As the world marches further towards digitization, motorcycles are also being dragged into the mess that is planned obsolescence. For the most part, mechanical reliability has never been better, but the more technology that gets added to a bike, the more failure points are introduced. Not only do we need to deal with potential failure points, but also features that will almost inevitably be obsolete in five years time.
In some ways, all this can be justified if the bike we are buying is a leisure item. There is no denying the fact that new tech can improve the overall riding experience, and in that regard any potential risk might be worth the reward. But, if we are on a budget and need a reliable commuter, that equation changes rather dramatically. All the bikes on this list have proven to be incredibly reliable over the years. They all weigh less than 500 pounds because anything that weighs more than that can become awkward to ride daily, and they are mostly under ten years old, with one rather unique exception.
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10
2004 BMW F 650 GS Dakar
Price Range: $2,000 – $4,000
|
Engine Type |
Max Power |
Transmission |
Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
|
625 cc Single-Cylinder, liquid-cooled |
50 HP |
5-speed |
423 lbs |
Age has a nasty way of making something which was once reliable, unreliable. While this is over two decades old now, these old Rotax – not BMW – engines were famously reliable. Owners of bikes like this also tend to look after their bikes, and this is of the utmost importance. Obviously, at this end of the market, you need to go through the bike carefully, but the only thing to really look out for is modifications previous owners made. Avoid bikes which have had aftermarket accessories that tap into the wiring harness.
9
2015 Kawasaki Versys 650
Price Range: $3,000 – $5,000
|
Engine Type |
Max Power |
Transmission |
Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
|
649 cc Parallel-Twin, liquid-cooled |
67 HP |
6-speed |
454 lbs |
The Versys 650 has been the default choice for middleweight touring bike buyers for a very long time, and it is very easy to see why. Not only does the bike live up to its name – Versatile System – but it also offers unerring reliability, and all-day touring comfort. Even though it is primarily a tourer, its comfortable upright ergos make it an excellent commuter, too.
8
2018 Suzuki DR-Z400SM
Price Range: $4,000 – $6,000
|
Engine Type |
Max Power |
Transmission |
Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
|
398 cc Single-Cylinder, air-cooled |
39 HP |
5-speed |
317 lbs |
With a 35-inch seat height, this won’t be ideal for shorter riders. It is more or less ideal in every other respect. Its durable dual-sport engine will keep ticking over forever in a street bike application like this. It might not be that powerful, but it is still fun to ride, and it is economical. Just check the bike carefully. The last thing you want to do is end up with one that has spent most of its life on the back wheel.
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7
2020 Honda XR650L
Price Range: $4,000 – $6,000
|
Engine Type |
Max Power |
Transmission |
Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
|
644 cc Single-Cylinder, air-cooled |
44 HP |
5-speed |
346 lbs (no fuel) |
This is another one for taller folks, but you are rewarded with 13 inches of ground clearance here. If you are after a reliable commuter that will double up as an off-road bike that can quite literally go anywhere over the weekend, this is a fantastic option. Just be warned, this is not a motorcycle you will buy for comfort, because once you go over 60 MPH, it goes out the window.
6
2020 Honda Rebel 500 ABS
Price Range: $3,000 – $5,000
|
Engine Type |
Max Power |
Transmission |
Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
|
471 cc Parallel-Twin, liquid-cooled |
46 HP |
6-speed |
408 lbs |
If you are after a cruiser that you can commute on, we can scarcely think of a better bike. While the last two bikes were better suited to taller folk, this is most certainly better suited to those on the shorter side with a low seat height and compact ergos. This powertrain is designed for Honda’s range of entry-level offerings, so it is approachable, economical and incredibly durable.
5
2021 Yamaha Tenere 700
Price Range: $7,000 – $9,000
|
Engine Type |
Max Power |
Transmission |
Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
|
689 cc Parallel-Twin, liquid-cooled |
73 HP |
6-speed |
452 lbs |
Yamaha kept the first edition of the Tenere 700 as basic as possible. What you get here is a competent off-road ADV with the now famous CP2 engine, which has proven to be one of the most reliable engines to ever be put in a motorcycle. Prices are finally coming down now after holding its value well for several years.
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4
2022 Suzuki SV650
Price Range: $4,000 – $6,000
|
Engine Type |
Max Power |
Transmission |
Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
|
645 cc V-Twin, liquid-cooled |
75 HP |
6-speed |
432 lbs |
Of all the naked bikes currently on the market, few have had the staying power of the SV650. After enduring a brief “Gladius” phase, the SV650 came back with a bang and has been on the market since then. We thought that it might bid us adieu back when the GSX-8S came out, but it has soldiered on. Today, the 2022 model is still almost new, but it is still a relatively simple, fun bike.
3
2022 Kawasaki Ninja 400 ABS
Price Range: $3,000 – $5,000
|
Engine Type |
Max Power |
Transmission |
Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
|
399 cc Parallel-Twin, liquid-cooled |
49 HP |
6-speed |
370 lbs |
Sports bikes don’t usually make for the best commuters, but the relatively upright ergos of the Ninja 400 make it pretty comfy. The one thing to look out for is a bike that has been working hard out on track. With it being an entry-level sports bike, many would have been converted into a track trainer. So it is best to look for one that is more or less stock, with maybe only a couple of street-focused mods.
2
2023 Honda CRF300L Rally
Price Range: $3,000 – $5,000
|
Engine Type |
Max Power |
Transmission |
Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
|
286 cc Single-Cylinder, liquid-cooled |
27 HP |
6-speed |
335 lbs |
Light ADVs and dual-sports are getting a lot more love these days. The CRF300L Rally has become a top choice for would-be explorers all over the world, but its comfort, wind protection, and unerring reliability also make it a fantastic little commuter. At first glance it might seem a little on the tall side, but the rear shock compresses a fair bit once you hop on.
This all-rounder offers us an affordable way to commute and tour on a motorcycle.
1
2023 Kawasaki KLR650 Adventure ABS
Price Range: $4,000 – $6,000
|
Engine Type |
Max Power |
Transmission |
Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
|
652 cc Single-Cylinder, liquid-cooled |
39 HP |
5-speed |
487 lbs |
For almost the same price as the CRF300L Rally, you can go a size up and have this lovable donkey. For whatever reason, depreciation seems to affect it a little more, but you actually get a lot more from the bike. All the features are the physical kind, as in crash protection, auxiliary lights and hard cases. It is a little on the heavy side with all these farkles, but if you want a commuter that can take you exploring over the weekend, this is worth a look.