10 Bikes That Rarely Lose Owners To Other Brands
Every year, thousands of motorcyclists sell their bikes for a new one, often jumping between manufacturers. This switch happens due to many reasons, with the most common one being that the motorcyclist has outgrown the motorcycle. Other reasons could be a lack of reliability, expensive maintenance, or simply that the bike does not suit their riding style.
However, there are some motorcycles out there that don’t give owners a reason to upgrade or move to anything else. These motorcycles sit at the top of their game and offer riders everything they are looking for. Here are ten such motorcycles that rarely give owners a reason to swap their bikes, ranging from sub-500cc ADVs to full-fledged touring trikes and race-bred superbikes.
Honda NX500
Starting MSRP: $6,899
The Honda NX500 is an adventure tourer that will likely not blow your mind with performance or off-road capability, but what makes this ADV special is its jack-of-all-trades persona. Unlike more dirt-oriented rivals in the segment, the NX500 focuses more on an easy-going on-road experience, and that’s where it arguably does better than the rest.
It’s powered by a dependable 471cc parallel-twin engine that makes 47 horsepower and 32 pound-feet of torque, delivered in a linear manner. It’s paired with durable underpinnings that make the bike feel lighter than it looks, along with essential tech, including a 5-inch TFT display. All in all, the NX is all about being a trusty adventure tourer that will never scare you or surprise you, which is why it attracts many senior tourers and returning riders.
KTM 690 Enduro
Starting MSRP: $13,399
The KTM 690 Enduro stands out in the usual lineup of big-bore dirt bikes. Unlike its Japanese rivals, this Austrian thumper pushes the limits of what a single-cylinder engine can deliver. The engine here has been around for a long time, and in its current iteration, it delivers almost 78 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful single-cylinder motorcycles currently on sale.
Being a KTM, the 690 Enduro comes into its own on trails. The trellis frame, WP XPLOR fully-adjustable suspension, and other underpinnings are all designed to tackle dirt unlike anything else. Sure, the bike may feel like a handful for even intermediate motorcyclists, but if you know what you’re doing, the 690 Enduro will keep up even on the most technical terrains. Get this bike, and you’ll hardly ever feel like swapping it for another dual sport.
Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES DCT
Starting MSRP: $18,599
Based on the legendary Africa Twin, the Adventure Sports is a more adventure-touring-oriented model that swaps a bit of its off-road credentials for more on-road comfort. It features a 1,084cc Unicam parallel-twin engine that focuses its 100 horses on real-world performance, complete with a linear power curve and strong torque across the rev range. The engine is mated to a DCT for a stress-free riding experience, too.
The bike’s crown jewel, however, is the Showa EERA semi-active suspension that adapts to road surfaces on the fly. It’s paired with rally-inspired design and ergonomics, which should offer enough comfort for 500-mile days. A larger fuel tank compared to the standard model is also present, which gives it an estimated range of 300 miles. Put simply, the Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES offers everything you’ll ever need from your ADV. Nothing more, nothing less.
13 Bikes That Are Perfect For Riders Downsizing From Big Tourers
These 13 touring motorcycles are perfect for riders looking to downsize from heavyweights, offering comfort, performance, and affordability.
BMW R 1300 GS
Starting MSRP: $20,395
The BMW GS has always been the benchmark adventure bike, and in its R 1300 GS avatar, it’s better than ever. It features an updated boxer engine that now displaces 1,300cc, producing 145 horsepower and 110 pound-feet of torque. BMW says this boxer offers a linear power delivery and gives the bike a low center of gravity. The powerplant is also among the most reliable mills in the full-size ADV segment.
The GS also offers versatile handling, thanks to its unique Telelever front and Paralever rear suspension setup. Add to that its laundry list of features, including optional Headlight Pro, plenty of rider aids, Cardan shaft drive, and much more, and you have a bike that can take you around the world better than most of its rivals can. There’s a reason why the BMW R 1300 GS is the default globe-trotting adventure bike currently on sale.
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy
Starting MSRP: $22,599
The Harley-Davidson is among the most recognizable motorcycles of the last three decades. It is as much a part of pop culture as it is of our riding culture. The steamroller-inspired muscle stance gives the bike an unmistakable road presence that’s hard to ignore. It’s only made better by its brawny design, Lakester wheels, cutback fenders, and chrome-necked headlights.
This larger-than-life design also enables a relaxed riding triangle with massive seats and a riding experience that should feel like the bike is glued to the tarmac. Powering this massive bike is the Milwaukee-Eight 117 Custom V-twin, which delivers oodles of torque right from the get-go. So, not only is the Fat Boy a bike that will turn heads on the way, but it can also take you the distance on the road, all while making you feel like the Terminator.
Honda Gold Wing
Starting MSRP: $25,500
The Honda Gold Wing has been around since 1975, and it’s currently in its 7th generation. Over half a century, this tourer has evolved into something that sets the standard for touring motorcycles to follow, offering an ideal balance of everything that makes a good tourer. To start with, the bike takes a comfort-first approach, complete with a neutral riding triangle, aerodynamic bodywork with electronically-adjustable windscreen and ducting, and up to 32 gallons of storage space.
Comfortable ergonomics are topped with a laundry list of features, including a 7-inch TFT display with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, a sound system, heated grips, and even an optional airbag. Keeping the bike light on its feet is the butter-smooth flat-six engine that delivers 125 horses in a linear manner while being reliable in the long run. Add the optional DCt, and all these make the Gold Wing hard to miss for those looking for a full-dress tourer.
12 Adventure Bikes With The Lowest Real-World Ownership Costs
Adventure bikes can cross continents, but these 12 champions also dodge hefty repair bills, proving wanderlust doesn’t need a fat wallet.
Aprilia RSV4 Factory
Starting MSRP: $26,749
The Aprilia RSV4 Factory is the current top dog in the superbike world. The bike features a 1,099cc V4 engine with 220 horsepower on tap, making it the most powerful production superbike on sale today. With such a performance on offer, you’re unlikely to ever get bored with this motorcycle’s exhilarating performance.
There’s also the iconic twin-spar frame praised for its razor-sharp handling, sitting on a high-end Ohlins Smart EC 2.0 semi-active suspension setup. The bike also gets next-generation Brembo Hyper calipers and aerodynamic bodywork to slice through the air. All combine to make the RSV4 Factory a superbike that combines speed, precision, and control unlike anything else on the road. It’s the ultimate superbike on sale today.
Triumph Rocket 3 GT
Starting MSRP: $27,495
The Triumph Rocket 3 GT is a power cruiser that wows motorcyclists with its combination of tire-shredding performance and long-distance comfort. It’s powered by the largest production motorcycle engine: a 2,458cc inline-triple that dishes out 166 pound-feet of torque and 180 horsepower. The bike is said to feel like a rocket in a straight line, thanks to its searing acceleration. The performance is supported by premium Showa suspension and Brembo Stylema brakes.
In its pursuit of speed, the Rocket 3 GT also doesn’t give up comfort. The bike gets swept-back handlebars, adjustable feet-forward footpegs, a sculpted touring seat, and a short windscreen. The pillion also gets a backrest, so they don’t fly off under hard acceleration. If your idea of touring is going fast in comfort, there’s hardly a better option than the Rocket 3 GT.
Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide ST
Starting MSRP: $44,999
The Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide ST is a unique bagger that balances its long-distance comfort with race-inspired performance. Building on what is already an amazing tourer, this performance bagger features a massive 1,983cc Milwaukee-Eight 121 High Output engine that dumps 127 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. The MoCo says it has the sharpest throttle response of any Harley on sale today.
It also gets specialized components, like fully-adjustable Showa suspension and plenty of forged carbon fiber bits all around. Of course, there’s also the long-distance comfort, which is enabled by a relaxed riding triangle, an imposing Sharknose fairing, and saddlebags at the back. The tech package includes a massive 12.3-inch touchscreen with Rockford Fosgate Stage II sound system, plenty of rider aids, and much more. This is the creme-de-la-creme of performance baggers on sale today.
10 Motorcycles Built For Riders Who Want One Bike For Everything
Whatever the problem, one of these ten bikes is usually the solution – you won’t need a second one!
Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide 3 Limited
Starting MSRP: $54,999
Spending $55k on a touring trike is no joke, but the Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide 3 Limited makes it all seem totally worth it. Built on the standard Street Glide 3 Limited, this CVO trike dials things up to eleven. The engine here is of the M8 121 variety, which dumps a whopping 138 pound-feet of torque right in the mid-range. This should make the trike feel much faster than you’d think.
Apart from that, the trike also features heated seats and a premium audio system, along with laid-back ergonomics. The Grand Tour-Pak offers 7.1 cubic feet of storage for all your essentials. Being a CVO model, it’s covered in premium colorways, which make it hard to miss on the road. For motorcyclists who want the comfort of a trike without giving up a premium feel, the CVO Street Glide 3 Limited stands as the benchmark.
Source: Manufacturers
Related posts
Latest Post
No Comments