10 Japanese Motorcycles That Deliver Incredible Value
Over the years, the big four Japanese manufacturers have all earned a reputation for building reliable motorcycles that don’t break the bank. This is arguably the foundation upon which their empire has been built. While this commitment to quality can become a hindrance to innovation, it has certainly delivered in terms of overall value to the end user.
The sheer volume of motorcycles they all sell also helps bring the cost down, but this is not the only cost-cutting measure employed. Powertrains are refined and kept in production for longer periods of time. Most engines also get put in several different models, which further reduces costs, and color choices are usually limited to two or three. The one thing all these techniques have in common is that none of them compromise on quality.
Yamaha Tenere 700 World Raid
MSRP: $12,999
Back when Yamaha introduced the Tenere 700, the brand actually struggled to keep up with demand. The World Raid edition simply builds on this successful middleweight platform by adding a wide selection of features including an IMU-powered electronics suite, and uprated KYB suspension.
While it might be the most expensive bike on this value-packed list, it is one of the cheapest middleweight ADVs on the market that offers this level of sophistication. It is also still relatively light at 485 pounds, and much of the added weight is thanks to its 6.1-gallon tank (1.9 gallons more than the base model).
Yamaha Tracer 9
MSRP: $12,599
Most modern crossovers, or “tall-rounders” are comfortable and offer a bunch of nice-to-have features. Unfortunately, they also usually leave off what used to be a touring essential: luggage. That’s where this Yamaha comes in.
With the Tracer 9, you still get all the nice-to-have stuff, as well as a nice set of detachable, color-matched side cases. The CP3 triple also adds a layer of sportiness most of the bikes in this class can’t compete with.
Suzuki GSX-S1000
MSRP: $11,989
At this price point, you won’t find many bikes that make in excess of 120 horsepower. In fact, you won’t find any that make 150 horsepower, except for this. The GSX-S1000 offers incredible bang for the buck, largely thanks to its old inline-four.
Suzuki has made good use of this old superbike engine, and offers a whole line of value-packed bikes which run on this platform. Up until very recently, this was the cheapest (proper) liter-class bike you could buy. The title belongs to the CB1000 Hornet now, but that’s been detuned in the US.
Honda CB1000F
MSRP: $10,599
That honor now belongs to this, the CB1000F, which is also arguably the best-looking roadster on the market. It is not just a pretty face, either. With over 120 horsepower at its disposal, it is also one of the most powerful roadsters you can buy.
It also boasts a sophisticated electronics suite instead of the fancy Swedish rear shock you get on the Hornet SP. All this for just over $10k is hard to believe, especially in a time when prices for everything else seem to keep going up.
Kawasaki Versys 650 LT ABS
MSRP: $10,399
There is a lot of hate directed at the Versys 650. But, we suspect that most of that hate comes from people who bought a more expensive tourer, then realized the Versys does everything better.
For the money, this is really hard to beat. You get what is essentially a complete touring package, which is ready to go straight from the factory. It is, rather obviously, a Jack-of-all-trades, and just like “Jack”, it really is a master of none.
Honda Transalp
MSRP: $9,999
When Honda finally caved and developed an actual middleweight ADV, we all expected something that would rival the Tenere. What we got was somewhat different, and not in a bad way at all.
Unlike the Yamaha, which is a little more off-road focused, the Transalp is a far better tourer. It is also something of a blank canvas, and is one of those bikes that actually needs to be modified, at least to some extent.
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R
MSRP: $9,299
While liter-class sport bikes are great, they are also almost impossible to use in the real world where bad roads and speed limits exist. That is precisely where the Ninja ZX-4R steps in. It offers the whole sport bike experience, just scaled down to a more user-friendly size.
Its baby inline-four offers an element of theater that just can’t be matched by any of the more pragmatic twins competing in this space. On paper, it might seem a little underpowered, but the only reason it makes 56 horsepower is that Kawasaki needs to adhere to strict noise restrictions in the US. In other markets it produces closer to 80 horsepower.
Suzuki SV-7GX
MSRP: $8,599
The SV-7GX is now officially the most affordable crossover on the market. It makes use of the old SV650 engine and chassis, and adds wind protection as well as a host of modern tech. The ergos have also been altered ever so slightly thanks to its taller, wider handlebar, which makes it even more comfortable.
If all this seems familiar, that is because it is. Suzuki applied the same formula to the GSX-S1000GT/GX models, and those bikes also offer tremendous value, but this offers even more value in our opinion, and might be the smartest buy of the year.
Honda Rebel 500
MSRP: $6,799
Out of all the entry-level cruisers currently on the market, the Rebel really stands out. While still approachable, and in every respect beginner-friendly, it is a bike that most people would be quite happy to hold on to.
Its little parallel-twin has gone into everything from sport bikes to ADVs, and has proven reliable in each and every application. Although there isn’t much to get excited about in terms of performance, it is incredibly light for a cruiser, and will handle the daily commute as well as longer weekend rides with consummate ease.
Kawasaki KLX230 Sherpa S ABS
MSRP: $5,899
With so many budding explorers looking for lightweight travel packages, this is something of a stroke of genius from Kawasaki. In reality, it is just a run-of-the-mill KLX230 with a bunch of accessories added to it, but if we were to go out and do these modifications ourselves, it would almost certainly cost a good deal more.
The fact that Kawasaki was able to keep the price this low makes it a genuinely attractive option which offers impressive value to the right buyer. It is also light and economical enough to double up as a pretty decent commuter bike during the week.
Sources: Various manufacturer sites
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