10 Motorcycles That Prove Simplicity Never Gets Old
The number of simple motorcycles is slowly diminishing today. It makes sense, too, as more and more riders want safety nets, electronic underpinnings, and engine technologies for easy riding. Some of us still cherish simplicity, though, and that’s where the 10 motorcycles below come in. All of these prove that you don’t need complexity to have fun on two wheels, while still being capable enough for whatever you want to throw at them. We’ve also tried to include different categories, so there’s something for everyone.
10
Honda Grom
Price: $3,599
The minimoto segment is rather niche. Yet, the Grom has been on sale in this space consistently for over a decade. The primary reason for that is its simple package with a focus on fun. Its 125cc engine, steel frame, USD forks–all of these work well together, creating a machine that just works.
Oh, and should anything break, there’s an endless aftermarket support of cheap fixes. The cost of entry is cheap as well and, surprisingly, the price has only gone up by $600 in over a decade. This is perfect for learning advanced skills without dealing with expensive consequences.
9
Kawasaki Ninja 500
Price: $5,399
The Ninja 500 is one of the highest-selling entry-level sports bikes, despite cut-throat competition from all over the world. It manages to do that by being simple, affordable, and capable. Much of the credit goes to its mechanical package, comprising a brilliant 451cc engine and a lightweight steel chassis.
Both of these have been in duty for over a decade, proving their mettle against new competition year after year. The engine, in particular, focuses on being basic, with a simple 180-degree firing order (compared to its rivals with 270-degree cranks), and yet it has the highest output in the class. The lip-smacking price is another pro.
8
Kawasaki KLX300
Price: $5,649
If you’re into off-roading, the KLX300 is a simple and credible machine. The simplicity and platform sharing also help Kawasaki price this well. So much so that it undercuts the KLX230 Sherpa and DF variants, despite having a bigger engine and more capable suspension.
Speaking of which, there’s a 292cc, single-cylinder engine here, plonked inside a semi-double-cradle chassis. The latter suspends on long-travel USD forks and monoshock, paired with 21/18-inch spoke wheels. All that means a curb weight of just over 300 pounds.
7
Honda NX500
Price: $6,899
Ever since its inception, Honda’s 471cc platform has been all about simplicity. And it has worked brilliantly across the world. The NX500 is arguably the best example of this. It checks the basics of the mid-spec adventure bike segment without going over the top in any way. Yet, this sells well and attracts buyers year after year.
The 471cc parallel-twin plays a key role here. It has a near-square construction (67 mm X 66.8 mm), which spreads all of its power and torque linearly for use in a variety of conditions. At the same time, the Showa suspension and steel chassis promise rock-solid stability. All this is proven to last for years, too, so reliability is another strong suit.
6
Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
Price: $7,899
Cruisers are getting more complex than ever. But a simple low-slung design, a tractable twin-cylinder engine, and sturdy underpinnings still hit home for the masses. That’s what the Super Meteor 650 gets you without costing a bomb. There’s even a touring-ready Celestial variant for the same $7,899 MSRP.
As for details, the 648cc, parallel-twin engine produces 47 horsepower and 38 pound-feet. This sits inside a double-cradle chassis made out of steel, paired with Showa suspension fore and aft. Alloy wheels and ByBre brakes round things off.
5
Suzuki SV650
Price: $8,149
Simplicity has been the SV650’s USP, and that is what still works for it. Sure, the V-twin engine, chassis, suspension, and electronic equipment all seem dated compared to its new-age rivals. But the package works so well together that it can still keep up, if not beat, its rivals in the real world.
The engine, in particular, has remained unbeatable in terms of usable oomph and reliability. While new parallel-twins try to mimic V-twin character with a 270-degree crank, the SV has the real deal. And even though this is a very old engine, the output numbers are in line with its bigger rivals.
4
Honda CB650R
Price: $8,699
The CB650R is one of the simplest inline-four bikes money can buy. What works for it is the fact that it doesn’t chase extremes. The 649cc engine is tuned for usable performance while maintaining the linear inline-four power delivery. It sits inside a steel chassis rather than aluminum, which pairs with non-adjustable Showa suspension.
The same trend is present on the electronic side of things, as you get ride-by-wire and an E-clutch, but no six-axis IMU or fancy rider aids. This simplicity helps with pricing, too. Honda has slashed the MSRP down to $8,699, making the CB the cheapest inline-four bike right now.
3
Suzuki GSX-R750
Price: $13,549
Things are ever-so-complex in the high-performance middleweight sports bike segment. Average displacement has grown to over 800cc, there are electronic gizmos all over, and prices can reach well over $15,000. Yet, neither of these new-age bikes can hold a candle to the GSX-R750 on a track.
Why, you ask? Because it focuses on the very basics of what makes a sports bike great. The aluminum twin-spar chassis has been honed over the years, the suspension focuses on providing great feedback, and the engine has a blend of soaring performance with a linear torque spread. Oh, and unlike new kids, this has a proper supersport riding triangle.
2
Triumph Bonneville T120
Price: $13,995
On paper, the Bonneville doesn’t make sense. It costs more than its fancier rivals, has less peak output, and the underpinnings are as basic as an entry-level bike. But this remains a favorite for riders who just want to enjoy the ride, and the sales figures back that up. In fact, the Bonneville range had once made up 50 percent of Triumph’s global sales.
What works, then? The simple package. Right from the design to the thumping powerhouse, everything wants you to enjoy life aboard the bike rather than the bike doing things for you. You can have the bike in different flavors as well (Bobber, Speedmaster, Speed Twin), all of which have a similar mechanical package.
1
Indian Chief
Price: $14,999
With Softails having more tech than ever before, the simplicity has sort of taken a back seat. Then, the base Indian Chief is what you should eye if you want a truly simple American cruiser experience. This is a stripped-back and low-slung cruiser, comprising a round headlight, chopped rear fender, and curvy tank for swagger.
The minimalistic design also puts its air-cooled Thunderstroke 111 V-twin on full display. Like the engine, the suspension and chassis elements are simple, too. If the 111 is too small, you can also upgrade to the Thunderstroke 116 variant.
Source: Various Manufacturers
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