The 10 Cheapest Motorcycles With Engines That Refuse To Die
With planned obsolescence making its way into pretty much everything around us, the phrase “they don’t make them like they used to” seems more accurate than ever. While true for most things, motorcycles, for the most part, have avoided becoming another casualty of this throwaway culture.
There are still several bikes on the market that offer a level of quality and durability that bely their price tags. Mechanical reliability has never really been better, but the more electronic features manufacturers add, the higher the chances of failure down the road. So, it will come as no surprise that most of these bikes are sparsely equipped. It will also come as no surprise that they are all from Japan.
Most modern bikes share engines. For the sake of variety, we limited it to one model per platform.
10
Kawasaki Versys 650 LT ABS
MSRP: $10,599
Technically, we could have opted for the cheaper Ninja 650 which shares an engine, but the Versys is arguably the very definition of an affordable, unkillable motorcycle. These bikes have proven more than capable of accumulating well over 100,000 miles without much fuss, and are comfortable enough to ride across the country. Admittedly, the latest version is getting a little pricey when compared to some middleweight ADVs.
9
Honda Rebel 1100
MSRP: $9,699
All the bikes that come equipped with this versatile big bore twin are unbelievably reliable, but the Rebel 1100 takes it a step further thanks to its more mild state of tune. Unlike the other bikes that make 100 horsepower, the Rebel’s tune is optimized for torque delivery lower down in the rev range and only makes 87 horsepower. This is still more than enough for what is a relatively light cruiser.
8
2025 Suzuki V-Strom 650
MSRP: $9,299
The middleweight V-Strom will soon bid us adieu, but for now the little ADV is still available and well worth considering thanks to its absolutely bulletproof V-twin. Once again, the SV650 has the same engine, but the V-Strom adds a layer of comfort and versatility to the package. It is this level of versatility which has led to owners racking up far more miles on these bikes than the average SV.
7
Yamaha MT-07
MSRP: $8,599
Yamaha recently threw a bunch of tech at the MT-07, but when compared to some bikes competing in this space, it is still a relatively simple bike. If you want something even more simple, the XSR700 offers a more back-to-basics riding experience, but you will need to forgo the uprated KYB suspension you get with the MT-07. Both of these bikes have the all-conquering CP2, one of the most reliable motorcycle engines ever produced.
6
Honda XR650L
MSRP: $6,999
Honda’s venerable XR650L is one of the most simplified motorcycles on the market. It has a simple, air-cooled thumper, long travel suspension, and a certain rugged charm which makes it appealing. It can also do a little bit of everything, which has most likely extended its production life past what Honda were expecting. Unfortunately, with a seat height of 37 inches, it is not the most accessible bike in the world.
5
Kawasaki KLR650
MSRP: $6,999
Even though the KLR is over 100 pounds heavier, it became the default choice in this space. It had a huge following, which is actually worth more than any sophisticated modern feature (of which it has none). Older models had a known issue with the idler shaft lever that keeps tension on the counterbalance chain (known as the “doohickey”), but an update back in 2022 finally resolved this long-standing issue. So, it is now more or less indestructible.
4
Honda NX500
MSRP: $6,899
Previously known as the CB500X, Honda’s entry-level adventure tourer has long since proven capable of going the distance. While not particularly dirt-worthy, it is one of the more comfortable bikes in this class and its 471cc parallel-twin is actually one of the few smaller capacity engines capable of racking up big miles. This is largely down to the fact that they are relatively under-stressed engines, which is great for long-term reliability.
3
Honda CRF300L Rally
MSRP: $6,499
The Rally is one of the many small capacity dual-sport bikes on the market that have found a new lease on life thanks to the growing adventure market. These bikes all provide budding explorers with the ideal starting point, but have also proven to be just as capable as some of the bigger bikes. The Rally has proven particularly capable, and has almost become the default choice for globe-trotters that need a lightweight exploration tool.
2
Yamaha TW200
MSRP: $4,999
Unlike the aforementioned CRF300L Rally, you won’t find many TW200s with crazy high mileages. You will, however, find several old TW200s that are beaten to within an inch of their lives, yet still potter around without a fuss. These farm bikes are rugged, and pretty awful on the road thanks to their chunky tires, but will go anywhere, and can be ridden by anyone.
1
Honda Grom
MSRP: $3,599
Although the Grom is the cheapest bike on this list, it is, admittedly, a little pricey for a mini-moto. There are cheaper options out there that are equally fun to ride, but the little Honda offers something most of the other bikes competing in this space can’t compete with: an extensive aftermarket. These bikes are naturally metronomically reliable, but what makes them so much fun is how easy and affordable they are to personalize.
Sources: Various manufacturer websites
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