The old adage that “they don’t make them like they used to” may be true for some things, but motorcycles are not one of them. Particularly by reliability standards. Older motorcycles are generally maintenance-heavy, and it requires a certain level of dedication to keep them on the road. Today, motorcycles are more mechanically reliable than ever, and while there are a few exceptions to the rule, the vast majority (at least when we are talking about the major motorcycle manufacturers) are built to last.
The Japanese manufacturers in particular have perfected the art of mass-producing reliable motorcycles that will pretty much run forever. But, just because something is well-made and offers long-term reliability doesn’t necessarily mean you would want to keep it forever. All these bikes also add a little rider engagement into the mix and are all well worth keeping indefinitely.
Yamaha Tenere 700 World Raid
MSRP: $12,999
Yamaha
When the original Tenere first came out, it really took the world by storm, and shifted the middleweight ADV goalposts. Since then, we have seen a slew of new middleweight bikes getting launched, all offering more features than the sparsely equipped original Tenere. In an effort to combat these new bikes, Yamaha has given us the World Raid edition.
Yamaha Motorsports
The $2k premium it demands over the base model gets you upgraded suspension, an IMU-powered electronics suite, and a long-range tank. It has also gained a bit of weight, but it is a price (both in terms of weight and cost) most adventure riders will gladly pay for the added features and long-range capability.
Yamaha Tracer 9
MSRP: $12,599
Yamaha Motorsports
Out of the many sport touring bikes operating in this space, the Tracer 9 sets itself apart by simply offering a touring-ready package. It is one of only a handful of bikes that come with hard cases as standard fare. Plus, at this price, it is also something of a bargain.
Yamaha Motorsports
With well over a hundred horsepower and a wet weight of well under 500 pounds, it is a genuinely fun bike to ride on a canyon road, too. The only minor mark against it has something to do with its otherwise impregnable CP3 engine. Like any triple, it will vibrate a little at highway speed, and if you get irritated by such things, it might not be for you.
Honda CB1000F
MSRP: $10,599
Honda
We knew this was going to come out for quite some time, but we certainly were not expecting it to undercut several established middleweight bikes. Although it oozes with retro charm, underneath that attractive facade is a thoroughly modern motorcycle. It has an IMU-backed electronics suite, so, unlike the Hornet, it has cornering ABS and lean-sensitive traction control.
Honda
It is in a vastly different tune compared to the more aggressive Hornet, with its peak power limited to just over 120 horsepower. Which is still more than most roadsters have, and it is cheaper than most of those bikes, too.
Honda Transalp E-Clutch
MSRP: $10,199
Honda Powersports
Even though the Transalp is a relatively new model, it has already received a host of updates since it was first launched. Aside from a few cosmetic changes, it has also received a skid plate (which was conspicuous in its absence) and crash protection.
Honda
Honda has also decided to equip it with an E-Clutch, which essentially transforms the bike into a twist-and-go automatic if you don’t feel like changing gears. For the rest of the time, it effectively works as a quickshifter, offering riders the best of both worlds for just $200 more than the original price.
Kawasaki Z900
MSRP: $9,999
Kawasaki
Just like the aforementioned Honda, the Z900 comes with an IMU-backed electronics suite in its latest form. The big difference between the Z and most of the middleweight naked bikes competing in this space is the fact that it has both an inline-four engine and a steel trellis chassis.
Kawasaki
Even though it weighs around as much as the aforementioned ADV, it has the better chassis of the two. Then, when compared to the other more nimble middleweight bikes, it is the engine that is the key point of difference. Either way you look at it, the Z offers impressive bang for the buck.
Yamaha YZF-R7
MSRP: $9,399
Yamaha
The YZF-R7 got a big update this year that has not only brought it back into the conversation, but it has also improved the value proposition immeasurably. Just like the Tenere with which it shares an engine, it has also gotten an IMU.
Yamaha
This decision makes it one of the most affordable middleweight motorcycles equipped with this kind of technology. For riders stepping up from their first motorcycle, this is a great choice, and thanks to its unbreakable CP2, it is a sport bike you can certainly keep forever.
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R
MSRP: $9,299
Kawasaki
As good as the tech-heavy Yamaha might be, if you are after a slightly more aggressive sport bike, then the Ninja ZX-4R is a top choice. On the face of it, it may seem a little pricey, but there is more to this little Ninja than initially meets the eye.
Kawasaki
This is a proper inline-four supersport which delivers the same visceral riding experience you would get with a bigger, more powerful bike, just scaled down to a more manageable size. It also comes equipped with modern safety nets and won’t punish small mistakes quite as severely as those bikes.
Suzuki DR-Z4S/DR-Z4SM
MSRP: $8,999
Suzuki
We don’t usually like lumping two bikes into one like this, but it makes a degree of sense here. Both offer an ideal kind of balance between weekday practicality and weekend fun. The dual-sport promises to handle whatever exploration you want to do, and the supermoto will carve up a canyon road of your choosing.
Suzuki Cycles
A rather unfortunate drawback also applies to both bikes, and that is the price. With this platform getting all sorts of modern tech added to it, and an almost entirely new engine, the price went up a fair bit. While these bikes promise ultimate versatility, you will need to pay for this kind of versatility.
Suzuki SV-7GX
MSRP: $8,599
Suzuki Cycles
Suzuki has once again found a way to extract more out of an older platform. This time it is the SV650 that has been gentrified, getting a slew of modern tech as well as wind protection, and a wider, taller stance. All of which only adds versatility.
Suzuki Cycles
Underneath those attractive new plastics lies the tried and true V-twin, which has been around for well over two decades. More importantly, it gets the same steel trellis chassis as the SV, which promises dynamic handling to go along with its proven performance. All this for what is, quite literally, an unbeatable price.
Honda Rebel 500
MSRP: $6,799
Honda Powersports
Although the Rebel 500 is an approachable, entry-level model, it is also a high-quality product that will quite happily accumulate hundreds of thousands of miles. Naturally, it is not the most powerful motorcycle on this list, but that is not the purpose of a cruiser.
Honda Powersports
A cruiser should be reliable and relatively comfortable on the highway. The little Rebel is also a competent commuter thanks to how economical it is. The only real drawback is the fact that it is a very compact cruiser, and taller riders will feel cramped.
Sources: Various manufacturers
