill with low ownership costs. In fact, this is the same engine on the Versys 650, which is reported to clock over 100k miles by some owners. And if something does break, Kawasaki’s extensive service network has your back.
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Yamaha MT-07
Starting MSRP: $8,599
The Yamaha MT-07 was launched back in 2015, and over the years, Yamaha has given it several updates that have only perfected what was already an amazing motorcycle. It features the legendary CP2 engine with 72 horsepower on tap. At the same time, it is often praised for its nimble handling and fun character. Many even consider the MT-07 as the spiritual successor to the SV650, and it’s easy to see why.
Speaking of being easy and affordable to own, the MT-07’s CP2 engine has been in service since 2015 across a bunch of Yamaha middleweight motorcycles, including the Tenere 700. And it has proven to be quite reliable across all bikes. Owners report that the CP2 engine is also very easy to work on and has the potential to rack up significant mileage without major breakdowns.
Honda Shadow Phantom
Starting MSRP: $8,699
The Honda Shadow Phantom is one of the most affordable ways of experiencing what a true V-twin cruiser feels like. This stylish Honda cruiser packs a V-twin engine that produces enough power to cruise comfortably on the highway. At the same time, Honda says it’s nimble enough to handle city streets. It’s also a blank canvas, so you can customize it into whatever you want.
While the Shadow Phantom may look modern, its V-twin engine dates back to 1997, when it powered the Shadow VT750C. This, along with Honda’s inherent reliability, makes this middleweight cruiser one of the most reliable options in the segment. It’s also one of the very few cruisers to feature a final shaft drive, so you don’t have to worry about cleaning the chain regularly, either.
Suzuki V-Strom 650
Starting MSRP: $9,299
The Suzuki V-Strom 650 may be a dinosaur in the segment, but don’t let its age fool you. This is still a very competent adventure bike, and it can easily keep up with newer middleweight ADVs while outlasting most of them. It features a 90-degree V-twin, which is unique in the segment, hung in a twin-spar frame. The standard V-Strom 650 is more of an adventure tourer, but Suzuki also offers the more off-road-ready XT for those who like to get gnarly on trails.
The V-twin in question, by the way, is taken from the SV650, which is considered among the most reliable bikes ever made. The SV650 is known to handle beginner-level and stunning abuse, and the V-Strom 650 only builds on that sturdiness with its adventure-ready underpinnings and components. That’s what makes the V-Strom 650 the kind of bike that will never betray you as long as you take care of it.
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Honda CBR600RR
Starting MSRP: $11,499
If practicality isn’t a concern, and you want a proper sports bike that’s still affordable to own, look no further than the CBR600R. This is one of the last true 600cc supersports, featuring a howling inline-four engine, razor-sharp handling, and uncompromising ergonomics. It’s the perfect recipe to tear up a racetrack. The only downside is that the model sold in the US is quite old; the European market gets the newer CBR600RR.
Fortunately, being so long on the market comes with its perks: Honda has had the time to iron out niggles. At the same time, being a Honda, this is one of the most reliable supersport motorcycles you can buy today. Owners also report that it’s easy to live with, too, thanks to its roomy and relatively comfortable ergonomics, especially when compared to the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R.
Source: Manufacturers