Motorcycles That Owners Rarely Regret Buying
Buying a motorcycle is as much an emotional investment as it is a practical one. While some motorcycles lose their appeal after a season, others defy social media trends and become lifetime companions. They deliver the dependable performance, everyday usability, and lasting riding satisfaction that keep owners happy with their purchase for years. From cross-country touring legends and rugged adventure bikes to versatile middleweights and bulletproof daily commuters, here are 10 motorcycles that owners rarely regret buying. Models are listed in descending order based on starting price.
Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide
Starting MSRP: $49,999
The Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide sits at the pinnacle of factory-custom touring. Starting at $49,999, it combines the iconic batwing fairing and bagger silhouette with exclusive paint and premium finishes. Its Milwaukee-Eight 121 engine produces 115 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque, while performance-tuned suspension, Skyline OS infotainment, and Harley-Davidson Audio elevate the touring experience.
Owners who invest in a CVO rarely regret the outlay because it delivers the ultimate expression of grand American touring without requiring aftermarket upgrades. Its ergonomics make interstate trips feel relaxed, while the CVO treatment keeps it special long after the new-bike excitement fades. The CVO Street Glide is expensive, but for riders seeking a flagship American touring machine with exclusivity, it often becomes a keeper.
Honda Gold Wing
Starting MSRP: $25,700
The Honda Gold Wing has spent decades defining what a luxury touring motorcycle should be. Over the last five decades, it has earned a reputation as one of motorcycling’s finest long-distance companions. At the heart of its legendary status is a 1,833cc liquid-cooled six-cylinder engine that develops 125 horsepower and 125.4 pound-feet of torque.
For transmission duties, riders can choose between a six-speed manual gearbox and Honda’s renowned seven-speed automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). Gold Wing owners often describe it as the one motorcycle they never seriously consider selling. For riders who regularly cover hundreds of miles, it offers every reason to keep exploring.
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy
Starting MSRP: $22,599
Few motorcycles command the iconic presence of the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy. This American cruiser is a classic aggressive statement on wheels that refuses to be ignored. With its Lakester cast-aluminum wheels, iconic chrome headlamp nacelle, and signature steamroller front tire, it combines classic cruiser attitude with modern engineering.
Powered by the muscular Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine, the Fat Boy produces 103 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque. It delivers the low-end grunt and rumbling exhaust note that cruiser fans crave. Owners love its timeless, low-slung styling, which never goes out of fashion. For many owners, this becomes a personal statement and a machine they enjoy admiring even when it is parked in the garage.
BMW R 1300 GS
Starting MSRP: $20,395
For over four decades, BMW’s GS family has set the benchmark for large adventure motorcycles. Starting at $20,395, the 2026 BMW R 1300 GS is a compelling choice for riders who refuse to limit themselves to one kind of journey. Its 1,300cc boxer-twin engine produces 145 horsepower and 110 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed gearbox. Electronic rider aids, semi-active suspension, and adventure-ready ergonomics further enhance its versatility.
We know the GS is a substantial investment, and optional equipment can push the price considerably higher. However, owners rarely regret buying one because few motorcycles combine long-distance comfort, touring capability, and off-road potential so effectively. For adventurous riders, that versatility can make this BMW difficult to replace.
Honda Africa Twin
Starting MSRP: $15,199
The Honda Africa Twin is one of the world’s most respected adventure motorcycles, earning praise for its versatility, reliability, and go-anywhere capability. Its punchy 1,084cc parallel-twin engine and rugged chassis handle rough terrain while remaining composed on highway commutes. Riders can choose between a six-speed manual gearbox and Honda’s automatic Dual Clutch Transmission, depending on their preference.
The standard variants of the Africa Twin feature Showa long-travel suspension, while the Adventure Sports ES caters to long-distance touring enthusiasts with electronic suspension and a larger fuel tank. The Africa Twin rewards riders who want to travel farther and explore the roads less traveled. Its blend of touring comfort, off-road capability, and Honda’s reputation for reliability makes it a motorcycle owners can enjoy for years.
Suzuki V-Strom 650XT
Starting MSRP: $9,799
The Suzuki V-Strom 650XT has earned a cult-like following as one of the most practical and reliable middleweight adventure bikes ever built. Its legendary 645cc 90-degree V-twin produces 70 horsepower and 46 pound-feet of torque, delivering tractable power, good fuel economy, and proven long-term durability.
Priced at $9,799, the XT trim adds wire-spoke tubeless wheels, handguards, and an engine cowl to the proven V-Strom 650 formula. Owners rarely regret buying one thanks to its manageable proportions, straightforward engineering, and the ability to handle varied road conditions. You should know that the XT might be going away soon now that the SV-7GX has arrived, so buy it while you can.
Honda NC750X
Starting MSRP: $9,499
The Honda NC750X is the kind of motorcycle that becomes more impressive the longer you live with it. Priced at $9,499, it delivers everyday practicality, comfort, efficiency, and versatility without sacrificing the enjoyment of riding. Powering the NC750X is a 745cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine that produces 57.8 horsepower and 50.9 pound-feet of torque, paired with Honda’s DCT.
Practicality is where the NC750X truly shines. The integrated 23-liter storage compartment, positioned where a conventional fuel tank would normally sit, is ideal for carrying a helmet, rain gear, or groceries. Owners rarely regret buying one because it makes everyday riding easier through its comfortable ergonomics, fuel efficiency, and dependable performance.
Yamaha MT-07
Starting MSRP: $8,599
The Yamaha MT-07 is often regarded as one of the most entertaining middleweight naked bikes on the market. At its heart lies the 689cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin CP2 engine that develops 72.4 horsepower and 50.2 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. Yamaha has spent years refining this engine, and that maturity is evident every time you ride it.
Beyond its legendary motor, the MT-07 owes much of its reputation to its lightweight, razor-sharp chassis dynamics. At just 403 pounds fully fueled, it ranks among the lightest bikes in its class, making it exceptionally nimble and easy to maneuver. The MT-07 works as a first big bike as well as a daily commuter. So it will keep making sense in the garage.
Suzuki SV650
Starting MSRP: $8,049
First introduced in 1999, the Suzuki SV650 has achieved legendary status as one of the most versatile middleweight motorcycles. Its characterful 645cc liquid-cooled V-twin produces 75 horsepower and 47 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed gearbox. Its lightweight steel trellis frame and accessible 30.9-inch seat height make it approachable and easy to handle in everyday riding conditions.
The straightforward mechanical layout also keeps maintenance simple and affordable. For riders seeking a versatile middleweight that delivers lasting enjoyment without unnecessary complexity, the SV650 remains a compelling choice. Additionally, long-term owners often cite the engine’s durability as the SV650’s greatest strength, even after thousands of miles.
Kawasaki KLR650
Starting MSRP: $6,999
Finally, the last motorcycle on this list earns its place through rugged simplicity and the ability to handle a wide range of riding conditions. Priced at $6,999, the Kawasaki KLR650 isn’t the fastest adventure bike or the most technologically advanced one, but it has earned a reputation for exceptional durability. Its 652cc single-cylinder engine produces 40 horsepower and 39 pound-feet of torque, prioritizing simplicity and longevity over outright performance.
Owners appreciate its generous fuel range, comfortable upright ergonomics, and ability to handle unpaved trails and highway miles at ease while standing up to years of hard use with basic maintenance. Kawasaki has recently also introduced the 2027 KLR650 DF ABS — a new variant of its KLR650 series ADV. For anyone seeking an affordable entry into adventure motorcycling, the KLR650 can become the bike that sparks a lifetime of exploration.
Source: Multiple OEMs
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