If you're motorcycle shopping this year, here's where to get the most bang for your buck.
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By Ben Stewart, Popular Mechanics
Retro motorcycle design is hot right now, and it’s a great time to shop for one because this trend isn’t just for high-dollar machines. Just about every segment of motorcycling has a vintage feel and half the bikes on this list have a cool back-in-the-day flavor. Here are the latest bikes, both retro and modern, that offer a big bang for the buck.
Retro motorcycle design is hot right now, and it’s a great time to shop for one because this trend isn’t just for high-dollar machines. Just about every segment of motorcycling has a vintage feel and half the bikes on this list have a cool back-in-the-day flavor. Here are the latest bikes, both retro and modern, that offer a big bang for the buck.
Harley-Davidson FXDR 114
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The entry price in excess of 20 grand certainly isn’t cheap. Then again, all-new Harley-Davidson power cruisers don’t come along very often.
Just look at this thing-it has to be one of the toughest-looking new bikes on the market. The FXDR is unique among big Harleys because it’s actually been designed to handle tight corners and switchbacks. Traditional Harleys are known for torque, style, and an easy cruising attitude, but the bikes tend to lack the clearance, suspension, and tires needed for aggressive riding. The Softail-based FXDR 114 changes all that with impressive lean angles, a 43mm inverted fork, and a forward riding position more like a naked standard bike. The 114-cid V-twin is a monster that doles out a solid 119 lb-ft of torque. Good thing there’s a massive 240mm rear tire putting the power down.
Indian FTR 1200
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Base Price: $12,999
Indian has scored remarkable successes since the brand’s relaunch in 2013, progress that was built on the back of traditional cruisers with classic riding dynamics. In other words, not the kinds of bikes you’d choose to chase a Ducati into the canyons. But for 2019, Indian finally has a sportier offering, and it’s a stunner.
Based on the company’s off-road FTR750 dirt track racer, the FTR 1200 S uses a 1203-cc twin delivering around 120 hp, which is plenty for the bike’s sub-500-lb dry weight. Thanks to a big 43mm inverted front fork, an adjustable monoshock rear suspension, and big Brembo brakes, the FTR 1200 should be a worthy adversary for quite a number of naked sporty bikes.
It’s cool to see Indian taking a big risk to build such a radically different bike for them-and pulling it off big time.
Indian has scored remarkable successes since the brand’s relaunch in 2013, progress that was built on the back of traditional cruisers with classic riding dynamics. In other words, not the kinds of bikes you’d choose to chase a Ducati into the canyons. But for 2019, Indian finally has a sportier offering, and it’s a stunner.
Based on the company’s off-road FTR750 dirt track racer, the FTR 1200 S uses a 1203-cc twin delivering around 120 hp, which is plenty for the bike’s sub-500-lb dry weight. Thanks to a big 43mm inverted front fork, an adjustable monoshock rear suspension, and big Brembo brakes, the FTR 1200 should be a worthy adversary for quite a number of naked sporty bikes.
It’s cool to see Indian taking a big risk to build such a radically different bike for them-and pulling it off big time.
Kawasaki Z900RS
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Base Price: $10,999
The great thing about today’s retro bikes is that they only look retro-the technology inside is fully 2018. The Z900RS, which looks like a fresh take on the classic Z1, is based around the Z900, a contemporary Japanese sport bike. The 948-cc inline four-cylinder is a torquey beast, so the RS would be at home on just about any road. That big thickly padded seat is comfy and sits 32.8 inches off the ground. Similarly, the bike’s ergonomics create a very natural riding position.
This is the kind of bike that can do it all: run canyons hard on the weekend, commute daily to work, or take a quick ride to the grocery store. About that last one: The Z900RS has handy tie-down attachment points to make sure that 12-pack stays with you all the way home. And for those that want a bit more style, there’s a café version with a tiny fairing up front that runs $11,499.
The great thing about today’s retro bikes is that they only look retro-the technology inside is fully 2018. The Z900RS, which looks like a fresh take on the classic Z1, is based around the Z900, a contemporary Japanese sport bike. The 948-cc inline four-cylinder is a torquey beast, so the RS would be at home on just about any road. That big thickly padded seat is comfy and sits 32.8 inches off the ground. Similarly, the bike’s ergonomics create a very natural riding position.
This is the kind of bike that can do it all: run canyons hard on the weekend, commute daily to work, or take a quick ride to the grocery store. About that last one: The Z900RS has handy tie-down attachment points to make sure that 12-pack stays with you all the way home. And for those that want a bit more style, there’s a café version with a tiny fairing up front that runs $11,499.
BMW G310GS
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BMW knows how to make a proper adventure bike. The company has been building its off-road-worthy dual sport bikes since the early 1980s. It invented the segment, and today’s BMW bikes define it. So who better than BMW to build an affordable adventure machine?
The new GS is based upon BMW’s G310R road bike and shares that model’s single-cylinder engine. This bike gets its off-road chops from its taller, long travel (7.1-inch front fork) suspension and 19-inch front wheel and tire. But even with a high rider suspension, the BMW’s reasonably low 32.9-inch seat height will keep it appealing for riders of smaller stature. For those that want an even lower ride, BMW offers an even lower 32.3-inch seat. And because it’s a BMW, ABS is standard.
2019 Honda Monkey
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Base Price: $3,999
If there was a prize for “affordable retro radness” this year, it would most certainly go to Honda’s new Monkey.
Classic minibikes from the late ’60s and early ’70s have had a quiet renaissance over the past few years, so Honda thought, Why not bring back an update of the company’s original Z50 “monkey bike”? This new one is based on the bones of Honda’s popular tiny tyke Grom sport bike and uses a 125-cc engine backed by a four-speed transmission.
At just 231 lbs and using tiny 12-inch wheels, the little Monkey is as light as it is nimble. It’s pure fun to ride and to look at thanks to authentic retro touches like that big puffy padded seat. The Monkey could be the perfect, old-school urban runabout for those that think today’s electric shared scooters are for the birds.
If there was a prize for “affordable retro radness” this year, it would most certainly go to Honda’s new Monkey.
Classic minibikes from the late ’60s and early ’70s have had a quiet renaissance over the past few years, so Honda thought, Why not bring back an update of the company’s original Z50 “monkey bike”? This new one is based on the bones of Honda’s popular tiny tyke Grom sport bike and uses a 125-cc engine backed by a four-speed transmission.
At just 231 lbs and using tiny 12-inch wheels, the little Monkey is as light as it is nimble. It’s pure fun to ride and to look at thanks to authentic retro touches like that big puffy padded seat. The Monkey could be the perfect, old-school urban runabout for those that think today’s electric shared scooters are for the birds.
Suzuki SV650X
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Base Price: $8,399
No bike deserves the popular café racer look more than Suzuki’s beloved SV650. The SV is one of the greatest starter bikes on the market, but these machines are fun to ride for any skill level.
The café look comes from a pair of clip-on style bars (to place the rider farther forward and lower for a sportier feel). The SV650X also comes with a new saddle, fairing, and graphics. But what hasn’t changed are the SV's 649-cc twin and the great suspension. It should be just as easy to ride as any other SV and Suzuki makes ABS standard here. And the new Glacier White paint scheme fits the bill perfectly. At just over eight grand, the X is only a bit pricier than the regular SV650 with ABS.
No bike deserves the popular café racer look more than Suzuki’s beloved SV650. The SV is one of the greatest starter bikes on the market, but these machines are fun to ride for any skill level.
The café look comes from a pair of clip-on style bars (to place the rider farther forward and lower for a sportier feel). The SV650X also comes with a new saddle, fairing, and graphics. But what hasn’t changed are the SV's 649-cc twin and the great suspension. It should be just as easy to ride as any other SV and Suzuki makes ABS standard here. And the new Glacier White paint scheme fits the bill perfectly. At just over eight grand, the X is only a bit pricier than the regular SV650 with ABS.
Ubco 2x2
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Never heard of Ubco? This utilitarian New Zealand import is an oddity, but one worth knowing about. Let’s get one thing out of the way first-the fully electric 2x2 has a top speed of 30 mph, so you can forget about riding one of these on your favorite motorcycling road. The neat thing about the 2x2 is that, as the name suggests, it has two-wheel drive for serious off-road traction. Ubco says it can climb a 25 percent grade with a load up to 220 lb.
The Ubco has a range of 75 miles and, like most electric vehicles, uses brake regen to help charge the battery pack. The 2x2 would be a handy machine to have as a work vehicle on a ranch or job site, as the company says you can use the bike as a portable electric charge station for, say, tools or other devices. The bike is quite light at just more than 140 lb and, thanks to the low 31.5-inch seat height, just about any rider can handle one of these. You can get the bike in any color, too, as long as it’s white.
Yamaha YZF-R3
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Base Price: $4,999
These are glory days for anyone seeking small-displacement sporty bikes with budget-friendly price tags. The Yamaha YZF-R3 has filled that niche since 2015. Now the R3 is redesigned for ’19 with sleek new bodywork that makes it look like its bigger, more powerful siblings. A redesigned fuel tank should help riders nestle in behind a more aerodynamic front fairing. There’s a clean new LCD dash pod, too.
Power comes from the same sweet 321-cc twin-cylinder engine, backed by a six-speed. Yamaha improved the R3’s suspension with an inverted KYB front fork that is said to dole out a smoother ride and increased capability on tight corners. Like most small bikes, the R3 is a great one for shorter riders thanks to its 30.7-inch seat height.
These are glory days for anyone seeking small-displacement sporty bikes with budget-friendly price tags. The Yamaha YZF-R3 has filled that niche since 2015. Now the R3 is redesigned for ’19 with sleek new bodywork that makes it look like its bigger, more powerful siblings. A redesigned fuel tank should help riders nestle in behind a more aerodynamic front fairing. There’s a clean new LCD dash pod, too.
Power comes from the same sweet 321-cc twin-cylinder engine, backed by a six-speed. Yamaha improved the R3’s suspension with an inverted KYB front fork that is said to dole out a smoother ride and increased capability on tight corners. Like most small bikes, the R3 is a great one for shorter riders thanks to its 30.7-inch seat height.
Royal Enfield Continental GT
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Base Price: $5,999
The Royal Enfield brand has 100 years of history behind it, but the name hasn’t held much sway with American bikers in recent years. The reason is twofold: middling build quality and an incomplete product lineup. But lately the motorcycle company based in India has been eager to expand and has doubled down on quality.
Early next year, Royal Enfield will offer its first twin-cylinder motorcycles in a long time, and will do so at a very reasonable price. The 650-cc Continental GT and Interceptor models are all new from the frame up and promise to be far more robust than any Royal Enfield that has come before. The Continental GT looks like it rolled right out of the 1970s. We dig it. And because Royal Enfield has largely operated under the radar, buying one means you probably won’t see many others parked at your local bike hangout.
The Royal Enfield brand has 100 years of history behind it, but the name hasn’t held much sway with American bikers in recent years. The reason is twofold: middling build quality and an incomplete product lineup. But lately the motorcycle company based in India has been eager to expand and has doubled down on quality.
Early next year, Royal Enfield will offer its first twin-cylinder motorcycles in a long time, and will do so at a very reasonable price. The 650-cc Continental GT and Interceptor models are all new from the frame up and promise to be far more robust than any Royal Enfield that has come before. The Continental GT looks like it rolled right out of the 1970s. We dig it. And because Royal Enfield has largely operated under the radar, buying one means you probably won’t see many others parked at your local bike hangout.
Can Am Ryker
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Okay, so this isn’t really a motorcycle. It’s a trike. But here’s the thing: Can Am has been building trikes for a decade and the new Ryker is its first truly affordable model, shaving about ten grand off the price of last year’s least expensive Spyder.
More significant to those who like to hustle through twisty roads, the Ryker has been designed to be far sportier with a lower stance and improved handling dynamics. You sit seriously low in this thing. The seat height is just 23.5 inches above the tarmac. The base model uses a 600-cc twin from Rotax, but a more powerful 900-cc triple is also available.
The Ryker just looks cooler and more modern than the older touring-oriented Spyder. There’s even a Rally Edition model for around $11,000 that wears a slightly raised suspension and tires meant for mild off-road adventures.
More significant to those who like to hustle through twisty roads, the Ryker has been designed to be far sportier with a lower stance and improved handling dynamics. You sit seriously low in this thing. The seat height is just 23.5 inches above the tarmac. The base model uses a 600-cc twin from Rotax, but a more powerful 900-cc triple is also available.
The Ryker just looks cooler and more modern than the older touring-oriented Spyder. There’s even a Rally Edition model for around $11,000 that wears a slightly raised suspension and tires meant for mild off-road adventures.
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