10 Forgotten Bikes That Deserve A Second Look

With so many motorcycles getting launched and refreshed each year, it is pretty easy to overlook or simply forget about certain older models. While not the latest, or necessarily the greatest, these bikes are all still very good modern motorcycles. All of which may well suit your needs better than some of the latest bikes.

All the bikes on this list have been on the market for quite some time. They are all proven and offer the same level of mechanical reliability we have come to expect from any new motorcycle, without fear of the dreaded first year recall. In the interest of fairness, we limited it to one motorcycle per brand, and for the sake of variety, we tried to include at least one bike from each of the motorcycle segments.

Yamaha XMax

MSRP: $6,299

Yamaha

We start with a left wing option. Scooters still get a bad rap, but there is no denying their practicality and they are ideal commuter bikes. The XMax might not be the best option if you plan on doing two-up touring, but if you are riding solo, it will double up as an ideal light duty tourer. It is more than capable of going at highway speeds, and extremely comfortable. With features like an electronically adjustable windshield, traction control, ABS, and a TFT dash with smartphone connectivity, you get a lot of value here.

Specifications

Honda XR650L

MSRP: $6,999

Honda

If you are in the market for a rugged dual-sport, the XR650L still fits the bill. It has 13 inches of ground clearance, which is immense, but as a result, the seat height is pretty tall and most certainly not new-rider-friendly. Other than that, just about everything is outdated from the carb-fed single to the analog dash, but with no electronics, there are far fewer failure points, and it simply won’t leave you stranded trail side.

Specifications

Kawasaki Z650RS

MSRP: $8,899

Kawasaki

One thing that may count against the Z650RS is the fact that it costs a fair bit more than the regular Z650. In our opinion, it is worth every extra cent. We feel like Kawasaki deserves a lot of credit for how well this retro design was executed. It is a fantastic looking bike with timeless lines, yet underneath it all is still a modern motorcycle, with a reliable modern engine. In a nutshell, it is just retro done right.

Specifications

Triumph Tiger 850 Sport

MSRP: $12,290

Triumph

Most ADV enthusiasts seem to be on the hunt for the “ultimate off-road bike” these days. As a result, the more street-oriented bikes have taken a back seat, and we feel that is a mistake. The Tiger 850 Sport is an exceptional touring bike with an accessible seat height. Once you get the urge to go off-road, it is more than capable of handling most fire roads. Single track won’t be the best idea, but the same could be said for any big ADV… no matter what tires it has on.

Specifications

Suzuki GSX-R750

MSRP: $13,249

Suzuki

It is somewhat surprising that Suzuki hasn’t updated the GSX-R750 this year for its 40th anniversary. We thought that it might get a few electronics thrown its way by now, but it is still more or less the same bike that came out around 15 years ago. To the right buyer, that might be ideal. With so many bikes offering all sorts of electronic rider aids, most of which just add weight to a track bike, this remains an ideal starting point for any track-oriented build.

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Indian FTR

MSRP: $13,499

Indian Motorcycle

It is pretty disappointing to see the FTR getting discontinued. This fact only serves to prove Harley’s theory right, that the Bronx would have also failed. While expensive for its class, the FTR has always offered a completely different rider experience. Unfortunately, just being fun to ride, and not all that versatile simply made it a niche product, and niche products are rarely profitable.

Specifications

BMW R 18

MSRP: $15,395

BMW Motorrad

The price of this behemoth has steadily come down over the past few years. This points towards BMW overestimating the market a little, because while some loyal customers might be willing to pay more for a cruiser built in the US, the same can’t be said for metric bikes. It is still a high quality offering and competes with the American bikes on every other measurable level.

Specifications

Ducati Hypermotard 950

MSRP: $15,995

Ducati

Ducati has traditionally had a few issues with reliability, especially with the twins. That is not the case here, though, and the 937cc lump has been with us for ages now and has proven to be mechanically reliable. Sadly for the Hypermotard, that hasn’t really been enough, and it continues to get overlooked as consumers gravitate towards more versatile options. Much like the aforementioned FTR, it is just a fun bike that puts a big old smile on your face, and doesn’t really serve any other purpose.

Specifications

Zero SR/S

MSRP: $20,995

Zero Motorcycles

Let’s be honest, electric motorcycles are not quite as far along as we all thought they might be. But, if there is one shining light in this segment that has proven to be so volatile, it is Zero. With the SR/S we get a sporty commuter bike that offers respectable range and a host of great features. It is not the fastest sports bike in the world, but it does fall right in line with most of the newer, more street-oriented supersports… except in terms of price. This has proven to be a pretty big stumbling block for all electric motorcycles.

Specifications

Harley-Davidson Freewheeler

MSRP: $31,999

Harley-Davidson

A lot of the criticism directed at three wheelers is largely down to misunderstanding. At their core, these motorcycles have a very specific purpose. For folks with balance issues or a physical impairment, they offer the same riding experience you get on a conventional motorcycle. That said, anyone can still own, ride, and love one of these trikes, but they are pretty expensive, and take some getting used to.

Specifications