For the most part, Honda is generally known for making some of the most reliable motorcycles in the industry. In many ways, this is thanks to a fierce pragmatism within the brand, with a commitment to quality above everything else. But, along with this commitment to quality, there is also a history of innovation.
Without this desire to innovate, we sincerely doubt the Japanese giant would be where it is today. While other brands invested heavily in two-stroke technology through the 70s and 80s, Honda chose to experiment with different four-stroke engine configurations. The upshot of this was a long list of failures, but it also gave us an equally long list of bulletproof powertrains that have all stood the test of time.
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.
1970 CB750
Price Range: $5,000 – $7,000
Sam Carter via Unsplash
Up until the release of the CB750, inline-four motorcycles were few, far between, and exclusive. With the original Universal Japanese Motorcycle, Honda brought power to the people. It was a genuine high-performance motorcycle that was also reliable and affordable. It rendered much of the competition obsolete almost overnight. The other three Japanese brands quickly followed up with equally good UJMs, and this pretty much wiped out the British motorcycle industry which had once been such a dominant force. With most of these bikes over 50 years old, original examples are getting harder to find.
1975 Gold Wing GL1000
Price Range: $3,000 – $5,000
Honda
Not satisfied with the success of the inline CB models, Honda went and developed the first liquid-cooled four-stroke (not long after the first liquid-cooled two-strokes were released). While from a distance the original Gold Wing could easily get confused for a run-of-the-mill UJM, it was a fair bit bigger, heavier, and more powerful. It also prioritized comfort over sporting potential, and quickly became one of the most popular touring models of the time. The line has since become the single most popular touring motorcycle of all time, but in the meantime, these first-gen bikes remain affordable.
1986 VFR750F
Price Range: $4,000 – $6,000
Mike Schinkel, Via Flickr
Not to be confused with the infamous VF750F, which had “chocolate cams.” The VFR750F was Honda’s way of making things right after the mess that bike made of the brand’s coveted reliability record. In an effort to make sure no errors were repeated, Honda spared no expense, over-engineering pretty much everything, reportedly losing money on each bike that was sold (at least for the 1986 model year). With this superbike, Honda won back consumer confidence, and in the process created something of a V4 dynasty which enjoyed a long production run.
1988 NSR250R
Price Range: $4,000 – $6,000
Honda hates two-strokes. So it is somewhat ironic that when the brand was forced to build two-stroke engines primarily for racing purposes, a couple of the very best two-stroke engines ever produced came out of the program. While the 500cc lump was reserved for racing purposes only, the 250cc bike did have a street-going version and was sold in some parts of the world. With these bikes being literal race bikes with lights and plates sort of tacked on, all of its 60 horsepower (once derestricted) would hit you all at once right near the top of the rev range. Suffice to say, these bikes require a skilled rider to get the most out of them.
1998 CBR1100XX
Price Range: $3,000 – $5,000
Honda
While the Blackbird started life as a dedicated speed queen, it has found a new lease on life as a budget-friendly sport tourer. It is a heavy bike with brakes that are from the 90s, so a certain level of precaution is required in this department. But it is a very comfortable motorcycle thanks to its smooth inline-four and a plush, well-padded seat (also from the 90s, so it might also be well-worn). For now, these bikes remain affordable.
2001 Gold Wing GL1800
Price Range: $4,000 – $6,000
Honda
The only criticism leveled at this generation Gold Wing was that the wind protection was almost too good. It made the bike feel more like a car, which we will readily admit is not a good thing, but it does speak to the level of comfort on offer. We can also say with some authority that any bike this old won’t have the same level of wind protection it did back when it was new, and it will most assuredly feel like a motorcycle.
2005 Rune
Price Range: $17,000 – $19,000
Honda Powersports
With the Rune, Honda wanted to make a statement. For the two years it was in production, Honda sold the bike at a loss. It features all sorts of one-off parts, and while its heavy chrome aesthetic certainly won’t appeal to everyone, the level of attention to detail certainly will. It is arguably the best quality motorcycle ever produced, purely from an engineering standpoint, and will almost certainly appreciate in value over the next decade or so. For now, the prices are in flux, but any bike selling within the price indicated is worth considering. While this might not be affordable by most metrics, it certainly is affordable for what it is.
2008 VFR800 Interceptor
Price Range: $5,000 – $7,000
Bring a Trailer
What started as a superbike, eventually ended up becoming one of the very best sport touring motorcycles money could buy. By 2008, the bike also featured Honda’s famed V-Tec valvetrain, and was very much the finished article. Its V4 is a masterclass in over-engineering, with high-precision gear-driven camshafts. Over the years, this powertrain has proven to be exceptionally reliable, and as long as the previous owner kept up with basic maintenance, it represents a very low-risk purchase, irrespective of mileage.
2015 Grom
Price Range: $1,000 – $3,000
The Grom might well be one of the most unexpected success stories. By taking what is a decidedly uninteresting powertrain and putting it in a simple, lightweight frame, Honda certainly was not re-inventing the wheel. This has been done before, but the Grom just represents the modern twist on this age-old tale. Not only is it accessible, but for more experienced riders it is a hoot to ride in an urban environment. There is also an endless aftermarket for these little bikes, and you can effectively transform them into whatever you want them to be. At least, cosmetically.
2016 VFR1200X DCT
Price Range: $7,000 – $9,000
Honda
Today, crossover motorcycles are hugely popular. Back in 2016, when Honda brought out the VFR1200X, all people could see was a more adventurous-looking touring bike with a clunky automatic transmission. While these older DCTs are far from perfect, they still work on a bike that you will primarily be using for long-distance touring. At this price, these bikes are certainly worth a look, even if they are a little on the porky side.
Source: KBB
