10 Japanese Motorcycles That Owners Swear By
With modern-day motorcycling becoming a rat race, two-wheelers that leave a lasting positive impression and make owners swear by them are rather rare. After all, there’s always something fancier, more powerful, or with better features every other month. It’s not impossible, though, and the 10 Japanese bikes are all proof of that. These keep bringing back customers for varying reasons, ranging from simple dependability to a standout riding experience in the class. Oh, and we’ve tried to cover all categories, so there’s something for everyone.
1
Honda Grom
Price: $3,599
Owners swearing by a petite 125cc mini bike sounds cuckoo. But the Grom has been doing that since inception. Credit here goes to its fun first approach, which helps all kinds of riders polish their skills over the years. Wheelies, knee down, elbow down, backing it in–this pocket rocket will teach you all of that.
Dependability and low costs add to the experience. Not only will this never break on its own, but even if it does, Honda’s spares won’t break the bank. A neat touch is the swappable body parts, meaning if you crash it, you can just put new bodywork on it yourself.
2
Kawasaki Ninja 500
Price: $5,399
Kawasaki’s baby Ninja has been a popular pick by sports bike fanatics of all experience levels. Entry-level riders appreciate the low weight and smooth power, while experienced riders use this as a beater track bike for honing skills. The latter is thanks to its cheap parts, high reliability, and a virtually endless aftermarket support.
A special shoutout goes to the cost of admission. At $5,399, the Ninja gets you class-leading power while undercutting nearly all of its mainstream rivals with ease. This even includes smaller bikes like the Yamaha YZF-R3. ABS is an optional extra, though.
3
Honda CRF300L
Price: $5,749
What you’re looking at is the highest-selling dual-sport in America in the last couple of years. If that doesn’t prove owners swearing by it and recommending it, we don’t know what does. The reason for its success is Honda’s ability to implement feedback. So the CRF300L was a step up from the CRF250L, and the latest update for the 300L further improved the package.
Credit, of course, also goes to the brilliant package. The 296cc engine is arguably the most reliable in the segment; the underpinnings can take on hardcore off-road abuse, and there are likable modern features, too. If you need more, the CRF300L Rally brings an ADV-esque experience with a windscreen and proper bodywork.
4
Suzuki SV650 ABS
Price: $8,149
If you want fun, reliability, and affordability in a single bike, the SV650 hits the nail on the head. Its roots can be traced back to the previous century, and over the years, Suzuki has simply played to its strengths rather than overhauling the package. Yet, sales have been strong enough to keep the bike on sale with minimal updates.
So much so that it still holds its own against new rivals, despite no major updates in around a decade. A lot of that is down to its unique V-twin engine, which is a rarity in the now-parallel-twin-dominated segment. Oh, and we already know Suzuki is bringing an updated SV650 in 2027, thanks to CARB filings.
5
Yamaha MT-07
Price: $8,599
You can consider the MT-07 a modern-day rendition of the SV650. The base idea remains the same, but all of it is more contemporary. The sales back that up, with Yamaha reportedly selling over 160,000 units by 2023. That number should’ve breached 200,000 by now.
In its latest avatar, the package is better than ever. While the core of the matter (chassis, CP2 engine, and suspension) remains dependable as ever, the MT has gained new electronic aids to keep up with the times. Even with these, the price is just over $8,500.
6
Yamaha Tenere 700
Price: $10,999
The Tenere 700 is based on the same platform as the MT-07. So the basics are all on point here, which drives enthusiasts toward it. At the same time, the bikemaker has topped things off with proper off-road-ready hardware that’s rare in this segment. Tall KYB suspension, minimalistic bodywork, 21-inch front wheel–all these help make this one of the most serious midweight ADVs.
As a refresher, the CP2 engine sits inside a high-strength steel tube chassis. This suspends on KYB USD forks and monoshock, both with around eight inches of travel and adjustability. This is topped with a recently updated feature list, comprising a 6.3-inch TFT with connectivity, ABS modes, throttle maps, and traction control.
7
Honda CBR600RR
Price: $11,499
The CBR600RR’s popularity is unmatched in the midweight supersport segment. Its new version outsold all rivals upon debut in Britain, while the old version is soldiering on strongly in America. This is despite newer bikes like the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R and Yamaha YZF-R9 coming into the picture.
Why do owners swear by it, you ask? Because it is bulletproof and known to perform year after year. Like the Ninja above, the parts are cheap to maintain, and some owners report you won’t even need valve clearance for years, despite track usage.
8
Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports
Price: $17,799
The Africa Twin has periodically become better over the years. And in that time, nothing has beaten its blend of dependability with adventure abilities. So inevitably, fans of the bike simply swear by it, and there are countless examples of previous CRF1000 owners who switched to the CRF1100L.
Even with the updates, the value is solid, too. The Africa Twin Adventure Sports undercuts other over-1000cc ADVs by a considerable chunk, while still getting you top-drawer parts all over. This not only includes an ultra-reliable engine, but also Showa electronic suspension, a large TFT with full-screen navigation, and an optional DCT.
9
Suzuki Hayabusa
Price: $19,699
25-odd years ago, the Hayabusa shook up the market in 1999 by becoming the world’s fastest motorcycle. Since then, the popularity of the hyperbike has remained rock solid, and it’s been a machine that attracts all kinds of buyers. Experienced riders who want a fast and comfy sports bike, someone looking to do some sport-touring, or drag racing fanatics who want to plonk in turbos–you’ll find all kinds of Hayabusa owners today.
With an overhaul in 2023, the Hayabusa is also more sensible and usable than ever. The 1,341cc four-pot engine is still feisty, but power has been moved down in the rev range for better tractability. At the same time, a six-axis IMU and ride-by-wire allow top-drawer electronic safety aids, paired with premium Brembo Stylema calipers.
10
Honda Gold Wing Tour
Price: $29,500
The Gold Wing doesn’t need any introduction. It’s been the go-to choice for touring bike fanatics who want the fanciest thing on the market. Why do owners swear by it? Because there is literally nothing like it. Right from the six-cylinder engine paired with a class-defining seven-speed DCT to the world’s only motorcycle airbag, this Honda simply trumps its rivals.
The former is so well-balanced that you can even balance a coin on the engine cases while the bike is running. Overall value is another underrated plus. At $29,500 for the Tour variant, this easily undercuts Harley-Davidson and Indian V-twin rivals by a sizable chunk while getting you more of everything.
Source: Various Manufacturers
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